The Complete Guide to CS:GO Heavy Weapons (Shotguns and Machine Guns) with Stats

9/8/2023

Heavy Weapons in CS:GO: A Quick Overview

In the context of the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), the term "heavy" usually refers to a category of weapons that includes shotguns and machine guns. These weapons are typically more powerful and have a higher ammo capacity compared to other types of firearms like rifles and submachine guns. However, they also often come with drawbacks such as slower movement speed when equipped, slower rate of fire (in the case of some shotguns), and inaccuracy at long distances.

Heavy weapons serve as specialized tools for specific tactical scenarios, generally falling into two categories: shotguns and machine guns. Shotguns are often employed in close-quarters combat, where their devastating stopping power can be a game-changer. They are also favored during eco rounds, where a team might not have enough funds for more versatile weapons like rifles. The high kill reward offered by shotguns can help teams recoup their financial situation, making them a risky but potentially rewarding choice.

Machine guns, on the other hand, are rarely seen in competitive play but have their own niche uses. They excel at laying down suppressive fire, and their large magazine size allows players to hold down areas for extended periods. While these weapons are usually too expensive to justify their limited utility, they can still be incredibly effective in the right hands and the right situations. The tactical flexibility offered by heavy weapons enriches CS:GO’s gameplay, offering players a broader set of strategies to employ as they navigate the game’s complex economic and tactical landscape.

Shotguns

Nova: This is the cheapest shotgun, and it offers reasonable damage at close ranges. The Nova is often used in eco rounds (rounds where players have little money to spend) or for holding tight angles.
XM1014 (Auto Shotgun): Unlike other shotguns, the XM1014 is semi-automatic, allowing for a faster rate of fire. It's more expensive than other shotguns but can be deadly in close-quarters combat.
Sawed-Off: This shotgun is exclusive to the Terrorist side and offers massive damage at extremely close range. However, it has a very limited effective range, making it a highly situational weapon.
MAG-7: The MAG-7 is exclusive to the Counter-Terrorist side and is somewhat similar to the Sawed-Off in terms of application. It's commonly used for holding tight angles or close-quarters areas.

Shotgun Tactics

Close-quarters: Shotguns excel in close-quarters scenarios, making them good for defending or attacking tight spaces like hallways or corners.
Eco rounds: Due to their relatively low cost and high kill reward, shotguns are often used in rounds where the team has less money.
Jump shots: Some shotguns like the MAG-7 are known for their effectiveness in jump shots, a tactic that can catch enemies off guard.

Machine Guns

M249: This is a heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire and a large magazine size. It is one of the least commonly used weapons in the game, mainly because of its high cost and the fact that rifles are generally more versatile.
Negev: The Negev is slightly cheaper than the M249 and initially fires with a high recoil that gradually stabilizes, allowing for reasonably accurate sustained fire. It's often used humorously or in less serious matches but has seen limited strategic application in specific scenarios.

Machine Gun Tactics

Suppressive fire: Machine guns can be used for laying down suppressive fire, either to hold a position or to allow teammates to move.
Zoning: Due to their large magazine size, machine guns can be used to "zone" areas, essentially denying the enemy entry through sustained fire.
High Ammo: With their large magazine size, reloading is a less frequent concern, making them useful for extended engagements.

General Notes & Tactics

Cost: Heavy weapons can be expensive, especially machine guns like the M249. This makes them a riskier choice in competitive games where economy management is critical.
Mobility: Heavy weapons slow down your movement, which can be a significant drawback when quick positioning is required.
Kill Reward: Shotguns offer a higher kill reward, which can be an advantage in eco rounds or when trying to disrupt the opponent's economy.
Suppressive Fire: Machine guns can be used for laying down a lot of fire very quickly, which can be useful for holding down an area or allowing teammates to advance.
Close Quarters: Shotguns are most effective in close-range combat scenarios where their high damage can be fully utilized.
Ammo Capacity: Machine guns have extremely high ammo capacities, allowing for sustained fire. However, this comes at the cost of accuracy and mobility.

The Complete Guide to CS:GO Heavy Weapons (Shotguns and Machine Guns)

<table class="MsoTableGrid" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><tbody><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Heavy <o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Magazine Capacity<o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="top" style="width:110.85pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Firing Mode <o:p></o:p></td></tr><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><a href="https://clash.gg/csgo-heavy-weapons/nova">Nova</a><o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">8 rounds <o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="top" style="width:110.85pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Pump-action<o:p></o:p></td></tr><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><a href="https://clash.gg/csgo-heavy-weapons/xm1014">XM1014</a><o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">7 rounds <o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="top" style="width:110.85pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Semi-automatic<o:p></o:p></td></tr><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><a href="https://clash.gg/csgo-heavy-weapons/sawed-off">Sawed-Off</a><o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">7 rounds <o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="top" style="width:110.85pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Pump-action<o:p></o:p></td></tr><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><a href="https://clash.gg/csgo-heavy-weapons/mag-7">MAG-7</a><o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">5 rounds<o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="top" style="width:110.85pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Pump-action<o:p></o:p></td></tr><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><a href="https://clash.gg/csgo-heavy-weapons/m249">M249</a><o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">100 rounds <o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="bottom" style="width:110.85pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Automatic<o:p></o:p></td></tr><tr><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:98.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><a href="https://clash.gg/csgo-heavy-weapons/negev">Negev</a><o:p></o:p></td><td width="152" valign="top" style="width:114.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">150 rounds <o:p></o:p></td><td width="148" valign="bottom" style="width:110.85pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">Automatic<o:p></o:p></td></tr></tbody></table>

