When players explore the Appalachia in their Fallout 76 gameplay, they have to anticipate facing some of the worst the world has to offer since the nuclear fallout of the Great War. On top of raiders are mutants and irradiated creatures that now populate the Earth, making it much harder for player characters to survive in the wild. Thankfully, the game does offer a wide variety of familiar weaponry for players to use, including Shotguns that allow players to stand their ground up close against the toughest of threats.

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Despite the game offering quite a roster of weapons, a Shotgun can become a player’s dependable companion especially when surprised in close spaces. What the Shotgun lacks in terms of range it more than makes up for with massive firepower up close, allowing players to dominate short-ranged combat with the right strategy.

Updated on May 15, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With the recent success of the Fallout series, RPG fans might be curious as to what the Bethesda universe has to offer that other similar sci-fi experiences couldn’t. While humorous atompunk remains a prevalent theme throughout the franchise, players who want to fully immerse themselves in the film’s universe may want to do so with friends in Fallout 76. And for players who want to make sure their characters get up close and personal with fast-paced action, then using the right Shotgun should be their priority. However, before they even grab any random Shotgun they see, it’s important they equip them with their best Mods to ensure their efficiency.

11 Salt Of The Earth

Legacy Content With Better Reload Speed, Higher Base Damage Output

Considered as one of the two unique variants of the Double-Barreled Shotgun in Fallout 76 gameplay, the Salt of the Earth was introduced in 2019’s “Nuclear Winter” update. The item is considered part of Legacy content, as it was only attainable via the “Down on the Farm” challenge in Survival Mode from June 11 to June 7, 2019. Since then, the weapon can only be traded between players.

Despite its status as Legacy content, the Salt of the Earth stands out as one of the more pristine-looking shotguns in the game. Its Mods that provide extra shots, faster reload speed, and higher damage while aiming can make it a must-have for players who want to specialize in close-quarters combat with items to spare for trading.

Builds For Salt Of The Earth

When acquired, this Legacy weapon already comes with pre-loaded Mods. However, players who already possess the weapon should consider switching things up to secure better stats. In its heyday, such a setup would make the Salt of the Earth secure damage numbers close to a standard Double-Barrel Shotgun.

10 Pump Action Shotgun

Default Shotgun Does The Job Done With Decent Damage Output

Considered one of the first shotguns players can acquire in their Fallout 76 gameplay, the Pump Action Shotgun boasts a decent range and accuracy for a short-range weapon. It also serves as the base appearance of stronger variants such as Civil Unrest, the Fancy Pump Action Shotgun, and the Kabloom which have different perks.

Thankfully, players who want to get used to this weapon before fully upgrading can acquire this from various sources. Mole miners and the Scorched often carry the Pump Action Shotgun as loot. However, some can be found in specific locations such as Helvetia Church, the crashed bus on Highway 91, Greg’s Mine Supply, the bar counter in Morgantown, and the counter of Giant Teapot.

Builds For Pump Action Shotgun

Should players want a more direct approach to their up-close incursions, building the Pump Action Shotgun as a straightforward damage-dealing weapon is always a practical choice. Players dependent on VATS should go for the Speedy or Hair Trigger Receivers, as well as the Aligned Barrel for better accuracy. The Forceful Stock is a must-have for durability, while Long Barrel should replace Aligned for players who want to take down foes from a bit of a distance. Builds that aim to cripple enemies should go for a Suppressor Muzzle for the added stealth.

9 Civil Unrest

Additional AP Can Help Players Make The Most Out Of Combat

Players enjoying their Fallout 76 gameplay might have some difficulty recognizing Civil Unrest as it looks identical to its basic weapon, the Pump Action Shotgun. However, its key difference is how it gives its wielder 10 AP upon being equipped as well as the capabilities of using the same mods.

