NoLagVPNKey Takeaways
- The shotgun meta in Warzone is highly dependent on close-quarters combat effectiveness and TTK.
- Specific shotguns excel in certain scenarios, like building clearing, but may lack versatility in open areas.
- Weapon rankings are influenced by recent patches, which have adjusted damage profiles and attachment effectiveness.
This tier list ranks shotguns in Warzone Battle Royale, evaluating their performance in the current meta. The tier system ranges from Meta (the best) to E (the weakest), with rankings based on factors like time-to-kill (TTK), effective range, mobility, and ease of use.
Meta weapons offer a statistical advantage, while A-tier options are highly competitive. B-tier weapons are viable but require more skill, C-tier are average with specific uses, and D-tier are below average. E-tier weapons are not recommended.
This list considers the impact of recent game updates and patches on weapon balance, reflecting the most up-to-date assessment of shotgun effectiveness in Warzone.
A Tier
A-Tier weapons are excellent choices that nearly reach meta status. These weapons are highly competitive and can challenge meta weapons when used effectively. They typically have minor disadvantages compared to the absolute best but remain strong contenders.
MX Guardian
Tactical Stance
The MX Guardian in the A tier provides excellent close-quarters combat capabilities. Its key strengths include a rapid fire rate and manageable recoil, leading to a competitive TTK. However, its effective range is limited, making it less suitable for engagements beyond close proximity.
The MX Guardian excels in confined spaces and aggressive playstyles, but struggles against longer-range weapons in open areas.
B Tier
B-Tier weapons are strong and remain viable in numerous situations. These weapons are quite effective but may require more skill to use effectively against meta weapons. B-Tier weapons often have noticeable disadvantages in certain situations.
KV Broadside
- Tactical Stance
The KV Broadside is a B-tier semi-auto shotgun known for its powerful close-range impact and fast time to kill. A key weakness is its slow mobility and ADS speed, making it less effective in fast-paced engagements.
The KV Broadside excels in tight corridors and building interiors, where its high damage output can quickly eliminate opponents. However, it struggles in open areas due to its handling limitations.
Riveter
The Riveter is a B-tier full-auto shotgun that delivers consistent damage in close quarters. Its strengths lie in its high rate of fire and ease of use, making it effective in aggressive engagements. However, its recoil can be difficult to manage, and its range is limited compared to other shotguns.
The Riveter excels in clearing rooms and tight spaces, but it struggles at longer distances and against opponents with superior recoil control.
Lockwood MK2
The Lockwood MK2 is a B-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Lockwood MK2 excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
Bryson 890
- Tactical Stance
The Bryson 890 is a B-tier pump-action shotgun that offers a balance of power and versatility. However, it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons. It struggles against faster firing weapons and requires precise aiming to be effective.
Bryson 800
The Bryson 800 is a B-tier pump-action shotgun that offers a balance of power and versatility. However, it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons. It struggles against faster firing weapons and requires precise aiming to be effective.
Expedite 12
- Tactical Stance
The Expedite 12 is a B-tier semi-automatic shotgun that delivers moderate damage. Its strengths include a decent fire rate and manageable recoil. However, its very short damage range is a significant weakness.
The Expedite 12 excels in extremely close quarters, but it struggles in any situation where opponents are even slightly further away.
Marine SP
The Marine SP is a B-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Marine SP excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
MAELSTROM
The MAELSTROM is a B-tier fully automatic shotgun with good range and handling. Its strength is its ability to sustain fire. Its weaknesses are high recoil and large hip spread.
The MAELSTROM excels in medium range engagements, but it struggles in close quarters combat.
Haymaker
The Haymaker is a B-tier mag-fed combat shotgun highly effective at close range. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and ease of use for clearing rooms. However, its range is limited.
The Haymaker excels in close-quarters combat and clearing rooms, but it struggles against opponents at longer distances.
Stormender
The Stormender is a B-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Stormender excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
Lockwood 680
The Lockwood 680 is a B-tier pump shotgun effective in most scenarios. Its strengths lie in its versitility. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Lockwood 680 excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
C Tier
C-Tier weapons are good in specific situations. These weapons can be effective in specific scenarios but struggle in general gameplay against higher-tier options. C-Tier weapons often require specific loadouts or playstyles to be effective.
ASG-89
The ASG-89 is a C-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The ASG-89 excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
MX Guardian
- Tactical Stance
The MX Guardian is a C-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The MX Guardian excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
D Tier
D-Tier weapons are average but outclassed by others. These weapons can be used but are outclassed by others. D-Tier weapons often have significant disadvantages that make them difficult to use effectively in most situations.
Reclaimer 18
The Reclaimer 18 is a D-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Reclaimer 18 excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
Stormender
The Stormender is a D-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Stormender excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
Cigma 2B
We do not have builds for the CIGMA 2B in Warzone
The Cigma 2B is a D-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The Cigma 2B excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
Lockwood 300
The Lockwood 300 is a D-tier double barrel shotgun. Its key strength is its potential for a one-shot kill when both barrels are fired simultaneously with the trigger action attachment. However, it requires reloading after every shot, making it highly vulnerable in sustained engagements.
The Lockwood 300 excels in surprise attacks and highly skilled hands, but it struggles against multiple opponents or in prolonged firefights.
HE-1
We do not have builds for the HE 1 in Warzone
The HE-1 is a D-tier weapon. Its strengths lie in its high damage output and accuracy, making it effective in skilled hands. However, it has a slow rate of fire and requires precise aiming.
The HE-1 excels in skilled hands, but it struggles against weapons with faster fire rates or larger magazine sizes.
Conclusion
In March 2025, the shotgun meta in Warzone is diverse, with the majority of weapons falling into the B and C tiers. This indicates a balanced landscape where numerous shotguns are viable but none truly dominate. The distribution suggests that player skill and specific scenarios weigh heavily on weapon effectiveness. Future meta shifts may depend on upcoming patches that alter damage profiles, attachment attributes, or movement mechanics, potentially elevating currently underutilized shotguns.
Methodology
Weapons were evaluated based on a combination of statistical analysis and in-game testing. Key criteria included time-to-kill (TTK) at various ranges (30%), recoil control (20%), mobility (20%), and ease of use (10%). Damage per magazine, ADS time, and sprint-to-fire time were also considered (20%).
Testing took place in both private matches against live players and in public Warzone matches to simulate real-world conditions. Higher tiers were reserved for weapons with optimal TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility, offering a clear advantage in a variety of combat scenarios.