First-time players ofMass Effect: Legendary Editionmay be at a loss as to which weapons they should utilize. Generally, all classes of weapons are going to be used to some extent. Unique situations often demand different approaches. As such, it should come as no surprise that shotguns are probably going to be unholstered from time to time.
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However, considering Commander Shepard’s arsenal, it may be difficult to choose which shotguns are the best of the bunch. The right firearm used at the correct moment can easily turn the tide of a battle. These are some choice selections that should never be passed upwhile exploring the galaxy.
Updated July 30, 2025 by Mark Hospodar:InMass Effect: Legendary Edition, players have tons of options when it comes to dispatching enemies. Arguably no other method is more satisfying than using a shotgun. The amount of hardware on offer to Commander Shepard is significant.
Knowing which shotguns in the Mass Effect trilogy are the best is handy information. This list has been expanded to include the relevant statistics for each shotgun so that players know exactly what they’re getting with each piece of hardware. A short section on shotgun upgrades for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 has also been added. All stats come courtesy of theMass Effect Wiki.
12Reegar Carbine
Although all shotguns tend to be devastating at close range, the Reegar Carbine is an excellent weapon at close quarters. A Quarian weapon by design, it fires a stream of continuous electricity at its target. It turns enemy shields into tissue paper when foes are hit with a concentrated burst.
Players can get their hands on the Reegar Carbine inMass Effect 3. It’s available to purchase from the Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies Terminal in the Presidium Commons for 10,000 credits. The price can be knocked down to 9,000 credits with a discount.
11Venom Shotgun
The Venom Shotgun possesses a rather unique design. It utilizes three barrels, the third of which can be used for charged shots. Although quite heavy, the damage the Venom Shotgun can inflict is significant, as it discharges explosive rounds much like a grenade launcher.
Once again, this weapon can only be obtained inMass Effect 3. Once part of theGroundside ResistanceDLC, players can purchase this weapon in theLegendary Editionfrom the Aegohr Munitions terminal in the Presidium Commons for the bargain price of 7,000 credits.
10Sokolov Shotgun X
Shepard hasplenty of weapon brandsto choose from in the firstMass Effect. The Level X version of the Sokolov shotgun isn’t a bad piece of hardware to carry. It inflicts decent damage (354) while maintaining an excellent accuracy rating of 80. Thus, players can afford to be quite surgical with the Sokolov X.
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As with all X-Level gear, players will have to wait until they are at a relatively high level before getting their hands on the Sokolov X as dropped loot. At Level 18, fans can purchase a Rosenkov Materials armory license from Opold on Noveria for 6,250 credits. Once purchased, Sokolov shotguns will start to be stocked by merchants.
9Graal Spike Thrower
The Graal Spike Thrower is a nasty weapon of Krogan design. It fires metal flechettes meant to penetrate thick protective surfaces, causing heavy bleeding in the process. This weapon is incredibly accurate and can also be charged for added damage.
Players can obtain the Graal Spike Thrower inMass Effect 3during the mission “Priority: Tuchanka.” However, if fans happen to miss it, the Spike Thrower can be purchased from Cirpritine Armory for 7,000 credits after the mission is complete.
8Armageddon Shotgun X
Shotguns obviously deal quite a bit of damage from short ranges. The Level X version of the Armageddon Shotgun inMass Effectdeals a respectable amount of damage (330), putting it in line with other top-tier weapons of its class. However, with an accuracy rating of 81, the Armageddon is one of the most precise shotguns among its brethren.
The player will have to be patient to get their hands on Level X gear. Commander Shepard needs to be at a relatively high level before the best equipment starts getting dropped as loot. Since the Armageddon is produced by Kassa Fabrication, purchasing that armory license when it becomes available is also a viable option.
7M-22 Eviscerator
The M-22 Eviscerator is actually considered an illegal weapon by galactic authorities. It fires a special type of ammunition, whereby serrated metal pellets are ejected whenever the gun is fired. This makes the Eviscerator quite deadly, especially to heavily-armored foes. Even shielded enemies will have a hard time standing up to this weapon.
This particular shotgun is available in bothMass Effect 2andMass Effect 3. It was originally a piece of DLC forMass Effect 2, but the Eviscerator can now be researched on the Normandy afterrecruiting Mordin Solusin theLegendary Edition. InMass Effect 3, it can be found during the “Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation” mission.
6Geth Plasma Shotgun
Not every shotgun is limited to short ranges. The Geth Plasma Shotgun has a longer reach than most, firing clusters of projectiles from its three barrels. This weapon is also unique in that it has two primary modes of fire: single and charged. A charged shot uses double the ammo but proves positively lethal if an enemy is hit flush with the blast.
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InMass Effect 2, the Geth Plasma Shotgun was yet another piece of DLC. In theLegendary Edition, however, the weapon can be purchased on Omega. This shotgun can also be found inMass Effect 3during the “Priority: Rannoch” mission sitting atop a crate.
5M-27 Scimitar
The M-27 Scimitar is a popular choice among the galaxy’s mercenary elite. Unlike other shotguns, which tend to be slow and plodding in their rate of fire, the Scimitar is actually very quick. Its twin mass effect generators allow for more rapid firing, although its range proves limited. Coupled with incendiary ammo, the Scimitar can be lethal against armor.
InMass Effect 2, a few Scimitars are dotted across the map duringSamara’s recruitment missionon Illium. The Scimitar makes a return inMass Effect 3, where it can be found while completing “Priority: Palaven.”
4M-300 Claymore
The M-300 Claymore is considered a valuable piece of Krogan weaponry. It only fires one shot per clip, but that’s usually enough. The blast is quite powerful at close range, able to shred through anytype of armor, shield, or biotic barrier. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to use the Claymore cautiously since its slow fire rate can leave the player exposed to enemy attacks.
The Claymore is Grunt’s favored weapon inMass Effect 2. Shepard can also acquire this shotgun during the Collector Ship mission if playing as a Soldier or Vanguard. InMass Effect 3, it can be found during the “Attican Traverse: Krogan Team” mission inside one of the first buildings the player comes across.
3M-11 Wraith
The M-11 Wraith is actually an offshoot of the previously mentioned M-22 Eviscerator. Like its cousin, the Wraith is also considered illegal and generally tends to be quite popular with the galaxy’s criminal elements. Although it holds less ammo than the Eviscerator, the Wraith reloads quicker and deals more damage.
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This shotgun only makes an appearance inMass Effect 3. It can be purchased at the Spectre Requisitions terminal in the Citadel Embassies for 75,000 credits.
