RE4 Remake Best Shotgun: Shotguns 2

Discover the best shotguns in Resident Evil 4 Remake. Compare the Striker, W-870, and Riot Gun, and learn about the DLC Skull Shaker for your playthrough.

In Resident Evil 4 Remake, shotguns are powerful close-range weapons. This guide breaks down the best options available, including the Striker, W-870, and Riot Gun, along with the DLC Skull Shaker.

Striker

The Striker returns as a top-tier shotgun in Resident Evil 4 Remake, excelling at close-range combat. It boasts a faster firing rate and takes up less inventory space than other shotguns. You can acquire it from the Merchant starting in Chapter 10, but it comes with a significant cost. Its main drawback is its limited range compared to the W-870.

W-870 Shotgun

This is the first shotgun encountered, found near the start of Chapter 1. The W-870 is a reliable choice for much of the game, particularly noted for its superior range among shotguns. Its exclusive upgrade further enhances its effectiveness at greater distances by preventing damage drop-off. However, it is the weakest shotgun in terms of base firepower, though all shotguns become formidable when upgraded. The W-870 can be found on the second floor of a house in the Village Square in Chapter 1.

Riot Gun

The Riot Gun is considered the least optimal of the three primary shotguns. It's positioned as a costly option between the Striker and W-870. While it offers good handling and faster firing speed, and its firepower is strong until the Striker is fully upgraded, its high acquisition and upgrade costs make it less appealing. By the time it's available, a fully upgraded W-870 is often a better investment due to its range advantage. The Riot Gun is available for purchase from the Merchant. While selling upgraded weapons in Resident Evil 4 Remake offers some value, it's generally more efficient to stick with the W-870 until the Striker becomes accessible.

Skull Shaker

The Skull Shaker is a DLC weapon, available with the Deluxe Edition or as a separate purchase. Its primary advantage is its compact size, taking up significantly less inventory space due to its sawed-off design. It offers slightly faster reload and fire rates than the W-870. Even with its exclusive upgrade boosting firepower, it is generally weaker than the Striker, which compensates with other advantages. The Skull Shaker is recommended for players prioritizing inventory space while still wanting to use a shotgun.