Shotguns Guide

Shotguns are the quintessential close-quarters powerhouses in the 2026 Expansion, delivering devastating burst damage that can instantly neutralize high-priority targets. Their effectiveness is directly tied to your ability to get close to your enemies, making them a high-risk, high-reward weapon choice. The new raid, The Obsidian Maw, features encounters that demand precise shotgun usage to eliminate powerful Champions like the Barrier Colossus within their vulnerable phases. Legendary Shotguns such as The Felwinter's Lie, known for its aggressive frame and potent range, can be crucial. When facing a formidable foe like a Tormentor in the Cosmodrome, a well-timed shotgun blast to its critical weak point can significantly reduce its health pool, often setting up an easy finisher. The One-Two Punch perk, found on certain Shotguns, further amplifies this by granting bonus melee damage after landing a shotgun hit, enabling devastating melee combos for Titans running the Synthoceps exotic gauntlets. Players often underestimate the importance of movement and positioning when using shotguns; strafing and using cover effectively are paramount to surviving the close-range engagements they necessitate. A common pitfall is to rely solely on the shotgun's raw damage without considering enemy attack patterns, leading to unnecessary deaths. Mastering the shotgun means understanding enemy attack timings and knowing when to commit to a close-range assault, often in conjunction with abilities like the Hunter's Dodge for quick repositioning.