If you’ve ever picked up a shotgun in BGMI and wondered why your shots don’t knock enemies—even when you’re sure you landed the hit—this guide is for you. Many players avoid using shotguns because of their inconsistent performance. But the truth is, shotguns are deadly weapons in close combat—if you know how to use them correctly.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to properly use shotguns in BGMI
- Best practices for fighting against shotgun-wielding enemies
- Pro gameplay mechanics like crosshair placement, movement, and baiting
- Bonus pro tips to maximize your kill potential
Let’s dive into each section and sharpen your close-combat skills.
🔫 Part 1: How to Master Shotguns in BGMI
🎯 Crosshair Placement Is Everything
When you fire a shotgun, you’re not firing a single bullet—you’re firing a cluster of small pellets. These pellets spread out, which can cause partial damage or complete misses if your aim isn’t precise.
- In close range (0–5 meters), aim for the head. The pellet spread will still hit the body and ensure maximum damage.
- In mid-range fights (5–10 meters), aim for the chest or slightly lower to increase the chance that more pellets land on the enemy.
Pro Tip: Never aim in the air or above the head. With a shotgun, every inch of crosshair misplacement could cost you the kill.
🧱 Use Cover Wisely
If your enemy is hiding behind cover and using peek shots, don’t waste your shells. Most pellets will hit the wall or cover, reducing your damage output.
Instead:
- Wait for the enemy to step out from behind cover.
- Then fire, ensuring your pellets connect to the full body.
🕺 Movement and Jiggle Tips While Using Shotguns
Shotguns slightly slow your movement, especially while firing. To counter this:
- Avoid spamming jiggling.
- Instead, use quick ADS (Aim Down Sight) as soon as you shoot to stabilize your aim and regain slight control.
⚠️ Note: ADS shotgun movement is tricky. Don’t try this in ranked matches unless you’ve practiced in training mode.
🛡️ Part 2: What To Do When Enemy Has a Shotgun
⌛ Baiting the Shotgun Reload Time
One of the biggest weaknesses of shotguns is their slow reload time.
To exploit this:
- Wait for the enemy to fire.
- Immediately rush while their next shell is being loaded.
- This is especially effective against pump shotguns like S686 and S1897.
📏 Maintain the Right Distance
Distance can save your life.
- If you’re in open ground within 5 meters, use short jiggle movement to make it harder for the shotgun user to land all pellets.
- Beyond 5 meters, use long, unpredictable jiggles. This forces the enemy to miss due to pellet spread.
🕵️ Peek and Shoot Using Cover
- Always use pixel peek and instant peek tactics from behind cover.
- If you’re exposed, jiggle and then quickly move back into cover.
- Bonus: Drop shots can catch enemies off guard—especially if timed during their reload animation.
💡 Bonus Tip: Firing Style Based on Shotgun Type
If you’re using the S12K (semi-auto shotgun):
- Consider placing the fire button near your thumb.
- The faster you tap, the faster the S12K fires. Thumb tapping allows faster shooting compared to using your index finger.
If you’re using S686 or S1897 (manual reload shotguns):
- You can use either thumb or index finger, as tap speed doesn’t affect reload time.
❓ Your Shotgun, Your Style
Let us know in the comments:
Which shotgun do you prefer in BGMI, and why? Is it the reliable S12K, the double-barrel S686, or the classic pump-action S1897?
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes and gameplay improvement only. BGMI is a competitive game, and your performance may vary based on device, ping, and reflexes. Practice in training mode before applying any advanced techniques in live matches.
📚 Summary
Mastering shotguns in BGMI isn’t just about pulling the trigger—it’s about positioning, crosshair accuracy, timing, and baiting. If you implement these tips and consistently practice, you’ll soon dominate close-quarter fights with ease.
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