These compact, rapid-firing weapons are favorites among Pilots. Designed for close combat, submachine guns bridge the gap between assault rifles and pistols, giving Pilots a surprising amount of firepower in a small package. Equip a submachine gun when fighting takes place in tight, confined areas.
CAR
| Description | Consistent recoil SMG. |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 |
| Unlocks at | Level 1 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | Well-rounded SMG; excellent recoil management |
| Weaknesses | Disappointing damage output |
Field Notes
Out of the submachine guns, the CAR is the most well-rounded, offering a good balance of firepower, accuracy, and handling. This makes the weapon extremely easy to use, perfect for novice Pilots.
What the CAR lacks in damage output it more than makes up for in accuracy, rate of fire, and recoil management. Even when firing prolonged bursts of automatic fire, the CAR exhibits minimal recoil. This makes it easier to keep the weapon on target.
Even when firing from the hip, the CAR manages to stay on target with minimal shot deviation. Therefore, in close-quarters firefights, don’t bother aiming down the weapon’s sights. Simply shoot from the hip, aiming for center mass. This gives you a better field of view, particularly when confronting fast-moving Pilots.
The CAR’s magazine capacity is decent, but could benefit from the Extra Ammo mod. The Speedloader is another worthwhile mod, decreasing the time it takes to swap magazines. When these mods are both equipped, the CAR can keep firing with minimal downtime.
Alternator
| Description | Twin Barrel SMG. |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 |
| Unlocks at | Level 8 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | Astounding damage output |
| Weaknesses | Low magazine capacity; mediocre accuracy |
Field Notes
Sporting twin, side by side barrels, the Alternator dishes out incredible damage, capable of taking down minions and Pilots in a flash. The weapon is extremely compact, too, ideal for sweeping interiors and other confined spaces.
The Alternator’s major drawback is its magazine capacity. With only 20 rounds per magazine, this weapon requires frequent reloads. Consider equipping a pistol as a backup. You don’t want to be caught reloading during an intense firefight.
Due to the weapon’s limited range and accuracy, the Alternator is outclassed by most primary weapons when you’re fighting at intermediate to long ranges. So consider staying indoors. It’s an excellent choice for defenders during Amped Hardpoint and Capture the Flag matches.
Consider equipping the Extra Ammo and Speedloader mods to compensate for the weapon’s limited magazine capacity. The Quick Swap mod can also come in handy when you transition to a pistol. While the weapon’s stock sights are sufficient, equipping the Holosight can improve target acquisition when accuracy counts.
Volt
| Description | Energy actuated SMG. |
| Magazine Capacity | 33 |
| Unlocks at | Level 27 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | Great accuracy; decent magazine capacity |
| Weaknesses | Poor damage output; low rate of fire |
Field Notes
The Volt is the most accurate submachine gun, perfect for lining up lethal headshots. It also possesses an adequate magazine capacity, requiring less frequent reloads than the CAR and Alternator. Energy actuation results in a distinctive blue muzzle flash.
Despite its impressive accuracy, the Volt lags behind the other SMGs in multiple categories. The low damage output and rate of fire lead to a longer kill time. For this reason, put the Volt’s accuracy to use to score headshots.
Due to the weapon’s unique characteristics, the Volt is best suited for intermediate engagements, where accuracy is more important than a high rate of fire. However, be prepared to compensate for the Volt’s noticeable side to side recoil during prolonged automatic bursts.
Once unlocked, equip the Holosight optic to improve target acquisition and precision. If you prefer some magnification, consider the AOG. The Gun Ready mod is a worthwhile addition, decreasing the time it takes to aim down the weapons sights.
R-97
| Description | Rapid fire SMG. |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 |
| Unlocks at | Level 41 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | Blistering rate of fire; high-capacity magazine |
| Weaknesses | Poor accuracy; rough recoil |
Field Notes
Returning from Titanfall, the R-97 has developed a passionate following due to its high rate of fire—the highest of any weapon in the game. The weapon’s blistering cyclic rate makes it an extremely formidable weapon in close-quarters encounters, easily mowing down Pilots and minions alike. However, go easy on the trigger. The high rate of fire results in extreme recoil, making it difficult to keep the weapon on target. Compensate for muzzle climb by firing in short bursts, particularly when engaging targets beyond fifteen to twenty meters.
The R-97 is most effective against Pilots at close range. Look to engage enemy Pilots in buildings, alleys, and other cramped environments where you can take advantage of the weapon’s strengths. Likewise, avoid open areas where this SMG is easily outclassed by most of the other primary weapons.
This weapon is an absolute minion killer, perfect for wiping out squads of grunts and Spectres during Bounty Hunt matches. Look for newly arrived Drop Pods, and then rush in for the kill. At close range the R-97 is an effective hip fire weapon, allowing you to spray targets with decent accuracy. But at ranges beyond ten meters, always aim down the weapon’s sights. While ammo conservation shouldn’t be much of a concern with this weapon, you can always drop enemies faster with headshots.
Equip the Holosight as soon as it’s available, as it offers faster target acquisition than the standard iron sights. The Gunrunner mod is ideal for the R-97, allowing you to spray targets with auto-fire while sprinting. Add the Speedloader mod to reduce the time it takes to load a fresh magazine.