The VMP is one of the most recognizable submachine guns in the Call of Duty franchise. Known for its high fire rate, large magazine, and reliability in close-quarters combat, the VMP has been a consistent pick for players across multiplayer, campaign, and Zombies. This article explains the weapon’s features, appearances in different games, and strategies for using it effectively.
VMP Overview
The VMP is a fully-automatic submachine gun. It is defined by its high rate of fire, moderate recoil, and strong versatility. While it lacks stability at long range, the weapon excels in short and mid-range fights where speed matters most.
The weapon was originally designed as a personal defense weapon for law enforcement and security forces. Its light weight and stopping power led to wider military adoption. In Call of Duty, the VMP quickly became a favorite due to its balance of firepower and handling.
VMP in Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Campaign
In the campaign, NRC troopers and Grunts often use the VMP. Key characters such as Sarah Hall, Peter Maretti, and Rachel Kane also carry it. Its role in story missions highlights its reliability in fast-paced engagements.
Multiplayer
The VMP is unlocked early in multiplayer, making it accessible to new players. It delivers a four-hit kill in close range but requires six shots at longer distances. With a fire rate of 909 rounds per minute (967 with Rapid Fire), it stands out as one of the faster-firing SMGs.
The recoil pattern pulls upward and to the right, which makes the weapon less effective at distance. Attachments such as Grip and Stock help reduce recoil and improve mobility. Players often combine Quickdraw, Grip, and Stock for aggressive playstyles.
The magazine holds 40 rounds, which is higher than most SMGs. Extended Mags increases it to 56. This allows players to stay in fights longer, especially in objective-based modes. Fast Mags also shortens reload time, giving a smoother rhythm during extended gunfights.
Suppressed setups are popular with the VMP. The suppressor reduces range, but since the base range is already low, it has less impact compared to other SMGs. This makes the weapon ideal for stealth play when paired with perks like Ghost and Dead Silence.
Overall, the VMP became one of the most popular weapons in Black Ops III multiplayer, appearing frequently in both public and competitive play.
Zombies
In Zombies, the VMP is a reliable early-game wallbuy costing 1300 points. It is found on every map, including Shadows of Evil, The Giant, and Der Eisendrache. The weapon offers a good balance of fire rate and ammo capacity, making it useful for building points in the early rounds.
When Pack-a-Punched, the VMP becomes The Impaler. This version gains higher damage and increased reserve ammunition, though ammo consumption remains high. The Impaler is often paired with a heavy weapon to balance out its weaknesses.
VMP in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
The VMP was added to Black Ops 4 during the Operation Dark Divide update. It remained a fast-firing SMG with a 40-round magazine, extendable to 50 with Extended Mags.
In Zombies, the upgraded form is called The Dark Impaler, which doubles the magazine size to 80 and significantly boosts reserve ammunition. This makes it more sustainable than its Black Ops III counterpart during longer sessions.
Despite being set in the 2040s, the presence of the VMP in Black Ops 4 created timeline inconsistencies, since its production was recorded as beginning in 2061 in Black Ops III.
VMP in Call of Duty: Mobile
The VMP made its return in Call of Duty: Mobile in May 2025 with the Season 5: Primal Reckoning update. It features the same core strengths: high fire rate, strong mobility, and devastating close-range power.
Players can expand the base 40-round magazine with various ammunition attachments, including drum magazines reaching up to 66 rounds. Reload speeds are fast, with tactical reloads taking only 1.14 seconds.
A wide range of attachments are available in Mobile, from suppressors and extended barrels to multiple optic and grip options. Custom loadouts allow players to tailor the weapon for aggressive rushing, balanced mid-range builds, or stealth play.
Strengths of the VMP
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High fire rate makes it lethal in close-quarters combat.
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Large magazine size compared to other SMGs.
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Effective for aggressive and fast-paced playstyles.
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Reliable early-game choice in Zombies for point farming.
Weaknesses of the VMP
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High recoil makes long-range fights difficult.
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Fast ammo consumption requires frequent reloads or scavenging.
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Damage output drops significantly at range.
Final Thoughts
The VMP remains a fan-favorite across Call of Duty titles. Its speed, reliability, and adaptability make it a go-to choice for players who thrive in close-range battles. From Black Ops III to Mobile, the VMP has proven its place as one of the franchise’s most effective submachine guns.
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