This category is without a doubt part of the list of Vanguard’s best weapons. It packs more than just a punch and is deadly in close quarters, guaranteeing single or double shot kills in many scenarios. This page will cover how to unlock the Combat Shotgun in the fastest way possible, and the best Combat Shotgun loadout and Combat Shotgun class recommendations to enhance its capabilities even further. On this page: In order to unlock the Combat Shotgun, you have to reach Player Level 14, which can be done easily without too much of an effort. For this, we recommend any multiplayer mode, really - from Team Deathmatch playlists to Zombies, it’s up to you. As always, if you happen to have XP boosters make sure to use them to make the most out of each match.
Muzzle: M97 Full Choke (Unlocks at level 3) Barrel: Sawed-off (Unlocks at level 50) Optic: Slate Reflector (Unlocks at level 8) Stock: CGC 2M Wire (Unlocks at level 32) Underbarrel: SMLE Pistol Grip (Unlocks at level 49) Magazine: 16 Gauge 10 Round Drums (Unlocks at level 53) Ammo Type: Buck and Slug (Unlocks at level 58) Rear Grip: Fabric Grip (Unlocks at level 27) Proficiency: Sleight of Hand (Unlocks at level 32) Kit: Quick (Unlocks at level 29)
Let’s start with the muzzle. We went for the M97 Full Choke, which adds +1 to tighter pellet spread. As for the barrel, we opted for the Sawed-off option, which adds wider pellet spread, movement speed and damage. For the cons, aim down sight, only recoil control and accuracy is affected. The optic is up for preference - we’ve found the Slate Reflector to be a well rounded option for this, but again, up to you. In the stock slot, we went for the CGC 2M Wire. You’ll receive +2 sprint to fire speed and +1 movement speed, with the low cost of -1 to initial accuracy and recoil as a con. The SMLE Pistol Grip is a great option for the underbarrel slot. It comes with +2 sprint to fire speed as well as +1 hip fire accuracy, even though recoil control and accuracy are affected by -1 each in exchange. For the magazine, we recommend equipping the 16 Gauge 10 Round Drums. This will grant you a total of 10 rounds. It comes with the cost of -2 aim down sight speed, -2 reload quickness and -1 movement speed recoil control and accuracy, but it’s worth the inclusion. Then, Buck and Slug makes for a great ammo type as it adds +1 shotgun slug, although there is a reduction of aim down sight speed and -4 pellets. As for the rear grip, we’ll be gaining +1 to ADS speed, sprint to fire speed and hip fire recoil recovery thanks to the Fabric Grip. It comes with the cost of -1 to accuracy, but we’ll take it. When it comes down to proficiency for this build, Sleight of Hand will help you with +1 to reload quickness. Last but not least, we went for Quick in the kit category, making you sprint faster with the Combat Shotgun. If you’re interested in multiplayer, we have lists of the Operators and multiplayer maps, as well as the best Vanguard weapons, including the best STG44 loadout, best MP40 loadout and best Automaton loadout, best BAR loadout, best Combat Shotgun loadout, best Type 100 loadout, and best Kar98k loadouts. In other modes, we can explain the best zombies builds and best covenants.
Perk 1: E.O.D. (Unlocks at level 1) Perk 2: Overkill (Unlocks at level 38) Perk 3: Amped (Unlocks at level 1) Secondary: STG44 (Unlocks by reaching Player Level 1) Tactical: Heartbeat Sensor (Unlocks at level 1) Lethal: Claymore (Unlocks at level 1)
For the STG44, we recommend opting for E.O.D., as it will help to mitigate damage from non-killstreak explosives and fire. We recommend opting for Overkill as the second perk. On this occasion we went for the STG44 as our secondary choice. For anyone who suddenly shows up far from you, switching to this to better focus on long range, as well as a faster fire rate is a must. But again, it’s opt to you. For the third perk, we went for Amped over the others to ensure that you’re switching between the two weapons as swiftly as possible. Lastly, the Heartbeat Sensor is a perfect companion to prepare yourself ahead of time or track anyone who dared to escape from your line of sight. In case anyone manages to sneak past your vicinity, however, having a Claymore placed near you should provide for a helping hand when needed.
