NoLagVPNKey Takeaways
- The current meta favors shotguns with high damage output and mobility for close-quarters combat.
- Several shotguns have been re-evaluated due to recent balance changes, impacting their viability in Warzone.
- Effective shotgun use requires strategic positioning and understanding of each weapon's optimal range.
This tier list evaluates shotguns in Warzone Battle Royale, ranking them from Meta to E tier based on their performance in Season 3 Reloaded. The tier system is defined as follows: Meta (the best weapons), A (excellent), B (good), C (average), D (below average), and E (weakest). This ranking considers the current Warzone meta, which emphasizes fast-paced engagements and close-quarters combat.
The methodology used involves analyzing weapon statistics such as time-to-kill (TTK), damage range, mobility, and recoil control. Practical performance in live matches is also assessed to determine each weapon's effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Recent game updates and patches, including any buffs or nerfs to specific shotguns, have been taken into account to ensure the rankings reflect the current state of the game.
A Tier
A-tier weapons are excellent choices, falling just short of meta status. These weapons are highly competitive and can challenge meta weapons when used effectively.
MX Guardian
Tactical Stance
The MX Guardian in the A tier offers a strong balance of firepower and usability. Its key strengths include a fast fire rate and manageable recoil, making it effective in close to mid-range engagements. Statistically, it boasts a competitive TTK, though slightly below the meta options. The MX Guardian excels in scenarios where sustained fire is needed, but it can struggle against burst-damage weapons in very close quarters.
B Tier
B-tier weapons are strong and very viable in most situations. These weapons can be effective, but require more skill to use effectively against Meta weapons.
KV Broadside
- Tactical Stance
The KV Broadside is a B-tier semi-auto shotgun known for its powerful punch. It has a very fast time to kill but has a slow mobility and ADS speed. The KV Broadside excels in close-quarters combat where its high damage output can quickly eliminate opponents. However, its slow mobility and ADS speed make it less effective in more open areas or against more agile opponents.
Riveter
The Riveter is a full-auto shotgun that places it in the B tier, offering a unique playstyle. Its strengths lie in its high rate of fire, making it a formidable weapon in close quarters. The Riveter's statistical performance shows a competitive TTK, especially when multiple shots land quickly. However, its full-auto nature can lead to recoil control issues, and it may struggle at longer ranges compared to more precise shotguns.
Lockwood MK2
The Lockwood MK2 lands in the B tier as a solid, versatile option. It is a lever-action shotgun that excels in mid-range fights. While it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, it is still a strong option.
Bryson 890
- Tactical Stance
The Bryson 890 is a pump-action shotgun in the B tier. While it can be effective in close quarters, it lacks the raw power to consistently compete with meta weapons. Statistically, its TTK is lower compared to faster-firing shotguns, and its pump-action mechanism can be unforgiving if the first shot misses. The Bryson 890 is best used in tight, predictable environments where a single, well-aimed shot can be lethal.
Bryson 800
The Bryson 800 is a pump-action shotgun in the B tier. While it can be effective in close quarters, it lacks the raw power to consistently compete with meta weapons. Statistically, its TTK is lower compared to faster-firing shotguns, and its pump-action mechanism can be unforgiving if the first shot misses. The Bryson 800 is best used in tight, predictable environments where a single, well-aimed shot can be lethal.
Expedite 12
- Tactical Stance
The Expedite 12 is a semi-automatic shotgun that falls into the B tier due to its moderate damage and very short damage range. While its semi-automatic nature allows for follow-up shots, its limited range and damage potential mean it struggles against tougher opponents or in more open environments. The Expedite 12 excels in extremely close quarters where its rapid follow-up shots can compensate for its lower per-shot damage.
Marine SP
The Marine SP is a B-tier shotgun that offers a balance of power and usability. It is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, but it is still a strong option.
MAELSTROM
The MAELSTROM finds itself in the B tier as a fully automatic shotgun with good range and handling. However, it suffers from high recoil and large hip spread. The MAELSTROM's fully automatic nature allows for aggressive playstyles, but its recoil can be difficult to manage, especially at longer ranges. It is most effective in close to mid-range engagements where its high fire rate can quickly eliminate opponents, provided the user can control the recoil.
Haymaker
The Haymaker secures a spot in the B tier as a mag-fed combat shotgun effective at close range. Its key strength lies in its ability to clear rooms with a high volume of fire, thanks to its magazine-fed design. The Haymaker's statistical performance shows a competitive TTK in close quarters, but it suffers at longer ranges due to damage drop-off. It excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios where its high fire rate and ample ammunition can overwhelm opponents.
Stormender
The Stormender is a B-tier weapon that offers a balance of power and usability. It is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, but it is still a strong option.
Lockwood 680
The Lockwood 680 is a pump shotgun that earns a spot in the B tier due to its versatility. It can be modified to excel in most scenarios. While it offers consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer, its Warzone performance is slightly less dominant due to armor. The Lockwood 680 is most effective in strategic engagements where its high burst damage can be utilized to its full potential.
C Tier
C-tier weapons are good but come with notable limitations or are only effective in specific use cases. These weapons can be viable for skilled players or in niche situations, but they generally underperform compared to higher-tier options.
ASG-89
The ASG-89 is a C-tier weapon that offers a balance of power and usability. It is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, and it is not effective in most scenarios.
MX Guardian
- Tactical Stance
The MX Guardian is a C-tier weapon that offers a balance of power and usability. It is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, and it is not effective in most scenarios.
D Tier
D-tier weapons are average and usable, but are generally outclassed by other options. These weapons have significant drawbacks that make them difficult to use effectively in most situations.
Reclaimer 18
The Reclaimer 18 is a D-tier weapon that offers a balance of power and usability. It is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, and it is not effective in most scenarios.
Stormender
The Stormender is a D-tier weapon that offers a balance of power and usability. It is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons, and it is not effective in most scenarios.
Lockwood 300
The Lockwood 300 is a D-tier double barrel shotgun that can potentially kill in one shot with the trigger action attachment, firing both barrels at once. However, its biggest weakness is the need to reload after every shot. The Lockwood 300 is best suited for highly skilled players who can make each shot count and are comfortable with its limitations.
Conclusion
Currently, the shotgun meta in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded features a diverse range of viable options, with the B tier containing the most weapons. This indicates a balanced landscape where multiple shotguns can be effective depending on playstyle and situation. The distribution suggests that while a few shotguns stand out, many are closely matched in terms of overall performance. Future patches and updates could shift the meta by adjusting weapon stats or introducing new attachments.
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) (30%), recoil control (20%), mobility (20%), damage range (15%), and practical usability in live matches (15%). TTK is weighted the most heavily, as it directly impacts a weapon's lethality. Testing was conducted in both controlled environments (custom matches) and public matches to assess real-world performance. Weapons in higher tiers demonstrated superior TTK, better recoil control, and greater versatility across various combat scenarios.