Is Shotguns Good in ARK?
In the world of ARK: Survival Evolved, having the right weapon can be the key to success. Among the many options available, one that often gets overlooked is the humble shotgun. Despite this, shotguns can be incredibly effective in the right situations. In this article, we’ll explore what makes shotguns good in ARK and when it’s best to use them.
What Bullets Do Shotguns Use?
Before we dive in, it’s essential to understand what bullets shotguns use. In ARK, the Pump-Action Shotgun fires the Simple Shotgun Ammo. This is exclusive to the shotgun and can be used for close quarters combat.
Close Quarters Combat
Shotguns are ideal for close quarters combat. Since they fire multiple pellets per shot, they can disperse damage evenly across multiple targets. This makes them perfect for fighting multiple hosts at once or taking on groups of dinosaurs in dense areas.
Durability and Damage
The ARK shotgun has a surprisingly high durability, with most shotguns able to survive 300 shots before requiring repair. While the shotgun’s damage output may seem low at first glance (30,000 ranged damage per 300 shots and 600 ranged damage per magazine), it becomes more significant when considering that it can be used from close range, making accuracy less of an issue.
Comparison to Other weapons
When comparing the ARK shotgun to other weapon options, it’s vital to consider their strengths and weaknesses. Here is a comparison table:
| Weapon | Damage (per shot) | Capacity | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Pistol | 30 | 6 | 800 |
| Engram Rifle | 70 | 10 | 1,000 |
| Pump-Action Shotgun | 500, varying dispersion pattern, more damage at close range |
As you can see from the table, the Simple Pistol has lower damage, but higher durability. In contrast, the Engram Rifle has higher damage per shot, but lower overall capacity. The pump-action shotgun stands out because of its high damage distribution and versatility in close-range combat.
Situation-Specific Usefulness
While the shotgun has its strengths, it isn’t invincible, nor can it be used in any situation. Here are situations where the shotgun shines:
• Fighting hosts in caves or dense, enclosed areas where damage distribution is more crucial for taking down multiple targets.
• Against clustered groups of low-health engrams like flyers.
• As a companion weapon alongside other firearm options for varying situations
Conclusion
In the competitive and rapidly-moving environment of ARK: Survival Evolved, shotguns, despite their lower damage compared to other weapon options, can be an incredibly versatile and effective addition to one’s arsenal. By understand their strengths, weaknesses, and situational usefulness, players can better integrate shotgun shots and other weapons for optimal, high-stakes combat engagements.
Which Shotgun?
ARK features two popular shotgun options: the.410 Shotgun and the Magnum Pistol and Gun. Which one would you choose and why?