Shotguns

The Gnasher is consistently the weapon of choice in Gears of War, and it is unlikely to change. A well-placed shotgun blast at close range is extremely lethal. If you’re unfamiliar with the prowess of the Gnasher, it may be worth your time to try it out. The Overkill is a newer weapon and offers a big alternative to the usual shotgun, though it is rare in multiplayer modes.

Gnasher

Lethal, short-range shotgun that instantly kills when up close.

Slot: Primary

Trigger Type: Auto

Versus Availability: Loadout Selection

Horde Availability: Engineer Class, Scout Class, Soldier Class, Fabricator (LV 2), Swarm Drone Elite, Swarm Grenadier

Weapon Stats (Core)

The Gnasher is lethal in close combat. With eight shells available between reloads, decent accuracy at close to mid-range, and lethal damage up close, it has always been an extremely popular loadout choice in online matches. Therefore, it is a great idea to get familiar with the weapon, not just in its handling, but how to effectively move around the map and get within range of your opponents.

Always be aware of your surroundings, as players quickly slip in and out of cover and can take you down with one shotgun blast. Ready the Gnasher whenever moving through tight areas, keeping it reloaded anytime you are not engaged with an enemy.

Close combat is very common in many multiplayer modes, so always consider equipping the Gnasher. The Enforcer also does a decent job at close range, but a lethal shot from the Gnasher beats the submachine gun nearly every time. Engineers, scouts, and soldiers all carry the Gnasher in Horde mode, though it is also easily found when fighting the Swarm infantry.

Overkill

Short- to mid-range shotgun that fires a wider spread the quicker it is shot.

Slot: Primary

Trigger Type: Reactive (Press/Release)

Versus Availability: Lift, Forge

Horde Availability: Fabricator (LV 2), DR-1 Protector

Weapon Stats (Core)

New to the Gears of War series, the Overkill doesn’t have the stopping power of the Gnasher, but it is more effective at a longer range. The heavy shotgun fires a shell when the trigger is pulled and as it is released. Therefore, in some instances it is worth holding down the trigger between targets. Firing the shotgun faster causes the spread to increase in size, great for close combat, but it makes the gun less accurate for longer distances. Unless weapon substitution has been modified, the Overkill is only available as a pickup on Lift. In Horde, it can be found after taking down a DR-1 Protector.