Is Shotgun Good in ARK? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, the shotgun is unequivocally good in ARK: Survival Evolved, often considered one of the most versatile and powerful weapons in the game, especially in the early to mid-game stages. Its primary strength lies in its ability to deliver high burst damage at close range, making it exceptional for both player-versus-player (PvP) combat and dealing with aggressive creatures. However, like any weapon in ARK, its effectiveness depends on the situation, player skill, and understanding of its strengths and limitations. The Pump-Action Shotgun is particularly favored for its superior damage output and tighter spread compared to the standard shotgun. Let’s dive deeper into why the shotgun is such a popular choice, its ammo, damage output, best uses, and how it compares to other weapons in ARK.
The Power of the Shotgun in ARK
Close Quarters Combat King
The shotgun excels in close-quarters combat (CQC). Its wide spread of projectiles means that even if your aim isn’t perfect, you’re likely to hit your target with multiple pellets, resulting in significant damage. This makes it ideal for caving, navigating tight spaces, or engaging in sudden encounters with hostile creatures. The quick target acquisition offered by the shotgun allows you to react swiftly to threats, a crucial advantage in ARK’s often chaotic environment.
Ammunition and Variety
The primary ammunition type for shotguns in ARK is Simple Shotgun Ammo. Interestingly, only two weapons use this ammo type: the standard Shotgun and the Pump-Action Shotgun. This shared ammo pool makes it relatively easy to maintain a stock of ammunition. While both fire the same ammo, the Pump-Action Shotgun significantly outshines the standard shotgun, due to its superior damage and tighter pellet spread.
Damage Output and Effectiveness
The Pump-Action Shotgun boasts a base damage of 14×46 per shot. However, it’s important to note that most creatures (except for humans) receive only 70% damage from firearms. This means the actual damage against most creatures is around 14×32 per shot. This still packs a significant punch, allowing you to effectively dispatch many of ARK’s creatures. While the regular shotgun’s spread is so wide that you have to be almost on top of your target to deal significant damage, the Pump-Action Shotgun’s tighter spread increases its range and consistency, making it a much more reliable choice.
Attachment Capability
The shotgun can be customized with various attachments, though only one attachment may be used at a time. Although, the silencer cannot be equipped on the Shotgun. This allows you to fine-tune its performance based on your situation.
Strengths and Limitations
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Strengths:
- High Burst Damage: Excellent for quickly taking down targets at close range.
- Wide Spread: Easier to hit targets even with imperfect aim in CQC.
- Versatility: Effective against both creatures and players.
- Accessibility: The Pump-Action Shotgun and Simple Shotgun Ammo are relatively easy to obtain early on.
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Limitations:
- Limited Range: Not effective against targets at long range due to pellet spread.
- Reload Time: Shotguns have a longer reload time than some other weapons.
- Damage Falloff: Reduced damage against armored targets and certain creatures with high damage resistance.
Shotgun vs. Other Weapons
Shotgun vs. Pistol
While the Simple Pistol is effective against unarmored players, its damage output is lower than the shotgun in most close-range engagements. The shotgun’s burst damage potential is significantly higher than the pistol’s sustained damage output, making it more reliable for quick kills against armored or dangerous creatures. The pistol also has a higher durability consumption of 0.2 per shot, meaning you will have to repair it more often than a shotgun which does not consume durability with use.
Shotgun vs. Tek Rifle
The Tek Rifle is a powerful late-game weapon with high damage per shot, but it is best suited for longer ranges and armored opponents. The Tek Rifle can do 711 damage per bolt to unarmored creatures, and with its 40 bolts it can deal 28,440 total damage to creatures with no armor, while the shotgun has a lower overall damage potential, but can be used easily in the early and mid game. The Tek Rifle is significantly more expensive and requires Tekgrams to craft making it inaccessible to earlier-game players. The shotgun remains a more practical option for most situations.
Shotgun vs. Longneck Rifle
The Longneck Rifle is primarily a taming weapon, and not recommended for combat because of its slow firing rate. While it can do good damage at long range, the Pump-Action Shotgun is a more useful weapon in combat. The Fab Sniper is a good option for long range combat, but it is a late-game item.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shotguns in ARK
1. What ammunition does the shotgun use in ARK?
The shotgun uses Simple Shotgun Ammo. Both the standard Shotgun and the Pump-Action Shotgun use this ammunition type.
2. Is the Pump-Action Shotgun better than the regular Shotgun?
Yes, the Pump-Action Shotgun is generally considered superior due to its tighter spread, higher damage potential, and more consistency.
3. How much damage does a shotgun do to creatures?
The base damage of the Pump-Action Shotgun is 14×46, but creatures only take about 70% of this damage, resulting in about 14×32 damage per shot.
4. What are the best attachments for shotguns?
The best attachments depend on your play style, but sights and damage increasing attachments are usually preferred. Silencers are not available for use on shotguns.
5. Is the shotgun good for cave exploration?
Yes, the shotgun’s close-range power and wide spread make it ideal for cave exploration. Its quick target acquisition is beneficial in tight spaces.
6. How does the shotgun perform in PvP?
The shotgun is very effective in PvP due to its high burst damage. It can quickly eliminate players if they are caught in its effective range.
7. Can the shotgun be used to tame creatures?
No, shotguns are not intended for taming creatures and are instead combat focused. The Longneck Rifle or the Crossbow are much better choices for taming.
8. What is the maximum damage a shotgun can do?
Most standard weapons, including the shotgun, have a damage limit of 755.3%.
9. How does the shotgun fare against armored targets?
The shotgun’s effectiveness against armored targets is reduced due to their damage resistance. It is better used against unarmored targets, but can still be effective when utilized in close range.
10. What is the best shotgun to use against the Broodmother?
A high-damage Pump-Action Shotgun with plenty of Simple Shotgun Ammo is ideal. Depending on the boss difficulty you might need as much as 1500 rounds, when going solo.
11. Is the shotgun good for solo play?
Yes, the shotgun’s ability to quickly eliminate threats makes it a solid choice for solo play. Its reliability in CQC is invaluable for lone survivors.
12. Is the shotgun better than a pistol in ARK?
Generally, yes. The shotgun offers significantly more damage and is more reliable in close quarters combat situations than the pistol.
13. Can you use the shotgun underwater?
Yes, the shotgun can be used underwater, however, most weapons do reduced damage while the user is submerged.
14. Does durability on the shotgun break down?
No, the shotgun does not consume durability as you use it, therefore it will not need to be repaired.
15. What are some situations where a shotgun is NOT the best weapon?
The shotgun is not ideal for long range engagements, dealing with heavily armored creatures, or situations that require stealth. Weapons like the Longneck Rifle, Tek Rifle, or crossbow are much better for these situations.
Conclusion
The shotgun in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerhouse of a weapon, particularly the Pump-Action Shotgun. Its ability to deal high burst damage at close range makes it a staple for many players, especially in early to mid-game progression. While it has limitations in long-range engagements and against highly armored foes, its effectiveness in close quarters combat is undeniable. Whether you’re navigating a treacherous cave, engaging in PvP, or just trying to stay alive in ARK’s dangerous world, the shotgun is an invaluable asset to have in your arsenal. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses and using it in situations where it excels will ensure you get the most out of this powerful weapon.