Shotguns are among the most powerful and hard-hitting weapons in Stalker 2. Known for their high penetration and punchy firepower, they have the potential to eliminate nearby threats with a single shot, making survival in the Zone significantly easier. However, their effectiveness often relies on getting close to your target to maximize damage, and even then, not all shotguns perform the same, with each offering unique strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, we have the 9 best shotguns in Stalker 2 and how to get them in the game.
NOTE: The weapon stats we have mentioned in numerics represent the yellow bars you see on shotguns. Five is the highest stat and zero is the lowest stat value.
Related: Best Armor Sets in Stalker 2 And How To Get Them
9. Boomstick
| 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 in Stalker 2. This break-action, double-barrel shotgun can hold two shells at a time and fire them in rapid succession, making it a powerful weapon in close-quarters combat.
The Boomstick delivers devastating damage, but only at extremely close range. Its penetration power is the lowest among all shotguns in Stalker 2. However, during the early hours of the game, this limitation is hardly a drawback. Most human enemies you will face in this stage of the game wear little to no armor, making the Boomstick a highly effective weapon for shredding them quickly.
The Boomstick is the best starter shotgun in Stalker 2, combining high close-range damage with accessibility, making it a reliable choice for early encounters.
How to Get the Boomstick
You can obtain the Boomstick from the Hamster vendor in Zalissya, located in the Lesser Zone region. This settlement is the first major hub you will visit as part of the main story.
If you lose the Boomstick or its durability drops too low, do not worry—you can purchase another one later in the game from Huron, a vendor in Slag Heap after you have progressed to the Garbage section.
Additionally, keep an eye out while looting human enemies, particularly those carrying Boomsticks. There is a good chance you will find a medium-durability version of the weapon for free, saving you some in-game Coupons.
8. Toz-34
| 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 is essentially the “big brother” of the Boomstick in Stalker 2. Like its counterpart, it is a break-action, double-barrel shotgun with side-by-side barrels and external hammers. However, the Toz-34 features a longer barrel, which provides slightly better range and improved accuracy compared to the Boomstick.
Thanks to its longer barrel, the Toz-34 is a solid choice for players looking for a shotgun with more versatility in early-game encounters. It shines in close-quarters combat against unarmored enemies, such as the bandits of Shah, Varan, and Roosevelt. A well-placed headshot can often one-shot these foes at close range.
That said, the Toz-34 requires careful timing and positioning. After firing both barrels, you will need to reload two shells, which leaves you vulnerable. Make sure to take cover between shots to avoid taking unnecessary damage or risking the durability of your armor.
The Toz-34 offers a balanced combination of power and range for early encounters, but its reload speed means you will need to play smart and stay aware of your surroundings.
How to Get the Toz-34
The easiest way to acquire the Toz-34 is to buy it from Hamster at the Zalissya settlement, the first hub area in the game.
Another opportunity to get this shotgun arises during the Piece of Cake side quest. This quest is given by Squint only if you spare his life and take the side quest. He will ask you to explore a nearby cave to collect an artifact and that is where you will encounter an NPC named Slava Janitor in a cave who may have a Toz-34 on him.
Alternatively, hostile NPCs wielding the Toz-34 will sometimes drop the weapon when defeated. However, be aware that looted Toz-34s often have broken or low durability. While you can still use a damaged weapon, it is prone to jamming, which can disrupt combat and make fights unnecessarily challenging.
Related: Stalker 2: Best Artifact Detectors and How to Get Them
7. SPSA-14
| 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 |
Switching to the SPSA-14 from the Toz-34 or Boomstick is a significant upgrade in Stalker 2. The shotgun’s increased penetration power makes it highly effective against armored enemies, even though its range remains comparable to the earlier options we mentioned above in this list.
With the SPSA-14, taking down heavily armored foes becomes much easier, allowing you to handle tougher encounters with confidence.
What sets the SPSA-14 apart is its better pellet spread and reduced recoil. This lets you fire consecutive shots with greater speed and accuracy, making it one of the most reliable and best shotguns in Stalker 2 that you can use until the mid-game.
However, the added power comes at a cost—this shotgun weighs 4.4 kg, making it heavier than the Boomstick or Toz-34. You will need to manage your inventory carefully to make room for it.
Another major advantage of the SPSA-14 is its ability to use slug and dart shells, giving it added versatility. On top of that, technicians can apply upgrades to enhance its power and utility, making it a worthwhile choice for those looking to optimize their loadout
How to Get the SPSA-14
Here are four locations you are guaranteed to find SPSA-14:
- The SPSA-14 can be found in several locations throughout the game. In the Cordon region, it is located in the attic of the Lokomotyv Vehicle Station POI. To reach it, use the ladder at the corner of the building.
