HP18

The Iver Johnson Arms HP-18, known in-game as the HP18, is a common semi-automatic shotgun firing 12-gauge ammunition. It was added to the game in the v0.7.0 "Geared Up" update on July 9th, 2023.

Background

The HP-18 is a cheaper entry-level shotgun offered by Iver Johnson Arms. It has features such as a 2-piece detachable pistol stock, a Picatinny rail, and a flashlight rail. It is offered by a variety of dealers such as Palmetto State Armory and Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.

Strategies

Using

• The HP18 has a very high spread, which makes it necessary to get close to your opponent to be used effectively.
• Like most shotguns, you can pair the HP18 with a long-range gun to cover both CQC and long-range scenarios.
• The HP18 is a semi-automatic weapon, so to achieve the highest DPS you must fire as fast as possible.
  • However, be careful with your shots or you will quickly run out of ammo.
• Late game, the HP18 is not as viable due to its low damage and high spread. This makes it ineffective against stronger armor.
  • If possible, replace the HP18 for another shotgun such as the Model 37 or the M3K
• As with other shotguns, use high adrenaline to help rush your opponent. Switch to your secondary gun or reload one shell to finish off an opponent.

Countering

• The best way to counter the HP18 is to stay out of its short range. Use mid-range or long-range weapons such as assault rifles, DMRs, and snipers to kill your opponent.
• If you do end up close to a HP18 user, don't try to melee them, as getting close could result in all of the pellets hitting you.
  • You can do this if the player has little armor and is not very skilled, but it is risky.
• Any other shotgun will overpower the HP18 at close range as well as mid-range.
• Take cover behind obstacles such as Rocks. The HP18's 0.5x obstacle multiplier makes the gun weak against cover.
  • If using a shotgun against the HP18, keep engagements one shot long if possible; the HP18's advantage is its autofire, and keeping engagements short deprives it of this advantage.

Obtaining

The HP18 is the most common shotgun available on the normal map. It can be found as ground loot, in different Crates, and in many other places.

Trivia

• The HP18 replaced the now-removed 940 Pro in update v0.7.0
• The HP18 fires birdshot, which explains its low damage and high pellet count

History

• v0.11.0
  • Updated world image & length
  • Jitter set to 1.5
• v0.10.0
  • Standing accuracy increased to 30º (from 15º)
• v0.9.0
  • Projectiles per shot decreased to 18 (from 20)
  • Obstacle damage multiplier decreased to 0.5 (from 1)
• v0.8.0
  • Move speed penalty set to 5%
  • Moving spread set to 7º
  • Reload time decreased to 0.725s (from 0.85s)
  • Damage increased to 5 (from 3)
  • Standing spread decreased to 15º (from 30º)
  • Ammo spawned with gun decreased to 15 (from 20)
  • Range decreased to 40 (from 48)
  • Obstacle damage multiplier decreased to 1 (from 2)
  • Bullet velocity decreased to 0.12 (from 0.35)
• v0.7.0
  • Added (replaced "940 Pro")

Gallery

Open Gun Graph (May be laggy, especially on mobile)