A comprehensive guide to unlocking the Welgun SMG in Warzone & Vanguard, featuring three proven methods and advanced strategies.
Introduction to the Welgun SMG
Master the latest close-quarters weapon added to Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone with this complete unlocking guide for the Welgun SMG.
The Season One Reloaded update introduces the Welgun, a powerful new submachine gun demanding specific challenges to acquire.
As a “heavy full-auto SMG,” the Welgun fills a unique niche between traditional run-and-gun SMGs and more stable assault rifles. Its design prioritizes controllable recoil and damage output over extreme mobility, making it lethal in both building clears and open-field medium-range skirmishes. Players seeking a versatile, hard-hitting option for Vanguard‘s multiplayer or Warzone‘s Rebirth Island will find this unlock a top priority.
While the current meta favors the MP40 and MAC-10, early testing suggests the Welgun could challenge for a top spot with the right attachments. Unlocking it early allows you to grind its camo challenges and experiment with builds before the broader community settles on an optimal loadout. This guide details every unlock path, from the standard grind to paid shortcuts, helping you add this weapon to your arsenal efficiently.
Primary Unlock Method: Multiplayer Challenge
The standard unlock challenge requires precision and persistence: secure 10 kills with an SMG while Aiming Down Sights (ADS) in 15 different matches. This task emphasizes controlled, accurate fire rather than hip-fire spray.
Pro Strategy: Do not queue for large-scale modes like Blitz. Instead, select Team Deathmatch (TDM) or Patrol on Vanguard’s smallest maps. Das Haus, Shipment, and Dome offer constant engagements and predictable sightlines, making the 10-ADS-kill threshold per match achievable. Pre-build an SMG loadout focused on ADS speed and stability. Attachments like the M1941 Hand Stop (underbarrel) and Slate Reflector (optic) can shave critical milliseconds off your ADS time and improve target acquisition.
Common Mistake: Players often forget the “in a single match” requirement and spread their efforts too thin. Focus on completing the 10 kills in one game before the match ends. Another pitfall is using an SMG built for hip-fire; this will slow your progress significantly. If you find yourself stuck at 8 or 9 kills, play more defensively in the final minutes, holding a power position like the center caboose on Dome to secure the final needed kills.
Alternative Method: Zombies Portal Challenge
For those who struggle with the pace of multiplayer, the Zombies route offers a methodical alternative: get 5 rapid headshot kills in 50 distinct portal zones.
This path is less about reflexes and more about understanding Zombies mechanics. “Rapid” typically means within a few seconds of each other. Use a high-ammo-capacity SMG like the PPSh-41 with the Brain Rot ammo mod to easily line up headshots on grouped zombies. Focus on portal zones with tight corridors or spawn points, such as the Stalingrad or Shi No Numa areas, where zombies cluster predictably.
Choose this method if you have limited play sessions or find PvP frustrating. It allows you to pause and control the difficulty. However, it is objectively slower—completing 50 portals requires a significant time investment in the Der Anfang or Terra Maledicta maps. It’s best used as a secondary, passive grind while you focus on other Zombies objectives.
Instant Unlock: Store Bundle Purchase
The direct purchase option bypasses all gameplay challenges: the Welgun is included in the ‘Reserved Steel’ Weapon Blueprint bundle from the in-game store.
This bundle costs 1,200 to 2,400 CoD Points (approximately $10-$20 USD) and includes a unique visual blueprint for the Welgun, often with pre-equipped meta attachments. The immediate value is time saved; you can use the weapon in Warzone and Vanguard instantly. Assess your personal valuation of time versus money. If you have limited gaming hours per week and want to compete with the latest gear immediately, the purchase is justified. However, if you enjoy the progression grind or are on a budget, stick with the challenge methods.
Remember, buying a blueprint does not automatically level up the weapon. You still need to earn XP to unlock all attachments and camos. The bundle simply grants early access to the base weapon.
Advanced Tips & Meta Analysis
Optimize your unlock grind and prepare to use the Welgun effectively with these advanced insights.
For the Multiplayer Challenge: Use a Double Weapon XP token if available. Equip the VDD 34mm Weighted barrel and Hockenson 142mm Rapid muzzle on your chosen SMG to maximize ADS stability and speed. Play during peak hours for full lobbies and faster matchmaking.
Welgun Preliminary Loadout: Once unlocked, early builds should mitigate its heavier handling. Start with the Recoil Booster muzzle, Zac 12″ Burst barrel, and Removed Stock to improve sprint-to-fire and movement speed. Its natural strength is mid-range; pair it with a fast-handling pistol for close-quarters emergencies.
Meta Comparison: The Welgun will likely not dethrone the MP40 for pure close-range TTK (Time to Kill), but its lower recoil and better damage per magazine could make it superior to the MAC-10 for sustained engagements. It may become a favorite for aggressive players who push beyond shotgun range.
So, there you have it, a complete roadmap to adding the Welgun to your loadout. Whether you grind, haunt the portals, or open your wallet, you’ll soon be wielding Vanguard and Warzone‘s latest close-quarters contender.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to unlock the Welgun in Warzone & Vanguard Season One Reloaded A comprehensive guide to unlocking the Welgun SMG in Warzone & Vanguard, featuring three proven methods and advanced strategies.