Mastering the mastiff shotgun in apex legends

In the ever-evolving world of Apex Legends, close-quarters combat plays a crucial role in determining victory. Among the various weapons available, the Mastiff Shotgun stands out as a high-damage, close-range powerhouse that can dominate in tight situations. Whether you're dropping into Kings Canyon or navigating the twisting corridors of Broken Moon, mastering this formidable weapon can give you a significant edge over your opponents.

Overview of the Mastiff Shotgun

The Mastiff Shotgun is a lever-action shotgun that uses a horizontal spread, making it ideal for close-range encounters. Unlike other shotguns in the game, the Mastiff fires its pellets in a line rather than in a circular or semi-circular pattern. This unique spread allows for unusually accurate mid-range shots if aimed correctly.

Weapon Stats

  1. Base Damage: 11 per pellet
  2. Pellets per Shot: 8
  3. Headshot Multiplier: 1.25x
  4. Magazine Size: 4 shots (with Tactical Reload)
  5. Reload Time: 1.0s tactical, 1.7s empty
  6. Fire Rate: 66 RPM (Rounds Per Minute)

Shot Pattern

What sets the Mastiff apart is its horizontal shot pattern. Given this characteristic, aiming vertically allows players to hit all pellets on smaller targets, which can be the difference between a knockdown and a missed opportunity. The spread favors precision and allows for skillful plays when used effectively.

Best Uses for the Mastiff

The Mastiff excels in specific combat situations. Understanding these scenarios will help players get the most value out of the weapon.

Close-Quarters Combat

The Mastiff is made for tight, close-range encounters. Whether inside buildings or rounding tight corners, the ability to fire powerful blasts with a short delay between shots makes it perfect for pressuring enemies or defending a position. Its high burst potential can drop enemies almost instantly with accurate shots.

Mid-Range Support

While the gun is primarily a close-range weapon, skilled players can land shots at medium range thanks to the consistent horizontal spread and strong projectile speed. This makes the Mastiff surprisingly versatile when pushing teams or finishing weakened foes at a distance.

Finishing Knocks

Due to the burst nature of the Mastiff and its reload pattern, it excels at finishing off downed enemies quickly. With its strong base damage, you can save valuable time and ammo in the heat of battle by eliminating knocked opponents in one well-placed shot.

Tips for Mastery

Like any tool in Apex Legends, the Mastiff rewards players who take the time to master its timing and mechanics.

Practice the Timing

The Mastiff has a slower fire rate compared to automatic shotguns, so rhythm and timing are essential. Avoid spamming shots and instead aim carefully to maximize damage with each pull of the trigger.

Aim for the Chest

Because of its horizontal spread pattern, aiming center-mass increases the chances of all eight pellets connecting. Going for headshots can be risky unless you are within extremely close range, but consistent chest shots will deal massive damage.

Combine with Movement Abilities

Legends with mobility skills such as Wraith, Octane, or Horizon can make the most of the Mastiff’s potential. Use mobility to close gaps quickly and apply devastating close-range pressure before your opponent can react.

Final Thoughts

The Mastiff Shotgun remains a fan-favorite weapon in Apex Legends for good reason. Its unique design, devastating power, and tactical versatility make it an excellent option for players who excel at in-your-face fighting. While it requires skill and discipline to master, the payoff is more than worth the effort. Whether you are a seasoned shotgun user or just wanting to expand your playstyle, adding the Mastiff to your arsenal can make a world of difference in the Apex Games.