Top 9 Shotguns in Stalker 2 and Acquisition Guide

In the unforgiving landscape of Stalker 2, shotguns stand out as some of the most formidable weapons available. Their high firepower and unique capability to deal immense damage at close range make them indispensable for survival in the Zone. Although shotguns excel in close-quarters combat, their effectiveness varies by model, requiring players to select wisely based on each shotgun’s individual strengths and weaknesses. Below, we present a comprehensive guide showcasing the top 9 shotguns in Stalker 2, along with strategies for acquiring them.

9. Boomstick

Boomstick Stats — Screenshot by Prima Games

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	1
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	0.5
Accuracy	1.8
Weight	1.94 kg
Magazine	2
Coupons	1081
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

The Boomstick is a compact, sawed-off shotgun recognized for its effectiveness in close combat. Featuring a break-action design, this weapon can unload its two shells in rapid succession, making it incredibly devastating in the heat of battle. Although its penetration falls short compared to other shotguns, it proves invaluable against early-game, lightly armored enemies.

Acquiring the Boomstick

You can purchase the Boomstick from the Hamster vendor located in Zalissya, found in the Lesser Zone. Should you lose this weapon or notice a decline in its durability, Huron, a vendor in the Slag Heap, offers replacements once you reach the Garbage section. Additionally, looting human adversaries may yield a durable version of the Boomstick, allowing you to save valuable in-game Coupons.

8. Dust-34

TOZ-34 weapon — Screenshot by Prima Games

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	1
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.2
Accuracy	2.2
Weight	3.14 kg
Magazine	2
Coupons	1699
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

The Toz-34, resembling a more powerful sibling of the Boomstick, features a longer barrel that enhances range and accuracy, making it ideal for early-game versatility. Like its counterpart, it requires tactical timing and positioning because of its slower reload mechanism after firing both barrels.

How to Obtain the Toz-34

The Toz-34 can be acquired during the Piece of Cake side quest from Squint, provided you spare his life. You’ll need to venture into a cave for an artifact and may find the Toz-34 from the NPC named Slava Janitor. Additionally, defeating enemies wielding this shotgun may yield one, though the obtained version might be in less than perfect condition.

7.SPSA-14

SPSA-14 stats — Screenshot by Prima Games

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	2.5
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1
Accuracy	1.9
Weight	4.4 kg
Magazine	8
Coupons	16150
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

SPSA-14 denotes a noteworthy upgrade. This shotgun boasts superior penetration, becoming highly effective against armored foes while maintaining comparable range. Its pellet spread and reduced recoil allow players to fire rapid, precise shots, a vital asset in challenging skirmishes.

How to Acquire the SPSA-14

To find the SPSA-14, explore the following locations:

Inside the attic of the Lokomotyv Vehicle Station POI within the Cordon region.
At the Concrete Forest POI in the Cement Factory.
In the Burnt Forest region, at the Perimeter Dam POI, near an open vent.
At the Scientist Bunker POI in the Yantar region; activate generators to access the roof.

6. M860 Cracker

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	2.1
Rate of Fire	3.1
Range	1
Accuracy	2
Weight	3.2 kg
Magazine	6
Coupons	12350
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

The M860 Cracker commands attention with its impressive spread and penetration. Particularly effective against more formidable foes like bloodsuckers, this shotgun positions players for success, especially when facing well-armed adversaries in the Garbage region.

Obtaining the M860 Cracker

You can find the M860 Cracker early on by purchasing it from Huron in the Slag Heap. Additionally, it may be discovered as part of Nestor’s stash during The Price Goes Up main mission, which features an upgraded model with faster reloading capabilities. Other locations include:

Gun rack in Roosevelt’s room.
Southeast of the Waste Processing Station, within a car.
In the underground bathroom of the SIRCAA facility.
At the Old Barrage POI in the Zaton region, on a ground-level table.
Perimeter Dam POI, inside a backpack.

5. Predator

Predator weapon — Screenshot by Prima Games

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	2.1
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	2.4
Accuracy	3
Weight	3.2 kg
Magazine	8
Coupons	11800
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

Predator shotgun is a high-performance pump-action weapon, offering advancements over the M860 Cracker in both range and accuracy. Its efficiency against heavily armored foes makes it a critical asset in late-game scenarios, particularly when facing elite enemies.

How to Find the Predator

The Predator shotgun is reliably located in the Zaton region, specifically at the Izumrudne POI. After navigating to the area, locate a blue crate within a hole in the wall to claim this valuable weapon. Although rare, elite Monolithian soldiers might occasionally drop this shotgun, yet relying on this method is not advisable.

4. Sledgehammer

best shotgun in Stalker 2 — Screenshot by Prima Games

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1
Accuracy	2.1
Weight	5.2 kg
Magazine	8
Coupons	30500
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

The Sledgehammer shotgun builds on the strengths of the SPSA-14 platform, providing a rapid-fire capability combined with devastating damage. It competes fiercely against other high-tier shotguns, making it a strong ally in numerous combat situations.

How to Acquire the Sledgehammer

This unique weapon is obtainable only through a special achievement—becoming the Master of the Arena in Rostok. Defeat the Tyrant in Round 5 of the Freedom Colosseum, after which you can collect the Sledgehammer from Arnie as a reward.

3. Saiga D-12

Saiga D-12 Stats — Screenshot by Prima Games

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1
Accuracy	2
Weight	3.76 kg
Magazine	8
Coupons	23195
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

Saiga D-12 is recognized for its impressive rate of fire and penetration capabilities, which allow it to dominate encounters with heavily armored foes. Although it consumes more ammo than other shotguns, its presence on the battlefield is nothing short of authoritative.

Methods to Obtain the Saiga D-12

There are several methods for acquiring the Saiga D-12:

Mission Reward in Zaton: Complete the mission “In Search of a Guide” and claim the Saiga D-12 that Nimble drops following a cutscene.
Yantar Region Puzzle: Solve a jumping puzzle near the Car Dump POI to find the Saiga D-12 atop a pole.
Purchasing from Vendors: Alternatively, obtain the shotgun from Wreck, a vendor at Yaniv Station.

2. Ram-2

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.3
Accuracy	2.5
Weight	3.5 kg
Magazine	14
Coupons	27550
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

The Ram-2 delivers the best of both worlds—combining the qualities of pump-action shotguns and double-barreled rifles. Its outstanding penetration makes it exceptionally effective against tough enemies, proving crucial when battling the elite squads of Monolithians.

Getting the Ram-2

The simplest way to obtain the Ram-2 is by purchasing it from the vendor at Yaniv Station. Alternatively, locate it at the Energiya Vehicle Station POI within a safe, revealed upon exploring the northern structure.

1. Texan

Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.2
Accuracy	3.5
Weight	7.7 kg
Magazine	14
Coupons	80600
Caliber	12″/70
Firing Mode	Single fire

Texan weapon features unmatched attributes that elevate its performance against larger mutations such as Pseudogiants. With exceptional accuracy and manageable recoil, it works harmoniously to back players against formidable threats within the Zone.

How to Find the Texan

The Texan can only be obtained at the Abandoned Science Campus POI in the eastern section of the Jupiter region. After navigating mostly unobstructed pathways, we recommend preparing for a Pseudogiant lurking nearby before entering the final bunker where the Texan rests on a steel table.

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