How to use a Shotgun?

[somecut8]

We all know how powerful a shotgun in Gears of War but do we all know how to use it? Well my question is, what is the best way to fire the shotgun?

Basically I have narrowed it down to three methods. The first method is probably the dumbest way to use the shotgun and should never be used. In this method, you hold the the L trigger and continuously aim until your reticule lands on the opponent. This method is almost useless because both your movement and field awareness are hindered when you aim. So do not worry about this method.

However, both methods two and three work well. I have seen high caliber players use each method and be extremely lethal. Method two involves not aiming at all when using the shotgun. This method works because the bullets hits the middle of the screen, thus allowing anything at the middle of the screen be damaged. The advantages of the method are high mobility and field awareness. However, the disadvantage is the lower hit percentage than method 1 or 3.

Method 3 is the method I use and involves a combination between methods 1 and 2. In method 3, you walk around like you do in method 2, however, when the opponent is near your range of fire, as in he is at the center of your screen, you zoom in for half a second, fire, then zoom out, to make sure a majority of your shots hit. Unlike the first method, you never hold the the L trigger for longer than a second, and only pull the L trigger when the target is in your range for bullets to hit. This method allows for a slightly better hit percentage than method 2, but a slightly lower mobility and field awareness.

My question is, which method is the best? As in what most pros and MLG players use.

[thisisepic]

Method 2 ftw.

[Laughing Fetus]

For sure the no left trigger way. I hate it when I am watching some one else and they do the left trigger method.

[dom000]

i was a strong believer in method 2 for a while, but method 3 does help if you're in a shotgun battle that's dragging on.

i would say method 3 doesn't work in a multiple enemy situation though.

[Ragius]

My observations from only playing this game for a week is that most shotgun sh*t-fights last until both players fire at least 2-3 shots before one hits. I learned that in 1 on 1 situations, it's better to remain calm and focus on getting that 1 good shot while he most of the time is going nuts and missing his first 2-3.

[Wedgie]

I use method three unless I'm up against 2 or more enemies. Then I run like a ***** or use method 2. Or just whip out the pistol and start meleeing and firing.

[MiK]

It depends on the situation I'm in. If I'm fighting more than one guy I use method 2. I generally only use method 3 if I'm flanking though, to make sure they don't turn around and pop me.

[Einchy]

Best? I'm not sure but I use method 3.

[pappas99]

i use method 2. a good tactic if ur flanking is to run right up to them sprinting and fire it will blow them up straight away

[Meningitis1]

I use Method 2, using no aim at all. I know that I may not hit them every single time ( I do if I'm host, not so much if I'm not), but even if your not hitting them you dont have to aim and stop your movement. I bounce around like a monkey when I'm in a shotgun battle and that's why I'm successful. I may not hit them on the first shot, but I normally win a battle. However, when they're down I will aim to kill the poor downed soul, just because I never hit the downed guys haha.

[aightZz]

Method 2 and 3 ofcourse, Method more.. depends on the situation

[Jumzie]

Okay, you need a Method 4, a combo of shooting and bonking (meleeing). With randoms who just shoot randomly, I just go up and bonk them.

Also, you need to say the proper name for Method 2, which is "Shooting from the Hip".

I would probably say Method 3 is best, but I just use Method 2.

[Schmutz_]

Holding LT all the time makes you an easy target for even non host players because your position will be true to their screens. Running around without a scope is just as bad though because it doesnt seem like theres a consistent area of the screen where your bullets will land. 3rd method works best for these reasons.

I don't use 3rd method exclusively though, sometimes I feel the need to use method 2, but I always have the impression i need to run right up to their guts and blast them in one :D If you imagine someone using the first method while you do this, you can understand what an easy shot they'd have.

[portorikan]

I use method one. Now, I hardly use the shot gun anyway, but when I do, I use method one and I get instant kills the majority of the time. Why? Everyone else is bouncing around and missing me like fools, so it gives me time to perfectly place my shot and destroy them.