Adventurers in Fallout 76 can only get the weapon after completing the “Falsely Accused” side quest in Eastern Regional Penitentiary. Despite its rather middling stats, the extra 10 AP can do wonders for players starting the game with not a lot of AP to go around.

Builds For Civil Unrest

Save for its exclusive effect, Civil Unrest plays similarly to the Pump Action Shotgun with +10AP. In turn, its builds can apply generally the same Mods across both DPS-oriented and cripple-focused variants. Ideally, players should pursue both VATS and damage bonuses with the Civil Unrest unless they’re aiming for cripple and more hip-fire focus, which should then make the True Receiver and True Sawed-Off Barrel more optimal options.

8 Fancy Pump Action Shotgun

Extremely Rare Shotgun Compensates With Impressive Ammo Capacity, Reload Speed

As the name implies, the Fancy Pump Action Shotgun is quite the stylish addition to a player’s Fallout 76 arsenal, especially when compared to its base Pump Action Shotgun variant. The gun’s stock boasts a darker wood with precise gold detailing, with floral patterns and white diamonds adding a visual flair to the weapon. Stats-wise, the weapon’s better reload speed and ammo capacity allow players to get more out of each mag, letting them stay in combat faster.

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Players can get the Fancy Pump Action Shotgun with the “Wastelanders” update, specifically when players turn in Pleasant Valley claim tickets to the bellhop in the Pleasant Valley Ski Resort basement. However, these tickets are only available as random drops when players complete the “Key to the Past” main quest, with the claim tickets themselves only having a 1.5% chance to even procure the shotgun as a reward.

Builds For Fancy Pump Action Shotgun

Unlike other Shotguns in the game, the Fancy Pump Action Shotgun cannot be modded with regular Shotgun Mods. This can severely limit its potential performance, especially given its slate of Legendary Effects. As such, acquiring the Fancy Pump Action Shotgun makes it more of a decorative piece or at least a beginner-tier equipment until players get more modifiable armaments. In combat, the default mods make the Fancy Pump Action Shotgun quite a performer in close quarters. Its pump-action functionality makes its slightly faster reload more useful when facing multiple foes.

7 The Kabloom

Stronger Armor Penetration With AOE Lets Players Outlast Crowds

Players who managed to install the free “Once in a Blue Moon” update for their Fallout 76 gameplay will unlock the “Safe and Sound” public event in the title, allowing them to acquire The Kabloom. Despite its flowery decor, this unique shotgun can tear through most of the game’s tougher opponents should they become unfortunate enough to encounter the player’s crosshairs.

When acquired, the pump-action shotgun can come with various special effects. These include boosted armor penetration, guaranteed AOE damage on impact, and much faster reload speed. Despite its limited range, The Kabloom can tear enemies a new one - especially for players who prefer getting up close and personal with their opponents.

Builds For The Kabloom

Stealth builds remain a popular setup of choice for Shotgun lovers, especially with how the weapon can capitalize on potential crits when they shoot up close and personal with VATS. This Stealth setup can be achieved with the Kabloom, courtesy of the Calibrated Receiver, as well as the True Long Barrel and True Stock - all of which emphasize VATS boosts. The Suppressor is added for additional Stealth, encouraging players to get more tactical about how they proceed in combat situations.

6 Combat Shotgun

Base Shotgun That Packs A Lot Of Punch With Mod Options

Despite its nature as a relic from the time before Fallout history’s cataclysmic Great War, the Combat Shotgun and its more packed double-barreled appearance gives it a more heavy-duty look compared to the rest of the game’s shotguns. Due to the game’s semi or full-auto nature, the Combat Shotgun is a more efficient choice for rapid-fire encounters at close quarters without having to tire oneself farming for Legendary shotguns.

To acquire the Combat Shotgun, players simply need to explore much of the game’s dungeons. Players can find Combat Shotguns along Watoga’s southern entrance, or the upper floor of the Southhampton Estate’s barn. In terms of loot, players can usually acquire Combat Shotguns from Mole Miners or the Scorched.

