Black Ops 6: 21 BEST Shotguns in Multiplayer (April 2025)

The shotgun meta in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer is constantly evolving, and April 2025 is no exception. With recent updates and weapon tuning, understanding the current landscape is crucial for staying competitive. Shotguns are vital for dominating close-quarters combat, offering unparalleled stopping power in tight spaces. This article breaks down the top 21 shotguns in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer this month, ranking them by Tier to help you choose the best option for your playstyle.

This analysis is based on comprehensive testing, statistical data, and community feedback. We evaluate each weapon's performance in key areas such as damage, range, mobility, and handling. The goal is to provide an objective assessment of each shotgun's strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make informed decisions about your loadouts.

#1: ASG-89

The ASG-89 is an A-Tier shotgun, known for its balanced performance. It offers a good blend of damage and range, making it effective in various close-to-mid-range engagements. While it may not excel in any single category, its versatility makes it a reliable choice for players who prefer a well-rounded weapon. The ASG-89's handling is also noteworthy, allowing for quick ADS times and decent mobility.

However, the ASG-89 does have its drawbacks. Its damage output is not as high as some of the top-tier shotguns, and its recoil can be challenging to control in sustained fire. This requires players to be precise with their shots and manage their recoil effectively. Despite these limitations, the ASG-89 remains a solid option for those seeking a dependable shotgun.

#2: MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM is an A-Tier fully automatic shotgun, offering a unique playstyle in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its fully automatic nature allows for a high rate of fire, making it deadly in close-quarters combat. The weapon also boasts good range and handling, giving players an edge in engagements beyond typical shotgun distances.

However, the MAELSTROM's strengths are balanced by its significant weaknesses. The high recoil can be difficult to manage, especially in sustained fire, and the large hip spread reduces its effectiveness when not aiming down sights. These factors require players to carefully control their shots and utilize attachments that improve recoil control and accuracy. Despite these challenges, the MAELSTROM can be a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled players.

#3: Marine SP

The Marine SP is an A-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, known for its exceptional damage output and reliable performance in close-quarters combat. It stands out as a top choice for players who prioritize raw stopping power and consistent one-shot kills within its effective range. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents, making it a formidable option for aggressive playstyles.

However, the Marine SP is not without its limitations. Its range is relatively short compared to other shotguns, requiring players to engage in very close proximity to maximize its effectiveness. Additionally, its handling and mobility may not be as refined as some of the other options in its tier. Despite these drawbacks, the Marine SP remains a popular choice for players who excel in tight, confined spaces.

#4: Bryson 800

The Bryson 800 is a D-Tier pump-action shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Bryson 800 may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Bryson 800 is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#5: Reclaimer 18

The Reclaimer 18 is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Reclaimer 18 may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Reclaimer 18 is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#6: Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 is a D-Tier pump-action shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Similar to the Bryson 800, its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Bryson 890 may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Bryson 890 is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#7: Expedite 12

The Expedite 12 is a D-Tier semi-automatic shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. While it offers a semi-automatic firing mode, its moderate damage output and very short damage range severely limit its effectiveness. The Expedite 12 struggles to compete with other shotguns in terms of raw stopping power and consistent one-shot kills.

Its limited range forces players to engage in extremely close proximity, making them vulnerable to more versatile weapons. Additionally, its moderate damage output often requires multiple shots to eliminate opponents, further hindering its performance in fast-paced engagements. As a result, the Expedite 12 is generally not recommended for competitive play.

#8: Stormender

The Stormender is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Stormender may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Stormender is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#9: Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. This double-barrel shotgun possesses the unique ability to fire both barrels simultaneously with the trigger action attachment, potentially resulting in a one-shot kill. However, this comes at a significant cost: the weapon requires reloading after every shot.

While the one-shot kill potential can be appealing, the constant need to reload leaves players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. The Lockwood 300's effectiveness is highly situational, and it struggles to compete against more versatile shotguns that offer a higher rate of fire and larger magazine capacity. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for consistent competitive play.

#10: Riveter

The Riveter is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Described as a full-auto, .410 shotgun built around an assault rifle receiver, it is designed to punch holes in the competition. However, it's performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Riveter may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Riveter is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#11: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the MX Guardian may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the MX Guardian is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#12: Lockwood 680

The Lockwood 680 is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. While described as a highly effective and versatile 12-gauge pump shotgun that can be modified to excel in most scenarios, its performance doesn't live up to its description. Although it can achieve consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer, it struggles to compete against meta weapons.

While the Lockwood 680 may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Lockwood 680 is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#13: KV Broadside

The KV Broadside is a D-Tier semi-auto shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. While it packs a powerful punch and boasts a very fast time-to-kill (TTK), it suffers from slow mobility and ADS speed. These drawbacks significantly hinder its overall effectiveness in fast-paced engagements.

The KV Broadside's slow handling makes it difficult to react quickly to threats, and its limited mobility restricts its ability to maneuver around the map effectively. While its high damage output may be appealing, its weaknesses make it a situational weapon that struggles to compete against more versatile options. Therefore, the KV Broadside is generally not recommended for competitive play.

#14: Lockwood MK2

The Lockwood MK2 is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Lockwood MK2 may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Lockwood MK2 is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#15: Haymaker

The Haymaker is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. While it is described as highly effective at close range and capable of clearing rooms with rounds to spare due to its mag-fed design, its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Haymaker may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Haymaker is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#16: Stormender

The Stormender is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the Stormender may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the Stormender is typically not recommended for competitive play.

#17: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. Its performance is generally considered underpowered compared to the current meta weapons. The primary issue is its damage output, which is often insufficient to secure one-shot kills consistently. This puts players at a disadvantage in fast-paced engagements.

While the MX Guardian may offer some level of accuracy, its slow rate of fire and limited range make it difficult to compete against more versatile and powerful shotguns. In most scenarios, players will find themselves outgunned by opponents using higher-tier weapons. Therefore, the MX Guardian is typically not recommended for competitive play.

Conclusion

In summary, the shotgun landscape in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for April 2025 is diverse, with weapons ranging from A-Tier to D-Tier. The A-Tier shotguns like the Marine SP, ASG-89, and MAELSTROM stand out for their consistent performance and versatility. The Marine SP excels in extremely close-quarters combat, delivering devastating one-shot kills. The ASG-89 offers a balanced approach, suitable for various engagements. The MAELSTROM's fully automatic capability makes it deadly in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios.

Conversely, many D-Tier shotguns struggle to compete with the current meta due to their limited damage output, slow handling, and short effective range. These weapons are generally not recommended for competitive play.