The Pump & Dump Shotgun is a new hybrid weapon in Fortnite, combining elements of both a shotgun and an SMG. While the concept sounds intriguing, the weapon itself falls into a “jack of all trades, master of none” category. The idea of having two weapons in a single inventory slot is appealing, but the trade-off is that both the shotgun and SMG components are lackluster compared to standalone options.
Pump & Dump Shotgun Stats Breakdown
The Pump & Dump Shotgun offers moderate stats across the board but fails to excel in any particular area.
- Shotgun Mode:
- Damage: Ranges from 72 (Common) to 92 (Mythic)
- Fire Rate: 0.95 (third among the four shotguns available in the current loot pool)
- Rank: Outperformed by both the Common Outlaw Shotgun and the Sentinel Pump in base damage
- SMG Mode:
- Damage: Starts at 10 (Common) and increases to 15 (Mythic)
- Comparison: The Common Precision SMG already matches the Mythic Pump & Dump SMG’s damage
- Fire Rate: 10, slightly lower than the Precision SMG’s 10.3
The standout feature of this weapon is its reload speed, which is significantly faster than most shotguns and SMGs. However, the downside is that both aspects of the weapon feel underwhelming, leading to a mid-tier performance overall.
The Best Playstyle for the Pump & Dump Shotgun
The Pump & Dump Shotgun is designed for close-range engagements where players can maximize the synergy between the shotgun and SMG components. However, using both aspects simultaneously can be inefficient. A better strategy involves holding down the SMG trigger while manually timing shotgun shots to land when accuracy is optimal. This ensures that shotgun shots hit with maximum potential damage instead of being wasted due to poor aim.
Despite this, the weapon’s reliance on close-quarters combat makes it risky in fights. It encourages a barrel-stuffing playstyle—forcing players into extremely close engagements where they continuously trade damage. This often leads to high damage intake, increasing the likelihood of being third-partied.
Why the Outlaw Shotgun is a Better Choice
The Outlaw Shotgun stands out as a significantly stronger option compared to the Pump & Dump Shotgun.
- Damage: Ranges from 96 (Common) to 114 (Legendary)
- Fire Rate: 1.4, second only to the Twinfire Auto Shotgun (1.9)
- Max Headshot Damage: 140 (Common) to 160 (Legendary), slightly lower than the Sentinel Pump
While the Outlaw Shotgun has only two rounds per magazine, its higher damage output and faster fire rate make it much more lethal in the right hands. The key downside is its large spread and short range, requiring precise positioning to maximize effectiveness.
The Bat Threat and Why These Shotguns Struggle Against It
One of the biggest weaknesses of both the Pump & Dump Shotgun and the Outlaw Shotgun is their susceptibility to Fortnite’s kneecap or bat melee weapon. Because these shotguns force players into point-blank range, they put users at direct risk of being knocked back by bat attacks. Since one of the primary counters to the bat is maintaining distance, these shotguns inadvertently play into the strengths of bat users, making them even more unreliable in the current loot pool.
The Sentinel Pump, on the other hand, provides a more consistent and safer alternative. Its higher peak damage allows for well-placed shots from slightly greater distances, reducing the risk of taking excessive damage or getting knocked back by the bat. Additionally, Sentinel Pump users can utilize cover more effectively, unlike those using the Pump & Dump or Outlaw Shotgun, who are forced into exposed fights.
The Pump & Dump Shotgun sounds impressive on paper but fails to deliver in practice. While the idea of combining an SMG and shotgun into one slot seems advantageous, the execution results in two mediocre weapons rather than one strong hybrid.
Pros:
- Saves inventory space
- Fast reload speed
Cons:
- Lacks high damage potential
- Struggles against long-range weapons
- Ineffective against bat users
- Requires an aggressive, high-risk playstyle
For players who prioritize consistent performance and survivability, the Sentinel Pump Shotgun remains the best shotgun in the game. Meanwhile, the Outlaw Shotgun, despite its flaws, offers a higher damage ceiling than the Pump & Dump.
Unless the Pump & Dump Shotgun receives a buff, it remains a novelty weapon rather than a competitive choice. If forced into close-range combat, the Collateral Damage AR or the Outlaw Shotgun are better alternatives for aggressive players. For those who prefer a more methodical and strategic approach, the Sentinel Pump is the clear winner.
