Summary
In a game likeCounter-Strike 2where speed matters, surprising a foe up close with aShotguncould make quick work of both their entry attempts or secure the defense. While significantly weaker against long-ranged Assault Rifles and Snipers, a Shotgun in the right direction can change the course of a match inCounter-Strike 2.
However, the game’s assortment of Shotguns means players need to find the right armament to suit the particular kind of close-quarters combat they want. Thankfully, players new to the game could count onCounter-Strike 2to ensure all Shotguns are applicable for specific playstyles, motivating them to try out new Shotgun variants for every combat situation.
4Sawed-Off
Superb Damage Held Back By Difficulty Of Use
Users of theSawed-Off Shotgunmay specialize in holding positions and anti-flanks inCounter-Strike 2gameplay, especially against enemy lurkers. Ambushing opponents with a quick two-hit shot to the body could down them quickly. It boasts the highest spread among Shotguns, making it an ideal weapon to hit enemies close to each other.
However, the Sawed-Off Shotgun’s stats outside its damage easily make it one of the more impractical choices for short-to-mid-range incursions, simply because other SMGs and Shotguns outperform it in terms of adaptability and versatility. Not only that, the weapon’s slow rate of fire necessitates sure shots or risk retaliation from surviving targets, making it more suitable for ambushes and close-range fights.
General Tactics
The Sawed-Off Shotgun’s general unreliability at mid-range means its playstyle works best with players who can bait opponents into the Shotgun user’s firing range. Angling and timing become essential considerations for Sawed-Off plays, with players either waiting on mid to ambush lurkers or on-site to kill opponents who rush for the defuse. Thanks to its individual reload, the Sawed-Off could be fired during reloads, offering an alternative strategy. Either way, Sawed-Off users need to prioritize stealing the weapon of the opponent they killed, as it’s most likely better than the Shotgun.
3Nova
Poor Armor Penetration Offset By Better Range
T-Side players who want to use a Shotgun but find the Sawed-Off unreliable for their needs may opt for theNovain terms of stats, especially if the XM is still expensive. Compared to other weapons in the FPS, the Nova is best utilized during buy-rounds,when camping, or trying to catch opponents unawares.
The Nova’s additional reliability is thanks in part to its extended range which, while still only effective within close quarters, helps maintain a more efficient distance versus enemies. Moreover, its large Kill Award can help pay for itself in eco rounds, potentially stealing a more efficient weapon from an enemy in the process. Sadly, the Nova’s poor penetration makes it rather unreliable in clutch plays, especially since it still takes a few shots to kill armored foes.
The weapon’s inconsistent overall damage emphasizes strong pushes and support from better-equipped allies. However, the Nova is a strong contender for brutal close-ranged incursions in early rounds of the match where opponents have yet to buy stronger armor, especially with the Shotgun’s pellets clustering closer to the center. The capacity to shoot per reload in its manual animation can give players emergency exits in critical situations.
2Mag 7
Adaptive Play Exemplified By Better Armor Penetration
While it possesses a low rate of fire and magazine capacity, theMAG-7outshines other CT-Side Shotguns with higher body penetration, high close-range damage, and one-shot capabilities as long as all its pellets hit a body part. In addition, its decent mobile capacity can make the MAG-7 an ideal Shotgun for adaptive play, hits-and-runs, and riskier fast pushes.
The MAG-7’s higher body penetration alone makes it more versatile than the Nova, with its decent movement-based accuracy allowing players to use faster-paced strategies acrossCounter-Strike 2maps. Its lower rate of fire means the MAG-7 is still more effective when outshooting enemies who can’t react to them instead of pushing a site directly.
Given its $900 kill reward, the MAG-7 can easily move players out of eco rounds provided they dispatch enemies quickly and steal their weapons. While the MAG-7 boasts strong mobility, players can’t shoot in between reloads, which may encourage lurking and ambush plays. In turn, the MAG-7 can score better kills when catching enemies unawares, which can be done best in three ways: from above while aiming for the head, from below while aiming for the chest for a recoil headshot, and a well-timed jump-shot.
1XM1014
Rate Of Fire Prefers Precision Plays For Guaranteed Frags
While its damage output is considerably lower than other Shotguns, theXM1014boasts a high enough fire rate that it can consistently release more shots than its other cousins. Players who can properly aim at the head will likely instant-kill opponents at close range. Although available for both sides, the XM’s heavier model is suitable for CT-Side plays that rely on more precise movement and coverage compared to the more aggressive T-Side.
Despite its nature as the game’s most expensive Shotgun, the XM1014’s $900 kill reward means killing a few opponents can easily make the weapon pay for itself. Moreover, while it boasts fewer damage and pellets than its siblings, the XM1014 has 80% armor penetration that quickly guarantees kills at headshots or two body hits, which outshineseven the M4 Assault Rifle.
While the XM1014 may be the game’s most potent Shotgun, it remains weak at mid-range and can leave players vulnerable due to its relatively slow mobility. In turn, the XM1014’s most recommended playstyles involve holding sites or ambushing the flank. With the right backup, XM1014 users can jump the gun on enemies from unconventional angles while they’re busy dealing with the Shotgun user’s allies. Moreover, the capability of shooting individual shots when reloading them one at a time can give players emergency outs in dangerous encounters.
