Shotguns

Nobody misses with a shotgun. Although these weapons lack the accuracy and finesse of the other weapons, their brutal power is a worthwhile trade-off. At close range, these weapons are unmatched, capable of killing with one shot.

EVA-8 Auto

Field Notes

The EVA-8 is absolutely deadly at close range, cutting down Pilots and most minions with a single blast. Stay inside buildings and other confined spaces while trying to draw enemies into close-range duels. This makes the weapon an ideal choice when defending in Amped Hardpoint and Capture the Flag matches.

When engaged by enemy Pilots at medium or long range, don’t bother trying to fight back. Instead, retreat and look for a way to take the fight to close range. Shoot at minions, or even shoot randomly with your pistol, to give away your position on the minimap and bait them in. As your pursuer comes into view, take them down with a single shot.

This weapon makes quick work of minions. However, be careful not to waste your entire magazine in case there are nearby enemy Pilots. Consider carrying a pistol with better long-range performance as a backup.

The EVA-8’s limited magazine capacity is its main drawback. So equip the Extra Ammo and Speedloader mods to help mitigate the ammo situation. While the weapon is perfectly adequate when you’re firing from the hip, if you want an optic, consider adding the Holosight for a clear, wide-sight picture.

Mastiff

Field Notes

While the EVA-8 fires a circular spread, the Mastiff’s choke gives it a more horizontal spread, making it easier to determine the point of impact. Use the weapon’s horizontal reticle on the HUD to line up your shots. At close range, it’s possible to hit multiple targets with one blast. The shotgun is fitted with an integral tube magazine that must be loaded one shell at a time. So find a safe spot to reload, or switch to a pistol to fend off threats.

Despite its more predictable spread, the Mastiff is still a close-range weapon. As usual, avoid engaging Pilots in wide open spaces. Instead, try to force encounters in buildings and other confined spaces where the Mastiff gives you an advantage. The weapon’s horizontal spread is beneficial when engaging enemy Pilots as they make evasive lateral movements. But if you don’t score the kill, either escape or switch weapons. Don’t try to reload this weapon in a firefight.

While the Mastiff is more than capable of taking out minions, its low magazine capacity and slow reload time make it more of a liability than an asset. Therefore, consider using other weapons when going after large deployments of grunts, Spectres, and Stalkers.

The Extra Ammo and Speedloader mods are essential when operating the Mastiff. While these mods don’t completely eliminate the weapon’s biggest drawbacks, it makes them more tolerable. Like the EVA-8, the Mastiff is extremely effective when fired from the hip, using the reticle on the HUD to aim. But if you prefer to aim down sights, choose the Holosight for fast and accurate target acquisition.