Shotguns in Battlefield 6 may not dominate every situation, but when it comes to clearing rooms or defending choke points, they remain unmatched for sheer stopping power. With Season 1 in full swing, the meta has stabilized around a few standout options that define close-quarters engagements. Whether you prefer semi-automatic consistency or high-risk, high-reward one-shot potential, this ranking breaks down every shotgun currently available in Battlefield 6.
| Rank | Shotgun | Strengths | Best Use Case | Fire Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M1014 | Fast semi-auto, reliable, versatile | Close-to-mid range | Semi-Auto |
| 2 | M87A1 | Strongest one-shot kill, high precision | Tight corridors, tactical play | Pump-Action |
| 3 | 18.5KS-K | Fastest fire rate, easy reloads | Aggressive rushes, Battle Royale | Semi-Auto |
1. M1014 — The All-Rounder Champion
The M1014 takes the top spot for one simple reason: consistency. It’s a semi-automatic, tube-fed shotgun that excels across both small and medium-sized maps. With a fire rate of 200 RPM and one-hit-kill (1HK) potential up to 8 meters, the M1014 rewards aggressive yet calculated players.
- Damage Profile: 115 max damage with Buckshot, 2-hit kills up to 15m (25m with Slugs)
- Best Attachments:
- Ammunition: Slug Rounds (extends range)
- Underbarrel: Adjustable Angled
- Magazine: 4-Shell Tube (animation cancel trick)
- Muzzle: CQB Suppressor
- Scope: ST Prism 5.00x
The M1014’s defining trait is its forgiving nature. If you miss your first shot, you can immediately follow up without losing tempo — something the pump-action alternatives can’t match. The optional 4-Shell Tube attachment even allows for animation canceling during reloads, letting you re-engage faster than expected.
Its versatility makes it ideal for Assault class players, serving as a reliable backup to AR or carbine setups. Just remember, Slug rounds travel slowly, so leading shots against moving targets is essential.
2. M87A1 — The Powerhouse of Precision
The M87A1 is the starting shotgun in Battlefield 6, but don’t underestimate it. As a pump-action weapon, it delivers the highest one-hit-kill range in the game — up to 15 meters — and retains lethality even at 25 meters with Buckshot.
- Damage Profile: 1HK up to 15m, 2HK up to 25m
- Best Attachments:
- Ammunition: Flechette Rounds (multi-target fights)
- Underbarrel: Adjustable Angled
- Barrel: 20″ Factory
- Muzzle: CQB Suppressor
- Laser: 50 MW Green
This shotgun rewards precise aim and timing. Miss your first shot, and the slow pump action can be punishing. However, when mastered, the M87A1 can outclass any other close-range weapon due to its raw stopping power and pellet spread control.
Players can choose between laser attachments for tighter hipfire or ADS-focused builds for stealthier play. Flashlights are also a smart pick — not only do they blind enemies, but they boost recoil recovery when hip-firing.
While its slow rate of fire keeps it from being top-ranked, the M87A1’s reliability and range make it an excellent pick for players who prefer deliberate, high-damage plays.
3. 18.5KS-K: The Speed Demon with Limits
The 18.5KS-K is the fastest-firing shotgun in Battlefield 6, featuring a 300 RPM rate of fire and a magazine-fed system that allows quick reloads. Unfortunately, speed alone isn’t enough to secure higher placement on this list — the KS-K’s biggest flaw is that it cannot one-shot enemies at any range unless you land a slug headshot within 10 meters.
- Damage Profile: 2-hit kill at 15m, no default 1HK range
- Best Attachments:
- Ammunition: Slug Rounds
- Underbarrel: Slim Angled
- Barrel: 430mm Cut
- Muzzle: CQB Suppressor
- Scope: SU-230 LPVO
While its magazine reload system and fast follow-up shots make it easy to handle, the lack of one-shot potential gives it a poor time-to-kill (TTK) compared to the M1014 or M87A1. At that point, an SMG like the SCW-10 offers similar TTK but greater range and utility.
That said, the KS-K performs slightly better in RedSec Battle Royale mode, where its ammo efficiency and high DPS can help sustain longer firefights. Unless future updates introduce Incendiary or Fragmentation rounds, it remains the weakest of the three.
Which Shotgun Should You Use?
| Rank | Shotgun | Best Use Case | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M1014 | Close-to-mid engagements | Semi-auto reliability, animation cancel reload, solid range | Slower Slugs, small mag |
| 2 | M87A1 | Defensive or tactical play | Highest 1HK range, strong precision | Slow pump cycle, punishes missed shots |
| 3 | 18.5KS-K | Aggressive rushes, BR mode | Fast fire rate, easy reload | No 1HK potential, low efficiency |
If you want a balanced weapon that handles both tight corridors and mid-range skirmishes, go for the M1014. If your style leans toward precision and punishing power, stick with the M87A1. For experimental players who like fast bursts, the 18.5KS-K can still shine situationally — just don’t expect one-shot miracles. Play Now!
Read More:
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- How to Play Battlefield 6 REDSEC Battle Royale for Free
- How to Fix Battlefield 6 Connection Lost Error on Steam
- Battlefield 6 Server Queue Explained: Why You See “Game Servers Full”
- Battlefield 6 XP Bot Farming Nerf Explained: Why DICE Removed Portal XP Rewards
