
The inaccuracy of a shotgun is not an issue for three reasons: it will be used at close range, it fires multiple slugs (meaning even at mid-range at least some damage will occur), and the fact that it will regain accuracy between shots. The immobilisation and stun give you even more time to act. Additionally, they apply physical force, which can disable enemies temporarily by knocking them back.

It lives up to the ideal that "the best defence is a good offense," as it can kill enemies before they can react, and thus limit the Vanguard's exposure to enemy fire. Most effective at short range, these devastatingly effective firearms allow you to pop up or around cover and eliminate enemies in quick bursts.

The shotgun is the signature weapon of the Vanguard. Shotguns Main article: Shotguns See also: Weapons section of this article However, it is usually advantageous to focus on using the much more damaging shotgun. As an example, the Marksman ability also allows you to quickly use a mid-range situation to pick off enemies. Pistols are a good backup for mid-range and long-range combat, providing necessary flexibility and compensating for the limited range of the shotgun. While the pistol is a baseline weapon available to every class and is not very exciting, it can still be a useful part of the Vanguard arsenal. Talents Class Talents Pistols Main article: Pistols See also: Weapons section of this article Remember that covering your Vanguard's advance will leave you with a more decisive and satisfying advantage. In addition, while the Vanguard is a jack of many trades, they are severely lacking in engineering, and are at a disadvantage without an engineer, sentinel, or infiltrator ally. The Vanguard is, however, not suited to long range combat and can benefit from support which can disable enemies and pull them out of cover.

There is undoubtedly no better choice than the Vanguard for rapid and highly reactive gameplay, capable of changing the fight at the drop of a hat.

Supplementing this arsenal with the survivability of Medium Armor and Barrier, and the Vanguard becomes unstoppable. But if it fails, the biotically-assisted warrior can manipulate the field in their favour: disorienting their enemies and creating a vital opportunity, while increasing their utility with handy little tricks. The Vanguard can sprint in and make short work of enemies with their heavy shotgun. They are the first into a battle and first out, excelling at disabling and then eliminating enemies. The Vanguard is a close-combat specialist, possessing all the abilities required to push ahead aggressively and clear the way for the team.
