Sawed-off Shotgun
When the swarm gets too close, one blast of lead is all you need to send them back to the dark.
The Sawed-off Shotgun is a compact, high-impact secondary weapon favored by dwarves who need to clear tight corridors or finish off weakened threats at point-blank range. Unlike its longer-barreled cousins, this firearm sacrifices range and capacity for raw stopping power and rapid handling speed, making it an essential tool for close-quarters survival on the treacherous moons of Hoxxes IV. While primarily associated with the Gunner class as a reliable backup to their heavy machine guns, the Sawed-off is also a staple for the Scout when they find themselves cornered by swarms. Its design reflects the pragmatic engineering philosophy of the dwarven race: if it can be made smaller and hit harder in a pinch, then that is exactly how it should be built.
- Class
- Secondary Weapon
- Primary User
- Gunner (also used by Scout)
- Fire Rate
- Semi-Automatic / Pump-Action variant
- Ammo Type
- 12-gauge Shells
- Range
- Short to Very Short
- Damage Profile
- High per shot, devastating at close range
Lore & Background
In the harsh environment of Hoxxes IV, where every meter of space can be contested by a horde of chittering insects or towering beasts, the Sawed-off Shotgun represents the ultimate expression of dwarven pragmatism. Crafted from scavenged parts and reinforced alloys, these weapons are designed to fit into the cramped cockpits of drop pods and the tight pockets of mining suits. The removal of the barrel length is not merely an aesthetic choice but a tactical necessity; it allows for faster aiming in zero-gravity or claustrophobic caverns where a long weapon would be a liability. The history of this firearm is woven into the collective memory of the Deep Rock Galactic miners. It is often whispered that the first Sawed-offs were jury-rigged by desperate Gunners who had run out of primary ammo and needed to clear a nest of Glyphids before their oxygen ran low. Over time, the design was refined by the guilds, becoming a standard issue for close-quarters defense. The weapon's reliability is legendary; even when clogged with alien slime or subjected to extreme pressure changes, it continues to fire as long as there are shells in the chamber. Beyond its utility, the Sawed-off holds a cultural significance among the dwarves. It symbolizes the 'last stand' mentality—the willingness to face impossible odds with whatever tools remain at hand. To hear the distinctive pump-action or semi-automatic crack of this weapon echoing through a cavern is often the signal that a dwarf has decided to hold their ground, turning a narrow tunnel into an impenetrable fortress.
In Their Own Story
The air in the fungal cavern was thick with spores and the rhythmic clicking of thousands of legs. Krogan, his heavy machine gun overheated and smoking, backed up against a stalagmite as a swarm of Glyphids surged forward, their mandibles gleaming in the dim light of his helmet lamp. He couldn't aim; they were too close, filling every inch of his vision. With a grunt that was half-fear, half-determination, he dropped to one knee and drew the Sawed-off from his hip. The first shell roared like a thunderclap, obliterating the lead chitterer in a spray of green ichor. Krogan didn't wait for the recoil to settle; he pumped, fired, and pumped again. Each blast was a hammer blow against the tide, creating a small circle of safety amidst the chaos. The weapon felt like an extension of his own arm, heavy and unforgiving but undeniably effective. As the last few insects skittered away, sensing death in the air, Krogan holstered the smoking barrel, took a deep breath of recycled air, and raised his tank. 'Rock and Stone,' he muttered to the silence that followed.
Reader's Guide
The Sawed-off Shotgun excels at point-blank devastation but suffers from rapid damage falloff over distance. Its primary strength lies in its ability to down enemies instantly when they are within arm's reach, making it ideal for finishing off damaged foes or creating space during a panic. For the Gunner class, this weapon serves as an excellent backup when the Heavy Machine Gun jams or overheats. Pairing it with a high-capacity primary allows you to switch seamlessly between crowd control and precision takedowns. The Scout benefits from its quick draw speed, allowing for rapid reactions during parkour maneuvers. Upgrading the Sawed-off focuses on increasing magazine size, reload speed, and damage output. Prioritize attachments that improve hip-fire accuracy, as you will rarely be aiming down sights in a swarm situation. Crafting requires standard ammunition components found throughout Hoxxes IV, often scavenged from defeated enemies or mining nodes. Optimal loadouts suggest pairing the Sawed-off with area-of-effect primaries to handle groups while using the shotgun for single-target elimination. Always keep your magazine topped up; running dry in close quarters is a death sentence.
Did You Know?
- The Sawed-off Shotgun is one of the few weapons capable of instantly downing a Glyphid Grunt at point-blank range without needing to aim for the weak spot.
- Its compact design allows it to be drawn faster than most other secondary weapons, making it crucial for reaction time in tight spaces.
- In the lore of the dwarves, the Sawed-off is often referred to as the 'Last Resort' or 'The Tunnel Cleaver'.
- Despite its short range, skilled players can use the weapon's spread to hit multiple enemies clustered together effectively.