Quick Links
Black Ops 6andWarzoneare shaping up to be a solid integration, with both games receiving heaps of content for their first major update. There’s quite a lot to do in both games, whether it be fast-paced action in Multiplayer orscratching that competitive itch inWarzoneBattle Royale. Along their way through each mode, players can also acquire a wide range of weapons, with one solid option being theMaelstrom Shotgun.
The Maelstrom is an additional weapon that players can acquire following the Season 1 Reloaded update forBlack Ops 6andWarzone. The Maelstrom itself is the very first fully automatic Shotgun inBlack Ops 6, laying down impressive firepower for players up close. While the weapon’s range is fairly on the low side, withthe best loadoutit can be a rather powerful option.
How To Unlock The Maelstrom
The Maelstrom Shotgun is a mastery reward forthe Merry Mayhem EventinBlack Ops 6andWarzoneand can beunlocked by collecting 10 Merry Mayhem Event rewards.Unlike previous events that required completing specific challenges, this event simply tasks players with earning XP to unlock rewards. To claim all rewards, players mustaccumulate 618,000 XPduring the event’s runtime. Once done, the Shotgun becomes available for players to equip to their loadouts.
Alternatively, if players want to acquire the Shotgun early without having to rack up lots of XP, they canunlock the Maelstrom Shotgun through the Bad Manners Store Bundle.The bundlecosts 1,800 COD Points, and on top of including an Operator Skin and a Blueprint forthe Goblin MK2, players will also receive the Party Etiquette Blueprint for the Maelstrom Shotgun.
The Merry Mayhem Event officially ends on December 19. Once it ends, players should be able to receive the base version of the Maelstrom Shotgun through the Armory.
Best Maelstrom Loadout In Black Ops 6 & Warzone
Best Maelstrom Build:
The above build for the Maelstrom Shotgun is a great fit for both regular Multiplayer andWarzoneBattle Royale. With the specified attachments, attributes such aship-fire spread, bullet velocity, and damage range are boosted, making the Maelstrom more versatile at medium range.
Other enhanced attributes includeimproved CQB featureslike slide-to-fire, dive-to-fire, and sprint-to-fire speeds, increasing its effectiveness when firing from the hip. Finalizing this build isan extended magazinepaired with animproved fire rate.While the Maelstrom may not bea top-tier meta option inBlack Ops 6andWarzone, this build significantly enhances its performance.
While selecting the right attachments is crucial for any loadout, Perks and Wildcards can provide powerful benefits. The Perk Package listed above uses the Perk Greed Wildcard, enabling players toequip four Perks instead of the standard three—an excellent way to gain additional advantages in combat.
For a Shotgun loadout, the recommended Perks offer significant benefits tailored to close-quarters play. These includeincreased sprint and tactical sprint speeds while reloading—compensating for the lack of faster reload attachments—andquicker weapon swaps to a secondary.Additional Perksextend tactical sprint durationand allow players toresupply ammunition from fallen enemies, ensuring they stay combat-ready.
Recommended Black Ops 6 Secondary
While the Maelstrom will often do the heavy lifting inBlack Ops 6Multiplayer, it is always important to bring along a solid secondary. Doing so grants players a weapon to swap to during situations where they cannot perform a quick reload during gunfights. Some great considerations for players to choose from includetheSirin 9mmand theGrekhova.Both weapons are fully automatic, providing solid damage at close range.
Best Warzone Perks & Wildcard
Next up is a Perk Package and Wildcard option specifically for the player’s MaelstromWarzoneloadout, one which aims to overhaul the player’s movement. Benefits of the Perks showcased includeimproved accuracy while moving, areduction in fall damage, anindefinite tactical sprint duration, and the ability tomove swiftly when taking fire.For those looking to close the distance on their enemies or break players' cameras, this Perk Package is the best option.
As for the Wildcard, there are two solid choices. The first is Overkill, allowing players to get their hands onan additional primary weaponas soon as theyacquire their loadouts.On the other hand, if players want to make use of an eight-attachment build for the Maelstrom, they can consider Gunfighter.
Recommended Warzone Secondary
While the Maelstrom can be deadly at close range, its potential for medium to long-range engagements is sorely lacking. Therefore, if players want a bit of versatility in their loadout, they should consider pairing the weapon with a decent Assault Rifle to keep themselves covered against players battling them from afar. As of Season 1, meta Assault Rifles include theGPR 91, theXM4, theModel L, andtheKrig C.
