So far, 4A Games has given fans a glimpse at two types of weapons set to feature in Metro Exodus; handguns and rifles. Now, the studio’s latest gameplay trailer shows off shotguns. Namely, the Ashot and the Shambler. Both of these weapons excel at close-range, offering high damage and formidable stopping power. Moreover, thanks to the new customisation mechanics, weapons like the Metro Exodus Shambler can be configured in all manner of different ways.
While the Ashot is a powerful single-shot weapon capable of becoming a double-barrelled (or even quad-barrelled) brute, the Shambler is a more balanced shotgun. The weapon was designed and assembled by the Spartan order and is their standard-issue shotgun; a fully-automatic weapon with very high damage and slightly better range than the Ashot. As one might expect, the recoil on the Shambler is significant, giving it poor stability. The rate of fire is also relatively low for an automatic weapon, and it only holds a few shotshells. However, with customisation options, the Shambler can become a true close-range powerhouse.
Metro Exodus Shambler Configurations #1: The Saiga
Featuring a stock and extra grip for improved stability, Reflex Sight, and Red Laser; the Saiga is a more reliable and powerful configuration for the Shambler. The weapon swaps its small belt of shotshells for a Shotshell Magazine, giving it a larger magazine size and faster loading speed. There’s few disadvantages when comparing the Saiga to the basic Shambler; this configuration is a natural upgrade.
Metro Exodus Shambler Configurations #2: The Abzats
If you don’t mind a longer reload, and instead want to shoot for longer without interruption, then the Abzats’ belt-fed box magazine may be perfect for you. This monstrous shotgun has a duck-bill choke, a heavier stock, and a Closed-Reflex Sight. Although its overall accuracy is mildly worse than the Saiga, it has a much larger magazine size, wider shot-spread, and greatly improved stability. “With a wider pellet spread and reduced reload pressure,” explains 4A Games; “it’s the close-range king of the Metro-made arsenal.”