The Ultimate Guide to Submachine Guns in Payday 2: Finding the Best SMG for Your Heist
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The question of the “best” SMG in Payday 2 is deceptively simple. The truth is, there’s no single “best” option – it depends heavily on your playstyle, build, and the specific heist you’re tackling. However, if I were forced to choose, I’d lean towards the Krinkov and Micro Uzi as top contenders for sheer damage output and versatility.
But let’s dig deeper. The Krinkov shines as a primary or secondary weapon, thanks to its high damage and manageable recoil. Meanwhile, the Micro Uzi offers a blistering rate of fire, shredding through enemies at close range. This article is your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of SMGs in Payday 2, complete with FAQs to address all your burning questions.
Diving Deep: SMG Performance and Customization
The beauty of Payday 2 lies in its customization. An SMG that performs poorly for one player can be a powerhouse in the hands of another, thanks to the deep modding system and skill tree synergy. Let’s break down some key factors:
Damage vs. Rate of Fire: Finding the Right Balance
SMGs generally trade per-bullet damage for a high rate of fire. This means you’ll be relying on sustained fire to take down enemies, especially heavily armored units like Bulldozers. Some SMGs, like the Krinkov, manage to strike a good balance between damage and fire rate, making them more versatile. Others, like the Micro Uzi, lean heavily into fire rate, requiring precise aim and good recoil control.
Concealment: Stealth vs. Loud
Concealment is crucial for stealth builds. Some SMGs can be modded to achieve incredibly high concealment values, allowing you to equip them without sacrificing your detectability. The Compact-5, mentioned in your sources, is a classic example of an SMG that can excel in stealth, especially with the right modifications. Keep an eye out for Gruber Kurz that offers maximum base concealment to make use of other stealth weapons, like Gecko M2 pistol.
Ammo Efficiency: Staying in the Fight
A high fire rate is useless if you’re constantly running out of ammo. Consider the SMG’s total ammo capacity, ammo pickup rate, and how efficiently you can manage your ammo reserves. Skills like “Fully Loaded” can significantly improve your ammo sustain.
Accuracy and Stability: Hitting Your Targets
Accuracy determines how tightly your bullets spread, while stability affects how much the gun kicks when firing. High accuracy is essential for engaging targets at medium range, while good stability makes it easier to control recoil and keep your shots on target.
Top SMG Contenders: Beyond the Krinkov and Micro Uzi
While the Krinkov and Micro Uzi are strong contenders, several other SMGs deserve consideration:
- Compact-5: A stealth classic, offering excellent concealment and decent performance.
- Mark 11: A solid all-around SMG, especially when combined with the “Shock and Awe” skill, as noted in your sources, because it pierces shields.
- Signature Submachine Gun: A favorite among many players. It’s a well-rounded weapon that excels at close to medium range, high stability, and damage.
- Blaster 9mm SMG: A good general-purpose SMG.
Build Synergy: Maximizing Your SMG’s Potential
The best SMG for you will depend on your chosen build and perk deck. Here are some examples:
- Dodge Builds: Favor SMGs with high concealment and mobility.
- Armor Builds: Can afford to use SMGs with lower concealment but higher damage output. Using ICTV (Improved Combined Tactical Vest) provides protection, and you can allocate skill points to perks to enhance this defense.
- Crit Builds: Benefit from SMGs with high accuracy and stability to maximize headshot potential.
- Anarchist Builds: Need hard hitting weapons with high damage and good accuracy to hit the headshots needed to recharge their armor, and SMGs can be a good fit for the role.
Mastering Your SMG: Practice Makes Perfect
Ultimately, the best way to find the best SMG for you is to experiment. Try out different weapons, mod combinations, and skill builds to see what works best for your playstyle. Practice your aim and recoil control to get the most out of your chosen SMG.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you refine your SMG selection:
1. What is the best secondary gun in Payday 2?
The “best” secondary depends on your primary weapon and build. The 5/7 AP pistol is excellent for shield penetration, while the Judge shotgun pistol is a popular choice for stealth. As also mentioned, Mark 11 is an option when paired with the Shock And Awe skill.
2. What is the best stealth pistol in Payday 2?
The Judge shotgun pistol is widely considered the best due to its high damage and concealment. The Gecko M2 and Bernetti 9 are also solid choices.
3. What is the most concealed weapon in Payday 2?
The Gruber Kurz, Chimano 88, and Bernetti 9 are tied for maximum base concealment.
4. What pistol is full auto in Payday 2?
The STRYK 18c is a full-auto pistol with a high rate of fire.
5. What guns do the police use in Payday 2?
Police officers typically use the Chimano 88 pistol, Bronco .44 revolver, Reinfeld 880 shotgun, or Compact-5 submachine gun.
6. What is the strongest LMG in Payday 2?
The KSP is often regarded as the best LMG due to its high fire rate, damage, and large magazine capacity.
7. What is the most concealed sniper in Payday 2?
The Grom has the highest potential concealment of all sniper rifles.
8. What is the best explosive secondary in Payday 2?
The Arbiter is a popular choice for its accuracy and ammo efficiency.
9. What gun is best for dozers in Payday 2?
High-damage weapons like the 357, Castigo .44, and Parabellum are effective against Bulldozers at long range.
10. What is the best build in Payday 2?
Heavy armor builds, particularly with the ICTV and Armorer perk deck, are generally considered strong due to their damage absorption capabilities. But ultimately, the best build is the one you enjoy playing!
11. Is the minigun good in Payday 2?
The Vulcan Minigun is a powerful situational tool for mowing down large groups of enemies.
12. What is the fastest job in Payday 2?
The Jewelry Store is known for being the fastest heist to speedrun.
13. What is the fastest melee weapon in Payday 2?
The Weapon Butt has the fastest swing speed.
14. What pistol can shoot through shields in Payday 2?
The 5/7 AP pistol uses armor-piercing rounds to penetrate shields.
15. Is the Deagle good in Payday 2?
The Deagle is a versatile pistol with high damage, a good magazine capacity, and manageable recoil.
Conclusion: The Best SMG is the One That Works for You
Ultimately, the “best” SMG in Payday 2 is the one that best suits your individual playstyle, build, and the specific challenges of the heist you’re undertaking. Experiment with different weapons, modifications, and skill combinations to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things.
The ever-evolving meta of Payday 2 ensures there’s always something new to discover. Keep experimenting, keep heisting, and you’ll find the perfect SMG to help you become the ultimate payday criminal. Furthermore, if you’re interested in the educational aspects of video games, check out the research and initiatives from the Games Learning Society, to learn more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.