21 BEST Shotguns in Warzone Battle Royale (Season 3 Reloaded)

Season 3 Reloaded has shaken up the Warzone meta, bringing significant changes to weapon viability. Shotguns, known for their devastating close-range potential, remain a crucial part of any Warzone loadout. In modes like Battle Royale, where engagements often occur in tight buildings and confined spaces, a well-chosen shotgun can be the difference between victory and defeat. This analysis ranks the top 21 shotguns in Warzone, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal use cases.

The ranking criteria is based on a Tier system, evaluating each weapon's overall performance, time-to-kill, effective range, and ease of use. Data-driven analysis and community feedback are used to provide an objective assessment of each weapon's place in the current meta. This guide aims to equip players with the knowledge needed to select the best shotgun for their playstyle and dominate close-quarters combat in Warzone.

#1: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian shotgun is classified as an A-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale for Season 3 Reloaded. Its semi-automatic firing mode offers a blend of rapid follow-up shots and manageable recoil. In close-quarters combat, the MX Guardian delivers consistent damage, making it a reliable choice for aggressive players.

While its damage output is respectable, the MX Guardian is not without its drawbacks. Its effective range is limited compared to other weapon types, requiring players to close the distance to maximize its potential. Additionally, its magazine capacity may necessitate frequent reloads during prolonged engagements. Despite these limitations, the MX Guardian's ease of use and consistent performance make it a solid pick for players seeking a dependable shotgun.

#2: KV Broadside

The KV Broadside is a B-Tier semi-auto shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. It stands out due to its very fast time to kill, making it lethal in close-quarters engagements. This shotgun can quickly eliminate opponents with well-placed shots.

However, the KV Broadside's strengths are balanced by its limitations. Its slow mobility and ADS speed can be a hindrance, particularly in fast-paced combat scenarios. Players using the KV Broadside may find themselves at a disadvantage when attempting to quickly react to threats or maneuver around the map. Despite its high damage output, these drawbacks place the KV Broadside in the B-Tier, making it a situational weapon that excels in specific scenarios but requires careful handling.

#3: Riveter

The Riveter shotgun is a B-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a full-auto, .410 shotgun built around an assault rifle receiver, making it a hole-punching machine. Its fully automatic nature allows for a high rate of fire, making it deadly in close-quarters combat.

However, the Riveter's high rate of fire is offset by its recoil, which can be difficult to manage, especially without proper attachments. While it can quickly eliminate opponents, its effectiveness drops at even moderate ranges due to its spread and recoil. This makes the Riveter a situational weapon, best used in confined spaces where its strengths can be maximized and its weaknesses minimized.

#4: Lockwood MK2

The Lockwood MK2 is a B-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a lever-action marksman rifle chambered in .45-70 Government, the Lockwood MK2 is a hard-hitting weapon that requires precision and timing. This weapon is capable of one-shot kills under the right conditions.

However, the Lockwood MK2's lever-action mechanism results in a slower rate of fire compared to other marksman rifles. Its effectiveness is highly dependent on the user's accuracy, as missed shots can be punishing. While it offers significant potential in the hands of a skilled player, its limitations make it a situational weapon that requires practice and precision to master.

#5: Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 is a B-Tier pump-action shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. While it delivers substantial damage per shot, it struggles to compete against meta weapons due to its slow rate of fire and overall handling.

The primary disadvantage of the Bryson 890 is its pump-action mechanism, which significantly limits its fire rate. This can be a major drawback in fast-paced engagements where follow-up shots are crucial. Additionally, its range and pellet spread make it less effective at even moderate distances. While it can be effective in extremely close quarters, its limitations make it a situational pick that requires careful positioning and timing to use effectively.

#6: Bryson 800

The Bryson 800 is a B-Tier pump-action shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. While it delivers substantial damage per shot, it struggles to compete against meta weapons due to its slow rate of fire and overall handling.

The primary disadvantage of the Bryson 800 is its pump-action mechanism, which significantly limits its fire rate. This can be a major drawback in fast-paced engagements where follow-up shots are crucial. Additionally, its range and pellet spread make it less effective at even moderate distances. While it can be effective in extremely close quarters, its limitations make it a situational pick that requires careful positioning and timing to use effectively.

#7: Expedite 12

The Expedite 12 is a B-Tier semi-automatic shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. It offers moderate damage output but is hampered by its very short damage range.

While its semi-automatic action allows for faster follow-up shots compared to pump-action shotguns, the Expedite 12's limited range significantly restricts its effectiveness. Players must be in extremely close proximity to their targets to deal meaningful damage, making it a highly situational weapon. Its performance is further hindered by the prevalence of armor in Warzone, which reduces its time-to-kill against fully armored opponents. Due to these limitations, the Expedite 12 is best suited for aggressive players who excel in close-quarters combat and can consistently close the distance to their targets.

#8: Marine SP

The Marine SP is a B-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to different playstyles through various attachments.

While it offers a balance of damage, range, and handling, it does not excel in any particular area. Its performance is generally outclassed by more specialized weapons in their respective roles. The Marine SP's lack of a distinct advantage makes it a less favorable choice compared to other weapons that offer superior performance in specific combat scenarios. As a result, the Marine SP remains a situational pick, best suited for players who prioritize adaptability over raw power.

