The Argus appears in Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and Call of Duty: Mobile. Its design and performance have evolved to meet different game modes’ needs. The shotgun operates with a lever-action mechanism, offers a tight hip-fire spread, and provides high precision when aiming down the sights (ADS). The weapon uses a disk-shaped magazine that holds a set number of rounds and allows for quick reloading if cancelled. It is reliable in close-quarters combat; however, its effectiveness at longer ranges depends on the player’s accuracy. Explore a detailed analysis of the Call of Duty Argus Shotgun. Learn its stats, attachments, and game mode differences.
Table of Contents
Game Modes and Versions
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
In Black Ops III, the Argus has separate characteristics for campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes. The damage output for single-player is rated at 50-10 per pellet (with 8 pellets per shot), while in multiplayer it features a base damage of 50 plus additional damage (calculated as 11-7 per pellet with 8 pellets) and in zombies mode the damage ranges from 800 to 500. The weapon operates in lever-action mode with a rate of fire of 63 rounds per minute. It comes with a default magazine size of 10 rounds; with an Extended Mag attachment this increases to 14 rounds. The starting ammunition for campaign and multiplayer is 10 rounds plus 30 reserve rounds, while zombies mode supports up to 10 rounds plus 60 reserve rounds. The unlock levels differ by mode, with campaign mode at level 13, multiplayer at level 37, and zombies at level 15. In zombies mode, the cost is set at 1100 points or 950 points when obtained through the Mystery Box.
The Argus in Black Ops III is noted for its small hip-fire spread. When aiming down sights, the shotgun maintains a zero-spread pattern, allowing for improved accuracy. The weapon achieves the longest effective range in its class, but successful one-shot kills rely on the player’s accuracy. At close range, it is necessary that at least five pellets hit the target to secure a kill. This design makes the Argus a tactical weapon in modes where precision is essential.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
In Black Ops 4, several adjustments were made to the Argus compared to Black Ops III. The magazine size in multiplayer is reduced to 5 rounds, or 7 rounds with an Extended Mag, changing the pace of engagement by making each shot more critical. The weapon retains its lever-action firing mode and maintains the high precision when aiming down the sights. Although handling improvements are noted, the overall design and function are consistent with its predecessor. The smaller magazine means that accuracy and timing become even more important to achieve success in combat.
Call of Duty: Mobile
The mobile version of the Argus is designed to work with the nuances of mobile gameplay and controls. It operates in lever-action mode with a consistent rate of fire of 63 rounds per minute. The default magazine size holds 10 rounds, with ammunition attachments allowing adjustments to either 7 or 15 rounds. The damage values differ by mode: in Multiplayer, each of the 8 pellets deals damage ranging from 28 down to 13; in Battle Royale, the damage per pellet has slightly adjusted end values; and in Zombies mode, each pellet deals a fixed damage of 100. Damage multipliers favor headshots with a 1.2× modifier, a 1.1× multiplier for the upper torso and arms, and a 1× multiplier for the lower torso and legs. Reload times vary, with tactical reloads at 2.5 seconds (or 1.38 seconds in Battle Royale) and empty reloads at 2.8 seconds (or 1.57 seconds in Battle Royale). The weapon’s range is significant in each mode, but players must account for a notable drop-off in damage beyond 10 to 15 meters.
The Argus in Mobile holds its precision with a tight cone of fire when hip-firing and remains effective when aiming down sights. It boasts the longest one-shot kill range in its class when used properly, rewarding players who use its precise aiming mechanics. The design focuses on high mobility and low recoil, making it a flexible choice for various play styles on mobile platforms.
Technical Specifications and Attachments
Core Specifications
The design of the Argus is backed by a set of technical stats that vary slightly between game versions. The core specifications include:
- Ammunition Type: Uses 12 Gauge shells.
- Length and Weight (Black Ops III):
- Length: 650.3mm
- Weight: 2.35kg
- Barrel Length: 423.2mm
- Production Years: Stated from 2058 to the present (campaign background detail)
- Country of Origin: United States of America
These specifications support the weapon’s role as a reliable and precise tool within the game.
Attachments
Attachments play a key role in modifying the Argus to suit different play styles. Each attachment provides specific changes to the weapon’s handling or damage output. Key attachments include:
- Quickdraw Handle:
- Enables faster transition to ADS.
- Essential for players who rely on quick precision.
- Stock:
- Offers improved movement while aiming.
- Necessary to maintain stealth when using Ghost perks.
- Laser Sight:
- Further tightens the hip-fire spread.
- Useful in situations where ADS is not possible, although it demands more accuracy.
- Suppressor:
- Unique to the Argus in that it reduces damage by 10%.
- Affects the one-shot kill range noticeably.
- Extended Mags and Fast Mag:
- Increase magazine capacity and reduce reload times.
- Allow players to engage multiple enemies without frequent reload breaks.
