If you’re spending time in Arc Raiders, you’ll quickly realize that managing ammunition is just as important as your weapon choice. Shotgun ammo, in particular, behaves differently from other types of ammo, and knowing how it works can make the difference between finishing a mission smoothly and struggling in combat. In this guide, I’ll break down the essentials, based on how most players handle shotguns in practice.

What Is Shotgun Ammo and How Is It Used?

In general, shotgun ammo in Arc Raiders is a specific type of ammunition designed exclusively for shotguns. You cannot use it with rifles, pistols, or other firearms. This makes it essential to plan your inventory if you are carrying a shotgun.

• Weight: Each unit of shotgun ammo weighs 0.085. Most players find this manageable, even when carrying several stacks, but it can add up if you’re hoarding other heavy items.

• Stack Size: Ammo stacks up to 20 per slot. Usually, players keep at least one full stack per combat run to avoid running dry in critical situations.

• Sell Price: Each unit can be sold for 20 credits. While not a huge source of income, it’s enough to recover some resources if you’re overstocked.

Shotgun ammo is primarily for weapons like the Il Toro and the Vulcano. Each weapon uses ammo differently depending on its damage and range.

How to Get Shotgun Ammo in Practice

There are several ways to obtain shotgun ammo in the game. Most players rely on a combination of crafting and purchasing:

1. Crafting at Workbench 1

   • Ingredients: 3× Metal Parts + 2× Chemicals

   • Result: 5× Shotgun Ammo Crafting is usually the preferred method for players who have collected resources during missions. It’s efficient if you’re running multiple combat sessions in a row because crafting yields more ammo per batch than buying individually.

2. Buying from Tian Wen Many players also purchase ammo directly from vendors when they’re low. While crafting is cost-effective, buying ammo can save time in a pinch. Some players even look for options to buy ARC Raiders gear cheap and safe on U4N, especially when they need multiple stacks quickly without farming materials.

In general, managing a balance between crafting and purchasing is key. Most experienced players stock a couple of stacks of ammo before heading into higher-level zones to avoid running out mid-fight.

Shotgun Ammo Performance: What to Expect in Combat

Shotguns in Arc Raiders behave differently from ranged weapons with precision fire. Here’s what you should know based on player experience:

• Damage: The Il Toro deals 67.5 damage per shot, making it stronger in short bursts, while the Vulcano is slightly weaker at 49.5 damage per shot but has a longer range of 26 units. Most players choose the weapon based on whether they plan to engage enemies up close or at medium range.

• Firing Mode: Both weapons fire in single-shot mode. This means you need to pace your shots and aim carefully to maximize damage. Experienced players often combine movement and timing to ensure they hit enemies with every round.

• Effective Range: Shotguns are short-range weapons. Even with the Vulcano, you generally want to be within 20–25 units of your target for reliable damage. Standing too far back drastically reduces effectiveness, so positioning is just as important as ammo management.

Common Player Strategies for Shotgun Ammo

From observing how most players approach combat in Arc Raiders, a few trends stand out:

1. Ammo Conservation: Unlike energy-based weapons, shotguns have limited ammo per stack. Most players only reload when necessary and try to avoid spraying blindly. This ensures they always have enough ammo for boss encounters or sudden enemy waves.

2. Resource Rotation: Since crafting ammo requires both metal parts and chemicals, players often rotate between combat missions and resource farming. A common approach is to farm enough ingredients for a batch of 5–10 stacks before tackling harder missions.

3. Weapon-Ammo Pairing: Not every shotgun is ideal for every mission. Most players choose the Il Toro for pure damage in dense environments and the Vulcano when slightly longer range is needed. This influences how much ammo they carry, as higher-damage weapons often consume fewer rounds per kill.

Tips for Staying Prepared

• Stock Up Before Missions: Always have at least one full stack of ammo per shotgun you plan to use. Short-range weapons run out quickly if you are constantly engaging enemies.

• Use Crafting Wisely: Don’t over-craft and waste materials. Evaluate the mission difficulty and expected enemy density before making large batches.

• Combine With Other Weapons: Many players carry a backup weapon, like a rifle or SMG, to conserve shotgun ammo for critical moments. This is especially useful for clearing groups of enemies without depleting your main rounds.

Shotgun ammo in Arc Raiders is simple in concept but requires strategic management in practice. Most players find that combining crafting, careful ammo usage, and selecting the right weapon for each mission keeps them effective in combat. By understanding how ammo works and planning ahead, you can avoid running out mid-mission and make the most of your short-range arsenal.

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