Finding the Bullet Buffet: The Best Gun for Ammo in Payday 2

The endless waves of law enforcement in Payday 2 demand one crucial thing: ammunition. Running dry in the middle of a heist is a one-way ticket to getting downed, and nobody wants that. Therefore, ammo sustain is a key element of any effective build, but the question arises: what’s the best gun to keep your reserves topped up? While various weapons excel in damage, accuracy, or concealment, when it comes to pure ammo efficiency, one category shines above the rest: shotguns with specific characteristics. Namely, weapons with high pickup rates and manageable reload times. In particular, the Izhma 12G coupled with specific builds, provides a fast reload time and is a meta weapon!

Diving Deep into Ammo Economy

Ammo economy in Payday 2 is a delicate balance. You need a weapon that deals enough damage to eliminate threats efficiently, but also one that replenishes its ammunition quickly enough to sustain you through prolonged engagements. Several factors contribute to a weapon’s ammo efficiency:

• Pickup Rate: This is the percentage of ammo you regain from each pickup. Higher is obviously better.
• Magazine Size: A larger magazine allows for longer bursts of fire before needing to reload.
• Total Ammo: This is the total amount of ammunition you can carry for a weapon.
• Damage per Shot: A higher damage per shot means you need to fire fewer rounds to eliminate targets, conserving ammunition.
• Reload Time: A faster reload time allows you to get back into the fight quicker.
• Skills and Perks: Various skills and perk decks can significantly improve a weapon’s ammo economy.

While high-damage weapons might seem tempting, their low pickup rates often leave players constantly scrambling for ammo. Conversely, weapons with incredibly high pickup rates might lack the punch needed to efficiently dispatch heavier enemies. The Izhma 12G and similar shotguns strike a balance.

Why the Izhma Reigns Supreme (and Its Competitors)

The Izhma 12G, especially with the right modifications and skills, has established itself as a go-to choice for ammo sustainability. The fast reload time, combined with the fast ammo pickup, makes it a great choice for sustaining ammo! Here’s why:

• High Pickup Rate: Shotguns, in general, have a good pickup rate, meaning you’ll frequently replenish your ammo reserves from fallen enemies.
• Versatility: The Izhma can be modded to fit various roles, from a close-quarters powerhouse to a more stealth-oriented weapon.
• Synergy with Skills: Skills like “Shotgun Impact” and “Close By” in the Enforcer tree further enhance the Izhma’s damage and handling, making it even more efficient.
• Ammo Efficiency: The shotgun type in general is quite efficient, as ammo is quick to get, as stated previously.

However, the Izhma isn’t the only contender. Other shotguns, and even some unconventional choices, can also be incredibly ammo-efficient:

• Predator 12G: This shotgun is also an ideal choice, with a slightly worse pickup rate than the Izhma.
• M1014: This option is great, and often compared to the Izhma 12G.
• Grimm 12G: While it has a low ammo reserve, its incredible pickup rate can keep you in the fight. It is a great choice if you get comfortable using it!
• Compact-5: While mentioned as one of the best secondary weapons, it has a great ammo pickup rate.

Building for Bullet Hoses

Selecting the right weapon is only half the battle. To truly maximize ammo efficiency, you need to build your skill tree accordingly. Key skills include:

• Enforcer (Shotgunner Tree):
  • Shotgun Impact: Increases shotgun damage and stability.
  • Close By: Further increases shotgun damage at close range.
  • Underdog: Provides damage reduction when surrounded by enemies, encouraging aggressive play.
• Technician (Engineer Tree):
  • Jack of All Trades: Allows you to deploy two deployables at once, which is useful for bringing both ammo bags and doctor bags.

Perk decks also play a crucial role. Some of the best perk decks for sustaining ammo include:

• Anarchist: Grants armor regeneration upon dealing damage, encouraging aggressive play and allowing you to soak up more damage without depleting your ammo.
• Sociopath: Provides health and armor regeneration upon kills, making it perfect for aggressive playstyles.
• Grinder: Provides health regeneration over time based on damage dealt, rewarding consistent aggression.

