The Liberator is a semi-automatic shotgun with very high damage. It fires as fast as you pull the trigger and burns through shells. The Lost Lake merchant sells a tube upgrade that takes it from 5 to 7 shells.
It stops charging Freakers and humans fast at close range. It can also stagger Breakers with a quick string of shots. Bring spare shells.
The Auto Shotgun holds more and comes free from Horde Killer. The Combat Shotgun is more economical. The Liberator is best for short, violent fights.
Auto Shotgun
The Auto Shotgun is a Special Forces drum-fed shotgun you get free from the Horde Killer storyline. It fires shells as fast as you pull the trigger. It is one of the best close-range tools for Freaker crowds and Breakers.
Boozer's Shotgun
Boozer's Shotgun is the pump shotgun you carry in the opening hours, and the first primary weapon Deacon gets. It hits hard enough to make Breakers stumble. You hand it back early, then unlock it for good late in He's My Brother.
Combat Shotgun
The Combat Shotgun is a Military Spec pump-action shotgun sold at Hot Springs from Trust level 3. It hits hard with a tight spread and holds 9 shells. It is the best buyable pump gun in the north.
Crowdbreaker
The Crowdbreaker is a bullpup double-barrel shotgun with two tube magazines and 16 shells. Blair sells it at Lost Lake from Trust level 2. It fires slowly but rarely needs a reload, which makes it a strong pick for close fights.