The Dravec 45 made waves during the Black Ops 7 beta, and if anything, it’s even better in the full release. While other SMGs might grab headlines with faster time-to-kill stats, the Dravec 45 offers something more valuable: consistency. This is the SMG you want when you need a weapon that works in multiple scenarios without demanding perfect aim or putting you at a disadvantage beyond close range.
Let me show you how to build the Dravec 45 into a legitimate powerhouse that competes with meta weapons across multiple engagement distances.
Why the Dravec 45 Stands Out
Before we dive into attachments, let’s talk about why this weapon deserves a spot in your loadout rotation. The Dravec 45 occupies a unique space in Black Ops 7’s SMG class—it’s essentially a hybrid between traditional run-and-gun SMGs and more controlled, accuracy-focused options.
Key Strengths:
- Best-in-class range for SMGs: You can challenge assault rifle users at distances that would leave other SMGs shooting marshmallows
- Incredibly manageable recoil: Even without attachments, this thing shoots like a laser beam
- Forgiving performance: The accuracy and range mean your shots actually register, even if your aim is slightly off
- Versatility across modes: Works beautifully in both Multiplayer and Zombies
The Trade-Off:
The Dravec 45 doesn’t have the blistering close-range TTK of the most aggressive SMGs. In extreme CQB scenarios against skilled players with optimal weapons, you might lose the occasional face-to-face gunfight. But here’s the thing—those situations are rarer than you think, and the Dravec 45 wins basically everywhere else.
The Optimal Dravec 45 Loadout
After extensive testing across different maps and modes, here’s the build that maximizes the Dravec 45’s potential while shoring up its few weaknesses.
Core 5-Attachment Build
Optic: Lethal Tools ELO The ELO sight gives you a clean, unobstructed sight picture that’s perfect for tracking moving targets. The Dravec 45’s iron sights aren’t terrible, but the ELO just makes target acquisition faster, especially in chaotic objective-based situations.
Muzzle: Bowen .45 Suppressor Staying off the minimap is crucial in Black Ops 7. The Bowen suppressor keeps you hidden while also providing a slight boost to your effective range—exactly what the Dravec 45 needs to extend its dominance window.
Barrel: 19” EAM Horizon Barrel This is the attachment that transforms the Dravec 45 from “good SMG” to “legitimate threat at all ranges.” The increased damage range lets you compete with ARs in those awkward mid-range zones where most SMGs fall off hard.
Rear Grip: Herald-Z1 Grip Faster ADS speed and improved sprint-to-fire time keep you competitive in those sudden encounters. The Dravec 45 isn’t naturally the snappiest weapon, so this grip helps you get shots on target faster.
Laser: LTI Swift Point Laser The Swift Point Laser dramatically improves your hip-fire accuracy and movement speed while ADSing. This is clutch for aggressive plays where you’re sliding around corners or jumping into objectives. The visible laser is a minor downside, but the mobility gains are worth it.
Gunfighter Wildcard Additions
If you’re running the Gunfighter wildcard (which I highly recommend for the Dravec 45), here are three additional attachments that push this build even further:
Magazine: Gator Extended Mag More bullets means more kills per life and less downtime reloading in critical moments. With the Dravec 45’s manageable recoil, you can actually spray down multiple targets before needing to reload.
Stock: EAM Heritage Stock Increased strafe speed while ADSing makes you significantly harder to hit during gunfights. Movement is king in Black Ops 7, and this stock lets you dance around opponents while maintaining accuracy.
Fire Mods: Accelerated Recoil System The Accelerated Recoil System smooths out the already minimal recoil even further, essentially eliminating any vertical climb. Combined with the barrel, you’ll be landing headshots you had no business hitting.
