What is the best shotgun in Call of Duty: Mobile meta? In our Season 5 (2023) tier list, we rank all shotguns from the best to the worst to assist you in choosing which one to use.
In a game meta heavily ruled by submachine guns, it can be challenging for other weapon types to gain any attention. However, a few manage to pierce through this SMG dominance, especially within the shotgun category.
Shotguns possess several similarities to SMGs, although they seem vastly different at first glance. Both are capable of dealing substantial damage at close quarters and offer sufficient mobility for players to effectively weave between covers and flank adversaries.
Naturally, the methods for achieving these results differ greatly. SMGs typically feature small-caliber ammunition with high firing rates, while shotguns incapacitate foes by unleashing potent pellet blasts.
In recent seasons, some shotguns in COD: Mobile have risen to prominence, capable of taking down adversaries with a single shot at close to medium ranges.
So, which shotgun stands out amongst the rest? Our shotgun tier list aims to help you make that decision, ranking shotguns from the best to the worst, factoring in the changes in weapon balance in Season 5.
COD: Mobile Season 5 (2023) - Shotgun Rankings
COD: Mobile features eight distinct shotguns, ranging from pump-action to automatic reload variants. Each season generally introduces modifications to one or more of these shotguns, making it challenging to keep track of the current meta.
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Fortunately, we have analyzed each shotgun and categorized them into tiers. S-tier represents the best, while D-tier indicates the least effective shotguns in COD: Mobile.
S-Tier
- R9-0
A darling amongst professional gamers, and incredibly user-friendly, the R9-0 features swift double-barrel firing and can eliminate opponents with remarkable efficiency. Its high mobility likely contributes to its recent prevalence. If you’ve been taken down by a shotgun lately, chances are it was the R9-0.
Unique to the R9-0 is the Smoothbore attachment option, which can improve ADS, bullet dispersion, and horizontal recoil depending on the specific Smoothbore selected.
A-Tier
- KRM-262
The primary contender against the R9-0 is the KRM-262. This pump-action shotgun has the ability to neutralize opponents with a single shot when in close quarters.
It's also amongst the best shotguns for mid-to-long ranges, with its narrow pellet spread providing some margin for error when you haven't closed in on your target.
B-Tier
- BY15
The BY15, another pump-action shotgun, distinguishes itself with its exceptional range, which is unparalleled in the shotgun category.
It also possesses a quicker fire rate than the KRM-262, but falls behind in mobility, accuracy, and control. If shotguns are your preference, and you plan to use one in the battle royale mode, this is likely your top choice.
C-Tier
- HS0405
- Echo
- JAK-12
The HS0405 can be considered a less effective version of the BY15, thus placing it in the C-tier. It has better mobility than the BY15, but suffers from a slower fire rate, lower accuracy, and reduced range.
The Echo and JAK-12 are akin, with the former being semi-automatic and the latter fully automatic. These shotguns cater to those who may struggle with aiming, as they boast faster fire rates compared to most other shotguns.
However, their lower damage output compared to other weapons in this category makes them less practical choices, particularly when an SMG could serve as a more effective alternative if landing the first shot is a challenge.
D-Tier
- HS2126
- Striker
The D-tier could be deemed the subpar tier, and for shotguns, this includes the HS2126 and Striker.
Both belonging to the automatic shotgun category, the Striker is arguably slightly superior, with better overall stats. However, neither is potent enough to be viable in the Season 5 meta, and it’s advisable to opt for any other shotgun mentioned above over these two.
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This shotgun tier list will assist you in making informed choices about which shotguns to utilize in COD: Mobile Season 5. Keep in mind that game balance can change over time, so it’s always good to stay updated with patch notes and community discussions.