One of the best things about Fortnite is the wide array of different weapons and items that the game has to offer. Each weapon has its own purpose and place to deliver upon, but at the same time, it does so in its own unique way. Now, because of this wide variety of choices, there are some weapons that are better than others when it comes to winning fights, getting eliminations, and getting wins.
This list is going to go over the current arsenal of Fortnite, giving a quick rundown and ranking of each firearm so that you can read this and instantly keep an eye out for which guns to pick up and which ones to pass up in your next game!
Also, just a reminder that weapons are vaulted and unvaulted all the time, so keep that in mind if, in the future, these weapons make a return in a different Season or Chapter if they are ever removed!
D-Tier
The weapons in this tier are weaker than their counterparts in several different ways. Whether that be DPS, range, recoil, etc. These weapons are decent to use in a pinch, but they are often subbed out for better ones when given the chance.
Hammer Pump Shotgun
While the Hammer Pump Shotgun can be used early in a pinch, it pales in comparison to the other shotguns that are available. While hitting a big headshot or finishing blow with this gun is nice, later in the game, when most players are going to have an upgraded inventory, the slow fire rate will tend to be more of a disadvantage than usual. While you can pair this with an SMG or pistol for a nice combo, the other shotguns tend to do that better as well.
Ranger Pistol
The Ranger Pistol tends to have the same issues as the Hammer Pump Shotgun. Most of the time, when you find yourself in a situation where you would use the Ranger Pistol, one of the SMGs would be a better option simply due to fire rate and DPS. The Ranger Pistol is more accurate than the SMGs from further away; however, at close range, that becomes less of a factor, and often that’s when you find yourself using this weapon. However, it can be serviceable when there are no other weapons around in the early game.
C-Tier
The C-tier is a step above the previous guns, but they usually still have their flaws. While the weapons in C-tier can be used throughout the entire match and find a place in a loadout, often you will find yourself swapping out these guns for weapons of a higher tier.
Tactical Assault Rifle
The Tactical Assault Rifle is a high rate of fire AR that excels at close-range encounters. It has decent DPS output, and it uses small bullets instead of the typical medium bullets that most guns in this category use. The issue that the Tactical Assault rifle has is that it doesn’t replace your main medium-range rifle slot, but it also does not serve as a close-range SMG weapon either. The weapon is in sort of a gray area between an AR and an SMG, and while it can still win games and get you kills, most times you are better off having a separate SMG and AR so you have more versatility in your loadout.
Hand Cannon
While the Hand Cannon is known to be an absolute powerhouse, its slow rate of fire and high skill cap make it not the best option for some loadouts. While I personally love using the Hand Cannon, usually there is a weapon better suited for the inventory I am currently using. Most times, using a marksman rifle or AR in place of the Hand Cannon will be optimal. However, if you have an open slot and need a medium-range weapon, it can fit in respectably with some loadouts. Just be prepared for the slow rate of fire; you need to use this weapon very methodically to see success.
Boom Bolt
As the only explosive weapon on this list, the Boom Bolt has its time and place. The main issues that it faces are the small magazine size and the delay between shots. However, due to the rise in popularity of vehicles this season, the Boom Bolt is useful for taking out a tricked-out car coming straight for you. If you find yourself needing an explosive weapon for any situation, keep your eyes peeled for a Boom Bolt.
B-Tier
The B-tier is where we start getting into the weapons you will pick up and keep around in your inventory for most of the game. The only weapons you would swap these out for are the A and S Tier weapons when we get to them; however, the B-tier is where we get into the serviceable weapons that can help you win games.
Thunder Burst SMG
This was a tough decision to make because, on the one hand, when used correctly, this can be one of the best weapons in the game. However, on the flip side, when players fail to implement this weapon correctly in their loadouts, it becomes less and less useful. While the Thunder Burst SMG can deal some insane damage and has some great range to it, it can be unreliable at times when the Stinger SMG just does its job well. Overall, this is still a great weapon to use at many stages of the game if modded and implemented correctly.
Warforged Assault Rifle
While the Warforged Assault Rifle is known for having a high recoil, it is undeniable that the damage output it brings is impactful. A well-timed shotgun blast followed by a Warforged Assault Rifle salvo is a lethal combo in the right hands. The main thing holding this back, like I mentioned, is the recoil and accuracy at long ranges, as well as usually taking up your SMG slot like the Tactical Assault Rifle. However, the damage this deals at short and medium ranges makes it that much better than the Tactical Assault Rifle, giving the Warforged Assault Rifle its spot.
Combat Shotgun
The Combat Shotgun is the exact opposite of the Hammer Pump in terms of damage per shot and rate of fire. Dealing less damage in place of a higher rate of fire, the Combat Shotgun can find its place in anyone’s loadout. The trade-off is typically worth it since, after one or two shotgun shots, you are going to swap to your other close-range weapon anyway. So, if you can get a few more in due to the higher rate of fire this offers, you are better off using this over the Hammer Pump anyway.
A-Tier
A-tier weapons are like B-tier weapons in power; however, they tend to fit better into any loadout. These weapons are typically more reliable in the sense that you can really put them into any loadout and make them work. Many times, you might go for a lower rarity A-tier weapon over some of the lower-tier ones due to how great they are at filling their designated role.
Enforcer AR
The Enforcer AR is the best medium- to long-range AR in the game. The previous two rifles, while they can be utilized properly in the right hands, just do not have the range that the Enforcer AR has to offer. The slower rate of fire typically does not matter if you have good attachments for this weapon, since you will typically be using it at longer ranges anyway, and the damage is very good when you consider its lower recoil. Overall, this is the most reliable assault rifle in the game when it comes to filling that slot in any inventory.
Harbinger SMG
The role of SMG is filled the best by none other than the Harbinger SMG. This gun is the most reliable close-quarters automatic gun in the game. With a high rate of fire and a great DPS, it fills the role perfectly. Following up a shotgun blast with this gun will send any enemy back to the lobby if it is in the right hands. There is not much else to say other than that this is the most reliable SMG in the game.
S-Tier
S-tier weapons are the best of the best. These guns typically check all the boxes of the A-tier and B-tier weapons but go above and beyond in providing value in any inventory. If you see these weapons in the game, you should prioritize fitting them into your loadout.
Gatekeeper Shotgun
The Gatekeeper Shotgun is the best shotgun in the game, plain and simple. It has great damage output per shot, like the Hammer Pump, while having a good rate of fire, like the Combat Shotgun. While the magazine size is small, the pros outweigh the cons here since the reload time is not too long, and following up with another close-range weapon will surely lead to adding another kill to your score. If you are looking for a high-powered, close-range weapon, this is the one to prioritize.
Huntress DMR
Finally, the last weapon on this list is the best long-range weapon in the game: the Huntress DMR. With high damage and a good rate of fire (semi-automatic), this rifle can fit in any loadout. If you happen to find one with a sniper scope on it, you have the most accurate long-range weapon in the game. Some people may prefer an AR since they may want a fully automatic option; however, the range and accuracy at longer ranges make this extremely valuable in any inventory.
Conclusion
While weapon choice will always come down to personal preference, there will always be a meta in any game with some choices that are better than others. In Fortnite, the wide variety of weapons that the game constantly offers players can make it difficult to keep track of which ones are better than others. Hopefully, this list has given you some insight into which weapons to look for next time you hop out of the Battle Bus!
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