Builds For Combat Shotgun

A standard damage-heavy build for the Combat Shotgun will rely on the Hardened Receiver, the Aligned Long Barrel, and the Quick Magazine for both DPS and VATS bonuses. Should players not mind a bit of VATS penalty for higher DPS, then the Perforating Magazine is also a decent option. Alternatively, players who want to pursue a cripple-heavy build should go for a Powerful Automatic Receiver, an Aligned Short Barrel, a Quick Magazine, and a Suppressor. These should give range penalties that force players to get up close to enemies and should deal close to zero damage.

5 Crowd Control

Extra AOE Allows Players To Fulfill Crowd Control More Efficiently

Players who want a more “tacticool” take on their Fallout 76 appearance may want to use Crowd Control instead of the traditional shotgun. While Crowd Control is based on the Combat Shotgun, the former boasts a white stock with a blue insignia, while metal plating around the body gives it a more militaristic look.

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However, attaining Crowd Control can get tricky due to its nature as a Legendary drop. Crowd Control is only available through the “Eviction Notice” public event, which in itself is only unlocked with the “Test Your Metal” update. Despite its difficulty in acquisition, Crowd Control can be a desirable shotgun with its base stats, particularly its AOE and defense reduction mods.

Builds For Crowd Control

True to its namesake, a decent setup for the Crowd Control should focus on taking down enemies as fast as possible before they begin overwhelming the players. This particular setup provides room for Stealth builds courtesy of the Suppressor, although key to overall DPS has to do with the synergies with the Prime Receiver, the Aligned Long Barrel, and the Perforating Magazine. Thanks to these Mods, the Crowd Control performs decently at mid-range whenever necessary, all the while dishing out remarkably high numbers up close.

4 Pepper Shaker

Auto Shotgun Boasts Higher DPS At Close Range

Arguably among the most brutal of shotguns available in Fallout 76 gameplay, the Pepper Shaker lives up to the name due to its nature as a machine shotgun. Operated via a rotary barrel, the Pepper Shaker looks more like a Gatling gun than a traditional shotgun. When equipped with a single barrel, the Pepper Shaker can double its bullet output, potentially capable of obliterating foes much faster than regular shotguns.

However, its devastating firing rate does have a steep cost: its plan is a Rare Reward from “Grahm’s Meat-Cook,” a seasonal public event that usually occurs once a year. Upon acquisition, players can get the Pepper Shaker as a Legendary drop, purchase it from the Purveyor, or craft at a weapons workbench.

Builds For Pepper Shaker

Being a rapid-firing weapon, the Pepper Shaker is best used when optimized for high-accuracy Shotgun builds. Combining the Hex Barrel, Laser Magazine, and Gunner Sights with Perks such as Skeet Shooter (+ Accuracy, Spread), Stabilized (+ Accuracy, Armor Ignore while wearing Power Armor), Enforcer (+ Stagger, Cripple), as well as Adrenaline (+ Damage on kill) and Gun Fu (+ Damage on next target after kill with VATS) should give the Pepper Shaker much-needed firepower in most combat scenarios. Its load-up time means players need extra durability, while the on-aim boosts with VATS can also encourage cripple-then-kill strategies.

3 Gauss Shotgun

Reach Potential Allows Players To Fight Enemies At Mid-Range

Introduced during the “Wastelanders” update of the Fallout 76 experience, players can rely on the Gauss Shotgun as one of the most potent shotguns in the game. As with its rifle variant, the Gauss Shotgun can be charged to increase its charge output. Although classified as an “energy gun” when crafted, it’s not necessarily an energy weapon in the traditional sense due to its special firing mechanism.

When fired, the Gauss Shotgun also explodes its bullets upon impact to deal some degree of area damage, making it an excellent burst weapon. Its decent range also allows the Gauss Shotgun to become a substitute for a mid-range weapon with a decent kick. Players who are Allied with the Settlers can purchase the weapon’s plans from Samuel, after which the Gauss Shotgun can be crafted and then eventually acquired in quests or from the Purveyor Murmrgh.

