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Outer Worlds 2

Best Weapons Tier List

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The Outer Worlds 2 - Best Weapons Tier List

The best weapons in Outer Worlds 2 will vary based on your playstyle. Read on to learn more about the best weapons in the game, as well as the tier list for each weapon type.

Weapons-Related Pages
All Weapons Unique Weapons
Best Weapons Science Weapons

Best Weapons Tier List

Jump to a Tier List!
Unique Base

Best Unique Weapons

Tier Unique Weapon
S TierS Tier
A TierA Tier
B TierB Tier

Wham-Bam!

Outer Worlds 2 Wham-Bam!Wham-Bam!
Weapon - pro Powerful base stats

Weapon - pro Can potentially one-shot enemies

Weapon con - Con Uses ammunition

The Wham-Bam! is a powerful Unique Heavy Melee weapon that can shoot shotgun ammo and can potentially one-shot enemies, even bosses. The downside is that it is a melee weapon that uses up ammunition.

Wham-Bam! is a drop from Moreton Dunsany, one of the targets of the Battle with the Beastly Brigands Bounty in Eden.

Wham-Bam! Stats and How to Get

The Simplifier

Outer Worlds 2 The SimplifierThe Simplifier
Weapon - pro Near perfect accuracy

Weapon - pro No damage falloff from range

Weapon - pro Can equip a silencer

Weapon con - Con Found later in the game

The Simplifier is a Unique Sniper Rifle that has near perfect accuracy, no damage falloff from range, and great base stats. Additionally, you can equip a silencer on it to turn it into a powerful stealth weapon. The downside is that, you will need to make significant progress with the game before getting access to it.

You can obtain The Simplifier after your confrontation with De Vries in the quest Fiends in High Places.

The Simplifier Stats and How to Get

Murder's Best Friend

Outer Worlds 2 MurderMurder's Best Friend
Weapon - pro Can get up to +60% damage

Weapon - pro Increases movement speed and silences footsteps

Weapon con - Con Bonuses reset when discovered or when switching weapons

Murder's Best Friend is the best Unique Light Melee weapon for stealth players, thanks to its increasing damage buff whenever you perform a stealth kill. Not only that, but it makes your footsteps silent and increases your movement speed with each kill. The only problem, however, is that you can lose all of the bonuses if you are discovered or if you swap weapons.

Murder's Best Friend can be unlocked via the lockboxes in The Incognito. You will need 7 Advanced Decryption Keys to open the box for the weapon.

Murder's Best Friend Stats and How to Get

The Oracle

Outer Worlds 2 The OracleThe Oracle
Weapon - pro Locks on to nearby enemies while scoped in

Weapon - pro Can accommodate Barrel and Add-On Mod

Weapon con - Con Does not target weakspots

Weapon con - Con Requires you to stay scoped in

The Oracle is a strong Unique Assault Rifle as scoping in lets you lock on to nearby enemies, making your bullets curve to hit targets. Additionally, it has an empty Barrel and Add-On Mod slot, making the weapon very flexible. It does, however, have two downsides. The first is that the scope does not target weakspots, opting to instead hit your target's central mass. Additionally, you need to stay scoped in for the lock-on to activate.

You can find The Oracle as a lootable reward after finishing the main quest On the Trail of the Traitor.

The Oracle Stats and How to Get

Shrink Ray

Outer Worlds 2 Shrink RayShrink Ray
Weapon - pro Permanently makes enemies slower

Weapon - pro Ammunition is abundant

Weapon con - Con Needs to be charged for each shot

Weapon con - Con Can only be found late game

The Shrink Ray is a returning weapon from Outer Worlds 1. Unlike the first game, the effects of the Shrink Ray are now permanent, allowing you to step on enemies you have shrunk. Additionally, the Shrink Ray uses Shock Rods, a very abundant ammo type.

Its biggest downside is that it needs to be charged for each shot, preventing you from spamming the weapon during combat. Additionally, it can only be found late game after you receive the Rift Anomaly Modulator.

