Best Warzone shotgun (March 2024)

Warzone 2 player reloading shotgun
Credit: Screengrab via Activision

Warzone 2 player reloading shotgun
Credit: Screengrab via Activision
March 20, 2024: Season 6 is in full swing and we've adjusted our Warzone shotgun tier list to reflect the current meta.

The best Warzone shotgun remains a hot topic of conversation among Warzone players looking to gain an advantage during Season 6. Known for excelling in close-range combat, this category is perfect if you want to deal with opponents in close proximity.

Shotguns are a primary weapon category and just like the previous version of Warzone, they pack a deadly punch when up close and personal with the opposition. With the current selection possessing a range of characteristics, it's important to choose the best one if you're looking to compete with the meta.

Before we share more intel on the best Warzone shotgun, check out our guides containing information on ranked play rewards and the best AR to use alongside the shotgun of your choice.

What is the best Warzone shotgun?

At the time of writing, it's tricky to determine the strongest Warzone shotgun as there are all very closely matched. After some extensive testing, the MX Guardian is the best shotgun to use despite recent nerfs.

There's a high chance Infinity Ward applies a dose of weapon balancing that could change the pecking order in the not-too-distant future. If there are better options, we'll update the guide with all there is to know about the Warzone shotguns.

Warzone shotgun tier list

Warzone shotgun tier list

S

Pulemyot 762
HRM-9
Bruen Mk9
RAM-7
AMR9
Holger 556
RAM-9
XRK Stalker
KATT-AMR
SOA Subverter
Striker 9

A

BP50
MTZ-762
Holger 26
SVA 545
STB 556
WSP Swarm
TAQ Eradicator
MCW
Haymaker
Renetti
COR-45
WSP-9
Striker
DG-58 LSW
BAS-B
Riveter
TR-76 Geist
TAQ Evolvere
MTZ-556
FJX Imperium
Tempus Razorback
Lockwood 680
MCPR-300
Fennec 45
Kastov 545

B

M13B
Vaznev-9k
FSS Hurricane
TAQ-V
VEL 46
FR Avancer
ISO 45
TYR
MX9
FTAC Siege
Victus XMR
DG-56
MCW 6.8
PDSW 528
HCR 56
RIVAL-9
Kastov 762
X13 Auto
LM-S
FR 5.56
556 Icarus
Sidewinder
DM56
TAQ-56
RAAL MG
Longbow
Chimera
RPK
ISO Hemlock
Lachmann Sub
BAS-P
M13C
Signal 50
WSP Stinger
SO-14
MX Guardian
KV Broadside
9mm Daemon
Bryson 890
Bryson 800
Expedite 12
ISO 9mm
Tempus Torrent
KVD Enforcer
Carrack .300
TAQ-M
Rapp H

C

SP-X 80
FTAC Recon
Sakin MG38
MTZ Interceptor
KV Inhibitor
Cronen Squall
P890
EBR-14
LA-B 330
Minibak
Lachmann Shroud
Lachmann-762
M16
X12
Lockwood MK2

D

.50gs
Lockwood 300
GS Magna
SA-B 50
SP-R 208
Basilisk

With the KV Broadside, Bryson 890, and MX Guardian leading the shotgun category, there's very little separating the two remaining weapons. Closely following the S tier are the Expedite 12 and Bryson 800.

Both pack a deadly punch but lack the versatility needed to make a consistent impact in close-quarters combat. As the seasons progress, we'll update the list to reflect their performance.

Warzone 2 players standing near plane ramp
expand image
Credit: Activision

How many shotguns are in Warzone?

Warzone currently contains a total of six shotguns to use as part of a loadout in Season 6. It's much less than the previous iteration of the battle royale but we expect plenty of new arrivals to appear as part of seasonal content updates.

Although there are only five to use, each comes with a unique set of characteristics ranging from a powerful double-barrel action to a steady stream of semi-automatic firepower.

Warzone Season 6 Reloaded release time

Season 6 of Warzone commences on October 17, 2023, which means there's a chance a shotgun could slot its way into the meta depending on which buffs and nerfs are applied to the rest of the arsenal.

That's all there is to know about the best Warzone shotgun. For more, take a look at our early thoughts on the best Warzone SMG and the latest intel on the best Signal 50 loadout.