Best Shotgun Resident Evil 4 Remake: Top Shotguns Ranked
Selecting the right close-range firearm in the Resident Evil 4 Remake can drastically alter your survival odds against aggressive hordes of Ganados and deadly mutated monstrosities. Shotguns serve as Leon S. Kennedy's ultimate tool for crowd control, delivering devastating stopping power at crucial moments. Understanding how each weapon performs across raw damage, spread tightness, and fire rate helps players make smart investment decisions throughout the campaign.
The W-870 Reliable Early Game Power
The W-870 is the first shotgun players encounter, found mounted inside a house during the intense village square fight. It boasts high base damage per shot, making it exceptional at blowing off heads and staggering immediate threats in early chapters. However, its slow pump-action reload speed and wide pellet spread mean it requires careful positioning to maximize effectiveness.
Upgrading the W-870 early provides a dependable safety net until more specialized options become available at the Merchant's shop. Its wide spread is actually a benefit when fighting tightly packed groups in narrow hallways or doorways. Players who prefer raw single-shot damage often stick with this classic firearm long into the mid-game.
The Riot Gun Precision and Balanced Control
Unlocked during the middle chapters, the Riot Gun is widely considered the most versatile shotgun available in the game. It features a significantly tighter pellet spread than its counterparts, allowing players to land concentrated damage on target weak points from medium distances. This precision makes it invaluable during intense boss fights and against elite encounters like Chainsaw Villagers.
With solid fire rates and fast reload times, the Riot Gun balances crowd suppression with focused single-target destruction. Investing in its exclusive upgrade dramatically boosts its damage output, cementing its place as a top-tier choice for any playthrough difficulty. It excels in almost every combat scenario without forcing players into dangerous melee proximity.
The Striker Maximum Capacity and Fire Rate
The Striker offers a semi-automatic firing mechanism combined with an massive drum magazine that holds an unmatched quantity of shells. This weapon excels at pure speed, allowing Leon to rapidly clear crowded spaces without worrying about constant reloading delays. Its primary drawback is a wide pellet spread, which reduces its lethal range significantly compared to the Riot Gun.
For players who prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat, the Striker provides incredible crowd clearing speed and dynamic mobility. Its high capacity saves valuable inventory space that would otherwise be occupied by spare ammunition stacks. Combining this weapon with tactical positioning creates an unstoppable barrier against advancing zealots and soldiers.
Choosing the Best Shotgun for Your Playstyle
Deciding which shotgun to carry depends largely on whether you value range precision, raw power, or rapid-fire crowd control. The Riot Gun stands out as the best overall option for players who want consistent performance at varying distances. Meanwhile, the Striker remains the ultimate choice for chaotic encounters where firing speed and magazine size outweigh long-range accuracy.