The Shrink Ray can be found by using the Rift Anomaly Modulator on a Rift Anomaly located in the Crabble Spawning Grounds.

How to Get the Shrink Ray

Death Sentence

Outer Worlds 2 Death SentenceDeath Sentence
Weapon - pro Damage at the end of countdown helps finish enemies off

Weapon - pro Ammo is easy to come by

Weapon con - Con Countdown takes a long time (around 20s)

The Death Sentence is a powerful Unique Repeating Rifle as it applies a Doom Counter whenever you hit a weak spot. The Doom Counter deals extreme damage once it reaches zero. Its only downside is that the counter takes roughly 20 seconds before expiring.

The Death Sentence can be found in a locked locker in the Decommissioned Autonomous Extractorium in Dorado. The keycard for the locker can be found on a table on the first floor.

Death Sentence Stats and How to Get

Prototype N-Radiated Scythe

Outer Worlds 2 Prototype N-Radiated ScythePrototype N-Radiated Scythe
Weapon - pro Powerful base stats

Weapon - pro Can instantly kill enemies

Weapon con - Con Uses gadget energy whenever you hit an enemy

The Prototype N-Radiated Scythe is a unique Heavy Melee weapon capable of instantly killing enemies once they are fully N-Radiated. Its biggest downside, however, is that it consumes gadget energy on hit, so those with a low gadget energy capacity may have a hard time using this weapon.

This weapon can be found in the N-Ray Range in Dorado. Players must succeed a Science 5, Melee 5, or Observation 3 Skill check to unlock it.

Prototype N-Radiated Scythe Stats and How to Get

The Goomerang

Outer Worlds 2 The GoomerangThe Goomerang
Weapon - pro Shoots bouncing projectiles

Weapon - pro Locks on to enemies while aiming

Weapon con - Con Can only be found late game

The Goomerang is a powerful weapon that shoots wacky bouncing goo blobs that deal corrosive damage. Additionally, aiming with the weapon allows you to lock-on to enemies, making the blobs bounce toward them. This weapon is basically an upgraded version of Kaur's Korroder.

Similar to the Shrink Ray, however, this weapon can only be found late game after you receive the Rift Anomaly Modulator.

The Shrink Ray can be found by using the Rift Anomaly Modulator on a Rift Anomaly located to the east of the bridge in Paradise Island.

How to Get the Shrink Ray

Agatha

Outer Worlds 2 AgathaAgatha
Weapon - pro Shoots explosive ammo capable of damaging multiple enemies

Weapon - pro High magazine size makes it perfect for fighting groups

Weapon con - Con Fires slower than other machine guns

Weapon con - Con Ammo is more expensive

Agatha is a Unique Machine Gun that can dish out a lot of damage, especially against groups of enemies, thanks to its explosive ammo and large ammo capacity. You will, however, need to adjust for its lower rate of fire, as well as the fact that its ammo is more expensive compared to other machine guns.

Agatha can be bought from the Not a Weapon Store in the Free Market Station.

Agatha Stats and How to Get

Chainspark Cannon

Outer Worlds 2 Chainspark CannonChainspark Cannon
Weapon - pro Can hit multiple enemies at a time

Weapon con - Con Consumes ammo quickly

Weapon con - Con Locked behind a powerful boss

The Chainspark Cannon is a powerful Unique Machine Gun that can hit multiple enemies at a time thanks to its chain lightning capability. This allows you to stack Shock on multiple enemies at a time. The downside is that, as a Machine Gun, it can quickly burn through your ammo. Additionally, as it is locked behind a powerful boss, you may have a hard time acquiring it.

This weapon is dropped by Montelli after you defeat him or convince him to stand down in the Vox Relay Station.

