This article is about shotgun weapons in Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, and Mass Effect: Andromeda. For the talent in Mass Effect, see Shotguns (talent). For the skill in Mass Effect: Andromeda, see Shotguns (skill). |
Shotguns are one of the primary weapons in the Mass Effect universe. These weapons typically deal very high damage at close range but at the expense of less accuracy over larger distances.
Mass Effect[]
Shotguns refers to both a type of weapon and the unlockable combat-oriented talent that gives proficiency in them, available to Soldiers, Vanguards, the Krogan Battlemaster, and the Quarian Machinist.
Shotguns are particularly deadly at close range and can grant the Carnage ability by leveling up in them enough. The shotgun is stored on the small of the back in its collapsed form, below your character's assault rifle and sniper rifle. Shotguns should be monitored closely when being used as they are prone to quickly overheating.
Shotguns have a rate of fire of 0.8, i. e. one shot every 1.25 seconds.
Shotgun Models[]
Below is a list of types of Shotguns and their base stats:
Katana line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Ariake Technologies | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | - | - | 197 | 211 | 226 | 240 | 254 | 269 | 283 |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | - | - | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Accuracy Rating: | - | - | - | 70 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 |
Avalanche line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Armax Arsenal | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 260 | 276 | 291 | 307 |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
Accuracy Rating: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 |
Legendary Edition: Of the two single-slug shotguns available, the Avalanche has superior stats compared to the Tornado.
Executioner line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Batarian State Arms | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 128 | 140 | 152 | 164 | 176 | 188 | 200 | 212 | 224 | 236 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
Accuracy Rating: | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 |
The Executioner shotguns can only be acquired through console commands.
Hydra line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Cerberus Skunkworks | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 179 | 196 | 213 | 230 | 246 | 263 | 280 | 297 | 314 | 330 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
Accuracy Rating: | 88 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 91 |
The Hydra shotguns can only be acquired through console commands.
Firestorm line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Devlon Industries | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | - | - | 180 | 194 | 207 | 220 | 233 | 246 | 260 |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | - | - | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
Accuracy Rating: | - | - | - | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 77 |
Hurricane line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Elanus Risk Control Services | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 115 | 126 | 137 | 148 | 158 | 169 | 180 | 191 | 202 | 212 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
Accuracy Rating: | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 |
Pulse Rifle line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Geth Armory | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 179 | 196 | 213 | 230 | 246 | 263 | 280 | 297 | 314 | 330 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 8.4 | 9.9 | 12.3 |
Accuracy Rating: | 90 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 93 | 93 | 93 |
The geth shotguns can only be acquired through console commands.
Storm line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Hahne-Kedar | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 102 | 112 | 122 | 131 | 141 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 179 | 189 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
Accuracy Rating: | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 |
Viper line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 141 | 154 | 167 | 180 | 194 | 207 | 220 | 223 | 246 | 260 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 |
Accuracy Rating: | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 |
The Viper shotguns can only be acquired through console commands.
Tornado line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Haliat Armory | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 166 | 182 | 198 | 213 | 229 | 244 | 260 | 276 | 291 | 307 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
Accuracy Rating: | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 |
Legendary Edition: Of the two single-slug shotguns available, the Tornado has inferior stats compared to the Avalanche.
Savage line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Jormangund Technology | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 154 | 168 | 182 | 197 | 211 | 226 | 240 | 254 | 269 | 283 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
Accuracy Rating: | 80 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 84 | 85 |
The Savage shotguns can only be acquired through console commands.
Armageddon line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Kassa Fabrication | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 280 | 297 | 314 | 330 |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.6 |
Accuracy Rating: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 80 | 80 | 81 | 81 |
Sokolov line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Rosenkov Materials | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 300 | 318 | 336 | 354 |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
Accuracy Rating: | - | - | - | - | - | - | 78 | 79 | 79 | 80 |
Scimitar line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Elkoss Combine | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 128 | 140 | 152 | 164 | 176 | 188 | 200 | 212 | 224 | 236 |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
Accuracy Rating: | 48 | 49 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 60 |
HMWSG Basic line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Spectre Gear | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | 128 | 140 | 152 | 164 | 167 | 188 | - | - | - | - |
Shots Before Overheat: | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 | - | - | - | - |
Accuracy Rating: | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | - | - | - | - |
The HMWSG Basic Shotgun can only be acquired through console commands.
