How to reduce muzzle smoke on the STG44 in Call of Duty: Vanguard

The STG44 is without a doubt the most popular weapon in Call of Duty: Vanguard. While the MP40 is a close second, the STG44 fills up multiplayer lobbies like no other weapon. This is mainly due to the fact that the assault rifle is so strong in Vanguard multiplayer and because it was available in Warzone prior to the game’s launch. However, the STG44 isn’t a perfect weapon. It has one key problem that has been frustrating players, mainly on PC, to no end. This problem is identified as muzzle smoke that comes off the STG44 when firing in Vanguard.

Muzzle smoke is a common issue in FPS titles. Developers try and make their weapons as realistic as possible but muzzle smoke simply gets in the way of a player’s view when they’re firing. Luckily, in Vanguard, there exists a simple fix to this problem, and it lies within the settings.

Reducing muzzle smoke on the STG44 in Vanguard

The problem with muzzle smoke on the STG44 comes when players equip the F8 Stabilizer muzzle. This specific attachment is extremely popular, thanks to it increasing both damage range and recoil control. It comes at a cost, though, as players have a hard time seeing the player they’re shooting at with so much smoke appearing. The issue was demonstrated by community member @TMujicaa earlier this week.

[PC] If you’re using the F8 Stabilizer muzzle on your STG you might have noticed the amount of smoke that comes out of your gun while shooting.

To reduce this, go to settings > quality > particle quality level > high

Credit: @TMujicaapic.twitter.com/m2zEgD6XQd

— CDL Intel (@intelCDL) November 18, 2021

They provided a fix for the problem, however. This only works on PC, though, as players need to go into their graphical settings. The fix is outlined below:

• Go to “Settings”
• Find the Graphics tab and scroll to the “Quality” section
• Change Particle Quality to “High”

While Particle Quality being on high seems strange, it actually helps reduce muzzle smoke. This was outlined in our best graphics settings guide for Vanguard as well. It might lower players’ FPS by a tiny margin but it’s worth it to get rid of that pesky muzzle smoke on Vanguard’s most popular weapon.