#9: MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM is a B-Tier fully automatic shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. It offers good range and handling for a shotgun, making it versatile in close to mid-range engagements. However, it suffers from high recoil and a large hip spread, which can make it difficult to control, especially at longer ranges.

While its automatic firing mode provides a high rate of fire, the MAELSTROM's recoil and spread issues can hinder its effectiveness. Players must carefully manage recoil and aim to maximize its potential, particularly when engaging moving targets. Despite its drawbacks, the MAELSTROM can be a viable option for players who prefer an aggressive, run-and-gun playstyle, provided they can master its handling characteristics.

#10: Haymaker

The Haymaker is a B-Tier mag-fed combat shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. Highly effective at close range, this shotgun will clear rooms with rounds to spare.

While its magazine-fed design allows for quick reloads and sustained fire, the Haymaker's effectiveness drops off significantly at even moderate ranges. Players must be in extremely close proximity to their targets to maximize its damage output. Its performance is further hindered by the prevalence of armor in Warzone, which reduces its time-to-kill against fully armored opponents. Due to these limitations, the Haymaker is best suited for aggressive players who excel in close-quarters combat and can consistently close the distance to their targets.

#11: Stormender

The Stormender is a B-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to different playstyles through various attachments.

While it offers a balance of damage, range, and handling, it does not excel in any particular area. Its performance is generally outclassed by more specialized weapons in their respective roles. The Stormender's lack of a distinct advantage makes it a less favorable choice compared to other weapons that offer superior performance in specific combat scenarios. As a result, the Stormender remains a situational pick, best suited for players who prioritize adaptability over raw power.

#12: Lockwood 680

The Lockwood 680 is a B-Tier pump shotgun in Warzone Battle Royale. This highly effective and versatile 12-gauge pump shotgun can be modified to excel in most scenarios. It is known for consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer.

While its pump-action mechanism limits its rate of fire, the Lockwood 680's raw power and versatility make it a formidable weapon in the right hands. Players must carefully time their shots and maintain accuracy to maximize its potential. Its performance is further enhanced by the ability to customize it with a variety of attachments, allowing players to tailor it to their specific playstyle. Due to its versatility and potential for one-shot kills, the Lockwood 680 remains a viable option for skilled players who can overcome its limitations.

#13: ASG-89

The ASG-89 is a C-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to different playstyles through various attachments.

While it offers a balance of damage, range, and handling, it does not excel in any particular area. Its performance is generally outclassed by more specialized weapons in their respective roles. The ASG-89's lack of a distinct advantage makes it a less favorable choice compared to other weapons that offer superior performance in specific combat scenarios. As a result, the ASG-89 remains a situational pick, best suited for players who prioritize adaptability over raw power.

#14: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is a C-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to different playstyles through various attachments.

While it offers a balance of damage, range, and handling, it does not excel in any particular area. Its performance is generally outclassed by more specialized weapons in their respective roles. The MX Guardian's lack of a distinct advantage makes it a less favorable choice compared to other weapons that offer superior performance in specific combat scenarios. As a result, the MX Guardian remains a situational pick, best suited for players who prioritize adaptability over raw power.

#15: Reclaimer 18

The Reclaimer 18 is a D-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to different playstyles through various attachments.

While it offers a balance of damage, range, and handling, it does not excel in any particular area. Its performance is generally outclassed by more specialized weapons in their respective roles. The Reclaimer 18's lack of a distinct advantage makes it a less favorable choice compared to other weapons that offer superior performance in specific combat scenarios. As a result, the Reclaimer 18 remains a situational pick, best suited for players who prioritize adaptability over raw power.

#16: Stormender

The Stormender is a D-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. It is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to different playstyles through various attachments.

While it offers a balance of damage, range, and handling, it does not excel in any particular area. Its performance is generally outclassed by more specialized weapons in their respective roles. The Stormender's lack of a distinct advantage makes it a less favorable choice compared to other weapons that offer superior performance in specific combat scenarios. As a result, the Stormender remains a situational pick, best suited for players who prioritize adaptability over raw power.

#17: Lockwood 300

The Lockwood 300 is a D-Tier weapon in Warzone Battle Royale. This powerful double barrel shotgun can kill in one shot with the trigger action attachment, allowing both barrels to be fired at once, but requires reloading after every shot.

While its potential for a one-shot kill is appealing, the Lockwood 300's single-shot capacity and long reload times make it a highly situational weapon. Players must carefully time their shots and ensure accuracy to avoid being caught defenseless during the reload animation. Its effectiveness is further limited by its short range and the prevalence of armor in Warzone, which can negate its one-shot kill potential. Due to these significant drawbacks, the Lockwood 300 is best suited for highly skilled players who can consistently land their shots and manage its limitations.

Conclusion

In summary, the shotgun landscape in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded offers a mix of viable options, each with its strengths and weaknesses reflected in their Tier rankings. The A-Tier MX Guardian stands out for its consistent damage and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for aggressive players. B-Tier shotguns like the KV Broadside and Riveter offer high damage output but require careful handling and strategic positioning to maximize their potential.

For close-quarters dominance, the MX Guardian excels in sustained engagements, the KV Broadside shines in quick, decisive encounters, and the Riveter is ideal for clearing rooms with its high rate of fire. While lower-tiered shotguns may offer niche advantages, mastering the top-tier options will provide a competitive edge in Warzone's fast-paced battles.