Chainspark Cannon Stats and How to Get

Cleo's The Hunt

Outer Worlds 2 CleoCleo's The Hunt
Weapon - pro Great against armor

Weapon - pro Accurate over longer distances

Weapon con - Con Low ammo capacity

Cleo's The Hunt is a Unique Shotgun that shoots slugs, making it great against armor and accurate over longer distances. Its biggest flaw, however, is that it is, at its core, a Triple Barrel Shotgun, which means it has a low ammo capacity.

Players can get Cleo's The Hunt after completing the side quest Pinching the Pupa.

Kaur's Korroder

Outer Worlds 2 KaurKaur's Korroder
Weapon - pro Projectiles bounce

Weapon - pro Can apply a contagious corrosive condition

Weapon con - Con Needs Science! to properly use

Kaur's Korroder is a Unique Pistol that is great at applying a contagious corrosive condition on multiple enemies, thanks to its high fire rate and ability to bounce around. To fully take advantage of it, however, you will need high levels of Science!, as its ability to spread scales off of your Science! Skill.

The side quest Ascent in the Howling Tower will reward you with the Kaur's Korroder.

Kaur's Korroder Stats and How to Get

Rattler

Outer Worlds 2 RattlerRattler
Weapon - pro Converts shot bullets to shotshells

Weapon - pro Can deal a lot of damage in close range

Weapon con - Con Lower base stats as a pistol

Weapon con - Con Reduced accuracyl

The Rattler is a Unique Revolver that shoots shotshells instead of normal rounds, allowing it to deal a lot of damage in close range. This comes at a cost, since as a pistol it has lower base stats, and the shotshell conversion means it has reduced accuracy.

You can buy the Rattler from the More Perfect Goods store in Fairfield for 1,500 Bits.

Rattler Stats and How to Get

Thunderstruck

Outer Worlds 2 ThunderstruckThunderstruck
Weapon - pro Power attacks have extended range

Weapon con - Con Lower base damage

The Thunderstruck is a Unique Heavy Melee weapon that shoots out electricity whenever you perform a Power Attack. However, as it is a Shock weapon, it has a [red]lower base damage[red] compared to its Physical counterparts. You will need to take advantage of the Shock side effects to make up for the lower damage.

Thunderstruck is located at the top of Skycutter A102 in Eden. You will need to turn the power off to claim the weapon.

Thunderstruck Stats and How to Get

Zyraniator

Outer Worlds 2 ThunderstruckThunderstruck
Weapon - pro Deals more damage when attacking the same target

Weapon - pro Fires longer in Tactical Time Dilation

Weapon con - Con Buffs Automechanicals instead of damaging them

Weapon con - Con Slightly lower base stats

The Zyraniator is a Unique Machine Pistol that deals more damage the more you attack the same target. Additionally, you can fire longer while in Tactical Time Dilation. It does, however, deal no damage to Automechanicals, and will buff them instead. It also has lower base stats compared to regular Machine Pistols.

You can purchase the Zyraniator from Interim Quartermaster Hazel Chapman for 2,500 Bits. She is located at the Euphoria Coast Automech Repair Center.

Zyraniator Stats and How to Get

Best Weapon Type

Tier Weapon Type
S TierS Tier Assault Rifles Marksman Rifle
A TierA Tier Sniper Rifle Machine Gun
Melee Light Submachine Gun
B TierB Tier Shotgun Melee Heavy
Special -
C Tier RankC Tier Launcher -

Assault Rifles

Assault Rifle
Weapon - pro Decent damage

Weapon - pro Good for mid-to-long range engagements

Weapon con - Con Not easily accessible

Assault rifles are perhaps the best weapon type in the game, thanks to their decent damage, as well as mid-to-long range engagements, making them a very versatile weapon type. They are also easily modifiable, making them perfect for

Their biggest downside, however, is that they are not easily accessible. You will need to make some progress in the game to get your first assault rifle.

List of All Assault Rifles

Marksman Rifle

Marksman Rifle
Weapon - pro Decent damage

Weapon - pro Good for short-to-mid range engagements

Weapon con - Con Lacks damage against tankier enemies

Marksman Rifles are a great weapon as well, thanks to their decent damage, short-to-mid range capabilities, and the fact that they are a common weapon that you can find or buy.

Sadly, the regular versions are lacking in damage , especially against stronger opponents, so finding Unique Versions like the Death Sentence is a must.

List of All Marksman Rifles

Sniper Rifle

Sniper Rifle
Weapon - pro Great damage

Weapon - pro Good for long range engagements

Weapon con - Con Not easily accessible
Weapon con - Con Hard to use in close range

Sniper Rifles are capable of dealing large amounts of damage in one go, and are great for long range engagements, allowing you to take enemies down without even going near them.

Sadly, Sniper Rifles are not easily accessible, with the first buyable one only available after completing the game's first planet, Eden. Additionally, as it is a weapon meant for long range engagements, you may have a hard time using them in close range.

List of All Sniper Rifles

Machine Gun

Machine Gun
Weapon - pro Good damage

Weapon - pro Large ammo capacity

Weapon con - Con Can burn through ammo quickly

Machine Guns have a high damage output thanks to their good damage stats and high ammo capacities, oftentimes having magazine capacities of 100 or more.

Thanks to this, however, you can end up burning through your ammo stash if you are not careful.

List of All Machine Guns

Light Melee

Light Melee
Weapon - pro Great for both stealth and frontal assaults

Weapon - pro High swing speed and combo count

Weapon con - Con May lack damage against tankier enemies

Light Melee weapons are very versatile, capable of being used in both stealth and frontal assaults. Additionally, its high swing speed and combo count allow you to dish out damage quickly.

The downside is that light melee weapons can prove lacking against tankier enemies, so make sure to always have

List of All Light Melee Weapons

Submachine Gun

Submachine Gun
Weapon - pro High rate of fire perfect for applying debuffs

Weapon - pro Easily accessible ammunition

Weapon con - Con Damage output may be lacking

Submachine Guns are perfect for elemental builds that rely on stacking debuffs thanks to their high rate of fire. Additionally, most Submachine Guns use ammunition that is easy to buy and craft.

Their downside, however, is that they have a smaller damage output compared to assault rifles and machine guns, so you will need the debuffs to make up for the damage output.

List of All Submachine Guns

Shotgun

Shotgun
Weapon - pro Great damage for close quarters combat

Weapon - pro Elemental versions can quickly stack debuffs

Weapon con - Con Close to useless in long range encounters

Shotguns have amazing damage potential, especially in close range, making them deadly against nearby enemies. Additionally, as they can shoot multiple pellets at once, it makes them perfect for applying debuffs.

Their greatest strength is also their greatest weakness, as they are close to useless at longer ranges.

List of All Shotguns

Heavy Melee

Heavy Melee
Weapon - pro Great damage

Weapon - pro Has mods that can help block incoming damage

Weapon con - Con Slow swing speed and low combo count

Heavy Melee weapons also deal a large amount of damage at close range, and can potentially hit multiple enemies at once. Not only that, but you can equip mods onto the Heavy Melee weapon that can block incoming damage.

As the name implies, however, Heavy Melee weapons have a slow swing speed and low combo count, so you cannot just swing your weapon carelessly.

List of All Heavy Melee Weapons

Special

Special
Weapon - pro Powerful effects

Weapon con - Con Not easily accessible

Weapon con - Con May need specialized builds to maximize

Special weapons refer to weapons that have powerful effects, such as dealing more damage as time passes, or buffing robots.

To balance these powerful effects, however, Special weapons are usually hard to unlock, and may require specialized builds to fully maximize.

List of All Special Weapons

Launcher

Launcher
Weapon - pro Great damage

Weapon con - Con Expensive ammunition

Weapon con - Con Dangerous to use in close quarters

Launchers can deal massive amounts of damage, and you don't even have to hit enemies directly to deal damage to them, as most, if not all, launchers are explosive in nature.

