The KSG is a pump-action shotgun in Call of Duty, recognized for its slug-based ammunition, high damage output, and precision. Unlike most shotguns, which fire multiple pellets per shot, the KSG fires a single slug, making it behave more like a hybrid between a shotgun and a marksman rifle. Master the Call of Duty KSG with this guide covering stats, best loadouts, strategies, and tips to dominate Multiplayer, Campaign, and Zombies.
This guide explores everything you need to know about the KSG across Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies, including damage stats, loadouts, attachments, and best strategies for making the most out of this unique shotgun.
Table of Contents
KSG in Call of Duty Campaign
Where to Find It
The KSG appears in the Call of Duty: Black Ops II campaign, first encountered in the “Karma” mission inside a security weapons cache. After completing the mission “Odysseus”, players can equip the KSG before missions as part of their loadout.
How It Functions in Campaign
Unlike its Multiplayer and Zombies counterparts, the KSG in Campaign fires buckshot, making it behave more like a traditional shotgun. This gives it better close-range performance but reduces its precision at longer distances.
With its high ammo capacity and solid damage output, it is an excellent choice for clearing rooms and engaging enemies in close-quarters combat.
KSG in Multiplayer: A Shotgun Unlike Any Other
Damage and Range
The KSG in Multiplayer is a slug shotgun, meaning it fires a single high-damage projectile per shot instead of a spread of pellets. This makes it incredibly lethal at medium range, setting it apart from other shotguns.
- 0 – 13.75 meters: 200 damage (One-shot kill)
- 13.75 – 31.25 meters: 75 damage (Two-shot kill)
- 31.26 meters and beyond: 45 damage (Three-shot kill, but effectively impractical)
Unlike most shotguns, the KSG benefits from headshots, dealing 50% extra damage. If the enemy is within the two-shot kill range, a headshot will still result in a one-shot kill.
Penetration and Accuracy
The KSG can shoot through walls, unlike most shotguns, thanks to its medium penetration power. This allows for wallbang kills, especially when paired with the Millimeter Scanner attachment.
With zero spread when aiming down sights (ADS), the KSG’s slugs travel exactly where the crosshair is aimed. However, this means hip-firing is unreliable, making ADS an absolute necessity for consistent kills.
Fire Rate and Handling
The KSG has the slowest fire rate of all shotguns, firing at 77 RPM, with a 0.77-second delay between shots. This is slightly slower than the Remington 870 MCS, making accuracy crucial, as missing a shot leaves the player vulnerable.
Despite its slow rate of fire, the KSG offers solid movement speed, allowing players to strafe at 80% of base speed while maintaining quick positioning.
Reload and Ammo Capacity
The KSG reloads shell-by-shell, meaning reload speed depends on how many shells are loaded. A full reload can take up to 9.44 seconds, making it essential to keep the magazine topped up.
- Magazine Capacity: 14 rounds
- Total Starting Ammo: 42 rounds
Due to its already large magazine, the Extended Clip attachment is unnecessary in most cases, as it increases reload times significantly.
Best KSG Attachments in Multiplayer
Long Barrel
This attachment extends the KSG’s one-shot kill range by 16%, making it more reliable at mid-range engagements.
Reflex Sight
Since precision is key, the Reflex Sight helps players land accurate shots more easily, especially for those who dislike the iron sights.
Quickdraw Handle
Reduces ADS time from 250ms to 150ms, allowing players to aim faster—critical for a shotgun that demands precise shots.
Fast Mag
Speeds up reload time by allowing the KSG to load two shells at once, making it easier to keep the magazine topped up during fights.
Millimeter Scanner
Useful for detecting stationary enemies through walls, pairing well with the KSG’s ability to penetrate cover and land lethal shots through obstacles.
KSG in Zombies Mode
Where to Find It
The KSG is available in Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies as a Mystery Box weapon in Origins. It can also be obtained through dig spots with a Golden Shovel, though the chance is rare.
Pack-a-Punched Version: The Mist Maker
When upgraded in the Pack-a-Punch machine, the KSG transforms into The Mist Maker, receiving the following buffs:
- Damage increases from 800-100 to 1000-200
- Magazine size doubles from 14 to 28 rounds
- Total ammo capacity increases to 112 rounds
- Reflex Sight is added
- Reloads two shells at a time
With Double Tap Root Beer, the Mist Maker remains a one-shot kill to the head until around rounds 30-32, making it one of the most powerful non-Wonder Weapons in Zombies.
KSG Playstyle and Strategies
Use It Like a Marksman Rifle
The KSG is not a run-and-gun shotgun. Instead, it behaves more like a semi-auto sniper or a marksman rifle. Players should take their time to line up precise ADS shots instead of relying on close-range sprays.
Positioning Is Key
Since the KSG has longer range than other shotguns, players should avoid high-traffic areas where enemies can overwhelm them with faster-firing weapons. Instead, hold angles, pre-aim corridors, and take fights at mid-range where the KSG excels.
Always Aim Down Sights
Unlike other shotguns, hip-firing the KSG is highly unreliable due to the single slug round. ADS must be used at all times to ensure accuracy.
Stay Reloaded
Due to the slow reload speed, reloading mid-fight can be deadly. Players should reload after every kill or two rather than waiting for the magazine to empty completely.
Final Thoughts on the KSG in Call of Duty
The KSG stands apart from every other shotgun in Call of Duty history. Its slug rounds, high accuracy, and long-range lethality make it a powerful tool for players who can consistently land precise shots. However, its slow fire rate, demanding precision, and weak hip-fire performance make it a challenging weapon to master.
For players willing to put in the effort, the KSG rewards accuracy and patience, offering one-shot kill potential at ranges other shotguns could only dream of. Whether in Multiplayer, Zombies, or Campaign, the KSG is a unique and powerful shotgun—but only for those who can wield it effectively.
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