The short answer
Update 0.4.0 introduces shotgun choke and a pellet-spread display on the Claim screen. A tighter choke concentrates pellets for longer distances; an open choke spreads them sooner.
Choose a pattern for the distance
That relationship is described by the developer. It does not establish exact lethal distances, a universal choke for every bird or a complete compatibility list. Compare the pattern with your selected shotgun and ammunition in the actual build.
Sources for this section
- [NRG] Miriam: Update 0.4.0: Welcome to Hearth & Hunt Headquarters · Checked 2026-09-13 · Published 2026-08-13
Read the Claim screen
The update adds the pellet-spread view for shotgun kills and air sacs as a dedicated bird organ. It also reports changes to duck AI, calls and decoys. A successful harvest alone does not establish that a loadout is optimal.
Sources for this section
- [NRG] Miriam: Update 0.4.0: Welcome to Hearth & Hunt Headquarters · Checked 2026-09-13 · Published 2026-08-13
Keep the comparison controlled
A useful player test records weapon, choke, ammo, distance, target and build. Change one variable at a time and keep unsuccessful attempts in the notes as well. This is a suggested measurement method, not a Kingy-tested ballistic table.
Sources for this section
- [NRG] Miriam: Update 0.4.0: Welcome to Hearth & Hunt Headquarters · Checked 2026-09-13 · Published 2026-08-13
Research checked 2026-09-13. This is a source-based guide; Kingy has not independently play-tested these steps. Evidence and coverage.