Call of Duty: Modern Warfare players likely know what’s it’s like to be on the wrong end of the 725 shotgun. It has long been considered the best shotgun in the game due to its high DPS and insane range. It can be used as an overpowered camping weapon, or a devastating offensive weapon. But in a recent video, Drift0r has made a compelling argument that the actual best shotgun in the game is the humble R9-0.
Drift0r is a Call of Duty statistician who is most known for his Call of Duty In Depth series. In his videos, he dives deeply into a element of Call of Duty, explaining the underlying math of the game. In his most recent one he explains how the R9-0, an oft overlooked weapon, may actually be the best weapon in the game.
He explains that the key difference between the two weapons is the two-pump firing mechanism. The R9-0 has a two-shot-then-pump mechanism, meaning it needs to be pumped between every two shots, whereas the 725 needs to be reloaded every two shots. So even though the R9-0 does less damage per shot, it’s ability to lay down fire power quickly makes it able to “clear out an entire room,” something that’s very hard to do with the slower 725. If he’s right, this will surely effect the meta as Call of Duty grows as an Esport.
Considering that Call of Duty has been played an absurd amount, many players think they know how to wield a shotgun. However, using the R9-0 requires a shift in strategy. Instead of aiming down the barrel, the R9-0 is much better when fired from the hip. In order to maximize efficiency, players are going to have to “run around really fast, you’re gonna want to spam people.” A much faster, more aggressive style of play will allow players to fully take advantage of the speed and damage created by the unique two-shot-then-pump mechanism.
Drift0r is convinced that once players adjust their play styles to the demands of the gun, it will prove to be much more effective than the 725 shotgun. Players will need to put the effort in, but it should pay off in droves. Now that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has more loadout slots, it’s certainly worth playing around with.
However, it will take a lot to prove to players that the 725 isn’t the best shotgun in the game. It’s one of the the most popular shotguns, and the results that it’s been putting out are hard to argue with. Some players still think Infinity Ward needs to nerf the 725 shotgun more. But if these players give the R9-0 a chance, they may be surprised with the results.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is out now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
