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- Our top picks are the ACR 6.8, M16A4, TAC-50, MP7, P90
- Avoid MDR and M4A1, there are weapons that perform far better than these guns.
- Three new guns have been added in Season 1: L115, LVOA-C, and Sawed-off.
Ubisoft’s arena shooter presents a dizzying variety of rifles and weapons to pick from. If you’re looking to contest objectives and knock down enemy players effectively, you’ll need to rely on the best of the pack. Use our top recommendations for the best weapons in the game to start with an advantage.
Our weapon tier list
Here’s a tier list with every weapon in the game. We’ve ranked these based on the time we’ve spent with and against them in the game. Gun balance is largely unaffected but we’ll keep updating this list based on the latest balance patches as and when they arrive. Read on to learn more about our S-tier and A-tier picks.
S-tier weapons
ACR 6.8
- How to unlock: Get 10 Assault Rifle longshot kills (>30m)
Topping our list is the ACR 6.8, a menace of an assault rifle. Like the others in the category, it offers a sweet balance between firepower, accuracy, and mobility. It edges out its rivals thanks to its low TTK (time-to-kill) and damage output. The game’s in-depth customization system lets you tinker with its stats even further. You’ll be able to take down all sorts of threats with this gun, even a powered-up Libertad member with bonus health. Consider using our best loadouts to further improve its strengths.
M16A4
- How to unlock: Get 20 Assault Rifle headshot kills
Assault rifle fans will find plenty to like with the M16A4. Considering this primary weapon’s balance and versatility, you should be able to use it for most situations and it gets even better with the right attachments for the job. For example, you can target distant positions too if you have a scope attached. With high firepower and great mobility for a rifle, M16A4 is an excellent choice for a rifler on the move.
TAC-50
- How to unlock: Get 10 Sniper Rifle single-shot kills
The TAC-50 is easily the best sniper rifle in the game right now. Just remember to account for its low rate of fire, which makes you a sitting duck for SMG players if they get too close. You can add attachments like a suppressor or variable zoom optics based on what role you want to fulfil in combat. The default 12x scope isn’t ideal so consider the 8x CQBSS scope instead. Some attachments let you boost your ADS speed and movement speed to keep you nimble. Facing an opponent proficient with this gun can be a nightmare, no matter the range.
MP7
- How to unlock: Get 20 SMG point-blank kills (<5m)
By pairing some impressive damage with its crazy rate of fire, the MP7 is our best SMG pick. You’ll be able to flank enemies with ease, especially if you pair it with a suppressor. On maps with tight corridors and few sightlines, the MP7 is a no-brainer across all game modes. Rely on attachments to help you with its recoil and spread. The Cleaners’ fire damage over time applies to each bullet, meaning that you could eke out some bonus damage to complement this weapon by picking the faction from The Division 2.
P90
- How to unlock: Get 10 SMG hipfire kills
The P90 is back and FPS fans will appreciate how familiar it feels. With a large magazine, you won’t have to worry about running out mid-fight unless you’re tackling multiple opponents. Geared for mobility, you can enhance the P90 with the right attachments based on your playstyle. Slide cancels and sudden flanks will let you make the most of this weapon. Personally, I like having a suppressor to catch enemies by surprise but you can opt for other muzzle choices that boost other stats.
A-tier weapons
MK 20 SSR
- How to unlock: Unlocked by default
The MK 20 SSR straddles the line between an assault rifle and a sniper. While lower on mobility, it more than makes up for it with its long-range headshot potential. Moreover, TTK with this semi-automatic rifle is superb, meaning that you will be able to down your opponents quickly as long as you hit your shots. The attachments available to this gun are what make it truly shine. It may feel lacklustre out of the box, but equip it with a better scope and get more stats with the barrel, stock, and rail – and you’ll have an amazing gun for your loadout.
93R
- How to unlock: Sprint for a total of 240 seconds while holding a Secondary weapon.
The unassuming 93R is easily one of the best secondary weapon options in the game. By the time you have to switch to your secondary, your opponents are usually already upon you. That’s where this gun shines, rapid-firing 3-round bursts. to quickly finish them off. The main drawback of this gun is its lack of range, but that’s usually not why you bring a secondary to begin with. Add on a few attachments, and you’ll have a very dependable companion on your side for any clutch situation that necessitate a weapon swap.
AK-47
- How to unlock: Deal 4000 damage with Assault Rifles
The AK-47 remains a reliable ally, even with XDefiant’s unique abilities and combat skills. With solid damage and firepower, you can contest objectives even from afar. Just watch out for sniper fire or adjust your optics to use a long scope yourself. It’s one of the best assault rifles in the game and a great choice if you’re looking to clean up enemies without any core weaknesses. Pair it with the Phantoms’ Mag Barrier and you’ll be able to defend objectives easily. The ubiquitous AK also boasts one of the best spray transfer capabilities in the game.
Vector .45 ACP
- How to unlock: Deal 10,000 damage with SMGs
An insane fire rate makes the Vector .45 ACP one of our top recommendations. With decent damage at close range, the weapon is tailored to excel at close-up gunfights. But with a lower ammo count than the P90, there’s a chance you’ll leave an opponent alive if you miss a couple of shots. But this can be remedied with the appropriate attachment in the magazine section like the Fast Mag or Quick Mag. Try not to catch the attention of enemies before you’re close to them. The Echelon faction’s passive that lets you stay undetected on minimaps is a good way to remain in the shadows before you strike.
M60
- How to unlock: Deal 5,000 damage to enemy equipment with LMGs
The M60 is a highly reliable light machine gun, boasting a massive 100-round magazine. The main trade-off is that you’re very slow while moving with this gun and reloading it takes a very long time. However, it can lay down suppressive fire like no other weapon in XDefiant. Your enemies will feel every bullet that connects, making the M60 a tough proposition to assault, especially when it’s behind the Phantom faction’s barrier.
L115
- How to unlock: Reach level 50 on the free Season 1 Battle Pass track.
Newly-added L115 has joined the gun roster in XDefiant’s Season 1. In a nutshell, it represents a midway point between TAC-50 and M44. It has high damage, like any sniper rifle, but trades off some penetration potential for higher mobility and quicker scopes. While it’s still early, we expect this gun to become a firm favourite among mobile sniper players, even outpacing its bigger cousin when it comes to that playstyle.
About the Author
XDefiant
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s): First-Person Shooter, Multiplayer, Shooter
