Black Ops 6: Top 21 Shotguns in Ranked (April 2025) - Must See!

The current meta in Black Ops 6 Ranked emphasizes close-quarters combat, making shotguns a vital weapon category for aggressive players. These weapons can dominate tight spaces and objective-based scenarios when used effectively. This article ranks the top 21 shotguns in Black Ops 6 Ranked as of April 2025, providing an overview of the best options available. The ranking criteria is based on a tier system, evaluating each weapon's overall performance and viability in the current meta. This analysis uses a combination of in-game data and community feedback to provide a comprehensive overview of each weapon's strengths and weaknesses, enabling players to optimize their loadouts and strategies.

#1: Marine SP

The Marine SP Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This placement indicates that it generally underperforms compared to other shotguns and weapons in the current meta. While specific attributes are not provided, D-Tier weapons typically struggle in key performance areas such as damage output, range, or handling. The Marine SP may suffer from inconsistencies in one-shot kill potential, limited effective range, or slow handling characteristics that make it difficult to use effectively in fast-paced Ranked matches. Its weaknesses likely outweigh its strengths, making it a less viable option for competitive play. Players looking for optimal performance are generally advised to consider higher-tiered shotguns or other weapon types that better suit the current Ranked meta.

#2: ASG-89

The ASG-89 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This ranking suggests that the ASG-89 is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the ASG-89 likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The ASG-89 may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

#3: MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. As a fully automatic shotgun, it offers a unique approach to close-quarters combat, providing sustained fire capabilities. Its strengths include good range and handling for an automatic shotgun, making it somewhat versatile in engagements. However, the MAELSTROM suffers from high recoil and a large hip spread, which significantly impacts its accuracy and effectiveness, particularly at longer ranges. The high recoil makes it difficult to control during sustained fire, while the wide hip spread reduces its consistency in securing quick kills. These weaknesses make it a less desirable option compared to other shotguns that offer better precision and control, relegating it to the lower tiers of weapon viability.

#4: Bryson 800

The Bryson 800 Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. As a pump-action shotgun, the Bryson 800 relies on high damage per shot but is hampered by its slow rate of fire. The description indicates that it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, suggesting its damage output or range is insufficient to secure consistent one-shot kills against opponents using more effective gear. The pump-action mechanism further limits its effectiveness in fast-paced engagements, as the delay between shots can be a significant disadvantage. Players are generally advised to use higher-tiered shotguns or other weapon types that offer a better balance of damage, range, and fire rate to remain competitive in Ranked matches.

#5: Reclaimer 18

The Reclaimer 18 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This low ranking indicates that it is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the Reclaimer 18 likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The Reclaimer 18 may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

#6: Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. Similar to the Bryson 800, the Bryson 890 is a pump-action shotgun that struggles to compete with meta weapons. The primary limitation is its lack of sufficient power, meaning it may not consistently achieve one-shot kills against opponents using higher-performing weapons or equipment. The pump-action mechanism further reduces its viability in fast-paced Ranked matches, as the delay between shots can be a critical disadvantage when facing multiple enemies or opponents with faster-firing weapons. Players are generally better served by selecting shotguns or other weapon types that offer a more competitive balance of damage, fire rate, and effective range.

#7: Stormender

The Stormender Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This low ranking indicates that it is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the Stormender likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The Stormender may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

#8: Expedite 12

The Expedite 12 Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. As a semi-automatic shotgun, it offers a faster fire rate compared to pump-action models, but it is held back by its moderate damage and very short damage range. The limited damage range is a significant disadvantage in Ranked matches, where engagements can occur at varying distances. Its moderate damage output may also result in inconsistent one-shot kills, reducing its effectiveness in crucial close-quarters encounters. These factors combine to make the Expedite 12 a less viable option compared to other shotguns that offer better range and damage, relegating it to a lower tier of competitive viability.

