The weaponry you choose to use in Days Gone can significantly affect how well you tackle the various hordes in the game. A submachine gun proves most effective if you want to deal with the easiest hordes. But one of the best submachine guns—and best sidearms in the game—is locked behind a challenge. So, how do you unlock the SMP-9 early in Days Gone?
Related: Optimal Days Gone Steam Deck Settings and Performance
Unlock the SMP-9 Early
While the SMP-9 does unlock by progressing through the main story by increasing the Trust Level at Hot Springs and Lost Lake, if you want to unlock the SMP-9 early, it will take some work.
To unlock a higher-quality version of the SMG, you’ll need to eliminate 10% of the total hordes in Days Gone. How much is 10%? It’s around 4 hordes, which isn’t too difficult. There are numerous small hordes early in the game, with between 25 and 30 Freakers.
But if you want a real challenge in the early game, head over to tackle the Death Train Horde. It has 50 Freakers and relatively cramped chokepoints to worry about!
What is the SMP-9?
The SMP-9 is a sidearm in Days Gone (Steam). It is a stockless submachine gun with a high rate of fire but relatively low damage. It’s useful for taking down a small group of Freakers at close range.
Once unlocked, you may purchase the SMP-9 from Alkai Turner at Hot Springs upon reaching Trust Level 3. Alternatively, Blair at Lost Lake Settlement will sell the submachine gun at Trust Level 3.
Furthermore, players can unlock the 45-round extended magazine after eliminating 35% of all hordes in the game. Trust us when we say that you want the bigger ammo capacity as early as possible!