Resident Evil 3 Shotgun location and Shotgun upgrades explained
How to collect the powerful early game weapon - and make it stronger.
The Shotgun is one of the most useful weapons in Resident Evil 3 - and with the odds stacked against you with Nemesis and other foes, you'll want to get it as soon as possible.
Though it's gated by the story, you can halt your progress and backtrack to get it quickly at the right moment.
There are also several Shotgun upgrades to collect throughout the game - making a powerful weapon even stronger.
On this page:
Looking for something else? Visit our Resident Evil 3 walkthrough for more help.
Where to find the Shotgun location in Resident Evil 3
The Shotgun is found within the Subway Offices, in the room next to where you find the Fire Hose.
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_310.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
At this point in the story, you cannot access it - you need to cut the chain with Bolt Cutters.
Thankfully, this is just moments away in the story. Once you have used the Fire Hose, the next area - the Garage - has them waiting on the wall for you to collect.
Now backtrack to the Subway Offices and use the Bolt Cutters on the case to get the Shotgun as soon as possible.
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_311.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_312.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
Also, when you have it, remember to come back and use the Lockpick on the Locker here for a First Aid Spray.
Our full Resident Evil 3 walkthrough explains every aspect's of Jill's, including the Shotgun location, Bolt cutters and Lockpick locations, how to reset the Circuit Breakers to restore power in the Substation, find the Drugstore safe code solution and Aqua Cure clue, Police Station Safe, Locker codes, Hospital safe code and courtyard box for the Magnum explained.
Where to find Shotgun updates in Resident Evil 3
As you progress, there are two Shotgun upgrades you can find. These in locations later in the game, so be wary of spoilers:
Tactical Stock upgrade - Collect two of the three Jewel locations and place them within the Monument in the Subway entrance. There is a point of no return to finding these - but now you have the Bolt Cutters, you can grab enough for what you need now.
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_367.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
Semi-Auto Barrel upgrade - This is found on the shelf in the Kendo Gun Shop. You visit this location as part of the story, and will be sitting on a shelf ready for you to collect.
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_543.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
Shell Holder upgrade - Within the Underground Storage area, as you are searching for the remaining two fuses, there is a console in the south-east corner on the ground level, next to a staircase going up. Throw the switch, allowing the platform next to you to be lowered so you can reach the case behind it. Inside is the Shell Holder (Shotgun) weapon upgrade.
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_2_277.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
![](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/resident_evil_3_walkthrough_guide_2_285.jpg?width=690&quality=75&format=jpg&auto=webp)
As for Shotgun shells, you'll find them as you explore the game - and you can construct more using High Grade Gunpowder and regular Gunpowder.