- If you are exploring the Cement Factory, you can find another SPSA-14 in the Concrete Forest POI.
- In the Burnt Forest region, you will find one at the Perimeter Dam POI, near an open vent by a set of chairs. Look next to a backpack to retrieve it.
- If you are in the Yantar region, head to the Scientist Bunker POI. Activate the generators to access the roof and loot the body of Oles Moor to claim the shotgun.
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 |
When it comes to raw power and the unmistakable punch of a shotgun, the M860 Cracker stands out. Each shell delivers a satisfying impact, and thanks to its minimal recoil compared to other weapons on this list, it is a joy to handle.
The massive buckshot spread and excellent penetration power make it a formidable choice, especially when dealing with bloodsuckers. A couple of close-range headshots with this weapon can take them down efficiently.
The M860 Cracker is commonly used by bandits in the Garbage region, making them significantly tougher to fight compared to the Lesser Zone’s enemies. Because of this, equipping yourself with the same firepower is essential.
Going head-to-head with these hostiles requires matching their weaponry, and the M860 Cracker becomes an invaluable tool in these encounters.
How to Get the M860 Cracker
There are several ways to obtain the M860 Cracker, with some easier methods available early in the game. The most straightforward option is purchasing a base version from Huron, a vendor in the Slag Heap. While this version does not include any upgrades, it is still a reliable weapon for most situations.
Another opportunity arises during The Price Goes Up main mission. At the end of the mission, you will have access to Nestor’s stash, which can be found near the crane poles. After the cutscene with Richter—where he shows Skif the entire zone and the distant view of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP)—you will be able to interact with the backpack on the crane. This stash contains an upgraded version of the M860 Cracker.
The upgraded M860 Cracker is a significant improvement over the base model. It features a swappable magazine system, allowing Skif to reload the entire magazine at once instead of inserting shells individually. This drastically reduces reloading time, which is invaluable during intense firefights.
If you are exploring the world, you can find the M860 Cracker in Stalker 2 at several other locations:
- On the gun rack in Roosevelt’s room.
- Inside a bag in a car southeast of the Waste Processing Station.
- In the underground bathroom within the SIRCAA facility, where you’ll find another upgraded version.
- On a table at ground level in the Old Barrage POI in the Zaton region.
- In the Burnt Forest region, near the vent inside a backpack at the Perimeter Dam POI.
Related: Stalker 2: The Forge of Progress Walkthrough Guide
5. Predator
| 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 |
The Predator is the higher-tier variant of the M860 Cracker shotgun in Stalker 2, and it falls into the unique weapon category. While it may look similar to its predecessor, this shotgun offers significantly improved range and accuracy, making it an essential weapon for those facing tougher enemies later in the game.
As a tailor-made pump-action shotgun, the Predator stands out for its sheer firepower, delivering devastating shots at a respectable range with reliable accuracy. It is easily one of the best shotguns available in Stalker 2, especially when dealing with heavily armored foes.
Losing the Predator can be a costly mistake, as this shotgun is incredibly rare. If its durability breaks and you do not have enough Coupons for repairs, we highly recommend you store the weapon in your Private Stash until you can afford to fix it.
You will appreciate its value during the late game, particularly when facing exoskeleton-wearing armored Monolithian soldiers. Its power and precision make it indispensable for such challenging encounters.
How to Get the Predator
Currently, there is only one confirmed method for acquiring the Predator in Stalker 2. You will need to travel to the Zaton region and locate the Izumrudne POI. Once there, climb the ramp and look for a hole. Jump inside, and you will find a blue crate near the wall containing the Predator shotgun in Stalker 2.
While this is the only guaranteed way to obtain the Predator, there is a slim chance of finding it during late-game encounters. Elite Monolithian soldiers may drop this shotgun upon defeat, but this is not a reliable method to obtain it.
4. Sledgehammer
| 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 is another unique weapon in Stalker 2 that is built on the SPSA-14 platform but offers significant upgrades in both raw power and rate of fire. It is not just a hard-hitting shotgun—it is a rapid-firing beast that delivers devastating results in combat.
The SPSA-14 is already known for its higher rate of fire compared to most shotguns in the game, and the Sledgehammer takes that strength to the next level. This makes it a strong contender even against the Predator.
That said, weapon preference often comes down to a player’s playstyle, and while I personally favor the M860 Cracker and Predator for their versatility, the Sledgehammer’s sheer firepower cannot be overlooked.
