In Tom Clancy’s The Division, we explore which shotgun is the best in the game.
The May update titled “Conflict” was supposed to bring new gear sets and also focus on those weapon types that agents had previously avoided. However, it didn’t quite work out that way, which is why future weapon balance changes in The Division are inevitable.
The “Lonely Hero” gear set enhances shotguns: If you have enough parts of it, you will deal more damage with this weapon type and can avoid lengthy reload times. Some agents want to give shotguns a chance now. But which one is the best to choose?
These are the shotguns in The Division
With shotguns, you can deal enormous damage at close range. However, if the target is several meters away, you should rather use other weapon types. The reload time is usually quite long.
There are a total of eleven different shotguns in The Division, which can be divided into four categories.
These are the “Super 90” shotguns
This category includes the “Super 90”, the “Marine Super 90”, and the “Tactical Super 90”. Statistically, all these weapons are the same:
- Rate of fire: 150
- Precision: 8
- Stability: 23
- Optimal range: 9m
- Magazine: 8
- Reload time: 5s
They have the largest magazine of all shotguns, a high rate of fire, and decent damage. However, they also have the slowest reload speed and their optimal range is poor. You will need to play very offensively with the “Super 90” shotguns to deal damage.
These are the “SASG-12” shotguns
This includes the “SASG-12”, the “Tactical SASG-12 K”, and the “Black Market SASG-12 S”. Since with the latter two you can additionally equip an underbarrel mod, they are the better choice. The stats are the same for all three:
- Rate of fire: 180
- Precision: 47
- Stability: 34
- Optimal range: 27m
- Magazine: 7
- Reload time: 2.7s
The SASG-12 are rapid-fire and precise shotguns with a low reload time. However, the damage per shot is the lowest of all shotguns. We have already introduced the SASG shotguns in The Division in detail here.
These are the double-barrel shotguns
There are only two different types: the double-barrel shotgun and the sawed-off double-barrel shotgun. They can be used as primary (like the Cassidy) and as a sidearm. There are no differences in stats between the “standard” and the sawed-off double-barrel shotgun:
- Rate of fire: 200
- Precision: 13
- Stability: 16
- Optimal range: 11m
- Magazine: 2
- Reload time: 2.2s
These shotguns have the fastest reload speed and deal devastating damage per shot. However, the magazine size is the smallest. Except for a weapon skin, no mods can be attached.
These are the M870 shotguns
In this category are the “M870 Express”, the “Military M870”, and the “Custom M870 MCS”. They all have the same stats and can be equipped with large underbarrel mods. The other shotguns can only be upgraded with small underbarrel mods – if at all. Here are the stats for the M870:
- Rate of fire: 75
- Precision: 6
- Stability: 8
- Optimal range: 9m
- Magazine: 5
- Reload time: 3.8s
They have the highest damage per shot of all shotguns and feel the most powerful. However, their optimal range and stability are very low. The rate of fire is also below average.
The best shotgun in The Division
The YouTuber WOBO has created several statistics and diagrams where he takes a close look at the shotguns. He comes to the following conclusion:
The “Tactical SASG-12 K” and the “Black Market SASG-12 S” are the best shotguns in the game. The Super 90 are not far behind. The YouTuber notes that theoretically, these “SASG-12” shotguns could be as strong as M1A sniper rifles, landing headshot after headshot.
How he comes to this conclusion and all his diagrams can be seen in the following video:
Especially in the Dark Zone, in PvP, the SASG-12 shines due to its precision, low recoil, very high optimal range, and short reload time.
You can also choose these shotguns in PvE. If you have strong aiming skills, the Super 90 is also recommended. You will have to find out for yourself which shotgun suits you best.
Note: The talent “One is None” is essential for shotguns – even if it is currently still bugged. Since you fire multiple bullets with each shot, the chance from close range is almost 100% that the shot will not be consumed. Around 3:12 you can see in the video how well this talent works for shotguns.
You also benefit from shotguns if you wear the Stormer’s combat gear in The Division. The talent of this set can be “charged” extremely quickly with this weapon type. Thus, you efficiently increase your damage output.
Which shotgun do you choose?
In this article, we deal with the best assault rifle in The Division.
