Mastiff shotgun apex legends weapon guide

The Mastiff Shotgun Apex Legends Weapon is one of the most iconic and powerful firearms in the game. Known for its horizontal pellet spread and crushing close-range damage, the Mastiff is a close-quarters powerhouse that has gone through several evolutions since Apex Legends launched. In this article, we take an in-depth look at this weapon, explaining its strengths, best use cases, and offering tips for mastering it.

Overview of the Mastiff Shotgun

The Mastiff is a semi-automatic shotgun that fires a tight, horizontal spread of pellets, making it uniquely capable at clearing rooms and punishing enemies face-to-face. Unlike typical shotguns, which often rely on vertical spread with center aiming, the Mastiff’s horizontal trajectory encourages players to line up their shots laterally for maximum damage.

Initially introduced as a Care Package weapon, the Mastiff has spent time both in and out of floor loot rotation. Its role in the game has been continually updated, making it a weapon that veteran players keep an eye on each season.

Weapon Stats

1. Ammo Type: Shotgun Shells (Standard)
2. Magazine Size: 6 Rounds
3. Fire Rate: 1 round per 1 second (semi-automatic)
4. Damage Per Pellet: 11 (8 pellets total)
5. Maximum Damage: 88 (at point-blank, full pellet hit)

Understanding the Mastiff's stats is essential. Its slower rate of fire is offset by its incredible burst potential, which makes it lethal in skilled hands.

How to Use the Mastiff Effectively

To make the most of the Mastiff Shotgun, players need to position themselves well, anticipate enemy movement, and aim precisely. The Mastiff rewards those who can track lateral motion and land multiple pellets in a single shot.

Best Combat Scenarios

The Mastiff thrives in close quarters. Building interiors, tight corridors, and final circle combat are all ideal places to use this weapon. When moving through confined spaces, holding corners and surprise engagements add to its lethality.

Tip: Aim for the Chest or Shoulders

Because of its horizontal spread, aiming higher on the enemy’s body or slightly above horizon level helps land more pellets. The Mastiff is all about pellet coverage, and aiming center mass is critical.

Strafing and Shot Timing

Combining movement and well-timed shots is key to dominating with the Mastiff. Strafe side to side to make yourself harder to hit, and fire carefully rather than spamming shots. Precision is more important than speed.

When to Choose the Mastiff

The Mastiff should be your go-to secondary weapon when you expect close-ranged combat or are running a mid-to-long range primary like the Flatline or R-301. It also pairs well with recon characters like Bloodhound and Seer, who can track enemies through buildings for close-range combat.

Pros

1. High burst damage potential
2. Suppresses enemies in confined spaces
3. Horizontal spread offers unique aiming mechanics

Cons

1. Requires accuracy to be effective
2. Lower fire rate than other shotguns
3. Less effective in open or mid-range fights

Conclusion

The Mastiff Shotgun remains a staple of Apex Legends' close-range arsenal. While it may not be the fastest or most forgiving weapon, its ability to turn the tide of battle with just a few well-placed shots is unmatched. Whether you're pushing a building, holding the final circle, or just eliminating a last squad, the Mastiff is a weapon of choice for players who demand power and control in tight situations.

Practice your aim, time your fire, and you just might find yourself winning more fights with the Mastiff in hand.