Welcome to our complete PUBG best weapons tier list. There are 70 weapons in the game, ranging from assault rifles to special weapons like the mortar plus. Almost every weapon can be customized with a bunch of attachments that can alter the way a weapon behaves when you shoot with it. Those players who are playing consistently could be tired of using the meta all the time, so they’re trying meme loadouts, but for someone who hasn’t even tried the full arsenal, it can be difficult to know which gun will help you win the most games.
This tier list ranks every primary weapon in PUBG based on real in-game performance. We've looked at damage output, recoil control, attachment versatility, magazine capacity, handling, and overall usefulness across casual and competitive play. The ranking is based on WackyJacky101’s comprehensive tier list, updated with additional weapons that weren’t covered in his guide due to being added in later updates.
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PUBG Weapons Tier List Explained
Before diving into the full PUBG gun tier list, it’s important to explain how this tier list is structured. Every gun is placed into a tier from S (the absolute best) down to D (the least effective). These placements are based on how each weapon performs in real matches, taking into account handling, damage output, recoil control, versatility, and overall reliability in PUBG’s current meta.
Here’s what each tier means in this ranking system:
- S Tier – The Best Weapons in PUBG
These are top-tier guns that consistently outperform the competition. They offer superior damage, handling, and flexibility, making them the most reliable choices across nearly every combat scenario. - A Tier – Strong Meta Weapons
Highly effective weapons that excel in specific roles. They may not be as dominant as S-Tier picks but are still excellent choices for players who master their strengths. - B Tier – Reliable and Versatile Choices
B-Tier weapons are solid and functional across most situations. They might lack the raw impact of higher-tier guns but can still perform well with the right attachments or tactics. - C Tier – Situational and Niche Picks
C-Tier weapons have noticeable drawbacks that limit their effectiveness. They can still work in early-game or highly specific playstyles but are generally less competitive as matches progress. - D Tier – The Weakest Weapons in PUBG
These are bottom-tier weapons that struggle to compete in the current meta. They’re best avoided unless no better options are available.
Crate-only weapons, world-spawn guns, and pistols are all included in this list, but throwables and specialty items like the Crossbow, Panzerfaust, Mortar, and Stun Gun are excluded, as they fall into a different category of situational utility.
PUBG Best Weapons Tier List
Now that you understand how each tier is defined, it’s time to look at where every gun currently stands in PUBG meta weapons rankings. This tier list ranks all primary firearms in the game, from powerful crate-only exclusives to common world-spawn rifles and SMGs. Each placement reflects how these guns perform in real matches, factoring in recoil control, damage output, handling ease, and how well they fit into the current meta strategies.
While every weapon in PUBG has a role to play, not all of them are created equal. Some excel in competitive fights, others serve as early-game survival tools, and a few are designed for highly situational utility. The following table breaks down the best guns to use in PUBG, showing where each gun stands in the current meta.
Tier | Weapons |
S Tier | M416, Beryl M762, Groza, AUG, ACE32, Mk12, Mini14, AWM, Lynx AMR, DBS, P90, MP9 |
A Tier | AKM, SCAR-L, G36C, QBZ, Mk14, SLR, QBU, Kar98k, M24, Mk47 Mutant, MG3, UMP45, MP5K, S1897, Mosin Nagant |
B Tier | FAMAS, K2, S686, S12K, Dragunov, M249, Vector, PP-19 Bizon, JS9, M16A4, Win94, SKS |
C Tier | DP-28, O12, VSS, Mutant, Deagle, P1911, Skorpion, P18C, Micro UZI, Tommy Gun, R45, R1895, P92, Sawed-Off |
D Tier | Crowbar, Machete, Sickle, Pickaxe, Stun Grenade, Frag Grenade, Molotov Cocktail, Sticky Bomb, Smoke Grenade, C4, BZ Grenade, Decoy Grenade |
D-Tier is reserved for melee weapons and throwables that have limited or highly specific uses. While items like the Pan aren’t exactly the PUBG best weapons, they can provide niche defensive benefits, they don’t function as primary weapons and are significantly outclassed in actual gunfights. This tier highlights gear that serves more as utility tools than reliable combat options.
This tier list reflects the current meta as accurately as possible, balancing weapon stats with how each gun feels and functions during actual gameplay. Next, we’ll break down each tier to explain why these weapons deserve their placements.
