SMGs · Modern Warfare 4
VEL 46 in MW4: Unlock Level, Weapon Levels, Camos & How Long to Max
Everything that gates the VEL 46, straight from Activision's launch data: when it joins Create-a-Class, how many weapon levels sit between you and its Apex Attachment, which camo challenges its class pulls, and a straight answer to how long the grind takes.
Quick facts
- Class
- SMGs
- Unlocks at
- Player Level 5
- Weapon levels
- 60
- Apex Attachment
- VEL 46 Snap
- Role
- Nimble 4.6x30 SMG with smooth, predictable recoil
Verified against Activision's launch guide · 2026-10-20
Best VEL 46 loadout
All-round build · updated 2026-11-01
- MuzzleXRK Herder 40
- BarrelVB-46 Series 11
- UnderbarrelFSS Fireline Grip
- LaserSchlager Visiv-5
- StockVEL 46 Extended
When do you unlock the VEL 46?
The VEL 46 joins Create-a-Class at Player Level 5. Until then it only shows up in Default Loadouts or picked up off the ground. Rank XP, not weapon XP, is what unlocks it.
See every unlock level on the MW4 unlock roadmapWeapon levels and the VEL 46 Snap
The VEL 46 has 60 weapon levels. Each one unlocks an attachment or a camo milestone; the final level unlocks its Apex Attachment, the VEL 46 Snap, and opens Weapon Prestige.
Weapon Prestige camos on the VEL 46
After Max Level you can prestige the weapon. Each step of the Pyroclast chain is earned on this weapon alone:
Pyroclast
Reach Max Level 60, then enter Weapon Prestige 1
Pyroclast Terminus
Reach Weapon Prestige 1 Max Level (60)
Pyroclast Scatter
Reach Weapon Prestige Master Level 150
Pyroclast Cascade
Reach Weapon Prestige Master Level 250
SMGs camo challenges
Completionist camos are earned per weapon. Gold needs all 8 Military and 3 Special camos first; Platinum and Harmonic Break use the SMGs class challenge.
- Gold
- 15 kills in a single match (Multiplayer) · 100 kills in DMZ
- Platinum
- 25× Kills from behind (Multiplayer) · 75× in DMZ
- Harmonic Break
- 50× Hipfire kills
Mode Mastery camos (Mercurial Drift → Orion Reforged) are account-wide chains that open once you hold Divergence. They are not tracked per weapon, so they are not listed here.
Track the VEL 46 in the MW4 camo trackerHow long does it take to max the VEL 46?
A transparent estimate from the weapon's 60-level ladder. Two columns, because the answer depends almost entirely on how many kills you land per match with the gun.
| How long does it take to max the VEL 46? | Public matches | Bot lobbies |
|---|---|---|
| To Max Level (60) — Apex unlocked | 40 matches≈ 7.3 h | 10 lobbies≈ 1.7 h |
| To Weapon Prestige 1 Max — Pyroclast Terminus | 80 matches≈ 14.7 h | 20 lobbies≈ 3.3 h |
Assumptions: 1.5 weapon levels per public match (11-minute games) versus 6 per bot lobby (10 minutes, 60–100+ kills on the gun). A Double Weapon XP token halves both columns. Estimates, not measurements — refreshed 2026-10-26.
To max the VEL 46 you need about 10 bot lobbies — the 10 Lobbies package covers it (≈10 lobbies) for $29.99
Get 10 LobbiesVEL 46 FAQ
What level do you unlock the VEL 46 in MW4?
The VEL 46 unlocks at Player Level 5 in Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer, per Activision's launch progression table.
How many weapon levels does the VEL 46 have?
60. Reaching the final level unlocks the Apex Attachment (VEL 46 Snap) and opens Weapon Prestige for the VEL 46.
How long does it take to max the VEL 46?
Roughly 40 public matches (about 7.3 hours) at 1.5 weapon levels per match, or around 10 bot lobbies at 6 levels each. Double Weapon XP halves both.
What are the VEL 46 camo challenges?
Gold needs 15 kills in a single match after all Military and Special camos. Platinum asks for 25× Kills from behind (Multiplayer) · 75× in DMZ and Harmonic Break for 50× Hipfire kills — the SMGs class challenges.