Fortnite Ranger Shotgun - Spawn locations, damage, and tips (September 2022)

The Ranger Shotgun in Fortnite.

The Ranger Shotgun in Fortnite.

After what feels like just a few weeks without it, the Ranger Shotgun Fortnite weapon is back. Is it better than ever? It's about the same. That's the nature of the game, sadly. But given it's one of the most potent weapons available in some scenarios, it's well worth seeking out.

Down below, we're going to quickly go over where you can find the Ranger Shotgun Fortnite locations, what you can expect from the devestating weapon, and a few tips on how best to use it in your matches. It's a high-risk high-reward type of gun, so ignore it if you're looking for a reliable weapon to get you through the match.

For more on Fortnite, check out our recommendations of the best mouse for Fortnite, and our best monitor for Fortnite as well. If you're playing on PC, you're at the mercy of the equipment of 99 other players. Without a top-tier setup, there's only so much you can do.

Ranger Shotgun Fortnite locations - Where to find the Ranger Shotgun in Fortnite

Location
Rarity
Floor
Common, uncommon, rare
Chest
Uncommon, rare, epic, legendary
Supply drop
Epic, legendary
Shark
Epic, legendary

Assuming it's available (check out the Fortnite weapon list for details there), you can find the Ranger Shotgun just about anywhere loot typically spawns.

That's because the Ranger Shotgun can be of any rarity, meaning there's no limit as to whether it'll spawn on the ground, in vaults, standard or mythic chests, or just about anywhere else loot spawns from in the game.

Where you get it from will affect its rarity, however. Check the table above for that.

Is the Ranger Shotgun in Fortnite Zero Build?

Yes, the unvaulted Ranger Shotgun will show up in Zero Build. In fact, with no player-made buildings to blast through with its limited ammo capacity, it's arguably better suited here.

You'll find it in the same places as normal, so refer to the table above to scout them out.

Is the Ranger Shotgun in Fortnite Build Mode?

You'll find the Ranger Shotgun in the original Fortnite build mode. It's available just about anywhere loot typically drops as well, so you only need to check out the table above to decide where you're going to look for it.

With its limited ammo capacity and long reload, it's not a great weapon in build mode unless you're absolutely certain you can get the shot. And with buildings going up all the time, the exact moment can be hard to find.

The ranger shotgun damage against a wood wall in Fortnite.
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Ranger shotgun tips - Is the Ranger Shotgun Fortnite weapon good?

In the right hands, the Ranger Shotgun can be a devastating tool. It has longer range than any shotgun in the game thanks to its long barrel, putting it somewhere between a shotgun and a sniper rifle.

Because of its near non-existent spread, landing a body shot means maximum shotgun damage (around 99 with a legendary pickup), giving it the potential to one-tap a target without a shield. With a headshot, the results can be incredible even with a common weapon.

But that damage-to-range ratio comes at a cost. The ranger shotgun can leave you easily open to a counterattack if you miss your single shot.

It takes the time between shots and reload speed of a pump-action shotgun to another level. It's never recommended for close-range combat (where any other shotgun is likely a better option through room for error alone), but from a relatively safe distance (like across a road) it's a solid pick so long as you have something else to fall back on.

For more on on the battle royale hit, check out our lever action shotgun locations guide as well. It's a natural companion to this one. And our list of the rarest Fortnite skins for 2022 is a good read as well.