What This Build Actually Does
Let’s break down the tangible benefits you’re getting with this setup:
Range and Accuracy
- Extended damage falloff range: You’re competing with assault rifles at distances that would make other SMG users cry
- Laser-accurate bullet placement: The recoil reduction means your shots land exactly where you’re aiming
- Clean sight picture: The ELO optic speeds up target acquisition significantly
Mobility and Handling
- Lightning-fast ADS times: Get your shots off first in surprise encounters
- Exceptional strafe speed: Dodge bullets while maintaining accuracy
- Improved sprint-to-fire: Less downtime between sprinting and shooting
- Enhanced movement speed: Navigate the map faster than opponents
Stealth and Sustainability
- No minimap ping when firing: Stay hidden while fragging out
- Extended magazine capacity: Chain kills without reloading
- Faster dive-to-fire and slide-to-fire: Execute advanced movement techniques effectively
Complete Class Setup
A weapon is only as good as the class supporting it. Here’s how I recommend building around the Dravec 45:
Perks and Combat Specialty
Pair this loadout with an Enforcer Combat Specialty for maximum effectiveness. The movement speed and health regen buffs after kills synergize perfectly with the Dravec 45’s ability to chain eliminations.
Recommended Perks:
- Perk 1: Gung Ho (shoot while sprinting and sliding)
- Perk 2: Scavenger (never run out of ammo during long streaks)
- Perk 3: Dexterity (faster weapon actions across the board)
This red perk combination activates Enforcer, which rewards your aggressive playstyle with speed boosts after each kill—perfect for closing gaps to your next target.
Secondary Weapon
Since the Dravec 45 handles most situations well, your secondary should cover extreme edge cases. I recommend either:
- A lightweight pistol for ultra-fast movement when rotating (check our pistol guide)
- A launcher if you’re dealing with annoying scorestreaks
Equipment
Lethal: Semtex or Frag Grenade Both are solid for objective play. Semtex sticks to surfaces for area denial, while frags can be cooked for precise timing.
Tactical: Stun Grenade Stuns are clutch for clearing rooms or pushing entrenched enemies off objectives. The slowing effect gives you easy kills even in situations where you’d normally be at a disadvantage.
Field Upgrade
Trophy System is my go-to for objective modes. It protects you and your teammates from explosive spam while you’re holding down positions—especially valuable in Hardpoint or Domination.
Playstyle Tips and Strategy
Having the right attachments is only half the battle. Here’s how to actually use the Dravec 45 effectively:
Engagement Distance Management
The Dravec 45 is strongest at close-to-mid range. You want to position yourself in the 10-20 meter sweet spot where SMG speed meets AR accuracy. Avoid extreme long-range battles (sniper territory) and don’t be afraid to push slightly further than you would with other SMGs.
Map Awareness:
- Small maps (like Vorkuta): Play aggressively but don’t mindlessly sprint around corners
- Medium maps: Control the mid-range zones and rotate between objectives
- Large maps: Stick to building interiors and close-to-mid range lanes
Movement Techniques
With this build’s enhanced mobility, you should be utilizing advanced movement constantly:
- Slide around corners for unpredictable angles
- Jump while ADSing during face-to-face gunfights to throw off aim
- Strafe aggressively during gunfights—your accuracy won’t suffer
- Chain sprint between kills using Enforcer’s speed boost to maintain momentum
Target Priority
The Dravec 45’s forgiving nature means you can engage multiple targets in quick succession. Priority order:
- Immediate threats within 10 meters
- Enemies on objectives (you’ll win these fights consistently)
- Isolated enemies at mid-range (easy picks that feed your scorestreaks)
- Avoid engaging snipers at extreme range unless necessary
Multiplayer vs. Zombies Performance
Multiplayer Excellence
The Dravec 45 absolutely shreds in Multiplayer. It’s particularly dominant in objective modes where you’re fighting around predictable locations. Hardpoint, Domination, and Control are where this weapon truly shines.
Best Game Modes:
- Hardpoint: Control the hill with superior strafe speed and extended range
- Domination: Defend flags effectively from multiple angles
- Team Deathmatch: Maintain a positive KD through consistent performance
If you’re working on your prestige progression, the Dravec 45 is an excellent weapon to main since it performs well at all skill levels.
Zombies Viability
While not the absolute top-tier choice for Zombies, the Dravec 45 holds its own in early-to-mid rounds. The extended magazine and accuracy make it solid for training zombies, and Pack-a-Punched, it remains viable into the higher rounds.
Zombies Tips:
- Pack-a-Punch as soon as possible to maintain effectiveness
- Pair with appropriate ammo mods and augments
- Great for speed runs where mobility matters
- Works well on the new Ashes of the Damned map
For serious high-round attempts, you’ll eventually want to transition to wonder weapons or optimized meta choices, but the Dravec 45 can get you there comfortably.
