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Shotguns in Fallout 76 offer a brutally satisfying combat experience, especially for players who like to get up close and personal. Whether you’re rocking a pump-action or a double-barrel beast, an optimized perk loadout can turn you into a walking thunderstorm of damage. Here are 10 tried-and-tested perk combinations that enhance your shotgun gameplay in both PvE and PvP.

1. Classic Shotgunner Build

• Strength: Shotgunner, Expert Shotgunner, Master Shotgunner, Scattershot

• Perception: Skeet Shooter

• Agility: Action Boy/Girl, AdrenalineThis setup boosts raw shotgun damage, reduces reload time, and gives tighter spread — great for those who like efficiency and control in firefights.

2. Tanky Shotgunner

• Endurance: Lifegiver, Fireproof

• Strength: Enforcer

• Agility: Dodgy, MarathonerCombine survivability with close-range power. Enforcer cripples limbs often, giving you the edge in tougher boss fights and PvP.

3. Crit-Focused VATS Shotgunner

• Luck: Better Criticals, Critical Savvy, Four Leaf Clover

• Perception: Tank Killer

• Agility: Gun FuIdeal for players who want consistent crits while hopping between enemies using VATS. Especially useful in high-difficulty events or when farming.

4. Stealth Shotgunner Hybrid

• Agility: Sneak, Escape Artist, Covert Operative

• Strength: Shotgunner perks

• Luck: SerendipityA rare but fun loadout where you sneak with shotguns. Use suppressed combat shotguns or leverage stealth movement to get close undetected.

5. Shotgunner for Events

• Charisma: Team Medic, Field Surgeon

• Strength: Shotgunner, Scattershot

• Intelligence: First AidWhen running events like Radiation Rumble or A Colossal Problem, supporting your team while still dealing damage with shotguns is incredibly useful.

6. Power Armor Shotgunner

• Strength: Bear Arms (to reduce PA weapon weight)

• Perception: Concentrated Fire

• Endurance: Adamantium SkeletonShotguns and Power Armor pair surprisingly well. You’ll sacrifice mobility for durability, but concentrated fire lets you precisely target limbs while staying alive longer.

7. Legendary Perk Card Synergy Build

• Legendary Perks: Taking One for the Team, Follow Through, Funky Duds

• Strength: Max shotgun perks

• Luck: RicochetGreat for endgame players using custom Legendary Perk Cards. Especially efficient in Daily Ops where status resistance and team synergy matter.

8. Junkie’s Shotgun Build

• Luck: Bloody Mess, Nerd Rage

• Endurance: Chem Fiend

• Perception: Skeet ShooterIf you're running a Junkie’s shotgun, this setup pushes the limits of boosted damage when under chem influence. Make sure to carry RadAway though.

9. Anti-Armor Crowd Control Loadout

• Perception: Tank Killer

• Strength: Enforcer

• Luck: Grim Reaper’s SprintDesigned for players using anti-armor shotguns, this combo maximizes cripple chance and action point regeneration. It shines against fast-moving enemies like floaters and mole miners.

10. Budget Shotgun Build for New Players

• Strength: Just Shotgunner and Scattershot

• Agility: Action Boy/Girl

• Luck: Bloody MessEven with minimal card points, you can put together a strong setup. It’s perfect if you’re early in the game but still want to feel powerful. Shotguns are easy to find and upgrade, making this a go-to path for newer players.

If you're investing in a full shotgun build, it’s worth gathering enough Caps and materials for gear upgrades. The Best Place to buy Fallout 76 Items is where you can find Legendary Shotguns with the right effects like Anti-Armor or Bloodied. Similarly, if you're short on in-game currency, consider ways to Buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap to fund your build without the grind.

Shotgun builds offer explosive fun in Fallout 76 — whether you're melting Super Mutants or leading the charge in an event. Try out different combinations, and fine-tune based on your playstyle and gear.

Read More: Fallout 76 Caps Farming Guide 2025: Best Methods for Earning Bottle Caps Fast