HMWSG Advanced line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Spectre Gear | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | 147 | 160 | 172 | 185 | 197 | 210 | 223 | - | - |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 | - | - |
Accuracy Rating: | - | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | - | - |
The HMWSG Advanced Shotgun can only be acquired through console commands.
HMWSG Master line of Shotguns
Manufacturer: | Spectre Gear | |||||||||
Weapon Level: | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Damage: | - | - | - | 262 | 282 | 301 | 320 | 339 | 358 | 378 |
Shots Before Overheat: | - | - | - | 5 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7 |
Accuracy Rating: | - | - | - | 89 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 91 |
Only The HMWSG Master Shotgun VII and X sophistication level can be found in-game. The rest can be acquired through console commands.
Legendary Edition Firing Patterns[]
In Legendary Edition, the various shotguns possess unique attributes that determine how they fire, further distinguishing each model.
Model | Manufacturer | Firing Mode |
---|---|---|
Armageddon | Kassa Fabrication | Fully automatic, hexagonal pattern (6 pellets around, 1 in center) |
Avalanche | Armax Arsenal | Bolt action, slug (1 pellet per round) |
Firestorm | Devlon Industries | Bolt action, hexagonal pattern (6 pellets around, 1 in center) |
HMWSG | Spectre - Master Gear | Bolt action, hexagonal pattern (6 pellets around, 1 in center) |
Hurricane | Elanus Risk Control Services | Fully automatic, hexagonal pattern (6 pellets around, 1 in center) |
Katana | Ariake Technologies | Bolt action, X-shaped pattern (4 pellets on each diagonal, 1 in center) |
Scimitar | Elkoss Combine | Bolt action, X-shaped pattern (4 pellets on each diagonal, 1 in center) |
Sokolov | Rosenkov Materials | Bolt action, X-shaped pattern (4 pellets on each diagonal, 1 in center) |
Storm | Hahne-Kedar | Bolt action, hexagonal pattern (6 pellets around, 1 in center) |
Tornado | Haliat Armory | Bolt action, slug (1 pellet per round) |
Mass Effect 2[]
Shotguns in Mass Effect 2 are powerful close range weapons. All shotguns fire eight projectiles per shot (with the exception of the Geth Plasma Shotgun which fires three). Like all other non-heavy weapon types in Mass Effect 2 with the exception of sniper rifles, shotguns benefit from a 100% damage bonus at point-blank (melee) range. At the start of the game, the shotgun is available only to the Soldier and the Vanguard player classes, but can be chosen by any player class as a weapon specialization later in the game. The following squadmates utilize shotguns: Grunt, Jack, Jacob, and Tali.
Shotgun Models[]
Below is a list of the types of shotguns in Mass Effect 2 and their base stats.
- Manufacturer: Human
- Base Damage: 36.8 (294.4)
- Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.25 / x1.25 / x1.25
- Default ammo: 3 / 12
- Acquisition: Cerberus Weapon and Armor DLC, Legendary Edition: Research Project
- Manufacturer: Ariake Technologies
- Base Damage: 27.5 (220)
- Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.0 / x1.5 / x1.5
- Default ammo: 5 / 10
- Acquisition: Default starting weapon
- Manufacturer: Ariake Technologies
- Base Damage: 20.34 (162.7)
- Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.0 / x1.5 / x1.5
- Default ammo: 8 / 16
- Acquisition: Dossier: The Justicar
- Manufacturer: Krogan
- Base Damage: 50.1 (400.8)
- Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.25 / x1.25 / x1.25
- Default ammo: 1 / 10
- Acquisition: Collector Ship (mission) (Soldier or Vanguard only), Research Project for Grunt
- Manufacturer: Geth Armory
- Base Damage: Single Shot: 156.50 (250.38) – Fully Charged: 347.77 (556.4)
- Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.0 / x1.5 / x1.5
- Default ammo: 5 / 10
- Acquisition: Firepower Pack DLC, Legendary Edition: Kenn's Salvage
Upgrades[]
- See also: Upgrade Guide#Shotgun Upgrades, Research#Shotguns
- Shotgun Shield Piercing (Microphasic Pulse)
- Increases damage by 50% against shields and biotic barriers.
- Shotgun Extra Rounds (Thermal Sink)
- Shotguns, heavy shotguns and assault shotguns double their rounds.
- Shotgun Damage 1 - 6 (Synchronized Pulsar)
- Provides +10% shotgun damage.
