As I navigate the ever-evolving battlegrounds of PUBG Mobile and BGMI in 2025, shotguns remain the dark horses of close-quarters combat. Often overshadowed by flashy assault rifles, these compact powerhouses have carved their niche through tactical updates and map redesigns favoring urban warfare. Let’s break down the five shotguns that continue to dominate hallways, staircases, and those heart-stopping final circles.

1. S12K: The Room-Clearing Orchestra

Like a jazz drummer maintaining lethal rhythm, the semi-automatic S12K remains unmatched in fire rate. Recent attachments like the Tactical Choke Mod (introduced in Season 22) have transformed it from a spray-and-pray option to a precision instrument.

• Key Stats:

| Mode | Damage | Effective Range |

|---|---| ---|

| Hip Fire | 22.4 | 15m |

| ADS | 19.8 | 25m |

My squadmates often joke that wielding an S12K in Sanhok’s Bootcamp is like bringing a flamethrower to a birthday party – messy but effective.

2. DBS: The Ambush Artist

This double-barreled beast has become the go-to for guerrilla tactics. Its dual-shot burst functions like a tactical uppercut – devastating when timed right but punishing if whiffed. The recent Dragon’s Breath Ammo (incendiary rounds) makes it terrifying in night mode engagements.

People Also Ask:

• "Can DBS one-shot Level 3 armor?"

Answer: Only with headshots at <5m range

• "Best scope for DBS?"

Answer: Red dot > Holographic due to ADS speed

3. S686: The Duelist’s Choice

This over-under shotgun operates like a samurai sword – elegant but demanding mastery. Its two-shell capacity forces players to make every shot count. I’ve won more 1v1 stairway showdowns with this than any SMG.

4. S1897: The Tactical Metronome

The pump-action rhythm of this weapon has become iconic. New Flechette Rounds turn it into a wall-penetration monster, perfect for flushing out campers. It’s the Swiss Army knife of shotguns – not the best at anything, but reliably adaptable.

5. NS2000: The Shape-Shifter

This hybrid marvel combines shotgun punch with DMR-like precision. The recent Smart Scope integration lets players toggle firing modes mid-reload – a game-changer I’ve used to wipe squads in complex compounds.

Future Forecast: I predict next-gen shotguns will incorporate energy-based ammunition by late 2026. Imagine a plasma spread that temporarily disables enemy scopes – the ultimate breach-and-disrupt tool for competitive play.

Shotgun Combat Tips (2025 Edition):

• 🎯 Pair with a Tactical Shield for push maneuvers

• ⏱️ Master the new Slide-Reload mechanic

• 🧪 Experiment with ammo types per map:

• Vikendi: Slugs for long sightlines

• Karakin: Flechettes for wallbangs

While meta shifts come faster than a DBS reload, these shotguns remain the kings of intimate violence. As the game evolves, so does their role – from building clearers to strategic area-denial tools. One thing’s certain: in 2025’s close-quarters meta, ignoring shotguns is like bringing a water pistol to a volcano fight.