When it comes to the best Vanguard weapons, very few can compete with the MP40 submachine gun. The SMG has featured in other titles such as World at War and 2016's World War 2 and with Call of Duty: Vanguard returning to the historical setting once again, the lightweight SMG has made its return to multiplayer. As Season 3 begins, the SMG continues to dominate in close-quarters and mid-range engagements.
Armed with a fast rate of fire and minimal damage drop-off, the MP40 is deadly in close-quarters combat and can even make an impact at longer distances, making it one of the most versatile weapons in Vanguard's extensive arsenal. Thanks to modifications to the Gunsmith, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which are the best MP40 attachments to use. Thankfully, we've found the best combination of attachments and the best loadout to dominate the opposition.
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MP40 COD Vanguard
Even with no attachments equipped, the MP40 is more than capable of defeating opponents when in close proximity. With 70 Weapon Levels to rank up, there is a limitless combination of builds that can suit all styles of play. Whether it's ruthless aggression or to pick off opposition from a distance, this SMG is highly likely to feature towards the very top of the Vanguard meta. With that said, what are the best attachments to equip?
Best MP40 Vanguard Attachments
This particular set of attachments lowers the recoil to minimal levels alongside improvements to mobility levels which makes moving around the map a breeze. Here's the best attachments to equip onto the MP40:
- Muzzle: F8 Stabilizer
- Barrel: Krausnick 317MM 04B
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Underbarrel: M1941 Handstop
- Stock: VDD 34M
- Magazine: 9MM Para 24 Round Fast Mag
- Ammo Type: Lengthened
- Rear Grip: Granular Grip
- Kit: Quick
- Proficiency: Vital
With a total of ten attachment categories to select, it does look like a tricky task to select the best attachments so we've spent some time analysing the benefits of all ten so you know how it influences the performance of the MP40.
To begin with, the Muzzle and Barrel combination bolsters recoil control and the handling of the weapon, making it much easier to control in close-quarters situations. The choice of Optic is down to personal preference but in this case, we've gone with a simple Slate Reflector to keep any incoming opposition in focus. When selecting some Optics, be sure to consider some of the negative impacts that some possess.
For further improvements to mobility, the M1941 Handstop is the perfect attachment for the job. The reduction in sprint-to-fire speed drastically improves reaction time which is essential in order to get the upper hand over opponents that suddenly appear. Alongside this Underbarrel, the 24 Round Fast Mag provides a slight increase in ammo capacity but it's just enough to avoid reloading after scoring a kill.
Sticking with the topic of ammo, Lengthened is the best type to use thanks to its increase in bullet velocity. Increasing the velocity is essential in order to take down other players as quickly as possible. Vanguard's flinch is hugely annoying and can have a significant influence on your levels of accuracy, which is why we've chosen the Granula Grip. The improvements to flinch resistance enables you to maintain maximum focus on your intended target and combined with the Vital proficiency, the chances of dealing an incredible amount of critical damage without the need to aim for the head.
Best MP40 Vanguard Loadout
Now the best set of attachments are ready for battle, selecting the best Perks, Equipment, and Field Upgrades is just as important to build the best MP40 loadout.
Perks
- Survival Training (Perk 1)
- Radar (Perk 2)
- Double Time (Perk 3)
On this occasion, we've opted for Survival Training rather than using Ghost. This particular Perk maximises resistance to stun grenades which is ideal when in amongst the action. Radar has quickly established itself as a must-have as it switches the minimap back to how it worked in past Call of Duty games alongside Double Time, which doubles the length of Tactical Sprint and increases crouch movement speed by 30%.
Equipment
- Lethal: MK2 Frag Grenade
- Tactical: M18 Smoke Grenade
Throughout Call of Duty history, very few combinations of equipment come close to surpassing the effectiveness of a frag and smoke grenade. It's incredibly difficult to evade a perfectly cooked frag while the smoke grenade is the ideal tool to create some improvised cover.
Field Upgrade
- Dead Silence
When you're running around the map at breakneck speed slaying any form of opposition that stands in your way, Dead Silence is the perfect Field Upgrade to use to escape a sticky situation or to set up a game-winning play. With your footsteps temporarily muted, getting behind enemy lines has never been easier.
Is The MP40 Good In Vanguard?
Despite some stiff competition from the M1928, the MP40 with this set of attachments equipped is easily the best Vanguard SMG to use in multiplayer. The immense mobility combined with the high firepower makes it one of the very best all-purpose weapons in the game.
With it being so strong, I can see it receiving a nerf at some point during the Vanguard game cycle.
There you have it, that's the best MP40 loadout to use in Call of Duty: Vanguard. For more intel, check out the best Combat Shield loadout to use as well as a complete list of available Perks.