7 Days To Die Shotguns Suck

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

27-12-2024

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Let's be honest, the initial reaction to shotguns in 7 Days To Die is often underwhelming. Many players, myself included, initially dismissed them as clunky, inefficient weapons. However, after some dedicated playtime and experimentation, I've come to appreciate the shotgun's niche and its surprising effectiveness when used strategically. This isn't a blanket statement declaring shotguns the best weapon, but rather a reconsideration of their place in a seasoned survivor's arsenal.

The Common Complaints: Why Shotguns Get a Bad Rap

The primary complaints surrounding shotguns in 7 Days to Die often center around:

• Low Range: Compared to rifles, shotguns undeniably have a much shorter effective range. Missing at longer distances is frustratingly common.
• Ammo Consumption: Shotgun shells, especially the higher-caliber varieties, can quickly deplete your supplies. This is especially true when facing hordes of zombies.
• Recoil: Managing recoil effectively is crucial. Failing to do so leads to inaccurate shots and wasted ammo.

These critiques are valid, but they highlight a critical misunderstanding: shotguns aren't designed for long-range engagements. Their strength lies in close-quarters combat (CQC).

Mastering the Shotgun: Tips and Techniques

To truly appreciate the power of the shotgun, consider these strategies:

• Embrace Close-Quarters Combat: Your best results will come from engaging enemies at extremely close range. Use choke points, building structures, and even vehicles to your advantage.
• Ammo Management: This isn't a weapon for spraying and praying. Aim for carefully placed shots. Headshots are crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing ammo use.
• Weapon Mods: Investing in mods that improve range, accuracy, and damage output is highly recommended. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for your play style.
• Strategic Use: Don't rely solely on shotguns. Use them as a supplementary weapon in your arsenal. Combine them with melee weapons for clearing close groups, or use them as a last resort against tough enemies at close range.

When Shotguns Excel

Despite their limitations, shotguns excel in specific situations:

• Clearing hordes: Their area-of-effect damage is fantastic for dealing with tightly packed groups of zombies. A well-placed blast can decimate a crowd.
• Taking down tough enemies: While not ideal for prolonged fights, a close-range shotgun blast can deal significant damage, potentially one-shotting smaller, tougher enemies.
• Defense: In fortified bases, shotguns are excellent defensive weapons, ideal for dealing with close-range breaches.

Conclusion: Shotguns are Valuable, Not Useless

Shotguns in 7 Days to Die are not the universal solution for every combat scenario. They demand a different approach to combat than rifles or other ranged weapons. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and utilizing appropriate tactics, you can transform this often-underestimated weapon into a powerful tool in your survival arsenal. They're not "bad," they're just different. And sometimes, different is exactly what you need.