How to Get the Shotgun in Resident Evil 7: A Complete Guide – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard revitalized the survival horror genre, delivering an eerie atmosphere, intense gameplay, and a blend of puzzles and action. One of the most iconic weapons in the series, the shotgun, makes a return in this installment. The shotgun in Resident Evil 7 is a game-changer for dealing with tougher enemies and crowd control, but acquiring it isn’t straightforward.
This guide will walk you through every step to get the shotgun in Resident Evil 7, including solving the associated puzzles and navigating the terrifying Baker estate.
Why You Need the Shotgun
The shotgun is one of the most reliable weapons in Resident Evil 7. Its high damage output makes it ideal for taking down the Molded, the game’s primary enemies, as well as handling boss fights. With its spread, it also excels in situations where precision is secondary to raw stopping power. However, ammo is limited, so using it strategically is essential.
Where to Find the Shotgun in Resident Evil 7
The shotgun is located in the Main Hall of the Baker estate, but you’ll need to complete a puzzle to acquire it. You’ll first find it locked inside a statue’s grasp, and picking it up will trigger a mechanism that locks you inside the room unless you replace it with a weighted object.
Here’s how to get it step-by-step:
Step 1: Progress Through the Story Until You Reach the Main Hall
To access the shotgun, you’ll first need to progress through the game until you reach the Main Hall of the Baker mansion. This area is accessible after finding the three dog’s head reliefs to unlock the Main Hall door.
Once inside, you’ll notice the shotgun in a statue near the stairs. Picking it up will trigger the locking mechanism, preventing your escape unless you replace it with another item of equal weight.
Step 2: Locate the Broken Shotgun
The key to solving the puzzle and obtaining the shotgun is to find the Broken Shotgun, which can be used to replace the real shotgun in the statue’s grip. The Broken Shotgun is located in two possible places, depending on your progress:
Option A: Inside Grandma’s Room
- Requirement: You’ll need the Scorpion Key to access Grandma’s Room.
- The Scorpion Key is found in the Processing Area in the basement. Once you have it, backtrack to the Main Hall and use the key to unlock Grandma’s Room.
- Inside, you’ll find the Broken Shotgun, along with other useful items.
Option B: In the Yard (Madhouse Difficulty)
In Madhouse difficulty, the Broken Shotgun’s location is changed to the yard area outside the house. This adjustment adds an extra layer of challenge to acquiring the shotgun.
Step 3: Put the Broken Shotgun in lieu of the Real Shotgun.
Once you have the Broken Shotgun, return to the statue in the Main Hall. Here’s what to do:
- Pick up the M37 Shotgun by interacting with the statue.
- Quickly replace it by placing the Broken Shotgun into the statue’s hands.
- The mechanism will reset, allowing you to leave the room with the real shotgun.
Tips for Getting the Shotgun Safely
Acquiring the shotgun can be a harrowing experience, as the Baker family relentlessly pursues you throughout the mansion. These pointers will help the procedure go more smoothly:
- Plan Your Route: Before heading to Grandma’s Room or any other location, make sure you know the shortest route to minimize encounters with Jack Baker or other threats.
- Manage Your Inventory: Ensure you have enough inventory space for the Broken Shotgun and any other items you might find along the way.
- Use Distractions: If Jack is nearby, create noise or lure him to a different area before attempting to grab the shotgun.
Upgrading Your Shotgun
The M37 Shotgun is powerful, but you can upgrade it later in the game to the M21 Shotgun, which offers even greater damage at the cost of a smaller ammo capacity. Here’s how to upgrade:
- Find the Model Shotgun: The Model Shotgun is a replica that can be found later in the game, often in the Testing Area or similar locations depending on the difficulty level.
- Replace the M37: Swap the M37 with the Model Shotgun at the statue to reacquire the Broken Shotgun.
- Repair the Broken Shotgun: Use a Repair Kit to fix the Broken Shotgun, transforming it into the M21 Shotgun.
When to Use the Shotgun
While the shotgun is a powerful weapon, ammo is scarce in Resident Evil 7. Use it strategically for the following situations:
- Boss Fights: The shotgun is invaluable for dealing heavy damage to bosses like Jack or Marguerite in their mutated forms.
- Crowd Control: When faced with multiple Molded, the shotgun’s spread can hit more than one enemy at a time, making it perfect for crowd control.
- High-Pressure Moments: Save your shotgun for moments when quick, decisive damage is necessary to survive.
Bonus: Finding Extra Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun shells are a precious resource in Resident Evil 7. To make the most of your weapon, you’ll need to scavenge for ammo in the mansion. Here are some reliable locations:
- Inside Drawers and Cabinets: Search every nook and cranny, especially in the Main Hall and adjacent rooms.
- Supply Crates: Break open supply crates with your knife to find ammo.
- Treasure Photos: Follow clues from treasure photos to hidden ammo stashes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re struggling to get the shotgun, here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Unable to locate the Scorpion Key? Look again in the basement’s Processing Area. Look for a room with hanging meat where the Scorpion Key is located on a table.
- Inventory Full: Make a trip to the item box to deposit unnecessary items before attempting to grab the Broken Shotgun.
- Jack Baker Interference: If Jack is constantly patrolling near the Main Hall, try luring him away to a different area by making noise or hiding until he leaves.
Final Thoughts
The shotgun is one of the most essential weapons in Resident Evil 7, offering high damage and versatility for tackling the game’s toughest challenges. While acquiring it involves solving a clever puzzle and evading the terrifying Baker family, the reward is well worth the effort.
By following this guide, you’ll have the M37 Shotgun in your arsenal in no time, ready to face whatever horrors the Baker estate throws your way. Remember to conserve ammo, plan your routes, and stay vigilant as you progress through this thrilling survival horror experience.