In Free Fire, Close Quarters Combat (CQC) is where 90% of matches are decided. You can snipe all day, but eventually, the zone forces you together. And in CQC, the Shotgun is King. But Garena has added so many shotguns recently that players are confused. Should you use the classic M1014 with chips? Or the reliable M1887? Or the spammy Mag-7?
Choosing the wrong shotgun for your playstyle will get you killed. If you miss shots with the M1887, you die. If you try to snipe with a Mag-7, you die. This guide is the ultimate breakdown of every shotgun in the game for 2026, analyzing damage drop-off, reload speeds, and optimal playstyles.
1. M1887 (The One-Tap God)
Playstyle: Hit-and-Run / Movement God.
Damage: Extreme (100/100).
Ammo: 2 Bullets.
Pros:
- Highest Burst Damage: One shot to the body + one to the head is an instant knock, even on Level 4 armor. It has the highest “Alpha Damage” in the game.
- Armor Penetration: It naturally ignores some vest defense, making it consistent against late-game loot.
- Movement Speed: You run faster with this than with the M1014.
Cons:
- The 2-Bullet Curse: If you miss twice, you are dead. There is no forgiveness. You must be accurate. You spend more time reloading than shooting.
- Range Drop-off: Useless beyond 7 meters. At 8 meters, it hits for 5 damage.
Verdict: Only use this if you have mastered the “Jump Shot” and “Gloo Wall Cancel.” It is a high-skill weapon. If you panic aim, avoid this gun.
2. M1014-III (The Spammer’s Delight)
Playstyle: Aggressive Pushing / Room Clearing.
Damage: High.
Ammo: 6 Bullets.
Since the introduction of Upgrade Chips, the M1014 has become a monster. The base M1014 is trash, but the M1014-III (Level 3) has increased range and rate of fire.
The “Continuous Fire” Advantage
Unlike the M1887, you don’t need to stop shooting. You can hold the fire button and spray 6 bullets. This creates a “wall of lead.” Even if you miss the head, 6 body shots will kill anyone. It allows you to pre-fire corners effectively.
The Skin Factor: EVO M1014 (Green Flame/Scorpion)
If you own a maxed EVO M1014, this gun is S-Tier. The extra damage to Gloo Walls and rate of fire buff makes it unstoppable. It shreds ice walls, exposing the enemy hiding behind them.
[📸 DEMO IMAGE: Screenshot comparing M1014 stats with and without the Upgrade Chip]
3. Mag-7 (The SMG-Shotgun Hybrid)
Playstyle: Mid-Range Poke / Clash Squad.
Damage: Medium.
Ammo: 8 Bullets.
The Mag-7 shoots fast. Very fast. It feels like an MP40 that shoots shotgun shells. It is the easiest shotgun for beginners because missing a shot doesn’t matter; you have 7 more coming instantly.
The Range Advantage: You can attach a foregrip to the Mag-7. This makes it surprisingly accurate at 10-15 meters, where the M1887 fails. You can spam people down from a safe distance.
4. Charge Buster (The Skill Cannon)
Playstyle: Patience / Defensive.
Mechanic: Hold to charge damage & range. Release to fire.
The Charge Buster is controversial. A fully charged shot can one-tap anyone from ridiculous ranges. However, charging takes time. You cannot “panic fire” it. If someone jumpscares you, you will die before you can charge a shot.
When to use it: Use it when you are holding an angle (Gatekeeping). Wait for the enemy to run into your crosshair. Charge up, release, boom. Do not use it for rushing houses aggressively.
5. Trogon (The Grenade Launcher Hybrid)
Playstyle: Chaos / Squad Support.
The Trogon has two modes: Shotgun and Grenade Launcher. The shotgun mode shoots incredibly fast (burst mode) but has high recoil. The Launcher mode is great for flushing enemies out of cover.
Warning: Be careful not to blow yourself up with the launcher mode in close range. It deals self-damage.
Advanced: Shotgun Movement “The Reload Dance”
Because shotguns have small magazines, you spend 50% of the fight reloading. You must learn to move while reloading.
The Pattern: Shoot -> Sprint -> Jump (Reload in air) -> Land -> Shoot.
Never walk while reloading. Always sprint or jump. This makes you a hard target while your gun is empty. Also, switch to your melee weapon (fist/pan) during the reload animation to move faster, then switch back just as it finishes.
Conclusion: Ranked Tier List
- S-Tier: M1887 (If you have skill), M1014-III (If you have chips/skins).
- A-Tier: Mag-7 (Reliable, good for beginners).
- B-Tier: Charge Buster (Too situational).
- C-Tier: Spas-12 (Obsolete without attachments, too slow).
My advice? Master the M1014-III. It offers the perfect balance of damage, ammo capacity, and forgiveness if you miss a shot. It is the most consistent gun for ranking up in Squads where you might fight multiple enemies at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does Caroline’s skill work with the Charge Buster?
A: Yes, Caroline’s agility skill works with all shotguns, including the Charge Buster.
Q: Is the M1887 getting nerfed?
A: Garena frequently adjusts the M1887’s range. Always check the latest patch notes. Currently, it relies heavily on headshots to be effective.
