In Cyberpunk 2077, players have access to a vast array of weapons, from high-tech smart guns to devastating melee tools. While shotguns in many games are often situational or secondary choices, Cyberpunk 2077 elevates them into a primary option that is not just viable but incredibly satisfying to use.
From the moment a shotgun is fired, the experience is visceral. Enemies don’t just take damage—they react in ways that make each shot feel impactful. A well-placed blast can send an opponent flying, blow off limbs, or instantly neutralize an aggressive foe in Cyberpunk 2077 charging straight ahead. This level of destruction makes shotguns one of the most enjoyable weapon types in the game, ensuring that players return to them even after experimenting with other loadouts.
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How Cyberpunk 2077 Makes Shotguns Stand Out
The game enhances shotgun gameplay through sound design, enemy reactions, and perk synergy. Each blast carries a distinct, weighty punch, with deep, metallic booms that echo across the battlefield. Visually, the muzzle flash and recoil effects reinforce the raw power of these weapons, while enemy ragdolls and dismemberment add an extra layer of impact.
Shotguns also have a range of build possibilities that make them more than just brute-force weapons. Investing in the Body attribute boosts health and stamina, allowing players to sustain close-quarters combat. The Annihilation skill tree further enhances shotgun effectiveness, with perks that increase damage when moving at high speeds or grant health regeneration after dismembering enemies. These mechanics reward aggressive playstyles and ensure that shotguns remain powerful throughout a playthrough.
Weapons like the Satara and the Dezerter showcase how varied shotguns can be. A tech shotgun like the Satara allows for shooting through walls when paired with the right cyberware, making it a deadly choice even outside direct confrontations. Meanwhile, a weapon like the Sovereign enables massive burst damage with its double-barrel shot, making quick work of tougher enemies.
Sensory Feedback Makes Cyberpunk 2077’s Shotguns Addictive
Part of what makes Cyberpunk 2077’s shotguns so satisfying is how they engage the senses. The sound design, the force of each shot, and the way enemies react all combine to make them feel substantial. When facing aggressive foes who rush at the player, there’s nothing more rewarding than stopping them in their tracks with a perfectly timed blast.
Many weapons in the game feel great to use, but shotguns stand out because of their weight and impact. Monowires offer fun ways to “dance” among enemies and dismember them. Sniper rifles offer a more meditative, quiet way to take foes down. The sensory experience keeps players coming back to shotguns, however, even after trying high-tech alternatives like smart weapons or cybernetic melee options. While other first-person shooters often make shotguns a secondary choice, Cyberpunk 2077 ensures they are front and center.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Should Keep Shotguns Satisfying
With Project Orion in development, the next entry in the Cyberpunk series has an opportunity to expand upon what made shotguns so enjoyable. More customization, unique ammo types, and deeper synergy with cyberware could take the weapon class to new heights.
If the sequel maintains the same level of sensory feedback and impactful combat, shotguns could continue to be a standout feature. With their destructive power, mobility-focused perks, and brutal enemy reactions, they offer a unique experience that Cyberpunk 2077 perfected—one that should carry over into the franchise’s future.