This is how I get my kills against shotties anyway, since no one is aiming, they're never getting accurate hits, so I just jump to the side of them and chainsaw them, or take a few steps back and use the lancer. It's beautiful because people think that the shotgun is some type of god weapon, so they don't realize that if I'm far enough away, it doesn't do anything and I can just mow you down with the lancer, or jump in for the saw when you're reloading.

So please, please, please keep using your methods 2 and 3. I love it. :D

[somecut8]

Okay, you need a Method 4, a combo of shooting and bonking (meleeing). With randoms who just shoot randomly, I just go up and bonk them.

Also, you need to say the proper name for Method 2, which is "Shooting from the Hip".

I would probably say Method 3 is best, but I just use Method 2.

You brought up a good point. I forgot about meleeing someone in a middle of a fight.

[Gdawgum]

Method 3 but you aim the first one or when they are really close to you and then aim from hip from there on. You dont want to always go for L shots and then move around because they notice that and shoot you easier. If you L aim and then blindfire its better.

[R0XSTAR]

"How to use a shotgun" ... point, click... :p

[Strokin Man]

Method 2 ftw

[shades_of_grey]

I generally use method 2, unless my target isn't aware of me, then I use method 3.

Of course, most of the time I prefer to use the pistol rather than the shotgun, but when 2+ players are close to each other and charging me, (and I don't have any explosives :p), I whip out the ol shotty.

[imgneevrythng]

i use method 3 but this is how i use it..

if im in a shotgun battle (i say if cuz i like to snipe), i use a dive/roll tactic. ive come to realize that there are certain "blind spots" in this game when you are trying to shotgun someone. that is, when you and another person are closequarters, goin at it with shotties, its easier for you to aim to your right then it is to your left. your character has to readjust themselves when you move the screen to the left, slowing down your aiming time.

what i do is, if im either taking on damage or not really makin contact with my shots, ill dive to my right (the enemies left), then bring up the aiming reticle and line up the shot...then ill dive back to my left (the enemies right), and do the same thing. by doing this, it severely slows down the enemy, especially if they are inexperienced. by the time they get there aim to there left after i dove to my right, im already diving to the left, or there right.

works really well with active reload shots. 2 shot downs...1 if i connect with a full shot to the lower part of their body...if they already took on some damage then i dont even have to make full contact with 1 shot to down them.

i also like to "bounce" off of walls alot but thats a different story.

[shades_of_grey]

..ive come to realize that there are certain "blind spots" in this game when you are trying to shotgun someone. that is, when you and another person are closequarters, goin at it with shotties, its easier for you to aim to your right then it is to your left. your character has to readjust themselves when you move the screen to the left, slowing down your aiming time.


Ah, you take advantage of the right-handedness of the characters in GoW. Smart man. The tactic you describe can be used with many different weapons besides the shotgun, as well.

[imgneevrythng]

yeah...it would be so nice if you could switch hands like in splintercell.

nice and easy, tap a button and you just swap hands. not that hard.

[Severdoll]

method 2 fo sho

[thresixty]

i hate when i try to do method 3, and i tap the LT, but i let go before i even shoot, so it doesn't shoot anything at all.

[twitchie]

Both Method 2 and 3. More Method 3 then anything. Becuase most, if not all people will stand still for about 1 or 2 seconds to get a shot in on you and I split second pull on the L Trigger and aim, firing a shot off really quickly. But there are two things that make Method 3 great. It's the high sensitivity and the ability to actually aim properly. If you can aim good, Method 3 is best to use. Method 2 is, in a way, unreliable and you never really know if you actually hit the person or not. Heck, I've been face to face with someone, he being only about 2-3 feet from me and I used Method 2, I had the shotgun facing RIGHT at him and it did NOTHING. Not even a hit because I didn't see him flinch or see blood.

So in general, IMO, method 3 is one of the best way to use the shotgun. That is, if you are good at aiming.