#9: Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This double-barrel shotgun offers the potential for a one-shot kill when both barrels are fired simultaneously using the trigger action attachment. However, its primary drawback is the requirement to reload after every shot, which significantly reduces its fire rate and overall effectiveness in sustained engagements. While the burst damage potential is high, the need to reload after each shot leaves players vulnerable, especially in fast-paced Ranked matches where quick follow-up shots are often necessary. This limitation makes the Lockwood 300 a situational weapon that is difficult to use consistently, placing it in the lower tiers of weapon viability.

#10: Riveter

The Riveter Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. Described as a full-auto, .410 shotgun built around an assault rifle receiver, the Riveter is designed to deliver a high volume of fire in close quarters. However, its placement in D-Tier suggests that its performance is lacking compared to other weapons in the meta. While the full-auto capability might seem advantageous, it likely suffers from issues such as low damage per pellet, high recoil, or poor effective range. These factors can make it difficult to secure consistent kills, especially against opponents using more optimized weapon setups. The Riveter's reliance on sustained fire may also be a disadvantage in a meta where burst damage and quick one-shot kills are prioritized.

#11: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This low ranking indicates that it is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the MX Guardian likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The MX Guardian may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

#12: Lockwood 680

The Lockwood 680 Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. While described as a highly effective and versatile 12-gauge pump shotgun capable of consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer, its D-Tier ranking suggests it underperforms in the specific context of Ranked play. This discrepancy could be due to several factors, such as differences in game modes, map selection, or the competitive nature of Ranked matches. The Lockwood 680 may struggle against opponents using optimized loadouts or employing advanced movement techniques. Despite its potential for one-shot kills, its limitations, such as the pump-action mechanism and potential inconsistencies in damage at varying ranges, likely contribute to its lower tier placement.

#13: KV Broadside

The KV Broadside Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. As a semi-auto shotgun, it offers a fast time-to-kill (TTK) due to its powerful punch. However, its slow mobility and aim-down-sight (ADS) speed significantly hinder its overall effectiveness. The low mobility makes it difficult to maneuver and engage enemies quickly, while the slow ADS speed puts players at a disadvantage in reactive gunfights. These drawbacks likely outweigh its fast TTK, making it a less viable option compared to other shotguns or weapons that offer a better balance of speed and lethality. Players are generally advised to consider weapons with better mobility and ADS speed to remain competitive in Ranked matches.

#14: Lockwood MK2

The Lockwood MK2 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This low ranking indicates that it is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the Lockwood MK2 likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The Lockwood MK2 may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

#15: Haymaker

The Haymaker Shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. Described as highly effective at close range, this mag-fed combat shotgun is designed to clear rooms with rounds to spare. However, its D-Tier ranking suggests that it has significant drawbacks that limit its overall effectiveness in Ranked play. These drawbacks may include poor damage range, inconsistent damage output, or handling issues that make it difficult to control in fast-paced engagements. While its mag-fed design allows for more sustained fire, its other limitations likely make it a less competitive option compared to other shotguns or weapons that offer a better balance of range, damage, and control.

#16: Stormender

The Stormender Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This low ranking indicates that it is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the Stormender likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The Stormender may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

#17: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This low ranking indicates that it is generally not a competitive choice compared to other shotguns or weapons in the current meta. Without specific performance data, it can be inferred that the MX Guardian likely suffers from significant drawbacks. These could include low damage output, poor effective range, or handling issues that hinder its usability in fast-paced Ranked matches. The MX Guardian may struggle to secure one-shot kills consistently, limiting its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements. Players are typically advised to explore higher-tiered weapon options that offer more reliable performance and a better fit for the competitive Ranked environment.

Conclusion

In April 2025, the shotgun meta in Black Ops 6 Ranked presents a diverse range of options, though many fall into the D-Tier, indicating significant performance limitations. The top-performing shotguns excel in specific scenarios. For instance, the Lockwood 680, while in D-Tier, is capable of one-shot kills. The KV Broadside offers a fast time-to-kill but suffers from mobility issues. Overall, while shotguns can be effective in the right hands, many require specific playstyles or attachments to overcome their inherent weaknesses in the competitive Ranked environment.