In PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds slot demo , weapons are the key to survival, and each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Among the most polarizing weapons are shotguns. Loved by some for their devastating close-range power and overlooked by others due to their limited range, shotguns can be the difference between life and death in the right situations. To maximize their potential, players need to understand when and how to use them effectively.
This article delves into the intricacies of PUBG’s shotguns, exploring their various types, when to use them, and tips for mastering these powerful close-range weapons.
1. Understanding PUBG Shotguns: An Overview
PUBG offers several types of shotguns, each with different attributes suited to varying combat scenarios. Before diving into strategies, it’s important to know the types of shotguns you’ll encounter in the game.
- S686: A double-barrel shotgun capable of firing two consecutive shots in quick succession. It deals massive damage, but its two-round capacity and long reload time make it less forgiving if you miss.
- S1897: A pump-action shotgun with a five-shell capacity. While it fires more slowly than the S686, its higher ammo capacity allows for more flexibility in close-quarters combat.
- S12K: A semi-automatic shotgun with magazine-fed rounds, giving it a higher rate of fire and more sustained damage output. It’s more forgiving than other shotguns in heated fights but has slightly lower damage per shot.
- DBS: A rare double-barrel pump-action shotgun found in airdrops, the DBS combines high damage with a decent fire rate and a 14-shell capacity, making it one of the deadliest shotguns in the game when used correctly.
- Sawed-Off: A unique shotgun that occupies the pistol slot, making it a good backup weapon. However, its damage and range are limited, making it a niche choice.
Each shotgun has its place in PUBG, and choosing the right one for the situation can give you a significant advantage in close combat.
2. When to Use Shotguns: Knowing the Right Situations
Shotguns are primarily effective in close-quarters combat, where their high burst damage can quickly take down enemies. Here are some key situations when a shotgun becomes a valuable tool in your arsenal:
a. Close-Quarters Combat (CQC)
Shotguns shine in tight, confined spaces like buildings, houses, or compounds. If you’re engaging enemies in these areas, the ability to deliver massive damage in a single shot gives you a crucial edge. A well-placed shot can often kill an enemy instantly, negating the need for prolonged gunfights.
- Best Maps for Shotguns: Maps like Sanhok and Vikendi, which feature dense urban areas and smaller, tighter play zones, are ideal for shotguns. Their limited space encourages more close-up engagements, making shotguns incredibly effective.
b. Hot Drops and Early Game Engagements
Shotguns are excellent weapons for hot drops, where multiple players land in the same area and scramble for weapons. Early on, players are often without armor, and a shotgun’s raw power can eliminate enemies before they have a chance to gear up. Shotguns are commonly found early in the game and are often overlooked, which can work to your advantage.
- Key Hot Drop Locations: Places like Pochinki (Erangel), Bootcamp (Sanhok), or Los Leones (Miramar) are frequent hot-drop spots where shotguns can turn early-game chaos into easy eliminations.
c. Ambushes and Defending Structures
Shotguns are particularly useful when you’re defending a building or waiting in ambush for unsuspecting opponents. Since many players prefer assault rifles for versatility, a shotgun-wielding defender can surprise enemies who rush into buildings. The sheer power of shotguns in close range makes them excellent for holding choke points or doorways.
- Effective Ambush Spots: Inside compounds, houses, or stairwells, where enemies have little room to maneuver, shotguns dominate.
3. How to Use Shotguns Effectively: Tips and Strategies
While shotguns are powerful, they require skill and timing to use effectively. A poorly timed shot or missed opportunity can leave you exposed, so mastering shotgun play is essential for success. Here are some tips for using shotguns effectively in PUBG:
a. Aim for the Head or Upper Body
Shotguns deal the most damage at close range, but body placement matters. Always aim for the head or upper chest area, where your shots will do maximum damage. A well-placed headshot can down an enemy instantly, even if they have level 2 or level 3 armor. If headshots are too risky, aim for the upper chest, which still deals significant damage.
- Pro Tip: For weapons like the S686 and S1897, line up your shots carefully before pulling the trigger, as their slower fire rates can punish missed shots.
b. Use Peeking and Corner Play
Since shotguns are best suited for close combat, positioning yourself near doors or corners can give you the upper hand. Use the game’s lean (Q and E on PC) feature to peek around corners and wait for enemies to enter your line of sight. This tactic is especially effective with pump-action shotguns like the S1897, where positioning yourself well can give you time to pump between shots.
- Pro Tip: Pre-aim at doorways or staircases when defending a building, as this reduces the reaction time needed when an enemy pushes.
c. Master the Shotgun Switch
For double-barrel shotguns like the S686, missing one or both shots can put you in a precarious situation. A quick weapon switch can be a lifesaver, so always have a secondary weapon at the ready (like a pistol or SMG). Switch weapons quickly after firing both barrels of the S686 to avoid being vulnerable during the reload animation.
- Pro Tip: Use the Sawed-Off as a backup weapon since it occupies the pistol slot, giving you more firepower without sacrificing your main gun slot.
d. Take Advantage of Shotgun Attachments
Shotgun attachments can drastically improve performance. For example, a choke reduces pellet spread, making your shots more accurate at slightly longer ranges. A bullet loop attachment decreases reload time, which is essential for pump-action shotguns like the S1897 and DBS. Meanwhile, the extended magazine for the S12K gives you more shots before needing to reload.
- Pro Tip: Always prioritize the choke for better accuracy, especially if you’re planning to engage enemies in slightly more open areas or longer hallways.
4. Know the Limitations: When to Avoid Shotguns
While shotguns excel in close quarters, they have notable weaknesses in other scenarios. Their limited range and slower fire rates make them unsuitable for mid- or long-range combat, where assault rifles or snipers are far more effective. As a result, it’s crucial to switch to a more versatile weapon as the game progresses and the circle shrinks to more open areas.
- Avoid using shotguns in open fields: Shotguns are ineffective in open spaces or areas with little cover. If you find yourself in a large field or long street, switch to a weapon better suited for longer-range engagements, like an assault rifle or DMR.
5. Late Game and Circle Considerations
As the game progresses into the late-game phase, the usefulness of shotguns can diminish depending on the final circle’s terrain. If the final circles close around a compound or urban area, keeping a shotgun can be a game-winning decision. However, if the circle ends in open fields, mountains, or forests, you’ll want to switch to a more versatile weapon that can handle both medium- and long-range encounters.
- Pro Tip: Keep a shotgun if the final circle closes on an urban area, but be ready to swap it out if the terrain becomes more open.
Conclusion
PUBG’s shotguns are powerful tools for close-range dominance, but their effectiveness depends on timing, positioning, and your ability to capitalize on the right situations. By understanding their strengths and limitations, mastering close-quarters combat, and knowing when to use or avoid them, you can turn these often-underestimated weapons into a game-changing asset.
Whether you’re defending a building, dropping hot in Pochinki, or setting up an ambush, shotguns have the potential to deliver instant, devastating results. So next time you find yourself in a close-quarters firefight, don’t overlook the shotgun—it might just save your life.