Builds For Gauss Shotgun

Unlike other Shotguns, the faster firing rate of the Gauss Shotgun should be capitalized by boosting its firepower - something possible primarily with Mods such as the Hardened Receiver, Extended Barrel, Aligned Stock, and Extended Magazine. However, Perks can also enhance its DPS potential such as Shotgunner (+ Damage), Tenderizer (+ Damage after attack), Adrenaline (+ Damage on kill), Concentrated Fire (limbs targeting, + Damage, Accuracy), and Better Criticals (+ VATS Critical Damage). Defensive boosts such as Blocker ( - Damage from Melee), Ironclad (+ Damage Resistance without Power Armor), Dodgy ( - Damage at the cost of AP per hit), Action Boy (+ AP Recovery) also ensure players stay safe at close range while they reload or reposition in the presence of multiple foes.

2 Double-Barrel Shotgun

Slow Reload Is Compensated With Decent Firepower, Firing Rate

Being a straightforward Fallout 76 weapon, it’s not too difficult to find a Double-Barrel Shotgun provided players know where to look for a copy or its base components. Mole miners and Scorched often carry Double-Barrel Shotguns, although they’re also scattered throughout the game’s mines. Portside Pub has one behind its counter for players to use as well.

Despite its slow reload, the Double-Barrel Shotgun easily outclasses other shotguns due to its sheer power. Its decent range makes it suitable for short-range to sub-mid-range encounters, making it a dependable asset for players who prefer killing foes up close.

Builds For Double-Barrel Shotgun

When it comes to optimizing a straightforward gun like the Double-Barrel Shotgun, sometimes pursuing pure DPS is more efficient than overcomplicating a build with effects. In this regard, it’s ideal for players to insert Mods that increase damage as much as possible, only replacing the Aligned Barrel with a Long Barrel should players want to pursue combat in range. Players who want to cripple enemies should opt for the True Receiver and the True Sawed-Off Barrel instead.

1 Cold Shoulder

Extra Ice Damage And More Ammo Capacity Can Help Players Last Longer In Engagements

Introduced in the Mutation Invasion update of Fallout 76, players can craft the Cold Shoulder after buying its plans from Giuseppe Della Ripa for 500 Stamps or unlocking it via Season 12 “Rip Daring and the Cryptid Hunt.” As its Season source implies, Cold Shoulder is the signature weapon of cryptid hunter Rip Daring, who is also the protagonist of the “Astoundingly Awesome Tales” in-universe franchise.

At first glance, Cold Shoulder bears a heavy resemblance to its base variant, the Double-Barrel Shotgun. However, the weapon is more ornamental, boasting a chillingly blue hue with white details. Its stylish appearance fits its status as a Legendary Shotgun, coming with default traits that give it four times an ordinary shotgun’s ammo cap (Quad), boosted damage against Cryptids (Paranormal), and slows (Cryo). When used correctly, players may be able to demolish foes at ease in close quarters, provided they’re able to adapt to the weapon’s relatively low mag cap.

Builds For Cold Shoulder

Being among the more popular Shotguns in the game, the Cold Shoulder’s slowing effect can give players quite a lot of room to maximize their DPS against most opponents. Using a combination of the Hair Trigger, Aligned Long Barrel, and the Aligned Stock should give players enough basic firepower to contend with most threats. However, such a standard build can be made even more powerful with the right Perks: Shotgunner (+ Damage), Scattershot (+ Reload Speed), Skeet Shooter (Accuracy), Concentrated Fire (VATS limb-targeting), and Gun Fu (+ Damage on kill and target-switching via VATS).

Fallout 76

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , Xbox One

Released

November 14, 2018

Developer(s)

Bethesda

Genre(s)

Action , RPG