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Best Warzone shotgun

These are the best Warzone shotguns for close-quarters action

Warzone player aiming down sights of a shotgun equipped with a red camouflage
Credit: Activision

Mastering the best Warzone shotgun gives players the option to excel in close-quarters combat.

With Season 5 now underway and the meta constantly evolving, the recentarrival of the Reclaimer 18 has struggled to inject a breath of fresh air into a category that often flies under the radar of players who opt for an SMG for their close-range firepower.

Here, find the very best Warzone shotgun to use alongside a full tier list ranking the category from best to worst.

Warzone shotgun tier list

Shotguns in Warzone possess different characteristics. Some feature fully automatic firing mechanisms while others have a pump action which may change the minds of fans looking for high damage output.

Out of the shotguns available, the Reclaimer 18 and the Riveter are the strongest to use.

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Best Warzone shotgun loadouts

Based on the current meta, there are two loadouts that utilize the incredible close-range performance of the shotgun in addition to providing excellent versatility.

Reclaimer 18/Holger 556

  • Primary: Reclaimer 18
    • Muzzle: Bryson Choke
    • Barrel: Ironbrand Long Barrel
    • Stock: Hinge LAF Light Stock
    • Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
    • Rear Grip: Center Mass Grip Tape
  • Secondary: Holger 556
    • Muzzle: VT-7 Spiritfire Suppressor
    • Barrel: Chrios-6 Match
    • Optic: JAK Glassless
    • Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
    • Magazine: 40 Round Mag

Riveter/Kar98k

  • Primary: Riveter
    • Muzzle: Crown Breaker Choke
    • Barrel: SA Draven-20 Long Barrel
    • Underbarrel: Bruen Bastion Angled Grip
    • Ammunition: .410 Gauge Incendiary
    • Magazine: 30 Round Mag

The two loadouts above are some of the most versatile in all of Warzone. Whether players choose to pick the Reclaimer 18 or the Riveter, players can expect excellent close-quarters firepower along with the ability to take down targets from longer distances.

The shotguns may not feature towards the top of the meta, but they can still hold their own with the right secondary alongside it.

That's all there is to know about the best Warzone shotguns. For more, check out the early Season 5 intel along with the best audio settings to hear enemy footsteps with ease.