Switch when you need a finishing shot

The Coalition describes the Snub as a fast-to-draw, fast-to-stow clean-up weapon. Its intended opportunity is the moment a wounded enemy still needs a shot while your primary weapon is inconvenient to use.[1]

A sidearm decision, not a damage formula[1]
  1. Opening

    Enemy already damaged

    Check whether you have a clear line of fire.

  2. Choice

    Reload or draw the Snub

    Consider whether the enemy will close in before your primary is ready.

  3. Finish

    Place the next shots

    Keep aiming through the switch; fast handling does not replace accuracy.

The launch pistol is slower than the beta version

What changed between announcements[1][2]
July gameplay revealSeptember 30 launch notes
Emphasized firing with each trigger pull and quick weapon handling.Reduced the Snub's rate of fire after the beta.
Presented an early-series-style sidearm.Also adjusted the game to prevent semi-automatic weapon macro abuse.

Tap deliberately and let the weapon's visible and audible firing feedback set the pace. An older clip showing unusually fast repeated inputs should not be treated as a guaranteed launch fire rate.

Practice the switch before a live fight

  1. Damage a training target with your primary weapon.
  2. Switch to the Snub while keeping your aim on the same target.
  3. Fire controlled follow-up shots, then switch back or reload when the immediate threat is over.[1][3]

This is a practice drill, not a fixed kill sequence. Enemy health, difficulty and PvE upgrades can change how many shots are needed. The official launch notes do not supply a final shots-to-kill chart.

Use Combat Basics for switching and reload practice. The Gnasher guide describes another option when only one or two shotgun shells need to be restored.

Sources & further reading

  1. E-Day Gameplay UpdatesThe Coalition · July 31, 2026
  2. Emergence Begins — Tomorrow: launch weapon tuning and enemy fixesThe Coalition · September 30, 2026
  3. E-Day Multiplayer Deep DiveThe Coalition · July 30, 2026