In Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, survival depends on how well you manage your resources and weapons. Early in the game, you are underpowered and constantly hunted inside the Baker family estate. The shotgun changes everything. It delivers high damage, strong knockback, and a much better chance of survival during close encounters.
Unlike the starting handgun, the shotgun can stop enemies in tight hallways and small rooms. It is especially effective against molded creatures and even certain boss encounters. Because of this, many players want to get it as early as possible.
However, obtaining the shotgun is not as simple as picking it up and walking away. The game locks it behind a clever puzzle that tests your observation skills and patience.
Where To Find The Shotgun
You first see the shotgun in the Main House of the Baker estate. After exploring the ground floor and unlocking more rooms, you will eventually reach the Recreation Room on the second floor.
Inside that room, you will find a broken shotgun mounted on the wall. Nearby, there is a working shotgun displayed in a locked cabinet. When you take the working shotgun, the door to the room locks automatically. This is the game’s way of telling you that something must replace it.
The shotgun is secured by a weight-based mechanism. If you remove it without placing an equal weight item in its place, the door stays locked. This means you cannot simply grab it and leave.
To get the shotgun safely, you must solve this replacement puzzle.
Method One: Using The Broken Shotgun
The first and most common method involves repairing the broken shotgun.
Here is what you need to do:
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Take the broken shotgun from the wall in the Recreation Room.
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Continue exploring until you find a Repair Kit.
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Use the Repair Kit on the broken shotgun to restore it.
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Return to the locked cabinet and swap the broken shotgun with the working one.
Once you place the repaired shotgun into the cabinet slot, the door unlocks and you can leave with the fully functional shotgun.
The first Repair Kit is typically found in the yard area after you obtain the Scorpion Key and progress through the story. It may require careful exploration and puzzle solving. The game rewards players who search thoroughly and read item descriptions carefully.
Method Two: Using The Scorpion Key
Another way to secure a powerful shotgun is by finding the Scorpion Key. This key unlocks several scorpion-marked doors in the Main House.
After unlocking one of these doors, you can find a better shotgun variant later in the game. This upgraded shotgun offers higher damage and improved performance. However, this method takes longer because it requires story progression.
The Scorpion Key is usually found in the Processing Area after defeating a major enemy. Once you obtain it, revisit previously locked doors to access new areas and valuable items.
How To Find The Repair Kit
Repair Kits are limited and very valuable. They can repair broken weapons, including the shotgun and certain handguns.
To locate the first Repair Kit:
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Progress through the Main House until you reach the yard.
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Use the Scorpion Key to unlock specific doors.
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Explore thoroughly, especially inside toolboxes and hidden compartments.
Sometimes the Repair Kit is placed in areas that require you to solve shadow puzzles or examine the environment closely. If you rush through the house, you might miss it.
Patience is key. Capcom designed the game to reward careful exploration rather than speed.
Tips For Using The Shotgun Effectively
Once you finally obtain the shotgun, use it wisely. Ammunition is limited, especially on higher difficulties.
Here are some practical tips:
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Save shotgun shells for stronger enemies.
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Aim for the head at close range for maximum damage.
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Use it to create space if surrounded.
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Combine it with blocking to reduce incoming damage.
The shotgun is powerful, but wasteful shooting will leave you vulnerable. Inventory management is also important. Shotgun shells take space, so plan your storage carefully.
When Should You Get It
You can obtain the shotgun relatively early in the Main House section. Many players prefer to secure it before major boss encounters. Doing so makes certain fights much easier.
If you feel underpowered or stuck against molded enemies, it is likely time to prioritize getting the shotgun. It significantly improves your combat options and confidence.
That said, the tension of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard comes from limited resources. Even with the shotgun, you are never completely safe.
