Best AA-12 Loadout for XDefiant: Attachments, Faction, Unlocking Tips, and More

The AA-12 automatic Shotgun is widely recognized as one of the most lethal close-range weapons in XDefiant. In order to maximize its effectiveness, it is essential to pair it with the best attachments, Factions, and loadout options.

XDefiant offers a wide range of weapons that can be unlocked and customized to suit the preferences of players. While each Faction has its unique playstyle, the AA-12 stands out as a highly adaptable short-range weapon in the game.

To fully utilize the AA-12 in XDefiant, it is essential to be knowledgeable about the optimal attachments to use. Therefore, this guide will provide the top loadout for this automatic Shotgun, along with tips on how to unlock it and additional information.

Best XDefiant AA-12 loadout attachments
Best Faction for AA-12 in XDefiant
How to unlock AA-12 in XDefiant
Best XDefiant AA-12 alternatives

Recommended attachments for the AA-12 in XDefiant

Muzzle: Barrel Extender
Barrel: Choke
Front Rail: Pistol Grip
Rear Grip: Quick Draw Grip
Stock: Lightweight Stock

The effective range of the AA-12, a short-ranged weapon in XDefiant, can be extended by up to 5m with the addition of a Barrel Extender, making it a valuable upgrade.

The Choke enhances short and medium-range effectiveness by 15% and also increases max/min projectile spread by 5%.

The Pistol Grip and Lightweight Stock work together to enhance stability, reduce recoil, and improve agility. This results in faster movement speed and increased aiming speed following a sprint.

Moreover, the Quick Draw Grip enables quick gun swapping, making it particularly useful when paired with a long-range pistol such as the D50 or the 686 Magnum. This versatility allows for seamless adaptation to any given scenario.

The AA-12 stock attachment in XDefiant — Ubisoft

The AA-12 Lightweight Stock greatly increases its mobility stats.

Which Faction is Best for Using the AA-12 in XDefiant?

The Cleaners are the top choice for playing with an AA-12, due to their access to powerful area damage abilities such as the Incinerator Drone and Firebomb. Their passive ability, which adds fire damage to projectiles, greatly amplifies the destructive capabilities of the AA-12 automatic Shotgun.

An equally suitable Faction for this loadout would be Libertad, as they possess strong area healing abilities and can effectively wield an automatic Shotgun such as the AA-12 to safeguard specific locations. Additionally, Echelon can take advantage of their stealth and reconnaissance capabilities to easily surprise and engage enemies in close-quarters combat, making it nearly impossible for them to overcome the sheer force of the automatic shotgun.

Unlocking the AA-12 in XDefiant

To acquire the AA-12 in XDefiant, players must successfully complete their challenge of achieving 15 takedowns with Shotguns at point-blank range. This challenge can be completed by getting kills from a distance of 5 meters or less.

Remember that the most challenging aspect is leveling up the AA-12 after unlocking it. Therefore, take advantage of the Double Weapon XP events whenever they occur to quickly obtain all the necessary attachments.

XDefiant AA-12 alternatives

There are several viable alternatives to the AA-12 Shotgun in XDefiant, such as the Double Barrel and the M870. While these options may not offer automatic fire, they still deliver a powerful punch.

The M870 boasts a moderate rate of fire and damage, with the capacity to hold up to 7 cartridges. On the other hand, despite its limited capacity of only 2 shots and slow firing rate, the Double Barrel offers increased spread and damage.

Every type of Shotgun in the game has its own ideal range and purpose, making the AA-12 a versatile choice for any given situation.

If you’re interested in exploring different types of weaponry, the ACR 6.8 is a semi-automatic rifle known for its impressive damage and range. Alternatively, the SVD and MK20 SSR are suitable choices for scout rifles if you’re planning to build loadouts for game modes that involve less close-quarters combat.