S-Tier Weapons Explained
These are the best weapons in PUBG right now. S-Tier guns consistently outperform the competition thanks to their high damage, controllable recoil, and versatility in nearly every combat scenario. Whether it’s close-quarters brawls or long-range snipes, these weapons deliver reliable results and are core picks for any serious loadout.
- M416 – The gold standard of assault rifles and most commonly known as the best weapon in PUBG. Its balanced recoil, fast fire rate, and wide attachment compatibility make it the most user-friendly rifle in the game.
- Beryl M762 – Offers raw stopping power with aggressive recoil. When mastered, it outguns most rifles in close to mid-range fights.
- Groza – A crate-exclusive AR with unmatched close-range lethality. High DPS and excellent bullet velocity make it devastating in the hands of aggressive players.
- AUG – With its recent buffs, the AUG is now one of the most dominant rifles, combining low recoil with impressive damage output.
- ACE32 – A versatile 7.62mm AR that bridges the gap between the Beryl’s power and M416’s handling.
- Mk12 – A top-tier DMR with incredible accuracy and fire rate, ideal for quick taps at long distances.
- Mini14 – Still one of the most forgiving DMRs, the Mini offers low recoil, high velocity, and excellent handling.
- AWM – The king of bolt-action sniper rifles. With one-shot potential against level 3 helmets, it’s the ultimate ranged threat.
- Lynx AMR – A powerful anti-materiel rifle capable of deleting vehicles and players alike. Limited ammo but overwhelming firepower.
- DBS – The best shotgun in PUBG. Extreme close-range burst damage and high magazine capacity make it unrivaled in CQC.
- P90 – An SMG that performs like an AR, with controllable recoil and a large magazine. Perfect for aggressive pushes.
- MP9 – A fast-firing, lightweight SMG that melts enemies at close range while remaining easy to handle.
There are lots of choices to pick from in the meta tier; you'll never have a situation where you can't find a gun in the game that isn't S Tier, because most of these are pretty common.
A-Tier Weapons Explained
-Tier guns are strong, reliable options that excel in specific roles. It also contains the strongest gun in PUBG, which deals the most amount of damage per second in the AR class. They may not have the all-round dominance of S-Tier picks, but they can carry games when used effectively. These weapons reward players who understand their strengths and play to their advantages.
- AKM – High damage per shot makes it deadly in skilled hands, though its recoil is more punishing than meta rifles.
- SCAR-L – A solid, dependable 5.56 AR with manageable recoil. Slightly outclassed by M416, but still highly effective.
- G36C – Exclusive to certain maps, this rifle offers M416-level control with slightly less versatility.
- QBZ – A clean-shooting rifle with a high rate of fire. Performs well in mid-range engagements.
- Mk14 – A hybrid DMR/AR that shreds in full-auto mode. High skill ceiling due to recoil, but devastating when mastered.
- SLR – A hard-hitting DMR that rewards precision. Slightly less forgiving than the Mk12 but deadly in the right hands.
- QBU – A DMR with a bipod for extra stability, making it excellent for prone sniping.
- Kar98k – A classic bolt-action rifle with high damage and satisfying one-shot potential.
- M24 – Slightly better bullet velocity than the Kar98k, making it a more reliable bolt-action sniper.
- Mk47 Mutant – A semi-auto rifle that can dominate mid-range fights. Great damage but demands accurate tap firing.
- MG3 – A crate LMG with insane fire rate. Unstoppable when prone or in squad support roles.
- UMP45 – One of the best SMGs for mid-range engagements thanks to its low recoil and reliable damage.
- MP5K – A controllable SMG with solid DPS. Excellent handling and versatility in close-range gunfights.
- S1897 – A pump-action shotgun that hits hard. Not as dominant as DBS, but deadly in close encounters.
- Mosin Nagant – Functionally similar to the Kar98k, this bolt-action is a reliable choice for players who prefer its handling.
You can make a complete loadout out of A tier weapons: get an assault rifle like AKM and a secondary like SLR or Kar98k. Or, if you're not very precise, grab something like UMP45 with a super-easy recoil pattern. Slap a suppressor for maximum tacticoolness.
B-Tier Weapons Explained
B-Tier PUBG weapons ranked as solid choices but often outclassed by higher-tier options. They can perform well in the right circumstances, but they usually require optimal attachments or playstyles to shine. Think of them as dependable second-string picks.
- FAMAS – High fire rate but suffers from awkward recoil. