In Counter-Strike 2 shotguns may be limited, but in the right hands, they can be the deadliest of weapons. Shotguns in CS2 can be an incredible part of any player’s arsenal, so it’s imperative to learn how to utilise them in the right way.
Here at bo3 we want to make sure you’re always best equipped to step out onto the battlefield, so we have created our CS2 shotgun guide so you know when is best to use some of the game's most brutal weapons.
How to play with shotguns in CS2
In FPS games, shotguns are close-range demons. This is no different in Counter-Strike 2. In CS2, you should never consider taking long-range fights with shotguns, nor should you hold long-range angles.
Instead, play close-range angles such as hiding in B Apartments in Mirage or in Banana on Inferno and wait to hear enemy footsteps. When the enemies get close, swing them and keep moving for maximum effect.
Become your team’s bank – shotguns are good for economy
One of the best things about shotguns in CS2 is that they have massive kill rewards compared to other guns. Getting kills in CS2 rewards you with different amounts of money depending on the weapon, and shotguns are second only to the knife.
Every shotgun costs between $1050-$2000 and every kill with a shotgun will net you $900. This means that with most shotguns, two kills will be enough for you to have got your money back for being the weapon.
This is especially good if you are an AWPer. Buying a shotgun on round two after winning pistol is very good for AWPers. Put yourself in a position to get kills and find yourself with a big green earlier than you would have otherwise.
Prices of shotguns in Counter-Strike 2
Shotguns statistics in CS2
As you can see from this table, shotguns vary greatly in Counter-Strike 2. Each has a 4x headshot multiplier, meaning headshots are effective. However, the Nova is less effective against armoured opponents making headshots more necessary. Combining the ‘damage’ and ‘bullets’ columns shows how every shotgun can be deadly if you’re closer enough that every bullet in the spread will hit an enemy.
Friend of the CT side – shotguns are great for defence
On the Counter-Terrorist team, shotguns are some of the best guns in Counter-Strike 2. Difficult to clear on close angles, shotguns are perfect for guaranteeing an easy kill. This is especially true on force buy rounds.
Some of the best places to use shotguns in CS2 are as follows: Banana on Inferno, B Apartments on Mirage, Hut on Nuke. All of these positions are optimal for close-range fights. Stand in a corner by a smoke and wait for your opponents to make the mistake of challenging you.
Both the MAG-7 and Nova can be very effective shotguns on the CT side in CS2. Both guns are good in force-buy situations because they can both deliver one-shot kills with a headshot. Just be wary of the fact that they are both pump-action and therefore take longer between bullets to the XM1014
Shotguns are less effective on the Terrorist side in Counter-Strike 2
While shotguns are very good on the Counter-Terrorist side in CS2, the same can not be said for the Terrorist side.
The terrorist side is often required to take more long-range, aggressive duels in order to take map control. While this can be done with flashbangs, smokes, and Molotov, it is hard to close the gap for shotguns to be good.
If you do use a shotgun on the T side in CS2, we recommend rushing in a narrow corridor such as Apartments on Inferno.
Do’s and don’t’s of shotguns in CS2
Do’s:
- Play close, tight angles.
- Ask teammates to flash for you so you can surprise enemies when you know they are close.
- If you have extra money, but a pistol like the Desert Eagle. The extra range with the Deagle may win you the round later on.
- Be patient.
- Play unpredictably. You can jump with shotguns like you can with the MP9 or MAC-10 as the bull-et spread is largely unaffected.
- Move while shooting, especially with the XM1014 or between shots with the other shotguns.
Don’t’s:
- Don’t take long-range fights. You won’t win.
- Don’t hold angles that aren’t very close-range.
- Don’t buy shotguns on the T side unless you have a plan.
- Don’t aim for the head if you know they don’t have armour.
The best positions to use shotguns in CS2
Shotguns in CS2 are best used in a few positions on each map. In some positions on maps, they are useless, like Long on Overpass. They are also less usable on the T side on maps where you won’t get close-range engagements.
Counter-Terrorist side:
- Mirage: B Apartments
- Inferno: Banana
- Nuke: A Hut
- Ancient: B Cave
- Anubis: B Connector
- Vertigo: Mid
- Overpass: Connector
If you are going to use a shotgun on the Terrorist side, you should do so when rushing somewhere. Here are the best spots:
Terrorist side:
- Mirage: B Apartments
- Inferno: A Apartments
- Nuke: Ramp
- Ancient: B site
- Anubis: Not very good because of long-range fights.
- Vertigo: A Short
- Overpass: Connector
What is the best shotgun in CS2?
When it comes to the best shotgun in CS2, the answer is simple: the XM1014. The XM1014 shotgun is exclusive to the CT side and it is the only fully-automatic shotgun in Counter-Strike 2.
The XM1014 is capable of killing enemies faster than any other shotgun. This is the main reason why the XM1014 is the best shotgun in CS2. It is also very deadly while still moving.
Conclusion – be unpredictable with shotguns in CS2
Thanks to our Bo3 CS2 shotgun guide you now know how to best use shotguns in Counter-Strike 2. Up close and personal is where they will always shine best, and you can become a deadly force with them on the CT side.
Just remember CS2 shotguns have their limits, but if you master their strengths, your opponents will hate to play against you.
If you're interested in our other weapon guides, check out the list below:
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