COD BO7 Season 2 Meta Guide: Why the ST Thermal 45 Is the Best SMG in the Game
With its high damage output, low recoil, and lightning-fast time-to-kill, the ST Thermal 45 has earned its place as the number one SMG in Black Ops 7. Whether you are grinding for nukes, climbing leaderboards, make Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies or dominating Hardpoint lobbies, this weapon provides the perfect mix of speed and firepower.
In this guide, we'll break down the best ST Thermal 45 loadout, explain why it works so well, and show you how to use it to take over every match in Season 2.
Why the ST Thermal 45 Dominates in Season 2
The ST Thermal 45 stands out because it performs far beyond what most SMGs are capable of. Traditionally, submachine guns trade damage for mobility. However, this weapon breaks that rule by delivering assault rifle–level damage while maintaining SMG speed.
Its strengths include:
Extremely fast time-to-kill
Minimal recoil
Strong damage range
Excellent mobility
Reliable headshot multiplier
These traits allow the ST Thermal 45 to compete with assault rifles at mid-range while still excelling in close-quarters combat.
In fast-paced modes like Hardpoint and Control, where positioning and rotations matter, this versatility gives players a major advantage.
Unlocking the Key Attachment: MFS Tigers .40 Cal Mag
Before building the optimal loadout, there is one important requirement: you must prestige the ST Thermal 45 once.
Prestiging unlocks the MFS Tigers .40 Cal Magazine, which is the backbone of this entire setup.
This magazine provides multiple benefits:
Increased base damage
Extended damage range
Improved headshot multiplier
Faster reload speed
Better ADS speed
Enhanced sprint-to-fire speed
Very few attachments in Black Ops 7 offer this many advantages at once. With this magazine equipped, the ST Thermal 45 becomes deadly at virtually every range.
If you are serious about mastering this weapon, prestiging is absolutely worth the investment.
Best ST Thermal 45 Attachment Setup
This five-attachment build is designed for maximum damage, control, and stealth.
Magazine: MFS Tigers .40 Cal
This is the centerpiece of the loadout. It transforms the ST Thermal 45 into a high-damage machine capable of shredding enemies in just a few shots.
Stock: Mink Stability Stock
The Mink Stability Stock improves both vertical and horizontal recoil control. While the ST Thermal 45 is already stable, this attachment makes it even more consistent, especially during longer engagements.
It helps you stay accurate when challenging assault rifle players at medium range.
Laser: EMT3 Agile Laser
The EMT3 Agile Laser is one of the most underrated attachments in Season 2.
It provides:
Increased damage range
Improved recoil stabilization
This combination allows you to outgun AR users in situations where SMGs normally struggle. It also helps maintain accuracy during rapid-fire engagements.
Rear Grip: Lateral Precision Grip
Horizontal recoil is the biggest weakness of this weapon when using the prestige magazine. The Lateral Precision Grip eliminates most of that side-to-side movement, making your shots far more predictable.
This attachment is essential for maintaining consistency.
Muzzle: Bowen 455 Suppressor
The Bowen 455 Suppressor keeps you off the minimap while firing, allowing you to flank enemies and control spawns without being constantly tracked.
In aggressive objective modes, stealth is a huge advantage. This suppressor lets you stay mobile and unpredictable.
Why This Loadout Works So Well
This setup balances every major stat:
Damage from the .40 Cal mag
Control from the stock and grip
Range from the laser
Stealth from the suppressor
Together, these attachments turn the ST Thermal 45 into a hybrid weapon that performs like both an SMG and an assault rifle.
Few guns in Season 2 offer this level of versatility.
Wild Card: High Roller for Maximum Streak Potential
With only five attachments equipped, the High Roller wild card becomes the best option.
High Roller allows you to run four scorestreaks instead of three, giving you more opportunities to control matches.
Extra streaks mean:
More map awareness
Better area denial
Increased kill potential
Faster snowballing
For players chasing nukes or high kill games, this is a major advantage.
Secondary Weapon: VLOX 5.7 Pistol
The VLOX 5.7 serves as a reliable backup when your primary runs dry.
With proper attachments, it delivers solid damage and accuracy, making it perfect for finishing weakened enemies.
Switching to this pistol instead of reloading often saves lives and preserves streaks.Equipment Setup for Aggressive Play
Knife: Scrambler + Signal Amplifier
This combo increases the disruption radius, making it easier to confuse enemies when pushing spawns or objectives.
It's especially effective in tight spaces.
Tactical: Stim Shot + Cleanse Overclock
This setup removes debuffs from flashbangs, EMPs, stun grenades, and gas.
It allows you to instantly reset after taking damage and stay aggressive.
Lethal: Semtex + High-Density Explosive
High-Density Semtex deals massive damage and is ideal for clearing hardpoints and chokepoints.
It's one of the most reliable lethals in Season 2.
Best Perks for This Loadout
To maximize efficiency, use the following perks:
Flak Jacket
Reduces explosive damage, helping you survive grenade spam and streaks.
Scavenger
Ensures you never run out of ammo during long streaks.
Looper
Speeds up equipment regeneration for more tactical and lethal usage.
Tactician Combat Specialty Bonus
Boosts score gained from objective play, making streaks easier to earn.
This perk combination supports both aggressive slaying and team-focused gameplay.
Gameplay Performance: Hardpoint Domination
In Hardpoint matches, the ST Thermal 45 truly shines.
Its fast time-to-kill allows you to:
Clear hills quickly
Win close-range duels
Hold power positions
Punish rotating enemies
The featured gameplay shows consistent hill control, aggressive pushes, and streak chaining that leads to a successful comeback and eventual nuke.
Even when spawns flip and chaos breaks out, the weapon's stability keeps you competitive.
Advanced Tips for Mastering the ST Thermal 45
To get the most out of this loadout, focus on these techniques:
Pre-aim common lanes
Abuse strafing during gunfights
Slide into close-range fights
Use stim shots proactively
Play corners and head glitches
Combining these habits with the weapon's strengths will dramatically improve your performance.
Common Problems and How to Handle Them
Chaotic Spawns
When enemies start spawning behind you, rely on UAVs and sound cues. Stay mobile and avoid tunnel vision.
Controller Issues
Inconsistent inputs can ruin streaks. Make sure your settings and hardware are reliable, especially for extended sessions.
Heavy Defensive Perks
Some players rely on Flak Jacket and defensive setups. Against them, focus on headshots and coordinated pushes.
Why the ST Thermal 45 Is Perfect for Nuke Hunting
This weapon is ideal for players chasing nukes because it offers:
Fast kills
Reliable accuracy
High mobility
Stealth potential
Strong streak synergy
It minimizes risky situations and maximizes consistency, which is crucial when aiming for high kill games.
Final Thoughts
The ST Thermal 45 is without question the best SMG in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 2. With its high damage, low recoil, and unmatched versatility, it dominates in every major game mode.
By using the MFS Tigers .40 Cal magazine, pairing it with stability and stealth attachments, and running High Roller with the right perks, you can take full control of lobbies and build unstoppable momentum.
Whether you're grinding for mastery camos, chasing your first nuke, make BO7 Bot Lobbies or simply trying to top the scoreboard, this loadout gives you everything you need to succeed.
If you're serious about improving your multiplayer performance in Season 2, the ST Thermal 45 is a must-use weapon.