The Shotgun in Sons Of The Forest is found by digging up a grave marked with a purple GPS locator in the northwestern corner of the island. It uses both Buckshot Ammo and Slug Ammo, and can be customized with a Shotgun Rail, Flashlight Attachment, and Laser Sight.
Shotgun Location
To acquire the Shotgun, you must first possess the Shovel. Once you have the Shovel, navigate to the northwestern part of the map using your GPS Tracker. Look for a purple GPS Locator marker. As you approach the location, your GPS Tracker will begin beeping, with the frequency increasing as you get closer. The grave itself is marked by a cross made of sticks with a red cloth, which may blend into the environment due to dense foliage, especially if you arrive before winter. If it’s after Day 10, winter will have set in, making it cold, so be prepared with a torch. Once you pinpoint the spot where the beeping is fastest and locate the cross, use your Shovel to dig up the grave. Inside, you’ll find a casket containing a dead worker clutching the Shotgun.
Shotgun Ammo and Usage
The Shotgun is a powerful ranged weapon capable of holding up to 8 rounds. It utilizes two distinct types of ammunition, each suited for different combat scenarios.
| Ammo Type | Primary Use | Damage Characteristics | Range/Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckshot Ammo | Close-range combat | Devastating damage (≤125) against multiple targets | Limited |
| Slug Ammo | Medium-range combat | Precise damage (50) to single targets | Better |
Buckshot Ammo is highly effective for close-quarters engagements, particularly against mutants and larger threats, due to its spread and high damage output. However, its accuracy diminishes significantly at longer distances. Slug Ammo, conversely, offers improved range and accuracy, making it suitable for more precise shots at medium range. While it deals less damage per shot than buckshot, it allows for more controlled engagements and can help conserve ammunition. The Shotgun has a slow reload time, necessitating careful planning of shots during combat.
Shotgun Attachments
The Shotgun can be enhanced with various attachments to improve its utility in combat, exploration, and survival. The Shotgun Rail is a prerequisite for attaching either the Laser Sight or Flashlight Attachment.
Shotgun Rail Locations
There are two known locations for the Shotgun Rail:
| Location ID | General Area | Specific Landmark | Details | | 1 | Closest to Shotgun | Abandoned camp with 2 White Tents, Survey Equipment, 3 Supply Crates. Locate an Open Briefcase next to a White Tent and campfire. | | 2 | Northern Sandy Cove | Abandon Abandoned camp with 2 Black Tents, 1 Corpse, 2 Beach Chairs, 3 Deflated Red Boats (one with a Machete), 6 Supply Crates. The Shotgun Rail is in the hand of a corpse slouched against one of the Black Tents.