Fortnite’s latest season has introduced two Star Wars-themed shotguns—officially called scatter blasters—but functionally, they take the familiar form of a pump shotgun and an auto shotgun. These two weapons, the ACP scatter blaster and the BARM ST12, may look futuristic, but they play into traditional Fortnite roles players will instantly recognize.
The ACP scatter blaster, nicknamed the pump shotgun, offers high burst damage, solid consistency, and a surprisingly fast fire rate. Meanwhile, the BARM ST12 scatter blaster functions as an auto shotgun with a fully automatic firing style and a solid damage profile, especially compared to previous automatic options.
ACP Scatter Blaster (Pump Shotgun) Overview
The ACP scatter blaster fills the pump role with reliable performance across multiple rarities:
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Damage Cap ranges from 165 to 185 based on rarity.
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Body Shot Damage is impressive—even outpacing last season’s gold Sentinel pump and matching mythic-level consistency.
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Fire Rate clocks in at 0.8 shots per second, making it faster than traditional pump models like the Striker, Thunder, and Havoc.
Fortnite’s shotgun mechanics hinge on pellet distribution and where those pellets hit. The ACP benefits from high body shot damage, helping reduce inconsistencies often blamed on pellet spread or partial headshot hits. While it may not have standout features, it performs reliably, landing in the upper-middle tier of pump shotguns from previous seasons.
BARM ST12 Scatter Blaster (Auto Shotgun) Overview (Fortnite Shotguns Season 3)
The BARM ST12 brings a strong showing for players who favor automatic close-range weapons:
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Fire Rate: 1.75 shots/sec, outpacing Gatekeeper (1.7), Tac (1.5), and Maven (1.4).
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Damage: Solid middle-ground performance with a max damage of 140 at gold rarity.
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Even the common BARM ST12 matches the gold Twin Fire auto shotgun in terms of output.
Compared to past automatic shotguns, this blaster feels more traditional and satisfying. It performs better than the Twin Fire shotgun from Chapter 6 Season 1, which often felt awkward or ineffective in heated skirmishes.
Pellet Spread, Aiming, and Performance
A common downside shared by both shotguns is their large pellet spread, which increases the margin for error—especially at mid-range. The reticle size plays a crucial role in how many pellets connect, and where. This affects both damage output and perceived inconsistency. Aiming down sights (ADS) tightens this spread, making it more effective in cover-based or slower engagements.
However, ADS reduces movement speed and sensitivity, so players must weigh the risks. In open, chaotic fights—like jump-heavy build battles—hipfiring is often safer. But in controlled environments or when holding corners, ADS makes a meaningful difference.
Loadout Considerations: Choosing Between the Two (Fortnite Shotguns Season 3)
Both the ACP and BARM ST12 are viable depending on personal preference and loadout synergy. The ACP pump complements loadouts using the F11 blaster and new DMR sniper, acting as the close-range burst option when the other two handle medium and long-range threats. Since the F11 already bridges AR and SMG roles, there’s less need for a spammy shotgun in those builds.
On the other hand, players who rely on spray-style ARs or feel more confident with consistent automatic damage may favor the BARM ST12, especially in chaotic, close-range fights.
Ultimately, neither shotgun feels underpowered or gimmicky. They don’t offer any extreme advantages or flaws—just dependable Fortnite weapon design. Compared to past shotgun lows like the Twin Fire, both scatter blasters offer reliable damage and usability.
Whether it’s the precise punch of the ACP or the steady spam of the ST12, Fortnite’s Star Wars scatter blasters are balanced, practical, and adaptable. They won’t break the game, but they also won’t leave players at a disadvantage. Picking the right shotgun this season will depend more on weapon synergy and comfort than raw stats alone.
