COD BO7: The Return of the MP40 - Is the Dresden 9mm the Best SMG of the Final Season
If you're wondering whether the new MP40 is actually good, whether it holds up against past Call of Duty versions, or whether the attachments make it BO7-ready, want to make Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies, this is the full breakdown - along with gameplay impressions and the exact build you should be running.
A Legendary SMG Returns (With a New Name)
This is the World at War / BO2 nostalgia machine-a fast-firing, slick-handling SMG built for close-quarters dominance.
The moment you pick it up:
It moves like the old MP40
It hits like the old MP40
And it feels like the classic World War II-era beast players loved
For many, this is the perfect send-off gun for BO6's last season.
Best MP40 (Dresden 9mm) Loadout in BO6
One of the biggest surprises is how strong the MP40 feels even before it's fully leveled. But once you unlock its best attachments-especially with Season 6's double weapon XP-it becomes one of the most well-rounded SMGs of the year.
Here's the exact build used in the gameplay sessions:
Compensator
The compensator notably improves vertical recoil control, which is the most important stat for maintaining precision during long, aggressive sprays. The MP40 already has controllable recoil, but this attachment tightens the pattern enough to challenge at mid-range.
Reinforced Barrel (Best Barrel in the Game)
The go-to barrel for several SMGs, this one gives:
Increased damage range
Increased bullet velocity
Together, these stats make the MP40 much more reliable outside the "five feet in front of you" distance most SMGs are trapped in. It expands your kill potential significantly.
Extended Mag 1 (48 Rounds)
A massive mag for an SMG that remains mobile even with the extra weight. Great for:
multi-kill streaks
spawn trapping
rushing objective rooms without reloading
If you want a lighter option, Fast Mag is still viable thanks to the MP40's naturally strong base TTK.
Ergonomic Grip
This is one of the best all-around grips in the game:
Faster slide-to-fire speed (perfect for aggressive movement playstyles)
Faster ADS speed
The MP40 thrives in snap duels and reactive gunfights - Ergonomic Grip amplifies that strength.
Infiltrator Stock
This stock dramatically boosts aim-walking movement speed, letting you strafe like a maniac, just like the classic MP40 days. If you loved "no stock" builds in older games, this scratches the same itch, just with a little more control.
What Perks and Gear Work Best?
The rest of the loadout is built to enhance speed, survivability, and streak potential:
GOAS secondary
Stim Shot for quick health regen
Blast Traps (still the best lethal in the game)
Scrambler to jam enemy minimaps
Gung-Ho to reload while sprinting
Forward Intel to zoom out your minimap (one of the most underrated perks in BO6)
Slipstream to remove Tac Sprint and increase base speed
Scavenger via Perk Greed to keep ammo stocked during long streaks
This setup creates the perfect run-and-gun playstyle: fast, punishing, and built to survive chaotic fights.
How the MP40 Performs In-Game
Across multiple online matches - Hardpoint, Domination, TDM, and objective modes - the MP40 immediately proved it can hang with the best SMGs of BO6.
Fast Mobility
The gun moves exactly how an SMG should. Strafing feels agile, ADS times are quick, and the recoil pattern is predictable enough to challenge across lanes.
High TTK Reliability
Even without rapid fire, which many players assume the MP40 needs, the TTK stays competitive:
3-5 bullets up close
4-7 at range depending on armor
Once Reinforced Barrel kicks in, mid-range fights become shockingly winnable.
Easy Multi-Kill Potential
With Extended Mag and high mobility, this gun excels in:
spawn traps
hill breaks
tight corridor skirmishesIt's especially strong with streak support like UAV/HARP, where Forward Intel lets you completely dissect enemy routes.
Works With or Without Rapid Fire
Some early testers insisted the MP40 feels "slow" without rapid fire, but actual gameplay showed the opposite - the fire rate is tuned well, consistent, and keeps recoil manageable.
The gun doesn't need rapid fire. You can experiment, but most players will prefer the standard rate.
Live Gameplay Highlights (Multiple Nukes)
During live stream gameplay using this MP40 setup, multiple nukes were earned across several maps - even during games with shotgun spammers, SMG mirrors, and spawn-flipping chaos.
A few standout moments:
1. Full Nuke on Boot Town
The MP40's mobility made controlling both upper and lower fights seamless, even while teammates accidentally flipped spawns.
2. Clutch Nuke on Bounty
During a tough match with major connection dips, the Dresden still managed a 27-0 streak to secure a nuke in the final minutes. Perfect example of how forgiving and consistent this weapon is once you get rolling.
3. High-Kill Domination Games
With UAV/HARP loops active, the MP40 ate up every close-range duel, hitting 50-80 kill games repeatedly.
Even when facing:
Olympia shotgun players
ASG abusers
powerful AR lanes
lag spikes
the MP40 maintained a reliable feel.
4. Classic MP40 Playstyle
The best part? It really does feel like the MP40 we grew up with-clean irons, snappy strafes, and that satisfying sound.
Is the MP40 Better Than Past Versions?
This is the big debate.
Compared to older versions:
Better Than:
Vanguard MP40
WWII MP40
Cold War MP40 (if we count variants)
These versions sometimes felt too slow, too inaccurate, or too meta-dependent.
Comparable To:
Not Better Than:
Warzone MP40 (Caldera meta version)
One of the most dominant SMGs in COD history.
Why Treyarch Saved the MP40 for the Final Season
It feels symbolic.
It's familiar.
It's stylish.
It's powerful.
And players immediately gravitated to it.
This is the kind of late-season content that keeps communities engaged until launch day.
Final Verdict:
Whether you're finishing camos, chasing nukes, the MP40 is:
fun
nostalgic
competitive
reliable
easy to master
and perfect for all skill levels
With double weapon XP and BO7 Bot Lobbies available, attachments unlock fast, and the gun performs immediately even without max rank.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to fan-favorite weapons like the MP40 returning with modern tuning and fresh attachment possibilities. With multiple nukes earned using this setup and countless high-kill games across the board.