Top 10 Shotguns in Once Human for 2025 Ranked Guide

Hey fellow survivors! 🎮 As a hardcore Once Human player since the game dropped, I've faced countless hordes of Deviants and learned that when you're cornered in a chaotic firefight, nothing saves your skin like a trusty shotgun. 💥 In this post-apocalyptic nightmare, relying on slow-firing weapons like snipers or pistols can get you overwhelmed fast—especially in 2025's latest updates with tougher enemy spawns. That's why I'm spilling the beans on the absolute best shotguns in the game right now, based on my grinding experience and the current meta. These bad boys aren't just about raw firepower; they're about survival, strategy, and turning the tide when all hell breaks loose. So, grab your gear, and let's dive into my ultimate ranked list of shotguns, from decent starters to game-changing legendaries! 🔫

💥 10. DBSG

Rarity: Common

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Starting off at number 10, the DBSG is your go-to beginner's shotgun, and honestly, it's a solid foundation for newbies. I've used this one early on, and while its performance isn't mind-blowing—no passive abilities here—it's surprisingly reliable. You can unlock it with an easy early-game Memetic, making it super accessible. The damage output and fire rate are decent enough to hold their own against basic Deviants, and as a pro tip: upgrade it for a future-proof backup. Trust me, in 2025's crowded lobbies, having this as a fallback can save your hide when you're low on resources.

🎯 9. Old Huntsman

Rarity: Rare

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Moving up, the Old Huntsman sits at number 9 and feels like a rare gem for early-game builds. It's almost identical to the DBSG stats-wise, but what sets it apart is that sweet Weapon Feature: a 35% chance to trigger The Bull's Eye effect. This highlights targets and boosts damage by 8% for 12 seconds—perfect for precision-focused runs. I've built around this in my early playthroughs, and it's incredibly reliable for Bull's Eye strategies. Plus, with its easy acquisition, it's a no-brainer for anyone leveling up in 2025's revamped zones.

🛡️ 8. S870 - Sandstorm

Rarity: Rare

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At number 8, the S870 - Sandstorm is a beast for intermediate players, and I adore its pump-action feel—safe, steady, and rewarding. Range and stability are top-notch, though the damage could be higher. The real MVP here is Fortress Warfare: switching to it buffs nearby allies with damage and heavy armor boosts. In squad battles this year, I've leaned on this for support builds, especially against bosses. It's not flashy, but it's a lifesaver when you're coordinating with friends.

🔥 7. Dual Fury

Rarity: Epic

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Ranking at 7, Dual Fury is all about that Burn status effect, and man, it's addictive for boss fights! This epic shotgun inflicts Burn after every second shot, making it a DoT powerhouse. I've melted elites with this in recent runs, and upgrading it lets you trade HP for extra attack power and Vulnerability debuffs. While it's not the strongest Burn inflictor, its frequency makes it a must for status-heavy builds in 2025's meta.

⚡ 6. ACS12 - Netherworld

Rarity: Epic

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Number 6 is the ACS12 - Netherworld, and holy cow, its fire rate is insane! With the Fast Gunner feature, landing all projectiles gives a 50% chance to boost fire rate and attack—stacking up to five times. I've used this for high-DPS runs, and upgraded, it shoots more projectiles for crazy damage. But be warned: hitting all shots is tricky, making it a skill-based choice in current gameplay.

❄️ 5. DB12 - Backfire

Rarity: Epic

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Coming in at 5, DB12 - Backfire is a frosty dream for Frost Vortex builds. Its Weapon Feature triggers frost damage after five hits, and upgrading it freezes enemies solid. I've exploited this to close in and obliterate elites—it's a game-changer for crowd control. In 2025's frost-heavy events, this shotgun shines as a tactical freeze machine.

💰 4. DB12 - Raining Cash

Rarity: Legendary

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At number 4, DB12 - Raining Cash is a legendary all-rounder that rewards upgrades big time. Like the Sandstorm, it has Fortress Warfare, but activates on reload for less vulnerability. Fully upgraded, it grants 40% more attack, 30% Crit Rate, and 30% damage reduction—all at once! I've relied on this for versatility in endgame content, and it's hands-down the best support shotgun as of 2025.

🎯 3. DBSG - Doombringer

Rarity: Legendary

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Ranked 3, DBSG - Doombringer is the souped-up version of Old Huntsman, with better range, damage, and stability. Its Bull's Eye ability now boosts DPS and reduces incoming damage while raising Crit Rate by 30%. For Bull's Eye builds, this is essential—I pair it with AWS .338 as a secondary for dynamic combos. Tier upgrades stack impressively, and the Vulnerability Amplifier Mod enhances debuffs, making it a meta staple this year.

⚡ 2. ACS12 - Corrosion

Rarity: Legendary

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At number 2, ACS12 - Corrosion is a close-range monster for Power Surge builds, with a 70% chance to inflict it per shot. Upgrading it unlocks buffs like increased Crit Rate and Damage Factor. I've dominated solo runs with this in 2025's harder zones—it's rare but worth the grind for burst damage.

🔥 1. ACS12 - Pyroclasm

Rarity: Legendary

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And the crown jewel at number 1! 🏆 ACS12 - Pyroclasm is pure devastation with a 27% Burn chance and 20% chance to gain Deviant Particle for Charge state. Reloading in Charge nearly doubles attack power and applies Burn—making it the ultimate DPS shotgun. I've cleared raids with this beauty, and for Burn builds in 2025, it's unmatched. Seriously, if you get your hands on this, you're set for glory!

Wrap-up and Pro Tips

To summarize, here's a quick table of the rankings for easy reference:

Rank	Shotgun	Rarity	Key Feature
10	DBSG	Common	Beginner-friendly, no passives
9	Old Huntsman	Rare	Bull's Eye trigger
8	S870 - Sandstorm	Rare	Fortress Warfare support
7	Dual Fury	Epic	Frequent Burn infliction
6	ACS12 - Netherworld	Epic	Fast Gunner fire rate boost
5	DB12 - Backfire	Epic	Frost Vortex freeze
4	DB12 - Raining Cash	Legendary	All-purpose buffs
3	DBSG - Doombringer	Legendary	Enhanced Bull's Eye
2	ACS12 - Corrosion	Legendary	High Power Surge chance
1	ACS12 - Pyroclasm	Legendary	Charge state for massive DPS

In 2025's meta, I recommend starting with common/rare shotguns for practice, then aiming for epics and legendaries like Pyroclasm for endgame. Pair them with builds like Frost Vortex or Burn for max efficiency. Remember, survival is key—so experiment and dominate! 💪 If you've got questions, drop 'em below. Stay safe out there, gamers!