Black Ops 6: SHOTGUN TIER LIST! (Season 3 Reloaded)

Black Ops 6 Shotgun Tier List for Ranked Season 3 Reloaded! See the best shotguns ranked Meta to D with detailed analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • The top shotguns offer superior TTK and ease of use in close quarters, dominating the current meta.
  • Lower-tier shotguns often struggle due to inconsistent damage and limited range, making them less viable in Ranked.
  • Weapon performance is heavily influenced by map design and game mode, requiring strategic shotgun selection.

This tier list evaluates Shotgun in Black Ops 6 Ranked, providing a comprehensive ranking of each weapon's viability in the current meta. The tier system ranges from Meta (the best and most dominant weapons) to E (the least effective). Weapons are categorized based on their performance, statistical advantages, and overall effectiveness in competitive scenarios.

The current Black Ops 6 meta favors weapons that excel in close-quarters combat and offer a fast time-to-kill (TTK). Mobility and ease of use are also key factors in determining weapon viability. This tier list considers recent game updates and patches that have influenced weapon balance and performance.

The rankings are determined through a combination of statistical analysis, community feedback, and expert evaluation. Key criteria include TTK, recoil control, mobility, and effective range. Each weapon is assessed in various in-game scenarios to provide an accurate and objective ranking.

D Tier

D-tier weapons in Black Ops 6 are average, meaning they are usable but generally outclassed by higher-tier options. These weapons often have noticeable disadvantages in key performance areas, making them less effective in competitive play.

Marine SP

Weapon Level37
FreeFree
Ultra
37
Suppressor
Optic
5Attachments
8Attachments
  • MODIFIED CHOKE
    Muzzle
    Level 8
  • LONG BARREL
    Barrel
    Level 6
  • QUICKDRAW STOCK
    Stock
    Level 33
  • TACTICAL LASER
    Laser
    Level 34
  • RAPID FIRE
    Fire Mods
    Level 36

The Marine SP in Black Ops 6 occupies the D tier due to its inconsistent performance. While it can be effective in extremely close quarters, its damage falloff is significant, limiting its range. Statistically, the Marine SP has a slower TTK compared to meta shotguns, and its recoil can be difficult to manage. This weapon struggles in situations where opponents maintain distance, making it a situational pick at best.

ASG-89

Weapon Level44
FreeFree
Ultra
44
Suppressor
Optic
5Attachments
8Attachments
  • MODIFIED CHOKE
    Muzzle
    Level 8
  • LONG BARREL
    Barrel
    Level 22
  • CQB GRIP
    Rear Grip
    Level 24
  • TACTICAL LASER
    Laser
    Level 23
  • RAPID FIRE
    Fire Mods
    Level 34

The ASG-89 resides in the D tier due to its underwhelming performance in Black Ops 6. While boasting a decent fire rate, its damage output is low, resulting in a slower TTK compared to other shotguns. The ASG-89's recoil pattern is also erratic, making it difficult to control during sustained fire. This weapon is best suited for very close-range engagements but struggles against more versatile options.

MAELSTROM

Weapon Level1
1
Suppressor
Optic
5Attachments
8Attachments
  • MODIFIED CHOKE
    Muzzle
    Level 1
  • COMMANDO GRIP
    Rear Grip
    Level 1
  • INFILTRATOR STOCK
    Stock
    Level 1
  • TACTICAL LASER
    Laser
    Level 1
  • 12 GAUGE DRAGON'S BREATH
    Fire Mods
    Level 1

The MAELSTROM is placed in the D tier due to its high recoil and large hip spread, despite being a fully automatic shotgun. While it offers good range and handling for an automatic shotgun, its statistical performance is lacking. The high recoil makes it difficult to control at longer ranges, and the wide hip spread reduces its effectiveness in close quarters. This weapon struggles against more accurate and consistent options.

Conclusion

In summary, the Shotgun meta in Black Ops 6 for Season 3 Reloaded is characterized by a clear divide between top-tier and lower-tier options. The Meta and A tiers contain weapons that offer superior TTK, range, or ease of use, making them dominant choices in Ranked play. The majority of shotguns fall into the B, C, and D tiers, indicating a need for potential balancing adjustments. Future patches and updates may shift the meta, particularly if changes are made to weapon statistics or attachments affecting recoil and damage range.

Methodology

The methodology for this tier list involves a comprehensive evaluation of each weapon's performance in Black Ops 6. Key criteria include time-to-kill (TTK), recoil control, mobility, damage range, and ease of use. TTK is weighted most heavily (30%), followed by recoil control (25%), mobility (20%), and damage range (15%). Ease of use accounts for the remaining 10%. Testing was conducted in both controlled environments and live Ranked matches to assess weapon performance in realistic scenarios. Weapons excelling in TTK and recoil control were prioritized for higher tiers.

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