Mass Effect 3[]
Shotguns in their most conventional form fire spreads of weak projectiles, or "pellets", making them primarily geared for close encounters, though there are several shotgun models that are an exception to this, firing single slugs, explosive projectiles, or other unconventional munitions. Shotguns excel at delivering high damage in short bursts, in contrast to the sustained fire of assault rifles or submachine guns. Also, most shotguns are efficient against shielded enemies, with minimal damage lost to the shield gate mechanic.
While most shotguns lack long-range accuracy and none can utilize scopes, most can be modified for greater precision or tighter pellet spread. Unlike most other weapons, shotguns gain no increase to their accuracy from aiming down sights, with only three exceptions: the Venom Shotgun, the N7 Crusader, and the Graal Spike Thrower. No shotgun model gains any bonus to accuracy when fired from cover.
Shotguns tend towards the heavy side, though as with all the weapon classes there are exceptions less burdensome to power-oriented classes while still packing a punch.
In keeping with their close-range identity, shotguns can be modded to provide increased melee damage to the user, which can potentially be a higher boost to damage than from any other weapon type.
The following squadmates utilize shotguns: Aria, Grunt, Jack, Jacob, James, Tali, and Wrex.
Shotgun Models[]
Below is a list of the types of shotguns in Mass Effect 3 and their base stats. Note that WCFDA stands for weight, capacity, fire rate, damage, and accuracy. The relevant values for those statistics are presented in that order.
- Manufacturer: Batarian
- Base WCFDA: 80 / 20 / 20 / 70 / 2
- Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 2 / 18
- Acquisition: Pre-order bonus or Namakli: Leviathan1
- Manufacturer: Asari
- Base WCFDA: 38 / 18 / 8 / 50 / 11
- Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 4 / 24
- Acquisition: Kallini: Ardat-Yakshi Monastery or Nos Astra Sporting Goods
- Manufacturer: Geth Armory
- Base WCFDA: 77 / 15 / 7 / 87 / 37
- Fire Mode: Charged Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 5 / 15
- Acquisition: Priority: Rannoch or Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies
- Manufacturer: Krogan
- Base WCFDA: 73 / 13 / 9 / 80 / 50
- Fire Mode: Charged Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 3 / 12
- Acquisition: Priority: Tuchanka or Cipritine Armory
- Manufacturer: Unknown
- Base WCFDA: 55 / 13 / 4 / 70 / 15
- Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 2 / 10
- Acquisition: Spectre Requisitions
- Manufacturer: Human
- Base WCFDA: 55 / 13 / 4 / 58 / 13
- Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 3 / 15
- Acquisition: Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation or Batarian State Arms
- Manufacturer: Ariake Technologies
- Base WCFDA: 57 / 12 / 5 / 50 / 8
- Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 5 / 15
- Acquisition: Priority: Mars
- Manufacturer: Ariake Technologies
- Base WCFDA: 52 / 15 / 9 / 44 / 9
- Fire Mode: Automatic
- Default ammo: 8 / 24
- Acquisition: Priority: Palaven or Kassa Fabrication
- Manufacturer: Krogan
- Base WCFDA: 98 / 10 / 2 / 91 / 10
- Fire Mode: Single Shot
- Default ammo: 1 / 8
- Acquisition: Attican Traverse: Krogan Team or Cipritine Armory
- Manufacturer: Systems Alliance
- Base WCFDA: 96 / 15 / 10 / 50 / 60
- Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 4 / 20
- Acquisition: N7 Collector's Edition Pack (singleplayer), Legendary Edition: Spectre Requisitions
- Manufacturer: Systems Alliance
- Base WCFDA: 55 / 25 / 15 / 65 / 10
- Fire Mode: Automatic
- Default ammo: 6 / 48
- Acquisition: Groundside Resistance Pack (single-player), Earth (multiplayer), Legendary Edition: Spectre Requisitions
- Manufacturer: Quarian
- Base WCFDA: 60 / 20 / 0 / 10 / 0
- Fire Mode: Automatic
- Default ammo: 22 / 66
- Acquisition: Firefight Pack (single-player), Rebellion Pack (multiplayer), Legendary Edition: Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies
- Manufacturer: Special Tasks Group
- Base WCFDA: 75 / 15 / 10 / 75 / 50
- Fire Mode: Charged Semi-Automatic
- Default ammo: 4 / 12
- Acquisition: Groundside Resistance Pack (single-player), Reckoning (multiplayer), Legendary Edition: Aegohr Munitions
1 In the Mass Effect 3: Leviathan DLC (LE: included in Mass Effect Legendary Edition)
Weapon Modifications[]
- Shotgun Spare Thermal Clip I - V
- Adds sockets to raise thermal clip capacity, increasing number of spare shots.
