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If you're a fan of getting up close and personal in Fallout 76, shotgun builds can offer a devastatingly effective playstyle. Whether you're running solo or part of a team, the right perk combinations can make shotguns not only viable but lethal in any encounter. Here's a breakdown of 10 perk loadouts tailored for different types of shotgun users, from full offense to hybrid support.

1. Classic Shotgunner Build

This foundational build focuses purely on boosting shotgun damage.

• Strength: Shotgunner, Expert Shotgunner, Master Shotgunner (all maxed)

• Perception: Skeet Shooter

• Agility: Enforcer, Action Boy/Girl

• Luck: Bloody Mess

This loadout is great for players just starting out with shotguns. Simple, effective, and deadly.

2. V.A.T.S.-Focused Shotgun Build

Great for those who like using V.A.T.S. to target limbs or weak points.

• Perception: Concentrated Fire

• Agility: V.A.T.S. perks like Gun-Fu, Action Boy/Girl

• Luck: Critical Savvy, Better Criticals

Using a V.A.T.S. build with shotguns isn’t typical, but with the right perks and reflexes, it works surprisingly well.

3. Stealth Shotgunner

Not as common, but extremely fun if built right.

• Agility: Sneak, Covert Operative, Escape Artist

• Perception: Tank Killer

• Luck: Sneak-enhancing perks like Serendipity

This build allows you to close the distance while staying undetected, dealing huge damage with suppressed shotguns.

4. Heavy Shotgun Build

For players who love pump-action or double-barrel guns but want that extra power.

• Strength: Shotgunner perks

• Endurance: Ironclad

• Luck: Ricochet

Pair this loadout with armor that boosts your survivability, and you're a walking tank with buckshot.

5. Crowd Control Loadout

Perfect for dealing with groups of enemies in events like Radiation Rumble or Moonshine Jamboree.

• Agility: Enforcer (cripples limbs), Dodgy

• Luck: Bloody Mess, Ricochet

• Strength: Scattershot (faster reloads)

Shotguns are amazing for area denial. Combine this build with explosive rounds for maximum carnage.

6. Support Shotgun Build

If you're running with a squad, this loadout helps you assist your team while still doing damage.

• Charisma: Field Surgeon, Team Medic

• Agility: Enforcer, Escape Artist

• Strength: Scattershot, Shotgunner perks

Great for players who enjoy events and public teams. Stay mobile, stay alive, and keep your teammates healthy.

7. Bloodied Shotgun Build

For experienced players running Bloodied gear.

• Endurance: Fireproof

• Luck: Bloody Mess, Serendipity, Better Criticals

• Agility: Dodgy, Enforcer

This build deals massive damage when you're at low health, but it requires careful play and good armor. It's often used by players looking for Fallout 76 items for sale xbox to complete their loadout with optimized weapons.

8. Junkie’s Shotgun Build

If you're collecting chems and stacking bonuses, Junkie’s shotguns can be brutal.

• Strength: Shotgunner set

• Perception: Tank Killer

• Luck: Junkie-specific boosts like Bloody Mess, Serendipity

This build rewards players who know how to balance addiction and effectiveness. You’ll often find players who run this build checking the Best site to buy Fallout 76 Caps to get the gear they need.

9. Shotgun Tank Build

Soak up damage and dish it out up close.

• Endurance: Lifegiver, Ironclad, Fireproof

• Strength: Full Shotgunner perks

• Charisma: Suppressor, Bodyguards

Pair this with Power Armor for a true juggernaut playstyle.

10. Event Farmer Build

Perfect for grinding public events and earning caps or legendary drops.

• Agility: Action Boy/Girl, Dodgy

• Luck: Grim Reaper’s Sprint, Bloody Mess

• Strength: Scattershot, Shotgunner tree

Speed, damage, and survivability come together to let you farm events like Eviction Notice or Campfire Tales efficiently. Many players running this build keep an eye on fallout 76 items for sale xbox to upgrade their weapons between events.

Shotguns may not always be the meta, but with the right perk loadouts, they’re incredibly satisfying to use. Whether you prefer stealth, tanking, or raw damage, there's a shotgun build that fits your playstyle. For endgame players looking to push their builds further, having access to rare weapons or legendary modules often requires a steady cap income—and knowing the Best site to buy Fallout 76 Caps can be a shortcut to getting what you need.

Don't underestimate shotguns—they’re loud, messy, and in the right hands, absolutely deadly.