The PPSh-41 is a high-fire-rate SMG that hits 952 RPM with 530 m/s bullet velocity — an unusual combination for its class. Here's how to build it for aggressive Warzone play.
ADS
195ms
RPM
952
Bullet Vel.
530 m/s
TTK (close)
378ms
Best Build
PPSh-41 Overview
Sitting in the Good tier on our meta tier list, the PPSh-41 is a close-range SMG that rewards players who can manage its vertical recoil. Key base stats:
| Stat | Value | |---|---| | Fire Rate | 952 RPM | | ADS Time | 195 ms | | Bullet Velocity | 530 m/s | | Magazine Size | 32 rounds | | Vertical Recoil | 38.12 | | TTK (Close) | 378 ms | | TTK (Long) | 693 ms |
The 378 ms close-range TTK is competitive but not exceptional — the PPSh-41 makes up for it with its fire rate forgiveness. Missing a shot or two at 952 RPM is far less punishing than with a slower-firing SMG. The 530 m/s bullet velocity also stands out; it's high for an SMG, which means less lead is required on moving targets even at moderate distances.
The main liability is that 38.12 vertical recoil figure. Without recoil-focused attachments, the gun climbs hard, especially past the first damage drop-off at 13.6 meters. The build below addresses this directly.
Best PPSh-41 Build
| Slot | Attachment | |---|---| | Optic | Kepler Microflex | | Muzzle | Compensator | | Barrel | Long Barrel | | Underbarrel | Vertical Foregrip | | Magazine | Extended Mag II |
Why These Attachments
Compensator — The single most important slot on this build. The PPSh-41's vertical recoil is its biggest weakness, and the Compensator directly reduces vertical kick. At 952 RPM, even a small per-shot reduction compounds into a much tighter spray pattern over a full magazine.
Vertical Foregrip — Doubles down on vertical recoil control alongside the Compensator. Stacking both gives the PPSh-41 a manageable pull that you can counter with steady downward stick input rather than fighting a wild spray.
Long Barrel — Extends the effective damage ranges. Looking at the damage profile, the PPSh-41 drops from 22 chest damage to 19 at 13.6 meters, and then to 15 at 23.3 meters. Pushing those thresholds outward keeps the 378 ms TTK viable a few meters further, which matters in Warzone's engagement distances.
Extended Mag II — The base 32-round magazine runs dry fast at 952 RPM — roughly 2 seconds of continuous fire. In squad modes or when rotating through multiple enemies, the extra rounds from Extended Mag II reduce the risk of getting caught reloading.
Kepler Microflex — A clean, low-profile optic that doesn't obstruct sightlines. Iron sights on the PPSh-41 are usable, so this is a preference slot — swap it for another recoil or mobility attachment if you're comfortable with irons.
Damage Profile Breakdown
The PPSh-41 has four damage ranges:
| Range | Head | Chest/Stomach/Legs | |---|---|---| | 0 – 13.6 m | 25 | 22 | | 13.6 – 23.3 m | 21 | 19 | | 23.3 – 31.8 m | 17 | 15 | | 31.8 m+ | 14 | 13 |
Within 13.6 meters the gun deals 22 damage to the chest, which at 952 RPM translates to the 378 ms TTK. Once you push past 23.3 meters, chest damage drops to 15 and the TTK balloons to 693 ms — a 83% increase. This is why the Long Barrel matters: every extra meter you can squeeze out of that first or second range bracket directly lowers your average TTK in real engagements.
Past 31.8 meters, you're looking at 13 damage per chest hit. At that distance, you're better off swapping to your primary AR or LMG. The PPSh-41 is not a flex weapon — it's a dedicated close-to-mid tool.
How to Play It
The PPSh-41 fits an aggressive, close-to-mid range playstyle:
- Push buildings and confined spaces where fights happen inside that 13.6 m sweet spot. The 195 ms ADS time lets you snap onto targets quickly when clearing rooms.
- Pre-aim common angles at mid-range rather than sprinting into open sightlines. The recoil is manageable with this build, but it still requires you to be deliberate with your aim past 15–20 meters.
- Pair it with a long-range primary. Given the steep damage falloff beyond 23.3 meters, a marksman rifle or AR covers the distances where the PPSh-41 falls off hard.
- Capitalize on the fire rate in hipfire situations. At 952 RPM, hipfire encounters at point-blank range tend to favor the PPSh-41 simply because of the volume of bullets leaving the barrel.
How It Compares
If you're weighing the PPSh-41 against other SMGs, the AMR9 is a common comparison point — it trades some fire rate for easier recoil control. The Carbon 57 currently sits a tier higher at Very Good and may offer more consistency at range. The C9 shares the Good tier and plays in a similar close-range niche.
PPSh-41
GoodAMR9
Check the full PPSh-41 weapon page for live stat updates, or browse our loadout guides for more builds across the SMG class.
Bottom Line
The PPSh-41 rewards players who build around its recoil and stay within its effective range. A 378 ms close-range TTK backed by 952 RPM fire rate and 530 m/s bullet velocity makes it a reliable aggressive option — as long as you don't overextend past 23 meters. Stack recoil control, extend the magazine, and play to its strengths.