- Shotgun Shredder Mod I - V
- Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration.
- Shotgun Blade Attachment I - V
- Tungsten-carbide bayonet with recessed edge for increased melee damage.
- Shotgun High Caliber Barrel I - V
- Allows wider projectiles, causing more trauma on impact. Ballistically optimized to retain penetrative power.
- Shotgun Smart Choke I - V
- Servo motors hooked up to adjustable system tighten or loosen pellet spread for maximum accuracy.
- Shotgun Ultralight Materials I - V
- Superior lightweight alloys replace weapon parts, making the weapon less obtrusive and easier to handle.
- Shotgun Omni-Blade I - V (Requires Retaliation for multiplayer.)
- Attach an omni-blade to the weapon for increased melee damage.
- Shotgun High-Velocity Barrel I - V (Requires Retaliation for multiplayer.)
- Superior kinetic coils increase shot penetration.
Mass Effect: Andromeda[]
Ideal for combat at close range, most shotguns fire a deadly blast in a wide cone, but are ineffective over longer distances. Mass Effect: Andromeda continues the long Mass Effect tradition of heavy-hitting, close-ranged weapons designed to devastate anything in their way.
Shotgun Models[]
- Rarity: Common
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 322-546
- Rate of Fire: 85
- Max Clip Size: 5
- Max Ammo: 40-50
- Accuracy: 22-28
- Weight: 40-20
- Rarity: Ultra Rare
- Tech Type: Heleus
- Damage: 614-945
- Rate of Fire: 95
- Max Clip Size: 3
- Max Ammo: 21-26
- Accuracy: 42-53
- Weight: 30-15
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 432-704
- Rate of Fire: 85
- Max Clip Size: 6
- Max Ammo: 42-53
- Accuracy: 34-43
- Weight: 35-18
- Rarity: Rare
- Tech Type: Heleus
- Damage: 260-410
- Rate of Fire: 220
- Max Clip Size: 10
- Max Ammo: 60-75
- Accuracy: 16-20
- Weight: 40-20
- Rarity: Ultra Rare
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 360-554
- Rate of Fire: 80
- Max Clip Size: 4
- Max Ammo: 28-35
- Accuracy: 44-55
- Weight: 35-18
- Rarity: Rare
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 328-504
- Rate of Fire: 165
- Max Clip Size: 8
- Max Ammo: 48-60
- Accuracy: 22-28
- Weight: 50-25
- Rarity: Rare
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 255-325
- Rate of Fire: 85
- Max Clip Size: 6
- Max Ammo: 24-27
- Accuracy: 35-41
- Weight: 30-23
- Rarity: Rare
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 52-82
- Rate of Fire: 525
- Max Clip Size: 36
- Max Ammo: 216-270
- Accuracy: 50-63
- Weight: 30-15
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 355-580
- Rate of Fire: 70
- Max Clip Size: 3
- Max Ammo: 27-34
- Accuracy: 28-35
- Weight: 45-23
- Rarity: Rare
- Tech Type: Remnant
- Damage: 135-315
- Rate of Fire: 150
- Max Clip Size: 8-12
- Max Ammo: 1 (∞)
- Accuracy: 60-75
- Weight: 35-18
- Rarity: Ultra Rare
- Tech Type: Heleus
- Damage: 310-360
- Rate of Fire: 400
- Max Clip Size: 15
- Max Ammo: 120-150
- Accuracy: 30-38
- Weight: 42-21
- Rarity: Rare
- Tech Type: Milky Way
- Damage: 233-369
- Rate of Fire: 80
- Max Clip Size: 5
- Max Ammo: 25-31
- Accuracy: 25-31
- Weight: 45-23
Shotguns Customization[]
Shotguns can be customized by two different methods in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
Weapon Modifications[]
- Main article: Mods
Mods are customizations that are exclusive to weapons only in Mass Effect: Andromeda. Mods use round-shaped sockets on a weapon and can only be changed at a Loadout terminal.
Weapon Augmentations[]
- Main article: Augmentations
Augmentations are semi-permanent customizations to crafted weapons or armor in Mass Effect: Andromeda. When a weapon is created during Development (crafting), hexagonal-shaped sockets are available to add augmentations to the weapon. These augmentations cannot be changed like weapon Mods and stay part of that weapon until it is deconstructed.