Battlefield 6: Best Shotguns Ranked and Which One Comes Out on Top From the M1014 to the M87A1, here’s how every shotgun stacks up in Battlefield 6’s close-quarters chaos

When it comes to tight corners and small objectives, few weapons can match the raw power of a shotgun in Battlefield 6. While there aren’t many in the game right now, the ones that do exist all bring something unique to the table. Still, some perform better than others in terms of range, reload speed, and consistency.

Here’s the ranking of the top shotguns currently available in Battlefield 6:

1. M1014 2. M87A1 3. 18.5K-SK

💥 M1014 — The All-Around Champion

One-hit kill range: up to 8m
Two-hit kill range: up to 15m (25m with Slugs)

The M1014 takes the top spot for its perfect balance between power and speed. It’s a semi-automatic, tube-fed shotgun with a 200 RPM fire rate and up to 115 damage using Buckshot ammo. Within eight meters, this weapon can instantly drop enemies with a well-placed chest shot.

What makes the M1014 so reliable is its consistency across close-to-medium range — and its ability to quickly fire follow-up shots if you miss your first one. Pair it with the Slug Ammo and 4-Shell Tube attachments for maximum effectiveness. Slugs extend your range to 25 meters, while the 4-Shell Tube lets you cancel reload animations to get back in the fight faster.

This weapon shines when used by Assault players looking for a dependable close-range secondary. Just be cautious with Slug rounds — they move slower, so hitting moving targets can take practice.

🔹 M87A1 — The Classic Powerhouse

One-hit kill range: up to 15m
Two-hit kill range: up to 25m

If you’re a fan of pump-action reliability, the M87A1 is your go-to. It’s capable of one-hit kills up to 15 meters and stays lethal up to 25 meters with Buckshot. However, its slower fire rate means accuracy is everything — missing a shot can easily cost you the fight.

While Slug Ammo increases its effective range to about 35 meters, it’s best to stick with Buckshot or Flechette rounds for tight engagements. To maximize your performance, equip Laser sights to tighten spread or Flashlights to blind opponents and help control recoil during hipfire.

The M87A1 is perfect for defensive players holding down objectives or chokepoints where you can take advantage of its incredible burst damage.

⚙️ 18.5K-SK — Fast But Flawed

One-hit kill range: None
Two-hit kill range: up to 15m

The 18.5K-SK is a magazine-fed, semi-auto shotgun with a blazing 300 RPM fire rate. Unfortunately, it can’t deliver consistent one-hit kills, even at point-blank range, which heavily limits its potential in multiplayer matches.

While it’s the fastest of the bunch, its base time-to-kill (0.26 seconds) makes it comparable to SMGs like the SCW-10 — and those perform better at range. On the bright side, it’s easy to reload and can handle groups of enemies well if you keep your aim tight.

Right now, the 18.5K-SK is best used in RedSec Battle Royale, where its ammo efficiency and fast handling give it a slight edge. Until DICE adds ammo variants like Incendiary or Fragmentation Rounds, though, it remains the least effective of the three.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Each shotgun in Battlefield 6 brings its own playstyle to the fight, but the M1014 stands tall as the most balanced and dependable option. The M87A1 remains the heavy hitter for those who value precision and raw damage, while the 18.5K-SK caters to players who prioritize speed over stopping power.

Whichever one you choose, the key to success lies in smart positioning, map awareness, and mastering your engagement distance. Load up, clear those corners, and make every shell count.