NoLagVPNKey Takeaways
- The ASG-89 Shotgun is the top 'Meta' weapon in the game, offering unmatched performance in close-quarters combat.
- Several shotguns, like the Bryson 800, Bryson 890, Expedite 12, Lockwood 300, Riveter, MX Guardian, Lockwood 680, Reclaimer 18, Stormender, KV Broadside, Lockwood MK2, Haymaker, Stormender, and MX Guardian, are lower-tier (D) weapons that may struggle against meta options.
- The MAELSTROM and Marine SP shotguns are solid 'A' Tier weapons, offering a blend of range, handling, and effectiveness for skilled players.
Season 4 Reloaded for Black Ops 6 introduces significant shifts in the multiplayer meta, particularly within the shotgun category. Shotguns remain crucial for dominating close-quarters combat, objective control, and aggressive playstyles. This analysis identifies the top 21 shotguns, ranked according to their Tier, providing a comprehensive overview of the most effective options.
The ranking criteria emphasizes factors such as time-to-kill (TTK), damage range, mobility, and ease of use. Weapons are evaluated based on their performance in typical multiplayer engagements, considering both raw stats and practical application. This guide aims to provide players with clear, data-driven insights to optimize their loadouts and improve their effectiveness in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer.
#1: ASG-89
The ASG-89 shotgun is a Meta-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance reflects its top-tier status, offering exceptional close-quarters combat capabilities. The ASG-89 excels in scenarios that demand rapid and decisive engagements, making it a preferred choice for aggressive players and objective-focused game modes.
Observed strengths include its high damage output, enabling one-shot kills within its effective range. Its weaknesses are minimal, primarily related to its limited range compared to other weapon classes. However, within its intended engagement distances, the ASG-89 remains unmatched, solidifying its position as a meta-defining shotgun in Black Ops 6.
#2: MAELSTROM
The MAELSTROM shotgun is an A-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. As a fully automatic shotgun, it provides a unique blend of sustained fire and close-range effectiveness. The MAELSTROM is noted for its good range and handling, making it a versatile option for players who prefer a more mobile playstyle.
However, its performance is balanced by its high recoil and large hip spread, requiring skilled control to maintain accuracy, especially at longer ranges within its class. Despite these drawbacks, the MAELSTROM remains a competitive choice, particularly in objective-based modes where its sustained fire can suppress enemies and control key areas.
#3: Marine SP
The Marine SP shotgun is an A-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is characterized by a balance of power and versatility, making it a viable option for skilled players. The Marine SP excels in close to mid-range engagements, providing reliable damage output and manageable recoil.
Observed strengths include its consistent damage and relatively tight spread, allowing for effective use in various combat scenarios. Its weaknesses may include a slightly slower fire rate compared to full-auto shotguns, requiring precise aiming and shot placement. Overall, the Marine SP remains a solid choice for those who prioritize accuracy and controlled bursts in their shotgun loadout.
#4: Bryson 800
We do not have builds for the BRYSON 800 in Black Ops 6
The Bryson 800 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. As a pump-action shotgun, its performance is generally outclassed by higher-tier weapons. The Bryson 800 struggles to compete against the meta weapons due to its lower damage output and slower fire rate.
Observed strengths are limited, mainly consisting of its familiarity and ease of use for players accustomed to pump-action mechanics. However, its weaknesses are significant, including a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK) and inconsistent one-shot kill potential. The Bryson 800 is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#5: Bryson 890
We do not have builds for the BRYSON 890 in Black Ops 6
The Bryson 890 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. As a pump-action shotgun, its performance is generally outclassed by higher-tier weapons. The Bryson 890 struggles to compete against the meta weapons due to its lower damage output and slower fire rate.
Observed strengths are minimal, primarily its ease of handling for players familiar with pump-action shotguns. However, its weaknesses are significant, including a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK) and inconsistent one-shot kill potential. The Bryson 890 is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#6: Expedite 12
We do not have builds for the EXPEDITE 12 in Black Ops 6
The Expedite 12 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. As a semi-automatic shotgun, it offers moderate damage but is significantly hampered by its very short damage range. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options.
Observed strengths are limited to its semi-automatic firing, allowing for slightly faster follow-up shots compared to pump-action models. However, its weaknesses are pronounced, including a lack of one-shot kill potential at anything beyond point-blank range and a low overall effectiveness in typical multiplayer engagements. The Expedite 12 is not a recommended choice for players seeking competitive performance.
#7: Lockwood 300
We do not have builds for the LOCKWOOD 300 in Black Ops 6
The Lockwood 300 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. This double-barrel shotgun can potentially kill in one shot with the trigger action attachment, which fires both barrels simultaneously. However, it requires reloading after every shot, significantly limiting its overall effectiveness.
Observed strengths include its high burst damage potential when both barrels connect. However, its weaknesses are substantial, including the necessity for frequent reloads, a slow rate of fire, and the reliance on a specific attachment to achieve its one-shot kill potential. The Lockwood 300 is a niche weapon that requires precise timing and may not be suitable for all playstyles.
