Black Ops 6: Top 21 SHOTGUNS in Ranked (Season 3)

Discover the top 21 Shotgun weapons in Black Ops 6 Ranked for Season 3. Ranked by Tier, this guide reveals the best shotguns to dominate the competition. Find out which shotguns are meta.

Key Takeaways

  • The meta in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3 favors shotguns for close-quarters combat.
  • Weapon rankings are determined by Tier, reflecting overall effectiveness.
  • This guide provides a data-driven overview of the top shotgun options for competitive play.

The current meta in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3 emphasizes fast-paced, close-quarters combat, making shotguns a popular choice for aggressive players. Shotguns excel in securing objectives and clearing tight spaces, providing a significant advantage in skilled hands. This guide ranks the top 21 shotguns based on their Tier, offering a comprehensive overview of the best options available. Our analysis uses a combination of in-game performance data, community feedback, and statistical analysis to provide an objective assessment of each weapon. This guide aims to provide players with the knowledge to select the best shotgun for their playstyle and dominate the competition.

#1: 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 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Marine SP Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The Marine SP Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#2: 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 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the ASG-89 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The ASG-89 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#3: 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 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the MAELSTROM Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings, specifically its high recoil and large hip spread. While its fully automatic firing mode and good range and handling may be useful in certain situations, these advantages are often outweighed by its significant recoil, making it difficult to control in sustained gunfights. The MAELSTROM Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#4: Bryson 800

We do not have builds for the BRYSON 800 in Black Ops 6

The Bryson 800 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Bryson 800 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. As a pump action shotgun, it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Bryson 800 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#5: Reclaimer 18

We do not have builds for the RECLAIMER 18 in Black Ops 6

The Reclaimer 18 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Reclaimer 18 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The Reclaimer 18 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#6: Bryson 890

We do not have builds for the BRYSON 890 in Black Ops 6

The Bryson 890 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Bryson 890 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. As a pump action shotgun, it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Bryson 890 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#7: Stormender

We do not have builds for the STORMENDER in Black Ops 6

The Stormender Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Stormender Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The Stormender Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#8: Expedite 12

We do not have builds for the EXPEDITE 12 in Black Ops 6

The Expedite 12 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Expedite 12 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. The Expedite 12 is a semi-automatic shotgun with moderate damage and a very short damage range. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Expedite 12 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#9: Lockwood 300

We do not have builds for the LOCKWOOD 300 in Black Ops 6

The Lockwood 300 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Lockwood 300 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. The Lockwood 300 is a powerful double barrel shotgun. It can kill in 1 shot with the trigger action attachment which allows for both barrels to be fired at once, but it requires reloading after every shot. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Lockwood 300 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#10: Riveter

We do not have builds for the RIVETER in Black Ops 6

The Riveter Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Riveter Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. As a full-auto, .410 shotgun built around an assault rifle receiver, the Riveter is a hole-punching machine. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Riveter Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#11: MX Guardian

We do not have builds for the MX GUARDIAN in Black Ops 6

The MX Guardian Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the MX Guardian Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The MX Guardian Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#12: Lockwood 680

We do not have builds for the LOCKWOOD 680 in Black Ops 6

The Lockwood 680 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Lockwood 680 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. This highly effective and versatile 12-gauge pump shotgun can be modified to excel in most scenarios, with consistent One Shot kills in multiplayer. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Lockwood 680 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#13: KV Broadside

We do not have builds for the KV BROADSIDE in Black Ops 6

The KV Broadside Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the KV Broadside Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. The KV Broadside is a semi-auto shotgun that packs a powerful punch. It has a very fast time to kill but it has a slow mobility and ADS speed. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The KV Broadside Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#14: Lockwood MK2

We do not have builds for the LOCKWOOD MK2 CONVERSION KIT JAK WARDENS in Black Ops 6

The Lockwood MK2 Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Lockwood MK2 Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The Lockwood MK2 Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#15: Haymaker

We do not have builds for the HAYMAKER in Black Ops 6

The Haymaker Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Haymaker Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. Highly effective at close range, this mag-fed combat shotgun will clear rooms with rounds to spare. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. The Haymaker Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#16: Stormender

We do not have builds for the STORMENDER CONVERSION KIT JAK VOLKSTORM in Black Ops 6

The Stormender Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the Stormender Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The Stormender Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

#17: MX Guardian

We do not have builds for the MX GUARDIAN CONVERSION KIT JAK LANCE in Black Ops 6

The MX Guardian Shotgun is categorized as a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3. As a D-Tier weapon, the MX Guardian Shotgun generally underperforms compared to higher-ranked options. Its effectiveness is limited in the current meta due to its statistical shortcomings. While it may be viable in very specific scenarios or with optimized attachments, it typically struggles against meta weapons in most engagements. Its weaknesses may include poor damage range, slow handling, or an unfavorable recoil pattern. The MX Guardian Shotgun is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive advantages in Black Ops 6 Ranked.

Conclusion

In summary, the shotgun landscape in Black Ops 6 Ranked Season 3 is diverse, with weapon performance varying significantly across Tiers. While many shotguns fall into the D-Tier, indicating limited competitive viability, the top-performing shotguns can dominate in specific situations. For instance, the top 3 weapons excel in close-quarters combat, objective control, and aggressive plays, respectively. Understanding these strengths is crucial for optimizing loadouts and maximizing effectiveness in Ranked matches.

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