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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
Don’t’s:
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:
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:
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.
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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