#8: Riveter
We do not have builds for the RIVETER in Black Ops 6
The Riveter is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Described as a full-auto, .410 shotgun built around an assault rifle receiver, it functions as a hole-punching machine. However, its overall performance is lacking compared to higher-tier options.
Observed strengths include its fully automatic firing mode, which allows for sustained damage output in close quarters. However, its weaknesses are significant, including a low damage per pellet, leading to inconsistent kill times, and a high recoil, making it difficult to control at even moderate ranges. The Riveter is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#9: MX Guardian
We do not have builds for the MX GUARDIAN in Black Ops 6
The MX Guardian is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options, making it a less viable choice for competitive play.
Observed strengths are minimal, with no standout features that allow it to excel in specific combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK), inconsistent damage output, and poor handling characteristics. The MX Guardian is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#10: Lockwood 680
We do not have builds for the LOCKWOOD 680 in Black Ops 6
The Lockwood 680 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. This 12-gauge pump shotgun is described as highly effective and versatile, capable of being modified to excel in most scenarios. It is known for consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer.
Observed strengths include its potential for one-shot kills and its versatility with various attachments. However, its weaknesses include its pump-action mechanism, which limits its rate of fire, and its reliance on precise aiming to ensure each shot connects. The Lockwood 680 is a situational weapon that can be effective in the right hands but is generally outclassed by higher-tier shotguns.
#11: Reclaimer 18
We do not have builds for the RECLAIMER 18 in Black Ops 6
The Reclaimer 18 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options, making it a less viable choice for competitive play.
Observed strengths are minimal, with no standout features that allow it to excel in specific combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK), inconsistent damage output, and poor handling characteristics. The Reclaimer 18 is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#12: Stormender
We do not have builds for the STORMENDER in Black Ops 6
The Stormender is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options, making it a less viable choice for competitive play.
Observed strengths are minimal, with no standout features that allow it to excel in specific combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK), inconsistent damage output, and poor handling characteristics. The Stormender is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#13: KV Broadside
We do not have builds for the KV BROADSIDE in Black Ops 6
The KV Broadside is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. As a semi-auto shotgun, it packs a powerful punch but suffers from slow mobility and ADS speed. Its performance is mixed, with significant trade-offs.
Observed strengths include its very fast time-to-kill (TTK) due to its high damage output. However, its weaknesses are pronounced, including its slow mobility, which hinders aggressive playstyles, and its slow ADS speed, making it less effective in reactive engagements. The KV Broadside is a situational weapon that can be effective in specific scenarios but is generally outperformed by higher-tier shotguns.
#14: Lockwood MK2
We do not have builds for the LOCKWOOD MK2 CONVERSION KIT JAK WARDENS in Black Ops 6
The Lockwood MK2 is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options, making it a less viable choice for competitive play.
Observed strengths are minimal, with no standout features that allow it to excel in specific combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK), inconsistent damage output, and poor handling characteristics. The Lockwood MK2 is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#15: Haymaker
We do not have builds for the HAYMAKER in Black Ops 6
The Haymaker is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Highly effective at close range, this mag-fed combat shotgun is designed to clear rooms with rounds to spare. However, its overall performance is lacking compared to higher-tier options.
Observed strengths include its high ammo capacity and rapid rate of fire, making it effective in very close quarters. However, its weaknesses are significant, including a low damage per pellet, leading to inconsistent kill times, and a high recoil, making it difficult to control at even moderate ranges. The Haymaker is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#16: Stormender
We do not have builds for the STORMENDER CONVERSION KIT JAK VOLKSTORM in Black Ops 6
The Stormender is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options, making it a less viable choice for competitive play.
Observed strengths are minimal, with no standout features that allow it to excel in specific combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK), inconsistent damage output, and poor handling characteristics. The Stormender is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
#17: MX Guardian
We do not have builds for the MX GUARDIAN CONVERSION KIT JAK LANCE in Black Ops 6
The MX Guardian is a D-tier shotgun in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer for Season 4 Reloaded. Its performance is generally underwhelming compared to higher-tier options, making it a less viable choice for competitive play.
Observed strengths are minimal, with no standout features that allow it to excel in specific combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a lack of competitive time-to-kill (TTK), inconsistent damage output, and poor handling characteristics. The MX Guardian is not recommended for players seeking optimal performance in the current meta.
Conclusion
In summary, the shotgun landscape in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Season 4 Reloaded is diverse, with weapons ranging from meta-defining to niche picks. The ASG-89 stands out as the top-tier (Meta) choice, excelling in aggressive, close-quarters engagements. The MAELSTROM and Marine SP shotguns are solid A-tier options, offering a balance of performance and versatility for skilled players. Several other shotguns, including the Bryson 800, Bryson 890, Expedite 12, Lockwood 300, Riveter, MX Guardian, Lockwood 680, Reclaimer 18, Stormender, KV Broadside, Lockwood MK2, Haymaker, Stormender, and MX Guardian, are lower-tier (D) weapons that may struggle against meta options. The ASG-89 dominates in close-quarters combat, the MAELSTROM excels in sustained fire scenarios, and the Marine SP is effective in mid-range engagements.