Weapons — SMGs

Overview

Submachine guns (SMGs) are the premier choice for close-quarters engagement in DayZ due to their high cyclic rates of fire and compact size. They provide the necessary stopping power to clear interiors or survive surprise encounters in dense urban environments like Chernogorsk or Novodmitrovsk.

How It Works

SMGs utilize pistol-caliber ammunition, most commonly 9x19mm or .45 ACP, which allows for manageable recoil during full-auto fire. To operate, you must insert a loaded magazine into the weapon's slot and press the reload key (R) to chamber a round. You toggle between semi-automatic and full-auto fire modes using the "T" key while the weapon is equipped. Weapon durability is a critical mechanic; if your SMG’s icon turns yellow or red, it will begin to jam frequently, requiring a Weapon Cleaning Kit to restore functionality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate a compatible magazine and fill it by dragging individual rounds onto the magazine icon in your inventory.
2. Equip the SMG to your primary weapon slot and place the loaded magazine in your quick-access bar or hands.
3. Open your inventory, drag the magazine onto the weapon’s magazine attachment slot, or hold the weapon and hold the reload key.
4. Press the "T" key to verify your fire mode is set to the desired setting (Full-Auto is denoted by the repeating line icon).
5. Ensure your weapon is not jammed by checking the weapon icon status; use a Weapon Cleaning Kit if the condition is below "Worn."
6. Aim using the right-click function and engage targets by holding the left mouse button for automatic fire.

Tips

• Always keep at least two magazines loaded to minimize downtime during a firefight.
• SMGs like the UMP-45 or MP5K can accept suppressors, which are essential for staying undetected by infected and players alike.
• Use the "Raised" weapon stance when clearing corners to decrease the time it takes to fire once a target is spotted.
• Aim for the upper torso or head; at close range, the high fire rate makes it easy to land multiple hits before the recoil kicks in.
• Carry a Weapon Cleaning Kit in your backpack at all times to prevent mid-combat jamming.

Common Mistakes

• Relying on semi-auto mode in close quarters; always default to full-auto inside buildings to maximize your DPS against aggressive players.
• Forgetting to chamber a round after inserting a fresh magazine, leading to a "click" instead of a shot when you pull the trigger.
• Ignoring the weapon condition icon; shooting a badly damaged SMG is a death sentence as it will jam almost immediately.
• Spraying ammunition at long range; pistol-caliber bullets suffer from significant damage drop-off and velocity loss beyond 50 meters.

Related Items

• Policebaton
• Stunbaton
• Ssg82
• Winchester70
• Xmasbaseballbat

Related Guides

• Base Building
• Inventory Management
• Medical Essentials