How To Get Tactical Shotgun in 99 Nights in the Forest (June 2026) Quick Guide

The Tactical Shotgun stands as one of the most devastating weapons in 99 Nights in the Forest, capable of dealing up to 150 damage per shot at close range. This S-tier ranged weapon fires 8 pellets per trigger pull, making it incredibly effective against hordes of enemies and powerful foes like Alpha Wolves and Bears. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or just starting your journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every method to obtain this game-changing weapon.

Stat	Value	Details
Weapon Type	Ranged	Shotgun with spread pattern
Damage	150 max (10 per pellet)	8 pellets × 10 damage each
Magazine Capacity	3 shells	5-second reload time
Ammo Type	Shotgun Shells	Rare but craftable
Tier Ranking	S Tier	Top-tier ranged weapon
Obtainment Methods	Ruby Chests, Workshop	Rare drops and crafting

Understanding the Tactical Shotgun’s Power

The Tactical Shotgun resembles a Kel-Tec KSG with an extended barrel and distinctive camouflage pattern. What makes this weapon exceptional is its unique firing mechanism – despite firing 8 pellets simultaneously, it only consumes one shotgun shell per shot. This efficiency, combined with its devastating close-range damage output, makes it the premier choice for crowd control and close-quarters combat.

Why the Tactical Shotgun is S-Tier

Based on extensive community testing and meta analysis, the Tactical Shotgun earns its S-tier ranking for several compelling reasons:

• Massive Burst Damage: Capable of one-shotting wolves, rabbits, and frogs
• Crowd Control Excellence: Perfect for clearing Cultist Strongholds
• Ammo Efficiency: 8 pellets for the cost of 1 shell
• Versatility: Effective against both single targets and groups
• Accessibility: Available through multiple obtainment methods

Primary Obtainment Methods

Method 1: Ruby Chest Hunting (Most Reliable)

Ruby Chests represent the most consistent way to obtain the Tactical Shotgun. These are the rarest chests in the game, distinguished by their black, scaly appearance with red trim and lock.

Where to Find Ruby Chests:

1. Deepest Forest Areas: Explore beyond the regular spawn zones
2. Cultist Stronghold: The reward room after clearing all waves
3. High-Level Campfire Zones: Areas with level 4-5 campfires
4. Random Spawns: Can appear anywhere regular chests spawn (though rare)

Pro Tips for Ruby Chest Farming:

• First Come, First Served: Ruby Chests downgrade to Gold Chests after being opened
• Cultist Stronghold Strategy: The stronghold resets every 20 minutes, allowing repeated attempts
• Preparation Required: Stock up on healing supplies and bring backup weapons
• Team Coordination: In multiplayer, communicate chest locations to avoid missing opportunities

Method 2: Workshop Crafting

The Tool Workshop offers a crafting alternative for obtaining the Tactical Shotgun. This method requires gathering specific materials and accessing the workshop structure.

Workshop Requirements:

1. Unlock the Workshop: Find and assemble the anvil structure
2. Gather Materials: Collect scrap and other crafting components
3. Recipe Availability: The Tactical Shotgun appears as a possible recipe
4. Crafting Cost: Varies based on current game economy

Workshop Location Tips:

• Use a Map (crafted with 3 Wood) to mark workshop locations
• Workshops are often found in mid-to-high level zones
• Some workshops are guarded by enemies – come prepared

Advanced Strategies for Tactical Shotgun Acquisition

Cultist Stronghold Domination

The Cultist Stronghold serves as the premier location for Ruby Chest farming. Here’s how to maximize your success:

Preparation Phase:

• Healing Supplies: Bring at least 10-15 bandages
• Backup Weapons: Carry a reliable melee weapon for close encounters
• Ammunition: Stock up on ammo for your current ranged weapon
• Team Composition: If playing with others, assign roles (tank, DPS, support)

Execution Strategy:

1. Clear First Floor: Eliminate the initial cultist wave systematically
2. Progress Upward: Move to the second floor after clearing each level
3. Reward Room: Access the Ruby Chest in the final reward chamber
4. Repeat: Return after 20 minutes for another attempt

Ammo Management for Tactical Shotgun

Once you obtain the Tactical Shotgun, managing your shotgun ammunition becomes crucial:

Ammo Acquisition Methods:

1. Ammo Crate Structure: Build this at your base to purchase ammo with Scrap
2. Ammo Furnace: Located in the volcanic biome, requires fuel (oil barrels or biofuel)
3. Oil Drill Setup: Place near campfire for automatic oil barrel generation
4. Biofuel Farming: Create biofuel farms for sustainable ammo production

Pro Ammo Tips:

• Each new Tactical Shotgun found comes with 43 shotgun shells (3 loaded, 40 reserve)
• Biofuel works in the Ammo Furnace as an alternative to oil
• Consider building teleporters between your base and the Ammo Furnace for efficiency

Tactical Shotgun Combat Guide

Optimal Usage Scenarios

The Tactical Shotgun excels in specific combat situations:

Close-Quarters Combat:

• Maximum Damage: Deal 150 damage at point-blank range
• One-Shot Potential: Eliminate wolves, rabbits, and frogs instantly
• Crowd Control: Clear multiple enemies with a single well-placed shot

Cultist Stronghold Clearing:

• Horde Management: Perfect for dealing with cultist waves
• Room Clearing: Efficient for tight indoor spaces
• Boss Damage: Effective against stronger enemies when positioned correctly

Limitations to Consider:

• Reload Time: 5-second reload requires tactical positioning
• Range Drop-off: Damage decreases significantly at distance
• Ammo Scarcity: Shotgun shells are relatively rare

Weapon Synergy and Loadouts

Pair the Tactical Shotgun with complementary weapons for maximum effectiveness:

Recommended Loadouts:

1. Tactical Shotgun + Katana: Close-range dominance with both ranged and melee options
2. Tactical Shotgun + Revolver: Backup ranged weapon for longer engagements
3. Tactical Shotgun + Strong Axe: Versatile combination for combat and resource gathering

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Can’t Find Ruby Chests

Solution:

• Focus on Cultist Stronghold runs (most reliable method)
• Explore deeper forest areas systematically
• Join multiplayer servers for increased chest spawn rates

Problem: Running Out of Shotgun Ammo

Solution:

• Build an Ammo Furnace near your base
• Set up Oil Drill for automated fuel production
• Create biofuel farms for sustainable ammo crafting
• Consider multiple Tactical Shotguns for starting ammo

Problem: Ruby Chest Downgraded Before Opening

Solution:

• Be the first to reach and open the chest
• Coordinate with teammates to avoid chest racing
• Focus on less populated servers during peak hours

Community Insights and Meta Analysis

Based on the latest 2026 tier lists and community feedback, the Tactical Shotgun maintains its S-tier status due to:

• Consistent Performance: Reliable damage output across all game phases
• Accessibility: Multiple obtainment methods prevent gatekeeping
• Meta Relevance: Remains effective even with power creep from new weapons
• Versatility: Useful in both solo and multiplayer scenarios

Frequently Asked Questions

How rare are Ruby Chests?

Ruby Chests are the rarest chest type in the game, with spawn rates significantly lower than Gold or regular chests. Your best bet is farming Cultist Strongholds.

Can I craft the Tactical Shotgun every time?

No, the Tactical Shotgun appears as a random recipe in the Workshop. You may need to check back periodically or rely on Ruby Chest drops.

What’s the best class for using the Tactical Shotgun?

While most classes can use the Tactical Shotgun, the Ranger and Assassin classes synergize well due to their ranged combat bonuses.

How many pellets does the Tactical Shotgun fire?

The Tactical Shotgun fires 8 pellets per shot, with each pellet dealing 10 damage for a maximum of 150 damage at point-blank range.

Is the Tactical Shotgun better than the Infernal Crossbow?

Both are S-tier weapons, but they serve different purposes. The Tactical Shotgun excels at close-range burst damage, while the Infernal Crossbow offers unlimited ammo with burning effects.

Conclusion

The Tactical Shotgun represents one of the pinnacle weapons in 99 Nights in the Forest, offering unmatched close-quarters devastation and crowd control capabilities. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to obtain, master, and maximize this incredible weapon’s potential.

Remember that persistence is key – whether you’re farming Ruby Chests in the Cultist Stronghold or checking the Workshop for crafting recipes, the Tactical Shotgun is worth the effort. Its S-tier status in the current meta speaks to its effectiveness and versatility across all gameplay scenarios.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates, as the developers frequently release new content and balance changes that may affect Tactical Shotgun acquisition methods and effectiveness.