10 Best Shotguns in Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 doesn’t mess around when it comes to guns. Shotguns have always been the heart of Borderlands’ crazy gunfights, and Borderlands 4 keeps that tradition alive. These weapons aren’t just about raw damage; they make every fight feel chaotic and unforgettable. A good shotgun can clear a room of weaker enemies in seconds, while the strongest ones can knock chunks of health off bosses with just a few blasts.

Of course, not every shotgun is worth carrying around. Some are fun but lose their edge in tougher fights, while others become instant favorites you’ll want to hold onto forever. To help narrow it down, here’s a list of the 10 best shotguns in Borderlands 4.

10. Kickballer

The Kickballer is simple. No tricks, no crazy effects, just a shotgun that does what you expect. It fires quickly, reloads fast, and works best when enemies get too close. Notably, this one is great for the early game. Players don’t need to think about builds or skills. Just point and shoot. Of course, it’s not the strongest weapon later on, but when you’re starting your adventure, the Kickballer feels reliable.

9. Linebacker

The Linebacker is built for close-quarters combat in Borderland 4. It feels heavier than the Kickballer, but that weight comes with power. It also shines because players can find it in different elemental versions. Fire, shock, or even ice rounds give it flexibility, so it’s useful in all kinds of battles. Additionally, it also pushes enemies back, which makes it feel like a wall of force. When a crowd is rushing towards you, this shotgun can scatter them, giving players space to reload or heal.

8. Lead Balloon

The Lead Balloon is the kind of shotgun that makes you feel unstoppable when it connects. Each shot is heavy, delivering raw damage that tears through enemies if you line up your aim. It shines the most when you target weak spots, dropping health bars faster than most guns in the game. The catch is that it’s slow. The reload takes time, and the firing speed isn’t quick, so missing a shot can be painful. It’s not built for dealing with large crowds of fast enemies, but when facing a tough boss or armored foe, it’s one of the best tools.

7. Anarchy

The Anarchy is one of the most fun shotguns in Borderlands 4. Every time you fire without reloading, its damage stacks higher. The longer you hold off on reloading, the stronger it gets. Now, the downside is accuracy. With each stack, your spread gets worse. By the time you build up high stacks, your shots are flying everywhere. But when they connect, the damage is crazy. It’s not easy to use, but if you like a weapon that grows stronger the longer you keep it going, Anarchy is perfect.

6. Bod

The Bod isn’t the strongest shotgun in terms of damage, but it has a different role. It helps you control the fight. Some versions can push enemies back, others can trigger status effects like burning or freezing. This makes it a great weapon in co-op. While your team focuses on damage, you can use the Bod to keep enemies under control. Even when playing solo, it’s a good way to handle tough crowds in this action RPG.

5. Hellwalker

The Hellwalker is one of the most popular shotguns in the series, and it’s back in Borderlands 4. It fires fast, reloads quickly, and does great damage, especially if you aim for critical spots. Players can find the Hellwalker by farming Saddleback, Immortal Boneface, a unique enemy located in The Old Scrape. Since it’s a world drop tied to that boss, you may need to take down Saddleback multiple times before it finally drops.

4. Husky

The Husky is that shotgun you can always count on, no matter the fight. It doesn’t try to be wild or over-the-top, but its reliability makes it stand out. The real strength comes from its elemental versions. Shock ammo melts shields, corrosive rounds chew through armor, and fire ammo clears out weaker enemies in groups with ease. It’s the kind of gun that adapts to whatever situation you’re in, so you never feel unprepared. While it may not grab attention like some of the crazier shotguns, the Husky’s steady power and flexibility make it one of the best all-around picks in Borderlands 4.

3. Rainbow Vomit

The Rainbow Vomit looks silly at first. It shoots colorful projectiles that fill the screen like a light show. But behind the goofy look is a powerful shotgun that deals big damage. This one is perfect if you want a mix of fun and strength. It clears groups of enemies fast, and it makes fights look like a party. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s easily one of the top shotguns in Borderlands 4.

2. Convergence

The Convergence is one of the flashiest shotguns you can get your hands on. Dropped by Bramblesong in the Auger Mine, this weapon doesn’t just deal damage; it changes the way fights feel. When you fire, it pulls enemies closer, lining them up perfectly for the next blast. This makes it excellent for crowd control, as groups are often drawn in and overwhelmed before they know what hit them. Additionally, it’s a strong pick against tougher enemies, as dragging them closer makes weak spots easier to hit. Convergence isn’t just powerful; it’s fun, giving every fight a chaotic, satisfying twist.

1. Hot Slugger

The Hot Slugger is a shotgun built for pure chaos and raw power. You can grab it by defeating the Callous Harbinger in the Bunker, and once you do, it’s difficult to put down. Every shot packs explosive heat, sending enemies flying and leaving burning damage behind. It’s perfect for tearing through groups, since the blasts spread wide and punish anything caught in the fire. While it doesn’t have the best accuracy at long range, up close, it feels devastating. Ultimately, the Hot Slugger is all about aggressive play.