CS:GO Shotguns

Nova

Price: $1,050
Kill Reward: $900
Magazine Size: 8 rounds
Ammo Reserve: 32 rounds
Firing Mode: Pump-action

XM1014 (Auto Shotgun)

Price: $2,000
Kill Reward: $900
Magazine Size: 7 rounds
Ammo Reserve: 32 rounds
Firing Mode: Semi-automatic

Sawed-Off

Price: $1,100
Kill Reward: $900
Magazine Size: 7 rounds
Ammo Reserve: 32 rounds
Firing Mode: Pump-action
Side: Terrorists only

MAG-7

Price: $1,300
Kill Reward: $900
Magazine Size: 5 rounds
Ammo Reserve: 32 rounds
Firing Mode: Pump-action
Side: Counter-Terrorists only

CS:GO Machine Guns

M249

Price: $5,200
Kill Reward: $300
Magazine Size: 100 rounds
Ammo Reserve: 200 rounds
Firing Mode: Automatic

Negev

Price: $1,700
Kill Reward: $300
Magazine Size: 150 rounds
Ammo Reserve: 200 rounds
Firing Mode: Automatic

Heavy Weapon Strategy

Heavy weapons in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) have unique attributes that make them suitable for specialized strategies. Here are some tactical approaches to consider:

Shotguns

Close-Quarters Ambush: Shotguns are highly effective at close range. Position yourself in tight spaces or around corners where you can surprise enemies and maximize damage output.
Eco-Round Pressure: Because shotguns are relatively cheap and have a high kill reward, they are an excellent choice for eco rounds. Getting a kill can significantly boost your economy.
Jump-Shooting: Some shotguns, like the MAG-7, are effective for jump shots, allowing you to take opponents by surprise as you leap around corners or obstacles.
Retake Strategies: While risky, using shotguns during site retakes can work if you can get close enough to the enemy without being detected.
Holding Tight Angles: Place yourself in spots where you can take a quick shot and then fall back to cover, effectively using the shotgun's strengths while minimizing exposure.

Machine Guns

Suppressive Fire: With their high ammo capacity, machine guns are excellent for laying down suppressive fire, either to defend an area or to help teammates move up.
Zoning: Use the machine gun to zone out specific areas. The constant fire can prevent enemies from advancing through choke points or narrow hallways.
Post-Plant Defense: In situations where you're defending a planted bomb, the machine gun's sustained fire can be invaluable. It can deter or delay defuse attempts.
Economy Disruption: Although expensive, securing a round with a machine gun can severely dent the opponent's economy, especially if you can pick up multiple kills.
Situational Picks: Due to their cost, machine guns are not often the go-to pick. However, in rounds where your team has a significant economic advantage, they can be a fun and sometimes effective choice.
Pre-firing Angles: With a lot of bullets at your disposal, you can afford to pre-fire common spots or angles where enemies might be hiding, forcing them to change position or take damage.

General Tips for Using Heavy Weapons in CS:GO

Using heavy weapons effectively in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) requires a good understanding of the game's mechanics as well as specific strategies tailored to these types of weapons. Here are some general tips:

Know Your Range

Heavy weapons are generally most effective at specific ranges. Shotguns excel in close-quarters combat, so try to engage enemies in tight spaces where you can make the most of their high damage output. Machine guns have a more moderate effective range but are still less accurate than rifles, making them more suitable for medium-range combat.

Timing is Key

Heavy weapons usually come with a slower movement speed, so positioning and timing become crucial. Make sure to position yourself in advantageous spots where you can surprise enemies. Also, be aware of the game clock and your teammates' positions to avoid getting caught out of position.

Economy Management

Heavy weapons can be expensive, especially machine guns. Make sure you're buying them at appropriate times, considering both your team's economy and the tactical needs of the round. Shotguns, although cheaper, still require good economy management due to their situational nature.

Aim for the Upper Body

Shotguns, in particular, can deal devastating damage with well-placed shots. Aim for the upper body or head to maximize your damage output. For machine guns, sustained fire at the body can be effective, but controlled bursts aimed at the upper body will yield the best results.

Use Distractions and Utilities

Smoke grenades, flashbangs, and molotov cocktails can help you get into optimal positions or deter enemies from targeting you. Use these utilities wisely to set up ambushes or to retreat when needed.

Adapt and Revise

Be prepared to switch out your heavy weapon for something more versatile if the situation calls for it. If you've picked up a shotgun but then need to engage enemies at long range, try to find a more suitable weapon on the ground or consider buying a different weapon in the next buy round.

Play to the Strengths

Each heavy weapon has unique characteristics. For example, the Negev becomes more accurate as you continue firing, while certain shotguns like the MAG-7 are more effective when jump-shooting. Learn these nuances and apply them during gameplay.

Team Communication

Finally, make sure to communicate with your team. Let them know where you plan to hold or attack so they can adapt their strategies accordingly. Coordination can amplify the effectiveness of heavy weapons and make your team more cohesive overall.

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