How to Get the Sledgehammer
Like most unique weapons in Stalker 2, the Sledgehammer can only be acquired through a specific method. To claim this shotgun, you will need to become the Master of the Arena in Rostok. This involves defeating the Tyrant in Round 5 of the Freedom Colosseum.
After emerging victorious, head upstairs and speak to Arnie, who will reward you with the Sledgehammer shotgun for your efforts.
Related: Stalker 2: What to Do With the PDAs ? – Answered
3. Saiga D-12
| 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 |
The Saiga D-12 stands out as one of the best shotguns in Stalker 2, capable of carrying you through to the endgame. Its two defining features—a very high rate of fire and superior penetration power—make it a formidable weapon against even the most heavily armored enemies, including those wearing exoskeletons.
With its rapid-fire capability, the Saiga D-12 lets you unleash a relentless barrage of buckshot, turning it into a true killing machine. However, the shotgun’s high rate of fire comes with a drawback: it consumes ammo at an accelerated pace.
To offset this, you will need to carry plenty of shotgun shells, though this is not a significant issue in the mid-to-late game since ammo becomes more readily available through looting hostile NPCs or purchasing from vendors.
How to Get the Saiga D-12
The Saiga D-12 can be acquired through several methods:
- Mission Reward in Zaton: You will likely encounter the Saiga D-12 for the first time after completing the mission “In Search of a Guide” in the Zaton region. During this mission, you will meet the NPC Nimble, a guide who once helped Faust. After Nimble and Skif engage in a fistfight inside a cave, a cutscene will play. Once it ends, you can pick up the Saiga D-12 that Nimble drops and keep it for yourself.
- Yantar Region Puzzle: Another Saiga D-12 can be found in the Yantar region, west of the Car Dump POI, but it involves solving a jumping puzzle. You will need to navigate through an electric anomaly and reach the end of the platform. From there, you will spot the Saiga D-12 perched on a pole near a body.
- Purchasing from Vendors: If solving puzzles or completing missions is not your style, you can purchase the Saiga D-12 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 is the best of both worlds as it combines the strengths of pump-action shotguns and double-barreled rifles into one weapon. This combination makes it one of the best shotguns in Stalker 2 for close-quarters combat.
With its incredible stopping power, a well-placed headshot from the Ram-2 can instantly take down even a Bloodsucker, turning challenging encounters into manageable ones.
Thanks to its excellent penetration and higher accuracy, the Ram-2 is an invaluable asset during encounters with Monolithians in regions like Duga, Pripyat, and Jupiter. These elite squads of heavily armored Monolithian soldiers do not stand a chance when you unleash a rapid barrage of buckshot from this weapon.
How to Get the Ram-2
The easiest way to acquire the Ram-2 in Stalker 2 is by visiting the Wreck vendor at the Yaniv Station base and purchasing it from him. However, if you do not have enough Coupons to make the purchase, there is an alternative method.
Head to the Energiya Vehicle Station POI in the Malachite region. Inside the northern building, look for a safe. Behind this safe, you will find the Ram-2 shotgun lying on the ground in perfect condition, with 100% durability.
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 is another shotgun that falls under the unique weapon category and is by far the best shotgun in Stalker 2 that has no competition whatsoever.
While the Texan is a variant of the Ram-2, this shotgun significantly improves on its base model with increased accuracy and a more controlled recoil. After using the Texan, you might notice how the Ram-2 feels slightly less refined by comparison.
The Texan shotgun will feel as if it was custom-built for dealing with some of the Zone’s most formidable threats, particularly larger mutants like Pseudogiants. With its immense power, solid rate of fire, and devastating impact, the Texan makes short work of even the biggest and most dangerous foes.
How to Get the Texan
There is only one way to acquire the Texan in Stalker 2, and it requires a trip to the Abandoned Science Campus POI, located in the eastern section of Jupiter region. When you arrive, you will notice three bunkers arranged in a triangular layout. Ignore the two bunkers near the Science Campus Checkpoint POI and head to the third one.
Before entering, be prepared to face a Pseudogiant mutant roaming the street nearby. We recommend you ignore it for now.
Once inside the third bunker, you will find the Texan shotgun sitting on a steel table. This powerful weapon is ready to prove its worth immediately—so don’t hesitate to test it out on the Pseudogiant lurking outside.
That is pretty much everything you need to know about the best shotguns in Stalker 2 and how to get them. For more tips about the game, we recommend you check out our Just Business Quest Walkthrough, How to Fix Hot on the Trail Bug, and How To Sell Broken Weapons in Stalker 2 guides.
Published: Dec 6, 2024 03:17 pm