Warzone Shotgun Tier List: Season 4 Reloaded - Is YOUR Favorite META?

Shotguns in Warzone are categorized into tiers ranging from Meta to E, reflecting their effectiveness in the current environment. Meta weapons represent the most dominant choices, offering statistical advantages that make them ideal for competitive play. A-tier weapons are excellent alternatives, while B-tier options are viable but require more skill. C-tier weapons are average, effective only in specific scenarios, and D-tier weapons are below average, with significant disadvantages. E-tier weapons are the weakest and not recommended for competitive play.

The current Warzone meta favors versatile weapons effective at multiple ranges. However, shotguns can still excel in close-quarters combat within buildings and tight spaces. Recent game updates, including weapon balancing and attachment overhauls, have influenced the viability of several shotguns. These changes have shifted the rankings, making some previously underused shotguns more competitive.

A Tier

A-tier weapons are excellent choices that nearly reach meta status. They are highly competitive and can rival meta weapons when used effectively. These weapons often have minor drawbacks that prevent them from being top-tier but remain strong contenders in the right hands.

Reclaimer 18

The Reclaimer 18 secures an A-tier ranking due to its impressive damage output and semi-automatic capabilities. While its TTK is competitive in close quarters, its effective range is limited compared to meta weapons. Statistically, it offers a balanced recoil pattern, making it manageable in engagements. The Reclaimer 18 excels in confined spaces and building interiors, but it struggles in open areas where longer-range weapons dominate. Its strengths make it a viable option for aggressive players who favor close-quarters combat.

MX Guardian

The MX Guardian earns its A-tier placement through its fully automatic firing mode and manageable recoil. It boasts a fast TTK in close engagements, making it a formidable choice in confined spaces. However, its damage range is limited, reducing its effectiveness in open areas. The MX Guardian excels in situations where players can capitalize on its high rate of fire, such as clearing rooms or pushing objectives. Despite its close-range prowess, it falls short against weapons with better range and versatility, keeping it just below the meta tier.

Marine SP

The Marine SP is an A-tier shotgun known for its consistent damage and reliable performance in close quarters. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents at very close range, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles. Statistically, it offers a competitive TTK, although its range is limited. The Marine SP excels in scenarios like clearing buildings and engaging in tight corridors, but it struggles in open environments where enemies can maintain distance. Its balanced handling and consistent damage make it a strong contender, just shy of meta status.

B Tier

B-tier weapons are strong and viable in most situations, but they require more skill to use effectively against meta weapons. These weapons have noticeable disadvantages that can be exploited by skilled opponents using top-tier guns. They are a solid choice but not the optimal pick for every engagement.

KV Broadside

The KV Broadside is a B-tier shotgun characterized by its high damage output and semi-automatic firing. Its key strength is a very fast time to kill, making it lethal in close quarters. However, its slow mobility and ADS speed are significant drawbacks. The KV Broadside excels in scenarios where players can pre-aim around corners and surprise opponents. It struggles in fast-paced engagements or when facing multiple enemies simultaneously due to its handling limitations.

Riveter

The Riveter, a B-tier shotgun, stands out due to its full-auto capability and .410 rounds, making it a hole-punching machine in close quarters. Its strength lies in its sustained fire, allowing users to quickly eliminate targets within a short range. However, its recoil can be difficult to manage, and its effective range is limited compared to other shotguns. The Riveter excels in scenarios where a high volume of fire is needed, such as clearing rooms or engaging multiple enemies at close range. Its main weakness is its recoil control, which can make it less effective at even slightly longer distances.

Lockwood MK2

The Lockwood MK2 is a B-tier weapon due to its high damage output. It is a single action shotgun. It is ineffective against armored enemies because of its single shot.

Bryson 890

The Bryson 890 is a B-tier pump-action shotgun that offers decent damage but falls short against meta weapons. Its key strengths include reliable damage output and manageable recoil. However, its pump-action mechanism results in a slower rate of fire, making it less forgiving in fast-paced engagements. The Bryson 890 excels in situations where precise shots can be lined up, but it struggles against opponents with faster-firing weapons or superior mobility.

