Shotgun

Shotgun
Lore/Real Name	M500
Based on	Mossberg 500
Tier	1
Weapon Slot	Primary
Weapon Type	Pump-action Shotgun
Prestige Weapon Version	✗
DLC Weapon Version	✓
Challenge Coins Version	✗

The Shotgun, also known as the M500, is a Tier I primary weapon in World War Z.

For classes in Co-op Campaign, it is the default starting primary weapon of the Hellraiser and the Exterminator. For classes in Multiplayer, it is the default starting primary weapon of the Survivor.

Overview

The Shotgun is a close-range pump-action weapon. It has a slow rate of fire. Each shot fires several pellets which follow a spread pattern that grows in size as the range increases. This makes the Shotgun very powerful up-close, but less effective at longer ranges. While reloading, two shells are loaded at a time.

A suppressor upgrade to make the gun silent can be unlocked at level 5. The cosmetic suppressor add-on is available for all branches of the skin collection.

Unique Versions

Biohazard Weapon (DLC)

A Shotgun with a unique design and high stats was included as part of the "Biohazard Weapon Pack" DLC. Since the Horde Mode XL update (released on January 24, 2023), this modification is purely cosmetic and does have any custom stats affecting the weapon's performance. This version of the Shotgun can be equipped regardless of the weapon's current level.

Weapon Stats

Early levels

Level 1–Level 4 stats
Level	Power	Accuracy	Handling	Fire Rate	Max Penetration	Magazine capacity	Max Carried Ammo
1	5	2	2	1	1	8	56
2	8	2	3	1	1	12	84
3	9	2	3	1	1	12	84
4	11	3	3	1	1	12	84

Base stats after level 5

Power	Accuracy	Handling	Fire Rate	Max Penetration	Magazine capacity	Max Carried Ammo
11	3	3	1	1	12	84

Perks

Unique perks

Name	Effects	Available at weapon level	Unlock conditions
Flechettes	Fires flechettes instead of buckshot rounds. +4 Accuracy, +1 Handling, +1 Penetration, less damage dealt per shot.	6	950
Extortion	When this weapon's magazine is empty, killing a zombie with a melee weapon restores 1 round in it	6	500
On Edge	Reload 1 more round per reload action while your health is lower than 25%	12	3 documents for Moscow 4: Resurrection

Common perks

Name	Effects	Available at weapon level	Unlock conditions
Extended Mag	+1 Magazine capacity	8	500
Custom Mag II	+2 Magazine capacity, -1 Handling	8	500
Ergonomics I	+1 Handling, +10% Reloading speed. The reloading speed bonus is stackable but can't be higher than 50%	9	500
Ergonomics II	+2 Handling, -15% Damage	10	Rome 3 (The Final Push) completed on Extreme difficulty
Range	+30% Efficient range	13	Tokyo 2 (Final Call) completed on Extreme difficulty
Friend Not Foe	-25% Friendly fire damage (dealt and received)	14	500
Ammo Pouches	+10% Max ammo for this weapon	15	500

Weapon Progression

Unlock requirements by level

Level-up requirements
Level	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
XP	150	250	400	550	550	600	600
	150	500	750	1000	1000	1250	1250
Level	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
XP	650	650	700	700	750	750	750
	1500	1500	1750	1750	2000	2000	2000

Design

The Shotgun is mainly based on the Mossberg 500. The weapon's actual name, the M500, references that specific model. However, there are a few design changes that are lifted from the Remington Model 870. The Shotgun has the squared-off trigger guard and tang/slide safety of the former, and the ejection port, magazine tube, forend, and barrel of the latter.

As with all customizable weapons, subsequent versions include a multitude of accessories to visually represent a different style. Attachments on the Shotgun include magazine tube extensions, scopes accommodated by an optic rail, heat shields, muzzle brakes, flashlight/laser combos, and suppressors. As later versions of the Shotgun are unlocked, the wooden stock and forend are eventually replaced with ones made out of black polymer.

The Biohazard Weapon version of the Shotgun is identical to the fifth version.

Gallery

Default Shotgun

Level 1

Shotgun (Upgraded Versions)

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Shotgun (Unique Versions)

Biohazard Weapon Version

Legacy

Before the Horde Mode XL update (released on January 24, 2023) that redesigned the game's weapon system, the Shotgun's progression model looked as follows.

Legacy stats & level-up model
Level	Icon	Power	Accuracy	Handling	Fire Rate	Max Penetration	Magazine	Carried Ammo Capacity	Silencer Upgrade
1		5	2	2	1	1	8	56	✗
2		7	2	2	1	1	12	84	✗
3		9	3	3	1	1	12	84	✗
4		10	4	4	1	1	12	84	✗
5		10	4	4	1	1	12	84	✓
Unique Versions
Biohazard Weapon (DLC)		10	4	4	1	1	12	84	✓