Black Ops 6: 21 BEST Shotguns You NEED to Use in Multiplayer!

The current meta in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer emphasizes fast-paced, close-quarters combat, making weapon selection critical for success. Shotguns are particularly important in this game mode due to their high damage output at close range, allowing players to quickly eliminate opponents in tight spaces. This guide ranks the top 21 Shotgun weapons in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer based on their Tier, providing a comprehensive overview of each weapon's performance. The ranking methodology involves analyzing weapon statistics such as damage, range, rate of fire, and mobility, as well as considering their practical effectiveness in various game scenarios. This analysis aims to provide players with an objective assessment of the best shotgun options available.

#1: ASG-89

The ASG-89 shotgun is an A-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, demonstrating solid performance in its category. Its strengths lie in its reliable damage output and decent handling, making it a viable choice for close-quarters engagements. The ASG-89 provides a consistent two-shot kill at close range, giving players a competitive edge in tight spaces. However, its weaknesses include a slower rate of fire and limited range compared to other shotguns in the meta. This can make it less effective in more open areas or against opponents using long-range weapons. The ASG-89 is best suited for players who prefer a balanced approach, combining aggression with tactical positioning. While not the top-performing shotgun, it offers a reliable and consistent option for those looking to dominate close-quarters combat.

#2: MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM is an A-Tier fully automatic shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, known for its unique capabilities. Its primary strength lies in its fully automatic firing mode, allowing for sustained close-range damage output and a faster time-to-kill in certain situations. The weapon also boasts good range and handling, making it versatile in different combat scenarios. However, the MAELSTROM's weaknesses are notable: it suffers from high recoil and a large hip spread, making it less accurate at longer distances and requiring careful recoil management. The high recoil can be especially challenging to control during extended engagements. Despite these drawbacks, the MAELSTROM is effective in aggressive, close-quarters combat.

#3: Marine SP

The Marine SP shotgun is an A-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, known for its unique capabilities. The strengths of the Marine SP lie in its high damage output and good range. It can often secure one-shot kills at reasonable distances, making it a powerful choice for aggressive players who like to push objectives. The Marine SP is also effective in holding down tight corridors and rooms, where its high damage can quickly eliminate enemies. However, the Marine SP also has its weaknesses. Its slow rate of fire and limited magazine capacity mean that missed shots can be heavily punished. Additionally, its handling is not the best, requiring players to be precise with their shots. The Marine SP is best suited for players who can capitalize on its strengths while mitigating its weaknesses through careful positioning and aiming.

#4: Bryson 800

The Bryson 800 is a D-Tier pump-action shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The Bryson 800's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The Bryson 800 is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#5: Reclaimer 18

The Reclaimer 18 shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The Reclaimer 18's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The Reclaimer 18 is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#6: Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 is a D-Tier pump-action shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The Bryson 890's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The Bryson 890 is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#7: Expedite 12

The Expedite 12 is a D-Tier semi-automatic shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, underperforming compared to other options. Its primary weakness is its very short damage range, severely limiting its effectiveness beyond point-blank encounters. The Expedite 12 struggles to secure one-shot kills consistently, even at close ranges, making it unreliable in most combat situations. While its semi-automatic firing mode offers a slightly higher rate of fire compared to pump-action shotguns, this advantage is negated by its poor damage range and inconsistent performance. The Expedite 12 is not recommended for competitive play, as it is easily outmatched by other shotguns and weapon types. Players should consider other options for more reliable and effective close-quarters combat.

#8: Stormender

The Stormender shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The Stormender's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The Stormender is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#9: Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, characterized by its unique double-barrel design. Its main strength is the potential for a one-shot kill when using the trigger action attachment, which fires both barrels simultaneously. This can be devastating in extremely close quarters. However, the Lockwood 300's major weakness is its requirement to reload after every shot, significantly limiting its rate of fire and making it highly unforgiving in engagements involving multiple enemies. The Lockwood 300 is a niche weapon that can be effective in very specific situations, but its inconsistent performance and slow reload make it a risky choice for most players. It is best suited for players who prioritize high burst damage over sustained firepower.

#10: Riveter

The Riveter is a D-Tier full-auto shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, built around an assault rifle receiver. While its full-auto capability might seem advantageous, it struggles to compete with other shotguns in its class. The Riveter's primary weakness lies in its low damage output per pellet, which often results in needing multiple shots to secure a kill, even at close range. This is due to the fact that it is chambered in .410. While it has a high rate of fire, the low damage and high recoil make it difficult to control and less effective in actual combat scenarios. The Riveter is generally outclassed by other shotguns that offer better damage and range, making it a less desirable choice for most players.

#11: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The MX Guardian's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The MX Guardian is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#12: Lockwood 680

The Lockwood 680 is a D-Tier pump shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. While it can be modified for different scenarios, it generally underperforms compared to other shotguns. Its strength lies in its ability to achieve consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer. However, the weaknesses of the Lockwood 680 are its slow rate of fire and its pump action. The Lockwood 680 is best for players who prioritize accuracy and can make each shot count. However, in most situations, a different shotgun will perform better.

#13: KV Broadside

The KV Broadside is a D-Tier semi-auto shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. It packs a powerful punch, but it has some major drawbacks. The strength of the KV Broadside is its very fast time to kill. It can quickly eliminate enemies in close quarters. The weaknesses of the KV Broadside are its slow mobility and ADS speed. These limit the player's ability to react quickly. The KV Broadside can be effective in the right hands, but it is not a top-tier weapon.

#14: Lockwood MK2

The Lockwood MK2 shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The Lockwood MK2's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The Lockwood MK2 is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#15: Haymaker

The Haymaker is a D-Tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. While it can be effective at close range, it has some significant drawbacks. Its strength lies in its high capacity, allowing it to clear rooms with rounds to spare. The weaknesses of the Haymaker are its low damage and its high recoil. These make it difficult to control and less effective at longer ranges. The Haymaker is best for players who like to play aggressively and push into enemy territory. However, in most situations, a different shotgun will perform better.

#16: Stormender

The Stormender shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The Stormender's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The Stormender is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

#17: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian shotgun is a D-Tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, struggling to find a place in the current meta. Its main weakness is its lack of damage compared to other shotguns, making it difficult to secure one-shot kills. The MX Guardian's slow rate of fire and pump-action mechanism further hinder its performance, leaving players vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. While it may offer some utility in extremely close quarters, its overall effectiveness is limited. The MX Guardian is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a less viable choice for competitive play. Players looking for a more effective shotgun should consider options from higher Tiers. The low damage and slow handling make it hard to recommend.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 21 Shotgun weapons in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer offer a range of performance levels, categorized by Tier. While some shotguns dominate the close-quarters combat meta, others struggle to find a competitive edge. The A-Tier shotguns, such as the ASG-89, MAELSTROM, and Marine SP, excel in specific situations. The ASG-89 provides reliable damage, the MAELSTROM offers full-auto capabilities, and the Marine SP delivers high damage output. In contrast, many D-Tier shotguns like the Bryson 800 and Lockwood 300, are less effective due to limitations in damage, rate of fire, or handling. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing your loadout and maximizing your effectiveness in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer.