Yes—Fortnite’s Tactical SMG is good when a fight stays close, but it is a situational pick rather than a universally best-in-class weapon. Its cited stats show high close-range damage output, making it useful for short sprays, pressure and shotgun follow-ups. Its 25-round magazine and limited long-range role are trade-offs, so carry a weapon that can cover distance.
What the Tactical SMG is best for
Use the Tactical SMG to pressure an opponent at close range, finish a weakened target or follow a shotgun hit with automatic fire. Its 9-shot-per-second fire rate and strong listed damage output reward a brief, accurate spray. The weapon is less attractive when a fight is likely to stretch out: close-range automatic weapons are generally built around tight fights, not long-range engagements. Epic describes a related weapon’s tight close-quarters spread as a strength and its long-range performance as a limitation in its v9.01 patch notes.
Published Tactical SMG stats
The Fortnite Wiki’s v14.00 stat table lists these values by rarity:
| Rarity | DPS | Damage per shot | Magazine | Fire rate | Reload time | Headshot multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncommon | 162 | 18 | 25 rounds | 9 shots per second | 2.21 seconds | 1.75× |
| Rare | 171 | 19 | 25 rounds | 9 shots per second | 2.1 seconds | 1.75× |
| Epic | 180 | 20 | 25 rounds | 9 shots per second | 2 seconds | 1.75× |
| Legendary | 189 | 21 | 25 rounds | 9 shots per second | 1.89 seconds | 1.75× |
These are the figures reported in that v14.00 table, not a claim about a current-season balance build. A separate Global Gaming comparison gives the legendary version as 189 DPS, 21 damage, a 1.75× headshot multiplier, 9 fire rate, a 25-round magazine and a 1.9-second reload; its rounded reload figure is close to the Wiki’s 1.89 seconds.
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How it compares with a regular SMG
In Epic’s v5.0 Content Update, the Tactical SMG was vaulted and a standard Submachine Gun was introduced with 19–21 base damage and a 30-round magazine. That historical comparison highlights the Tactical SMG’s smaller capacity, but it does not establish which weapon is stronger in a current season: weapon stats and the available loot pool can change. Epic described the replacement as “ideal for those intense close range battles” in its v5.0 Content Update.
When choosing between SMGs that are actually available, compare damage per second alongside per-shot damage, fire rate, magazine size, reload time, headshot multiplier, practical range and how well you can control the spray. A headline DPS value is less useful if you miss shots or need to reload before the opponent is finished.
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Should you carry it?
Take the Tactical SMG when you expect close engagements and can keep your aim on target through a short burst. Pair it with a shotgun or a weapon suited to longer distances. If another SMG in the current loot pool offers a better combination of damage, magazine capacity or controllability for the fights you take, choose that option instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still find the Tactical SMG?
Not necessarily. Epic’s v5.0 notes explicitly say, “Tactical SMG has been added to the Vault.” That is a historical vaulting notice, not confirmation of the loot pool in October 2026. Check the active season’s in-game loot or current official update information before planning a loadout around it.
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