In Fallout 76, shotguns are a formidable choice for close-range combat, offering high damage potential and versatility. To maximize their effectiveness, players can leverage a variety of perks and SPECIAL stats. Here's a guide on how to build the ultimate shotgunner in Fallout 76.
SPECIAL Stats for Shotgun Builds
When creating a shotgun build, it's crucial to allocate SPECIAL stats effectively. Here's a recommended distribution:
Strength: 9-15 points. This is essential for equipping and maximizing the damage of shotgunner perks like Shotgunner, Expert Shotgunner, and Master Shotgunner.
Perception: 6 points. Useful for VATS-related perks like Concentrated Fire or Skeet Shooter.
Endurance: 5 points. Helps with health and resistance.
Charisma: 4 points. Not crucial for shotgun builds but useful for team play.
Intelligence: 10 points. Helps with crafting and repairing equipment.
Agility: 6 points. Essential for perks like Enforcer and Action Boy.
Luck: 10 points. Enhances critical hits and other luck-based effects.
In addition to perks and SPECIAL stats, the choice of Fallout 76 items is crucial for a shotgun build. Players should prioritize items that complement their shotgun's capabilities, such as armor with increased carry weight to support heavy shotguns or mods like scopes for improved accuracy. Furthermore, utilizing chems like Psycho or other performance-enhancing items can provide temporary boosts in combat, making the shotgunner even more formidable. Additionally, ensuring access to plenty of shotgun ammunition is vital for sustained combat effectiveness. The strategic combination of these items with the recommended perks and stats can significantly enhance gameplay experience and effectiveness in combat situations.
Essential Perk Cards for Shotgun Builds
Here are some of the most effective perk cards for a shotgun build:
Shotgunner, Expert Shotgunner, Master Shotgunner: These perks increase shotgun damage significantly, with all three providing a total of 60% extra damage.
Enforcer: Grants shotguns a chance to stagger and cripple enemies, making them more effective in close combat.
Scattershot: Reduces shotgun weight by 90% and increases reload speed by 30%, making it ideal for rapid-fire combat.
Concentrated Fire: Allows targeting specific limbs in VATS, useful for precision and limb damage.
Skeet Shooter: Improves shotgun spread and accuracy, making them more reliable at close range.
Taking One for the Team: Provides damage reduction when teammates are nearby, enhancing survivability in co-op play.
Legendary Perks for Shotgun Builds
Legendary perks offer additional power and customization options for high-level players:
Legendary Strength: Increases SPECIAL points, allowing for more perk slots or higher SPECIAL stats.
Action Boy: Enhances AP regeneration, enabling more frequent use of VATS and other abilities.
Best Shotguns for Builds
The choice of shotgun can significantly impact your build:
Combat Shotgun: Versatile and easy to modify for stealth or heavy damage roles.
Gauss Shotgun: Offers high damage but requires specific plans to craft.
Pepper Shaker: Benefits from shotgun perks and can be used in hybrid builds.
Quad Double-Barrel Shotgun: Offers increased firing capacity without reloading.
Conclusion
Crafting a powerful shotgun build in Fallout 76 involves a combination of strategic SPECIAL stat allocation, essential perk cards, and the right shotgun choice. By focusing on damage, survivability, and mobility, players can create a formidable shotgunner capable of handling even the toughest challenges in the game.