Bryson 800

The Bryson 800 is a B-tier pump-action shotgun that offers decent damage but falls short against meta weapons. Its key strengths include reliable damage output and manageable recoil. However, its pump-action mechanism results in a slower rate of fire, making it less forgiving in fast-paced engagements. The Bryson 800 excels in situations where precise shots can be lined up, but it struggles against opponents with faster-firing weapons or superior mobility.

Expedite 12

The Expedite 12 is a B-tier semi-automatic shotgun with moderate damage but a very short damage range. Its strengths include a decent fire rate and manageable recoil. However, its limited range significantly hinders its overall effectiveness. The Expedite 12 excels in extremely close quarters, such as tight corridors and small rooms. It struggles in more open environments where enemies can maintain distance, making it a situational pick.

MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM is a B-tier fully automatic shotgun known for its good range and handling. However, it suffers from high recoil and a large hip spread. Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver sustained fire at a moderate range, making it effective in certain situations. The MAELSTROM excels in scenarios where players need to suppress enemies or clear rooms quickly. Its weaknesses become apparent in longer-range engagements or when precision is required, making it a situational weapon.

Haymaker

The Haymaker is a B-tier mag-fed combat shotgun highly effective at close range, capable of clearing rooms with rounds to spare. Its strengths include a high fire rate and substantial magazine capacity, allowing for sustained engagements. However, it suffers from moderate recoil and limited range. The Haymaker excels in close-quarters combat, particularly in indoor environments where its rapid fire can quickly eliminate opponents. It struggles in open areas or against enemies using longer-range weapons, making it a situational choice.

Stormender

The Stormender is a B-tier weapon because it does not fit the mold of a typical shotgun. It is a charge weapon that can be used to take down killstreaks and equipment. It can be used to take down riot shields.

Lockwood 680

The Lockwood 680 is a B-tier 12-gauge pump shotgun known for its effectiveness and versatility, capable of being modified to excel in most scenarios. It is known for its consistent one-shot kills in multiplayer. Its strengths include high damage output and customization options. However, its pump-action mechanism and slower fire rate can be limiting. The Lockwood 680 excels in tactical engagements where precise shots can be lined up, but it struggles in fast-paced, high-intensity situations where faster-firing weapons have an advantage.

C Tier

C-tier weapons are good but come with limitations or specific use cases. They can be effective in the right hands or under certain conditions but generally struggle against higher-tier options. These weapons often require a specific playstyle or loadout to maximize their potential.

ASG-89

The ASG-89 is a C-tier weapon that does not provide the same impact as other weapons. It is outclassed by many other weapons.

MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is a C-tier weapon because it is outclassed by other weapons. The MX Guardian does not provide the same impact as other weapons.

D Tier

D-tier weapons are average but are generally outclassed by other options. These weapons can be used, but they often lack the stats or versatility to compete effectively against higher-tier choices. They are typically considered underpowered or have significant drawbacks.

Stormender

The Stormender is a D-tier weapon because it does not fit the mold of a typical shotgun. It is a charge weapon that can be used to take down killstreaks and equipment. It can be used to take down riot shields but there are better options.

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. Its primary strength is its high burst damage potential at extremely close ranges. However, it requires reloading after every shot, severely limiting its sustained fire capability. The Lockwood 300 excels in very specific, close-quarters scenarios where a single, devastating shot is sufficient, but it struggles in almost all other situations due to its slow reload and limited capacity.

Conclusion

In Season 4 Reloaded, the shotgun meta in Warzone is characterized by a diverse range of options, though most fall outside the top tiers. The B tier contains the highest number of shotguns, indicating a wealth of viable choices that require specific playstyles. The meta is dominated by a few standout options in the A tier, with very few shotguns reaching meta status due to inherent range limitations. Based on recent weapon balancing, there may be a slight shift towards more versatile shotguns, but the core strengths and weaknesses of each weapon type remain consistent.

Methodology

The methodology for this tier list involved a comprehensive evaluation of each shotgun's performance in Warzone. Key criteria included TTK (Time to Kill), damage range, recoil control, mobility, and ADS (Aim Down Sight) speed. TTK was weighted most heavily (30%), as it directly impacts weapon lethality. Damage range and recoil control were also significant (25% each), affecting performance at various distances. Mobility and ADS speed were considered important but less critical (10% each). Testing was conducted in both private matches and public lobbies to assess real-world performance. Weapons excelling in TTK, range, and recoil control were prioritized for higher tiers.