Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 are shaping up to be the biggest releases of 2022. MW2 was the most popular release in its initial release month in terms of downloads on the Playstation 5, and it’s clear to see why. While still a very fast-paced shooter, the way weapons handle and how attachments now work, there’s been a significant shift in gameplay.
Shotguns are a devastating force to be reckoned with when encountered up close. We’ve tested each one in Modern Warfare 2 to provide a general guide of their performance in-game. There’s been a significant shift in the way weapons and attachments behave from past releases. Players will need to learn which ones are worth unlocking and leveling up.
Shotgun Ranking Criteria In Warzone 2 And MW2
Ranking criteria for Shotguns are largely based on TTK or Time-To-Kill. If every pellet hits the target, all Shotguns will surely deal massive damage to players at close range. Things start to get interesting at mid-range as each shotgun has a slightly different Damage Range falloff. At a distance, factors such as pellet spread, firing rate, and reload speed impact how you might play with each shotgun.
One thing that is the same between all Shotguns (except the Lockwood 300, KV Broadside, and MX Guardian) is that even though they have extensive recoil, they return to center after each shot. This makes recoil control a visual concern rather than having to compensate for stability.
MW2 And Warzone 2 Shotgun Tier List
Tier |
Shotgun |
---|---|
S |
KV Broadside, MX Guardian |
A |
Bryson 890, Bryson 800 |
B |
Lockwood 300 |
C |
Expedite 12 |
Best Shotguns In Warzone 2 and MW2
KV Broadside
Fire Rate |
Pellet Spread |
Ammo |
ADS Time |
Reload Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
214 RPM |
3° / 6.3° |
8 |
330 ms |
2s / 2.83s |
The KV Broadside remains the king among the Shotgun category for Warzone 2. Though the stats of this Shotgun are quite similar to the Expedite 12, the KV Broadside features an array of unique attachments that make it even better. While the damage-per-shot and range of the Bryson 800, 890, and Lockwood 300 outclass the Broadside, its semi-automatic capabilities allow it to deal a lot more damage much quicker – which is key for close-range gunfights.
MX Guardian
Fire Rate |
Pellet Spread |
Ammo |
ADS Time |
Reload Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
429 RPM |
3.1° / 6.9° |
15 |
350 ms |
1.87s / 3.03s |
There’s no denying that the MX Guardian is one of the most overpowered weapons within the 5 to 8-meter mark. This Shotgun possesses the fastest fire rate and is the only full-auto weapon of its type. Though the MX Guardian is a close contender for the title of the best Shotgun in the game, its ridiculously high amount of weapon kick and recoil keep it from outclassing the KV Broadside in most situations. Furthermore, the KV Broadside has the edge when it comes to customization options, handling, and mobility. However, odds are that if you are in a gunfight against the MX Guardian within 5 to 8 meters, the MX Guardian will completely shred you.
Great Shotguns For Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2
Bryson 890
Fire Rate |
Pellet Spread |
Ammo |
ADS Time |
Reload Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
71 RPM |
3° / 5.5° |
8 |
320 ms |
2.25s / 3.02s |
The Bryson 890 is a pump-action Shotgun that performs effectively the same as the Bryson 800, except that it reloads all the shells in a magazine instead of each one individually. This is a welcome improvement to the clunky and lengthy total reload time of its sibling. It does, however, come at the cost of a slightly slower fire rate and effective damage range. Despite these flaws, however, the Bryson 890 packs a hell of a punch at close range. The only thing stopping it from contending with the MX Guardian and the KV Broadside is its slow fire rate – a trait that is shared with the rest of the Shotguns on this list.
Bryson 800
Fire Rate |
Pellet Spread |
Ammo |
ADS Time |
Reload Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
75 RPM |
3° / 5.8° |
8 |
365 ms |
0.6s / 0.6s |
The Bryson 800 is a pump-action Shotgun, and has stats almost identical to that of the Bryson 890. Both Shotguns boast high levels of damage and range, better than that of both the KV Broadside and the MX Guardian. Both the Bryson 800 and 890 have their benefits and drawbacks, so neither is necessarily better than the other. However, the ADS time of the Bryson 890 is slightly faster and possesses a higher hip pellet spread. But, If you are looking for accuracy, the Lockwood 300 is significantly better when aiming down sights – and the damage range of the Bryson 800 drops off far sooner too.
Good Shotguns For Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2
Lockwood 300
Fire Rate |
Pellet Spread |
Ammo |
ADS Time |
Reload Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
171 RPM |
2.7° / 6.1° |
2 |
391 ms |
1.47s / 2.03s |
If accuracy and range are important to you when choosing a shotgun, then the Lockwood 300 is right. It has the tightest aimed pellet spread, the best range among all the Shotguns in the game. You’ll be able to take down targets quickly, even approaching the mid-range. There are downsides, however. While most other shotguns recenter after firing, the Lockwood 300 has a rather extreme recoil. The other factor is that you’ll only be able to fire 2 shots before needing to reload. If you can’t connect with your shots, then you’ll have to find a way to compensate for that reload.
Worst Shotgun In Warzone 2 and MW2
Expedite 12
Fire Rate |
Pellet Spread |
Ammo |
ADS Time |
Reload Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
127 RPM |
3° / 6° |
7 |
290 ms |
0.93s / 0.93s |
The Expedite 12 is a semi-automatic shotgun that handles remarkably well and can clear a lot of targets in a small room quickly. It has the fastest ADS speed, but the total reload time is quite long. While it does reload each shell slightly slower than the Bryson 800, the faster firing rate makes up for missing a shot or two in close-range fights. However, the weapon kick of the Expedite 12 leaves much to be desired – and it fails to perform to the same level as both the MX Guardian and the KV Broadside.