Shotgun (HD)

Type:	Ranged Weapon
Function:	Powerful ranged attacks.
Source:	• Shops • Crates • Dropped by Shopkeepers • Buried in ASH's grave in Restless Dead levels
Cost:	$13,500 +1500
Damage:	4-24 (6 pellets, 4 damage each)
Notes:	• Produces light when fired. • Can make you jump one tile higher.

The Shotgun is one of the most powerful ranged weapons in the game. It is capable of killing most enemies with only a single shot, even from far away.

Although weaker than the Scepter and the Plasma Cannon, the shotgun is much easier to find early in the game and is practically risk-free to use, making it the weapon of choice for most players.

Shotguns can be acquired in several ways. They may be sold in weapon shops, and also have a low chance of being found inside a crate.
All Shopkeepers carry shotguns to enforce order in their stores, but you will need to fight them in order to take it and will be branded a wanted criminal by doing so.
A guaranteed shotgun can be found in a Restless Dead level, buried under a unique grave with 'ASH' inscribed upon it - a reference to the protagonist of the Evil Dead movies.

Functionality

The shotgun fires buckshot, discharging 6 pellets at once that each deal 4 points of damage. If you or an enemy are damaged by a pellet, there is brief delay before additional pellets will do damage. The pellets are fired on slightly divergent trajectories and spread slightly as they travel, but this doesn't really affect long-range accuracy. There is a brief 'reloading' time after firing that restricts its rate of fire, but the weapon has unlimited ammunition.

Most enemies will be killed with a single shot, but large, tough monsters can withstand several hits.
Some enemies are immune to gunfire, including the Ghost, Olmec, Croc Men and Bacteria. The Black Knight's Shield will reflect your bullets back at you, but he will be vulnerable if you can make him drop it by stomping on him.

Remember that the recoil from firing a shotgun will throw you back by one tile's width. Always make sure that this won't cause you to fall off ledges or push you into a trap.
It is possible to jump one tile higher with the shotgun's recoil by firing and jumping simultaneously. This can be combined with the spring shoes to effectively double your natural jumping height.

It's always a good idea to try to ascertain where your shots will land, as stray bullets could hit Damsels, Scarabs or Shopkeepers off-screen.

The light produced by the muzzle flash can be used to get your bearings in dark levels.