- Long Barrel and Rapid Fire:
- Long Barrel adds a slight range increase but does not significantly change one-shot kill conditions.
- Rapid Fire increases the rate of fire by only a small margin, making its impact minimal.
Each attachment is unlocked at different weapon levels, making the progression feel incremental and rewarding precise upgrades.
Attachment Unlock Levels (Black Ops III)
- Reflex Sight: Level 2
- Quickdraw: Level 3
- Suppressor: Level 4
- BOA 3: Level 5
- Stock: Level 6
- Laser Sight: Level 7
- ELO: Level 8
- Fast Mag: Level 9
- Extended Mags: Level 10
- Long Barrel: Level 11
- Rapid Fire: Level 12
Understanding these unlock levels helps players plan their progression and tailor the Argus to suit their strategy.
Gameplay Performance and Strategy
The Argus stands out for its precision and lever-action mechanics. Players must choose wisely between hip-fire and ADS to capitalize on the weapon’s strengths. When using the Argus, players see that hip-fire provides a tight cone of fire, but relying on ADS is critical for long-range kills. Accurate aiming removes pellet spread, making one-shot kills more likely even at extended ranges.
Using the Argus effectively means acknowledging its slower rate of fire of 63 rounds per minute. Each shot demands careful planning. In multiplayer, the emphasis is on using ADS for improved accuracy, supported by attachments like Quickdraw and Stock to enhance responsiveness. In campaign play, it is important to take advantage of the weapon’s range for well-calculated shots. In zombies mode, players can find the Argus in the Mystery Box on various maps, and its ability to fire single slugs in this mode makes it especially effective for headshots. Upgrading the Argus in zombies mode—turning it into the Ancient Messenger in Black Ops III or Ancient Harbinger in Black Ops 4—results in increased magazine size and damage, though at the cost of some firing speed and reserve ammunition.
In Battle Royale mode on Mobile, the Argus’s tight hip-fire spread is useful in close engagements, but players must rely on ADS for long-range precision. Knowing that damage drops off beyond 10 to 15 meters is essential to avoid missing kills. The weapon’s design encourages players to focus on accuracy, emphasizing the importance of timing during reload cycles due to its disk-shaped magazine.
Comparing Versions and Their Impact
The Argus exhibits noticeable variations between different Call of Duty titles. In Black Ops III, the shotgun features a larger magazine capacity of 10 rounds and flexible ammo arrangements for the different modes. Black Ops 4 introduces a reduced magazine size, which places greater pressure on each shot and shifts the gameplay dynamics toward more careful, precise engagements. In Black Ops 4, the differences in handling and the requirement for more critical shots add a fresh layer of challenge for players accustomed to the previous version.
The Call of Duty: Mobile version adapts these elements to work within mobile controls and pacing. It keeps the weapon’s core qualities of tight hip-fire spread and effective ADS aiming but tailors the damage profiles and reload times to suit quick mobile gameplay. Each game version of the Argus maintains a focus on rewarding accuracy and precision over brute force, providing a balanced yet challenging tool for players in various modes.
Tactical Advantages and Disadvantages
The Argus offers clear strengths as well as areas where its design may limit performance. Its primary advantage is its high accuracy when aiming down sights. This attribute makes the Argus a solid choice for players who prioritize precise shots in critical situations. The shotgun also maintains a long effective range, allowing for one-shot kills if the conditions are met. The disk-shaped magazine supports quick reloads when cancelled early, enabling players to recover swiftly in heated encounters. The Argus is also versatile, finding effective use in campaign, multiplayer, zombies, and Battle Royale modes, and its mobility allows for responsive movement in close combat.
However, the Argus also presents drawbacks. Its slow rate of fire requires careful timing, particularly in fast-paced combat. The weapon depends heavily on player accuracy; missing a sufficient number of pellets can compromise a kill even at close range. Variations in magazine size across different games may disrupt familiar play styles, and certain attachments—such as the Suppressor—reduce its damage output by 10%, directly affecting its range for one-shot kills. Additional attachments like Rapid Fire provide only minor benefits, which might not always justify their selection.
Players need to consider these factors and practice with the Argus to overcome its challenges. Successful use of the shotgun depends on understanding its mechanics, managing reload cycles, and adapting strategies for each mode of play.
Call of Duty Argus Final Take
The Call of Duty Argus requires a focus on precise aiming and tactical planning. Its lever-action mechanism and consistent ADS performance make it a weapon that rewards careful play and practice. While its slower rate of fire and reliance on accuracy may pose challenges, players who invest time in mastering its mechanics can utilize it effectively across multiple game modes. Adapting to magazine differences, reload timings, and the nuanced benefits of various attachments is key to maximizing the Argus’s potential. Knowledge of its variations between titles allows players to adjust their strategies and maintain a competitive edge whether in campaign missions, multiplayer duels, zombies survival, or mobile Battle Royale encounters.
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