Summary
Similar to the range of shotguns available inFallout 4, there are just 2 base shotguns inFallout 3(with one more being DLC) with some unique variants (that funnily enough look the same) thrown in for good measure. Thankfully, each of the 5 on offer is quite different from the other in their stats and potential use to the player. Perhaps due to the limited number, all are useful at certain points, but players will find some far more powerful later intheir post-apocalypticadventures.
Each shotgun inFallout 3can be found in a certain way and has a wide array of stats (damage, rate of fire, spread, e.g) to consider. To simplify this process, we have compiled a list ranking all the shotguns in Fallout 3 from least to most useful. Knowing the best shotgun to use at certain points in the game can be the difference in difficult close-range encounters where a high damage-per-second (DPS) is needed to defeat tough enemies.
5Sawed-Off Shotgun
A double-barrelled shotgun with the barrels cut off, theSawed Off-Shotgunoffers relatively high damage of 50 per shot, amounting to around 110 dps. But with only 2 shots in the chamber and a reload time of over 3 seconds, players will need to be very accurate to use this weapon. Unfortunately, the spread on this weapon is the most for all shotguns, which will only help when shooting at a large group of enemies.
As a fairly ordinary weapon, it can be found in a diverse range of places. This includes the bodies of raiders in and around theCapital Wasteland, in the media archive section of Arlington Library, or at theMeresti Raiders Dock. Compared to other shotguns, it is relatively weak and with poor durability, (it will break after around 160 shots), playersshould look towards other optionsat the earliest possible moment.
4The Kneecapper
Only A Minor Upgrade
A unique variant of the sawed-off shotgun, theKneecapperoffers improvements over its base weapon in some areas and drawbacks in others. Firstly, it has a far tighter spread which should allow a greater number of pellets to hit where the player wants. Also, the damage has been increased by 50%, meaning a higher DPS of 140. These very good additions are undermined by a slower rate of fire and a durability concern. (Now only requires 111 shots to break)
These changes leave this weapon being a small upgrade on the sawed-off shotgun but not a big enough upgrade to place it above any other shotgun in the game. The weapon can only be obtained fromRonald Larenwholives in a settlementcalledGirdershadeas one of only two occupants.
3Combat Shotgun
Accuracy Prioritized
The combat shotgun is the first weapon on this list to have more than 2 bullets in the chamber. Furthermore, it also has a chance at a critical hit multiplier that can lead to up to 27 more damage per shot. With a low spread, this weapon can deal precise damage without having to reload after 2 shots. Even when players do need to reload, the reload time is no slower than theSawed-Off Shotgun.
A major drawback is its durability; when in its best possible condition, it can only fire around 145 rounds before breaking. This gives it the worst durability of any shotgun. Combat shotguns are widely accessible in the game:raiders, Talon Company mercs, and slaverswill often be carrying one. For a specific location, one can be bought atFlak ‘N Shrapnel’sinRivet City.
2Double-Barrel Shotgun
Immense ‘Emergency Weapon’
Dealing by far the best DPS of all shotguns is the double-barrel shotgun. At around 190 dps it is best utilized as a secondary weapon that can be switched to when in a moment of great peril. A quick reload time of 2 seconds for both rounds means that it will be ready quickly. Players can pump out astonishing amounts of damage at close ranges, with an extra 30 damage per shot for a critical hit.
Only available in thePoint Lookoutadd-on, it can be acquired in the Naval Recruiting Center or during the questHearing Voices. The weapon is used by many inthe add-onso players should keep a look out.
1The Terrible Shotgun
Terrible For Your Enemies
A unique variant of the combat shotgun, theTerrible Shotgundeals far more damage per shot. If players hit all their shots and get some critical hits, they can deal well 1,000 damage per magazine clip. Although the spread is more than on the original weapon, it is a price worth paying to acquire an end-game-worthy weapon.
This shotgun is only available in one place: the merchantSmiling JackinEvergreen Mills. Players can steal it from him or kill him and take it with no damageto Karma dueto his position as a raider.
