CS2 Heavy
Heavy weapons occupy a specialist niche in CS2. Shotguns deliver devastating close-range damage with generous kill rewards ($900), making them powerful anti-eco choices in tight spaces. Machine guns offer suppressive fire with massive magazines. While rarely seen in professional play, heavy weapons can be devastatingly effective when used in the right positions.
Quick Comparison
All Heavy
Shotgun4
Purchase Notes
The MAG-7 ($1,300, CT-only) is the premier competitive shotgun — its pump-action one-shot capability at close range makes it lethal for holding tight corners on CT-side. The Nova ($1,050) is the budget option with a $900 kill reward, great for boosting economy. The Negev ($1,700) is a suppression tool that becomes perfectly accurate after its initial spray, useful for denying rushes through choke points.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I buy a shotgun in CS2?
Shotguns shine on anti-eco rounds in close-quarter positions (like holding B tunnels on Dust 2 or banana on Inferno). They are also viable force-buy options when you need the $900 kill reward to rebuild economy. Never buy shotguns when expecting long-range engagements.
Is the Negev viable in competitive CS2?
The Negev is situationally powerful. At $1,700, it provides a 150-round magazine that becomes laser-accurate after the initial spray-up period. It excels at denying narrow choke points and can suppress rushes single-handedly. However, its slow movement and loud audio make rotation difficult.
What is the best shotgun in CS2?
The MAG-7 is the best competitive shotgun for CT-side due to its reliable one-shot kill potential and reasonable fire rate. The XM1014 (auto-shotgun) offers the fastest follow-up shots. The Sawed-Off has the tightest spread but is T-side only with very limited range.
Why do shotguns give $900 kill reward?
The high kill reward ($900 vs $300 for rifles) compensates for shotguns' severe range limitations. Valve designed this to incentivize aggressive close-quarter play during anti-eco rounds and to help teams recover economy through risky positioning.