The drawback is that the Mini-Rockets that launchers use are expensive, and using launchers in close quarters or indoors is very dangerous thanks to the splash damage.

List of All Launchers

Best Weapons Per Planet

Best Weapons in Eden (Early Game)

Tier Best Eden Weapons
S TierS Tier Outer Worlds 2 Chainspark CannonChainspark Cannon Outer Worlds 2 KaurKaur's Korroder Outer Worlds 2 ThunderstruckThunderstruck
A TierA Tier Outer Worlds 2 RattlerRattler Outer Worlds 2 ZyraniatorZyraniator Outer Worlds 2 MurderMurder's Best Friend
B TierB Tier Incendiary Triple Barrel Shotgun Prism Repeating Rifle Corrosive Shock Machine Gun

These are the best weapons to use while you are exploring Paradise Island in Eden. There is a weapon available for every playstyle, so use the ones that best complement your build.

Paradise Island Map and Guide

Best Weapons in Dorado (Early Game)

Tier Best Eden Weapons
S TierS Tier Outer Worlds 2 The OracleThe Oracle Outer Worlds 2 Wham-Bam!Wham-Bam! Outer Worlds 2 Prototype N-Radiated ScythePrototype N-Radiated Scythe
A TierA Tier Outer Worlds 2 Death SentenceDeath Sentence Outer Worlds 2 CleoCleo's The Hunt Outer Worlds 2 MurderMurder's Best Friend
B TierB Tier Sniper Rifle Designator Burst Assault Rifle Corrosive Shock Machine Gun

These are the best weapons to use while you are exploring Golden Ridge in Dorado. There is a weapon available for every playstyle, so use the ones that best complement your build.

Golden Ridge Map and Guide

Outer Worlds 2 Related Guides

The Outer Worlds 2 - Wiki

The Outer Worlds 2 Wiki

Recommended Guides

Meta Guides
Best Background Best Weapons
Best Armor Best Flaws
Best Traits Best Skills
Best Perks Best Side Quests
Best Companions Best Start
Ending Guides
All Endings -
Uniques and Science Guides
Unique Weapons Science Weapons
Unique Armor Unique Helmets
Other Recommended Guides
Missables and Points of No Return All Card Locations
How to Get Into Fairfield Armory How to Open the Commander's Safe
Is There Romance? How to Get Into and Power the Substation
List of Backgrounds How to Open Kaur's War Chest
List of All Planets and Locations All Rift Anomaly Locations
All Advanced Decryption Key Locations All High Security Lockbox Locations
How to Save Fairfield Is There New Game Plus?
Best Ending Guide All AutoDoc Locations

The Outer Worlds 2 Guides

Outer Worlds 2 Wiki Contents
The Outer Worlds 2 - Main QuestsMain Quests Side QuestsSide Quests
Collectible QuestsCollectible Quests TasksTasks
Companion QuestsCompanion Quests CompanionsCompanions
The Outer Worlds 2 Puzzles PartialPuzzles Outer Worlds 2 Choices PartialChoices
Weapons PartialWeapons The Outer Worlds 2 - ModsMods
ArmorArmor The Outer Worlds 2 - Helmets PartialHelmets
Builds PartialBuilds The Outer Worlds 2 - Resources PartialResources
Gadgets PartialGadgets Inhalers Partial BannerInhalers
Skills Partial BannerSkills Perks PartialPerks
Traits PartialTraits Flaws PartialFlaws
The Outer Worlds 2 - Interactive MapMaps Outer Worlds 2 Tips and Tricks PartialTips and Tricks
The Outer Worlds 2 - Factions PartialFactions Faction QuestsFaction Quests
The Outer Worlds 2 Items PartialItems The Outer Worlds 2 - Ship Pets PartialShip Pets
Outer Worlds 2 Trophies Partial.pngTrophies The Outer Worlds 2 - NewsNews and Game Info

Comment

1 Anonymous Anonymous about 1 month

Chainspark should be in S-tier.

Author

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