7 Days to Die's post-apocalyptic world demands you're prepared for anything. While a trusty axe might clear out some hordes, sometimes you need the devastating power of a shotgun to deal with larger threats or tougher enemies. But with so many types of shotgun shells in the game, finding the best one can feel overwhelming. This guide will break down the most effective shotgun shells in 7 Days to Die, helping you choose the optimal ammunition for your survival strategy.
Understanding Shotgun Shell Effectiveness
Before diving into specific shell types, let's understand what makes a shotgun shell "best." Several factors contribute to a shell's overall effectiveness:
- Damage: This is the most obvious factor. Higher damage means more damage per shot.
- Range: Shotguns are effective at close range. However, some shells offer better range than others, allowing you to engage targets from a slightly safer distance.
- Penetration: How well the shell penetrates through obstacles and enemies. This is particularly important when facing armored zombies or hordes barricaded behind flimsy structures.
- Spread: The pattern of the shot. A tighter spread is better for longer-range accuracy, while a wider spread is ideal for close-quarters combat to maximize the number of pellets hitting a target.
- Availability: While damage is key, the ease of finding the ammo is equally important for long-term survival.
Top Shotgun Shell Contenders
While the "best" shell is subjective and depends on your playstyle and the situation, several consistently prove their worth:
1. Flechette Shells: The Precision Powerhouse
Flechette shells boast incredible penetration and surprisingly good range compared to other options. The small, dart-like projectiles pierce through hordes and even armored zombies with ease. This makes them invaluable against tougher enemies and in situations where you need to shoot through obstacles. However, their tighter spread makes accuracy at close range slightly less forgiving than some wider-spread alternatives.
Pros: Exceptional penetration, decent range. Cons: Relatively rare, tighter spread.
2. Slug Shells: The Long-Range Specialist
For pinpoint accuracy at longer ranges, slug shells are unparalleled. They fire a single, large projectile that packs a serious punch. While their damage might not exceed flechettes in close-quarters combat against multiple enemies, their precision at longer distances makes them essential for picking off distant threats or taking out heavily armored targets one by one.
Pros: Excellent accuracy at longer ranges, high single-target damage. Cons: Limited effectiveness at close range against multiple targets, relatively scarce.
3. Regular Buckshot Shells: The Reliable Workhorse
These are the standard shotgun shells, and for good reason. They offer a decent balance of damage, range, and spread. Buckshot is readily available throughout the game, making it a reliable choice for everyday encounters. They are highly effective in close-to-medium range combat against groups of standard zombies.
Pros: Common, good all-around performance. Cons: Lower penetration compared to flechettes or slugs.
Choosing the Right Shell for the Job
Ultimately, the best shotgun shell in 7 Days to Die depends on your circumstances:
- Against hordes of standard zombies at close range: Regular Buckshot is your friend.
- Dealing with armored zombies or tougher enemies: Flechette shells are your best bet due to their penetration.
- Picking off distant threats or taking down single, heavily armored targets: Slug shells are the clear winner.
This guide provides a foundation for making informed decisions about your ammunition choices. Experiment with different shells to find what works best for your playstyle and adapt your strategy accordingly. Happy surviving!
