Black Ops 6: SHOTGUN Tier List (April 2025) - Is YOUR Favorite META?

In Black Ops 6 Ranked, weapon selection is critical for success. This tier list evaluates Shotgun, categorizing them from Meta to E tier based on their performance and viability in the current competitive environment. Understanding the nuances of each tier—Meta, A, B, C, D, and E—is essential for optimizing your loadouts and strategies.

The current meta in Black Ops 6 favors versatile weapons effective in mid-range engagements and agile options for close-quarters combat. This tier list considers factors such as Time-to-Kill (TTK), recoil control, mobility, and effective range to provide a comprehensive ranking of each Shotgun.

Our methodology involves rigorous testing and statistical analysis to ensure an objective assessment of each weapon's capabilities. This analysis is based on the latest game updates and patch notes, reflecting the most current state of Black Ops 6.

D Tier

D-tier weapons in Black Ops 6 are considered average, capable of being used but generally outclassed by higher-tier options. These weapons may perform adequately in specific situations but often struggle in broader gameplay scenarios against more optimized choices.

Marine SP

The Marine SP in Black Ops 6 occupies the D tier due to its notable weaknesses outweighing its strengths. Statistically, its TTK is slower compared to meta options, and it suffers from significant recoil, making it less effective in sustained engagements. While the Marine SP can be useful in very close quarters, its limited range and inconsistent performance make it a situational pick that struggles against more versatile weapons.

ASG-89

The ASG-89 resides in the D tier in Black Ops 6 due to its underperformance relative to other shotguns. Its statistical profile reveals a slower TTK and less effective damage range, hindering its viability in various combat scenarios. While it may offer some advantages in handling, its overall performance is outshone by more optimized choices, making it a less favorable option for competitive play.

MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM in Black Ops 6 is placed in the D tier due to its fully automatic nature being offset by significant drawbacks. While it boasts good range and handling for an automatic shotgun, its high recoil and large hip spread severely impact accuracy, especially at longer distances. Statistically, its TTK is inconsistent, and it struggles in situations requiring precision, relegating it to a situational pick that is generally outclassed.

Conclusion

In April 2025, the Shotgun meta in Black Ops 6 presents a diverse range of options, though most weapons are distributed across the lower tiers. The D tier contains a significant number of shotguns, indicating that many options are viable but underperform compared to the meta and A-tier choices. Given recent balance adjustments and the introduction of new attachments, the meta may shift towards weapons with improved recoil control and effective damage range. Future updates could potentially elevate currently underutilized shotguns, changing the landscape of competitive play.

Methodology

The methodology for this tier list involves a comprehensive evaluation of each weapon's performance in Black Ops 6. Key criteria include TTK (Time to Kill), recoil pattern, mobility, ADS (Aim Down Sight) time, and damage range. TTK is weighted most heavily, followed by recoil control and mobility, as these factors significantly impact a weapon's effectiveness in engagements. Testing was conducted in both controlled environments and live matches to simulate real-game scenarios. Weapons placed in higher tiers demonstrated superior performance across multiple criteria, offering a clear advantage in competitive play.