Fallout 76: 10 Perk Loadouts Ideal for Shotgun Builds
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.