Shotguns in ARC Raiders are some of the most controversial and powerful weapons in the game, and two names dominate the conversation: the Vulcano and the Il Toro. Both are high-end investments, with fully optimized builds costing around $47,000 for the Vulcano and $36,000 for the Il Toro. But raw price doesn’t determine performance. The real question is simple: which shotgun is better, and in what situations?

This guide breaks down real PvP testing, attachment choices, and combat scenarios to help you decide which weapon deserves a slot in your loadout.

Vulcano Shotgun Build Breakdown

The Vulcano is defined by high fire rate and sustained pressure. While its damage per shot is lower than Il Toro, it compensates with sheer damage output over time.

Best Vulcano Attachments

- Shotgun Choke Tier 3 – Tightens pellet spread, improving mid-range consistency
- Horizontal Grip – Reduces vertical and horizontal recoil (crucial, since Vulcano kicks hard)
- Extended Shotgun Mag Tier 3 – Mandatory for prolonged fights
- Kinetic Converter – Boosts fire rate, increasing overall DPS

With these attachments, the Vulcano becomes brutally effective in PvP. In trio lobbies, it consistently downs enemies before they can react, especially in close-quarters combat. During testing, the build secured 11 player kills in a single run, proving its dominance when facing multiple squads.

Vulcano Strengths

- Extremely high damage per second
- Forgiving in chaotic fights
- Ideal for aggressive pushes and squad wipes

Vulcano Weaknesses

- Lower damage per shot
- Ammo consumption is high
- Less effective for peek-shooting

Il Toro Shotgun Build Breakdown

Il Toro is the definition of a classic shotgun: slow fire rate, massive damage per shot, and strong burst potential. Unlike Vulcano, it rewards patience and positioning rather than nonstop aggression.

Optimized Il Toro Attachments

- Shotgun Choke – Improves pellet grouping for reliable hits
- Grip Attachment – Minor recoil control, though less critical
- ADS-Focused Setup – Faster aim-down-sights for snap shooting

The kinetic converter provides less value here due to Il Toro’s slower base fire rate. Instead, the weapon shines when built for quick peeks and decisive shots.

Il Toro Strengths

- Extremely high damage per shot
- Excellent for corner peeking and cover play
- Ammo-efficient

Il Toro Weaknesses

- Low fire rate punishes missed shots
- Lower DPS in extended fights
- Less forgiving against fast-moving enemies

Vulcano vs Il Toro: Final Verdict

These weapons don’t directly compete—they fill different roles.

- Choose the Vulcano if you want sustained pressure, aggressive pushes, and SMG-like DPS in close combat.
- Choose the Il Toro if you prefer controlled engagements, hit-and-run tactics, and high burst damage from cover.

In simple terms:

- Vulcano = high damage per second
- Il Toro = high damage per shot

Both are top-tier weapons, but the “best” shotgun depends entirely on your playstyle and the situation you’re walking into.

Final Thoughts

If ARC Raiders were divided into weapon classes, the Vulcano would almost qualify as the best SMG in the game, while Il Toro stands as the purest shotgun experience available. Master either one, and you’ll dominate close-range encounters—but mastering both gives you the real edge.