Shotguns and machine guns in CS2: when they are useful
A breakdown of shotguns (Nova, XM1014, MAG-7, Sawed-Off) and machine guns (Negev, M249) in CS2: where they shine and when to buy them.
Shotguns and machine guns are rarely bought, but in some situations they beat rifles.
🔫 Shotguns
Nova — a cheap pump shotgun, kills up close in one or two shots.
XM1014 — automatic, fast-firing, good for holding close angles.
MAG-7 (CT) — very strong up close, great for holding tight sites.
Sawed-Off (T) — huge point-blank damage, but nearly useless at medium range.
💰 Why people buy them
Shotguns give a higher kill reward — more than SMGs.
They excel in tight spaces: narrow corridors, corners, basements.
Good for anti-ecos when enemies have no armor.
🔫 Machine guns
Negev — after the first shots its spread tightens and it becomes very accurate during a long spray. Good for suppressing a choke point.
M249 — lots of ammo, but expensive and heavy.
⚠️ Weaknesses
Shotguns are almost useless at medium and long range.
With machine guns you move slowly and reload for a long time.
Buy them for a specific position, not "just in case".