Beyond the Gun: General Tips for Ammo Conservation

Even with the best weapon and build, poor ammo management can still leave you dry. Here are some general tips for conserving ammo:

• Aim for the Head: Headshots deal significantly more damage, allowing you to eliminate enemies with fewer bullets.
• Use Cover: Don’t stand out in the open, absorbing damage. Use cover to reload and reposition.
• Conserve Ammo on Weaker Enemies: Don’t waste high-powered shots on enemies that can be taken down with a single pistol bullet.
• Coordinate with Your Team: Communicate with your teammates to avoid wasting ammo on the same targets.
• Use Melee Attacks: When appropriate, melee attacks can save ammo and stun enemies.

Ammo management is a critical skill in Payday 2. By choosing the right weapon, building your skill tree effectively, and practicing good ammo conservation habits, you can ensure that you’re always ready for the next firefight. Remember, staying stocked up on bullets is just as important as having a powerful weapon. So, experiment, find what works best for you, and get out there and start stacking bodies… and ammo pickups! Consider visiting Games Learning Society to see if there’s any new research in the world of gaming!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Union 5.56 really the “best” assault rifle, as some articles claim?

The Union 5.56 is a great assault rifle that performs consistently in almost every mission. However, the “best” weapon depends on your playstyle and build. The Union has a great pickup rate but an assault rifle might require too many hits. While the Akimbo Krinkovs are also a great option, you would most likely run out of ammo. So the shotguns with the fast pickup rate are the best for sustaining ammo!

2. What are the best mods for the Izhma 12G to maximize ammo efficiency?

Focus on mods that improve reload speed and stability. A larger magazine can also be beneficial, but prioritize reload speed. Look for mods with a lower penalty to pickup rate as well.

3. How important is concealment for an ammo-efficient build?

Concealment is important if you want to use Low Blow and Sneaky Bastard skills. With the right build, you can achieve decent concealment with the Izhma, but it’s not the primary focus. Prioritize skills and perks that enhance ammo sustain.

4. Are there any other weapons besides shotguns that are good for ammo sustain?

Some submachine guns with high pickup rates, like the Compact-5, can be effective. However, they often lack the raw damage of shotguns, requiring you to expend more bullets.

5. How does the difficulty level affect ammo management?

Higher difficulties feature more enemies, making ammo management even more crucial. You’ll need to be more precise with your shots and rely on teamwork to conserve ammo.

6. What’s the deal with “ammo bags”? Are they always necessary?

Ammo bags are invaluable for prolonged heists, especially on higher difficulties. They provide a reliable source of ammunition for yourself and your teammates. Consider bringing them, or coordinate with a teammate who has the “Jack of All Trades” skill.

7. Can I solo Payday 2 with an ammo-efficient build?

Yes, but it requires careful planning and execution. You’ll need to be very conservative with your ammo and prioritize skills that improve your survivability.

8. How does the “Overkill” skill affect ammo efficiency?

The “Overkill” skill grants a significant damage boost after killing an enemy with a shotgun. This can indirectly improve ammo efficiency by allowing you to eliminate tougher enemies with fewer shots.

9. What are some common mistakes players make when managing ammo?

Wasting ammo on unnecessary shots, failing to aim for headshots, and neglecting to use cover are all common mistakes. Also, forgetting to reload when you have a chance can be fatal.

10. Are weapon attachments like laser sights and flashlights important for ammo efficiency?

While they don’t directly affect ammo pickup rates, they can improve accuracy, leading to more efficient kills and better ammo conservation.

11. How do I know if my weapon is running low on ammo without constantly checking the counter?

Pay attention to the sound of your weapon firing and reloading. You’ll develop a sense of how much ammo you have left based on the firing rate and reload animations.

12. Does the AI team use ammo efficiently?

No, your AI teammates have infinite ammo. However, they also tend to waste shots, so don’t rely on them to carry you through a heist.

13. Can I use a silenced weapon for an ammo-efficient stealth build?

Silenced weapons are crucial for stealth, but they often have lower damage output. Balance concealment with damage to ensure you can still take down enemies efficiently.

14. What is the best perk deck for aggressive Payday 2 play?

The Sociopath is another powerful Perk Deck in Payday 2 that is more suited towards aggressive players. What this Perk Deck does is it significantly reduces damage when surrounded by enemies, recovers armor upon kills, and recovers health upon melee kills. It all depends on the specific playstyle you have!

15. Where can I find more resources about Payday 2 builds and strategies?

There are many online communities and websites dedicated to Payday 2, such as the Payday 2 subreddit, the Steam forums, and various YouTube channels. Consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org for the latest research on gaming and learning!