Pistol Shrimp

Pistol Shrimp, one of the few mini-max crustacean builds in the game. Infamous for their deadly bubble attack.

## Overview

Pistol Shrimp spent most of their points into power, which allows this build to use a dangerous moveset with a maxed out Power stat that is easily capable of decimating quite literally everything in their weight class or even a bit larger using their [Sonic Bubble] move, which comes packed with a disjointed hit box making it very hard to get out of. Unfortunately, while this build is incredibly dangerous, they have some flaws. While their defense is very good, it’s offset by bad HP. This is also further cemented by having terrible stats elsewhere, with a terrible mobility and intelligence that makes them easy to kill, although they have to be wary of a dangerously powerful Sonic Bubble if they want an easy kill. Regardless of its flaws, the niche and use of this build exists for players to make work.

Their playstyle is usually digging a tunnel or to hide in a crevice. They usually camp there and attack any suitable prey. The tunnel also provides shelter from larger builds. They are also able to provide support for other builds, which in turn help cover their weaknesses.

## Abilities and Skills

### Claw

Like most shrimp, the Pistol Shrimp has claws, which is great for grabbing opponents and food.

#### Sonic Bubbles

Due to the high power, if the Pistol Shrimp clamps its claw very quickly, it will create a small bubble that would shot forwards. This bubble is super hot, and can easily one-shot most players in its weight class. But it does no damage to much larger builds.

### Dig

Pistol Shrimp have access to the Dig Skill Tree. This allows this build to make tunnels where it could retreat to if in danger.

### Hard Exoskeleton

Like all crustaceans in its weight class, Pistol Shrimp has a strong exoskeleton. This grants it immunities to stinging cells and other low power-based moves. This allows the Pistol Shrimp to hide in Anemones.

## Playthrough Guide

**This guide only pertains to players who have reached the adult stage of their playthrough.**

When playing as a pistol shrimp, it's highly recommended to have a Goby player on your side. Since you have such low awareness and mobility, their ability to detect larger players and potential enemies is key. You are pretty much the only one who attacks as your power and bulk vastly shoot past the Goby's, so you need to protect them at all times as you need them to excel at your playstyle. Try not to carelessly throw out [Sonic Bubbles], as they have a cooldown and only shoot to one direction, so you'll have to be careful when attacking. Only go outside your base if you are digging and burrowing in order for loot & XP. You can also use your minimaxed pincirs to make a "popping" sound, and communicate to the chat, or to your party member. Try to stay clear of other members of your build, as they are just as territorial as you are and will threaten you if you try to enter their hunting grounds. If digging is not an option, you can feed on nearby algae, as they still have nutrients and have XP. Do keep in mind that they will have to respawn, so try to dig for loot more often.

## Partners

### Protection

Due to the Pistol Shrimps low health, this build can easily be one-shotted by most large builds. So some Pistol Shrimp will hide in Anemones. Anemones provide protection from larger builds, and in exchange, the Pistol Shrimp will rid the Anemone of its parasites.

### Look Out

Due to the Pistol Shrimps terrible Perception, this build cannot easily detect threats. So to make up for it some Pistol Shrimp pair up with Gobies. Gobies have amazing Perception for a fish in its weight class, and also are burrow living fish, but have terrible power and bulk. When paired these two cover their weaknesses nicely. The Pistol Shrimp has the power to kill any other builds in its weight class, and are excellent diggers. While the Goby can stay outside of the burrow and look out for any threats and warn the Shrimp if a threat approaches. This pairing so effective that some of these shrimps and gobies depend on the other to survive.

## Weaknesses

### Terrible Perception

For the max power and the fact that it's a crustacean, forced it to sacrifice its Perception. This makes it much harder to detect threats. Some shrimps make it up by pairing up with Gobies.

### Larger Builds

Due to this build being in the lightweight class and the fact this build's signature move cannot hurt larger builds, it makes the Pistol Shrimp have a terrible match up with large fish and cephalopods. Like most crustaceans, it has to hide in tunnels, cracks in rocks, or in Anemones.

## Tier Placement

This build would be average if it wasn't for its amazing power and [Sonic Bubbles]. This allows this build to easily body most builds in its weight class. However, its small size, terrible perception, and bad options when fighting larger builds holds it back. But it makes it up with its great partner pairings. Because of this, Pistol Shrimp at best are in High B tier.