Gunfighter vs. Standard Build
You might be wondering whether the Gunfighter wildcard is worth using for three extra attachments. Here’s my take:
Use Gunfighter if:
- You want maximum weapon performance and don’t rely heavily on equipment
- You’re confident in your primary weapon and rarely switch to secondary
- You’re playing respawn modes where specialists or extra perks aren’t crucial
Skip Gunfighter if:
- You need specific equipment for your playstyle (trophy systems, certain lethals)
- You want to run multiple operator-specific abilities
- You’re in objective modes where versatility matters more than weapon optimization
Personally, I run Gunfighter on the Dravec 45 about 80% of the time. The weapon just becomes too good to pass up with the full eight attachments.
Alternative Attachment Options
While the build above is my recommended setup, Black Ops 7 rewards experimentation. Here are some viable alternatives:
For Extra Stealth: Swap the optic for a Compensator muzzle attachment if you want even more recoil control while staying suppressed with the barrel.
For Aggressive Close-Range: Replace the barrel with the Quickdraw Handle underbarrel for even faster ADS, making you deadlier in close-quarters situations.
For Longer Range Dominance: Add a Marksman Scope instead of the ELO if you’re playing larger maps and want to challenge at extended distances more reliably.
Countering the Dravec 45
Since you’ll likely face this weapon often, here’s how to beat it:
- Extreme close range: Ultra-aggressive SMGs still win face-to-face with better TTK
- Long range: ARs and snipers naturally outclass it at distance
- Explosive spam: The Dravec 45 user needs to stay mobile—pin them down with equipment
- Flank hard: Most Dravec users play mid-range; catching them sprinting eliminates their advantage
Performance Optimization Tips
If you’re experiencing any issues while running this build, make sure you’ve checked out our settings and optimization guide. Proper performance is crucial for an accuracy-focused weapon like the Dravec 45.
Common issues:
- Packet burst: Can make your accurate shots not register (fix guide here)
- Frame drops: Impacts your ability to track targets smoothly
- Input lag: Makes the fast ADS speed meaningless if your inputs are delayed
Unlock Requirements and Progression
The Dravec 45 is available relatively early in your level progression, making it accessible for players just starting their grind. If you’re planning your permanent unlock tokens, I’d consider saving them for higher-level weapons since the Dravec 45 unlocks naturally pretty quickly.
Final Verdict
The Dravec 45 isn’t going to give you the absolute fastest kills in the game, and that’s okay. What it offers is something arguably more valuable: reliability. This is the weapon you can pick up on any map, in any mode, and perform well without needing to play perfectly.
It rewards good positioning, solid aim, and smart movement—all skills that will make you a better player regardless of what weapon you’re using. The extended range for an SMG means you’re not forced into suicidal close-range pushes, and the manageable recoil means your shots actually land even during high-pressure moments.
Who Should Use the Dravec 45:
- Players who want consistent performance across all situations
- Objective players who need versatility
- Anyone learning advanced movement techniques
- Players who prefer accuracy over raw TTK speed
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
- Ultra-aggressive players who only take close-range fights
- Sniper mains who rarely use SMGs
- Players who prefer specialized weapons for specific scenarios
If you’re looking to expand your arsenal beyond SMGs, check out our guides on the M8A1 assault rifle or the best sniper loadouts for more variety in your gameplay.
Wrapping Up
The Dravec 45 represents everything that’s great about Black Ops 7’s weapon balance—viable options that cater to different playstyles without any single gun dominating completely. Build it right, position yourself intelligently, and this SMG will serve you well through your entire multiplayer journey.
Whether you’re grinding through your first prestige or you’re a veteran looking for a reliable backup weapon, the Dravec 45 deserves serious consideration. Give this build a try for a few matches and I guarantee you’ll understand why it’s consistently showing up in high-level gameplay.
Now get out there and start melting opponents at ranges they didn’t think were possible with an SMG.
For more Black Ops 7 weapon guides and strategies, explore our complete coverage including Zombies beginner tips, GobbleGums explained, and all prestige rewards.
