Tucked away in the bleak corridors of Black Iron Prison lies a weapon that can turn the tide of your early fights-yet most players walk past it without realizing its power.
Most weapons tend to be found on the main path, but some, like the Skunk Gun, can be easily missed. The schematic for this shotgun-like is found in a specific room that can be skipped entirely if you don’t know where to look, which would be a shame, as it’s really dang helpful. This quick PSA will let you know where to find the shotgun in The Callisto Protocol to make the early chapters far kinder in terms of difficulty.
The Callisto Protocol shotgun location – where to find the Skunk Gun schematic
The Skunk Gun schematic is found in Aftermath, on the basement path after placing a fuse and entering Workshop 0302; it sits on a workbench to your left. The shotgun itself can be printed later at the upgrade station after obtaining the schematic.
You can find the Skunk Gun schematic during the “Aftermath” chapter in The Callisto Protocol. During a specific section where you have to find a way out of the basement, you’ll begin the path in the Basement D3 area.
The first door you stumble upon in Basement D3 requires a fuse, so you can’t access it just yet. Progress all the way to the end of Basement D4 where a group of enemies awaits you in an open, well-lit space. Take care of them and grab the fuse on the floor. (It’s right next to a body.) Now, to follow the main path, you can use the fuse in the door that is on the opposite side of this room. But, in order to grab the Skunk Gun Schematic, head all the way back to the Basement D3 Storage door that you saw at the beginning, and use the fuse there. Don’t worry, there are no enemies inside.
Hop on the ventilation duct and grab the weapon schematic in the other room. You’ll then have to do some backtracking to return to the main path, but hey, it’s definitely worth the hassle. Next time you see a reforge station, go ahead craft the Skunk Gun.
How to upgrade the Skunk Gun at Reforge stations
Upgrading the Skunk Gun requires schematics and Callisto Credits at Reforge stations.
After obtaining the schematic in Chapter 3, upload it at a Reforge station to unlock the weapon for 800 credits, then purchase sequential upgrades.
Upgrade Path
Reforge stations are interactive kiosks found throughout levels; approach one, select the Skunk Gun, and buy upgrades in this fixed order (each unlocks the next).
| Upgrade | Prerequisite | Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Capacity Magazine | None | 400 credits | Boosts ammo capacity from 2. |
| Stability Upgrade | High Capacity Magazine | 1200 credits | Cuts recoil for better control. |
| Magnum Rounds | Stability Upgrade | 1200 credits | Raises damage output. |
| Swarming Rounds | Stability Upgrade | 3600 credits | Adds homing ammo for crowd control. |
Total Costs and Tips
Fully upgrading costs 4,400 credits (including print). Farm credits by selling items like Energy Converters at the same stations; prioritize Stability and Magnum early for mutator fights.
What is the best upgrade order for Skunk Gun
The optimal upgrade order for the Skunk Gun prioritizes ammo capacity first, then recoil control and damage for reliable close-range performance.
This sequence follows the game’s prerequisites while maximizing combat effectiveness early on.
Recommended Order
Upgrades must be purchased sequentially at Reforge stations using Callisto Credits; skip optional branches like Swarming Rounds until later if credits are tight.
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High Capacity Magazine (400 credits): Increases ammo from 2 shots, reducing reload downtime in fights. Essential first step.
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Stability Upgrade (1200 credits): Reduces recoil for accurate follow-ups, especially against tougher enemies.
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Magnum Rounds (1200 credits): Boosts damage output significantly, making it a powerhouse.
Advanced Option
After the above, grab Swarming Rounds (3600 credits) for homing projectiles in crowds, but only post-core upgrades. Total for basics: 2800 credits (plus 800 to unlock). Farm by selling converters.
