UNLOCK the META: Warzone Shotgun Tier List (Season 4)

This tier list ranks shotguns in Warzone Ranked, categorizing them from META to E-tier based on their performance and viability. The tier system is structured as follows: META (the best, most dominant weapons), A (excellent and highly competitive), B (good but require more skill), C (average and situational), D (below average with significant disadvantages), and E (the weakest, generally not recommended).

The current meta in Warzone emphasizes fast TTK and mobility. Rankings are determined by evaluating factors such as TTK, recoil control, mobility, ADS speed, and damage range. This assessment reflects the state of the game, with consideration given to recent updates and patches that may have altered weapon balance or performance.

META Tier

META-tier weapons represent the absolute best choices in the current Warzone environment. These weapons consistently outperform others due to superior stats, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios, making them the preferred choice for competitive players.

MX Guardian

The MX Guardian stands out in the META tier due to its exceptional close-quarters performance. Its key strengths include a rapid time-to-kill and manageable recoil, making it easy to control in intense firefights.

Statistically, the MX Guardian boasts a high damage output and a competitive rate of fire. This weapon excels in tight spaces and aggressive engagements, but it can struggle at longer ranges due to damage drop-off.

D Tier

D-tier weapons are below average and possess significant disadvantages that make them difficult to use effectively in most situations. These weapons may have niche uses, but they generally underperform compared to higher-tier options, requiring considerable skill and favorable circumstances to achieve success.

KV Broadside

The KV Broadside resides in the D tier due to its mixed performance. While it boasts a very fast time to kill, its slow mobility and ADS speed hinder its overall effectiveness.

The KV Broadside's strengths are limited to its potential burst damage, but it struggles in sustained engagements and requires precise aim. Its limited range and slow handling make it difficult to use effectively in most Warzone scenarios.

Bryson 800

The Bryson 800 is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to meta weapons. As a pump-action shotgun, it requires deliberate shots, but its damage output is insufficient to compete effectively.

The Bryson 800's weaknesses include a slower rate of fire and limited range, making it less forgiving in fast-paced engagements. It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Expedite 12

The Expedite 12 is categorized in the D tier due to its limited effectiveness in Warzone engagements. Its moderate damage output is offset by a very short damage range, making it unreliable beyond close quarters.

Key weaknesses include inconsistent time-to-kill and a lack of versatility in different combat scenarios. The Expedite 12 struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring longer-range capabilities.

Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 is placed in the D tier due to its impracticality in most Warzone scenarios. While capable of one-shot kills with the trigger action attachment, its requirement to reload after every shot severely limits its usability.

The Lockwood 300's strengths are overshadowed by its slow rate of fire and the need for precise aim. It struggles in sustained engagements and against multiple opponents.

Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 is categorized in the D tier due to its underperformance in the current Warzone meta. As a pump-action shotgun, it lacks the necessary power and fire rate to compete with higher-tier weapons.

The Bryson 890's weaknesses include a slow rate of fire and limited range, making it less effective in fast-paced combat. It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Riveter

The Riveter is placed in the D tier due to its limitations in Warzone engagements. Despite being a full-auto shotgun, its performance is hindered by its .410 caliber, resulting in inconsistent damage output.

The Riveter's weaknesses include a shorter effective range and a reliance on sustained fire to achieve a competitive time-to-kill. It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring quick bursts of damage.

Lockwood 680

The Lockwood 680 is in the D tier despite its versatility. While it offers consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer, its Warzone performance is less impressive.

The Lockwood 680's weaknesses include inconsistent damage at range and the need for precise aiming. It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Haymaker

The Haymaker is placed in the D tier due to its limited effectiveness in Warzone. While it offers a high rate of fire and a large magazine, its damage output is insufficient to compete with meta weapons.

The Haymaker's weaknesses include inconsistent time-to-kill and a lack of range. It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring precision.

Reclaimer 18

The Reclaimer 18 is in the D tier due to its underperformance in Warzone combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a slow rate of fire and limited range, making it less effective in fast-paced engagements.

It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Lockwood MK2

The Lockwood MK2 is in the D tier due to its underperformance in Warzone combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a slow rate of fire and limited range, making it less effective in fast-paced engagements.

It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is in the D tier due to its underperformance in Warzone combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a slow rate of fire and limited range, making it less effective in fast-paced engagements.

It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Stormender

The Stormender is in the D tier due to its underperformance in Warzone combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a slow rate of fire and limited range, making it less effective in fast-paced engagements.

It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Stormender

The Stormender is in the D tier due to its underperformance in Warzone combat scenarios. Its weaknesses include a slow rate of fire and limited range, making it less effective in fast-paced engagements.

It struggles against armored opponents and in situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.

Conclusion

Currently, the shotgun meta in Warzone is dominated by the MX Guardian, showcasing its superior close-quarters capabilities. The tier distribution reveals a concentration of shotguns in the D tier, indicating that many options are underperforming compared to the meta choices.

Based on recent game updates and weapon tuning, potential shifts in the meta may occur if other shotguns receive buffs to address their weaknesses. Future updates could introduce new attachments or balance changes that elevate currently underused shotguns into more competitive tiers.

Methodology

The methodology for this tier list involves a comprehensive evaluation of each shotgun's performance in Warzone. Key criteria include time-to-kill (TTK), recoil control, mobility, ADS (aim down sight) speed, and damage range.

TTK is weighted most heavily (30%), as it directly impacts weapon effectiveness in engagements. Recoil control (20%) and mobility (20%) are also significant, affecting a weapon's ease of use and versatility. ADS speed (15%) and damage range (15%) contribute to overall performance in various combat scenarios.

Testing was conducted in live Warzone matches to simulate real-game conditions. Weapons in higher tiers excel in TTK, recoil control, and mobility, providing a distinct advantage in most engagements.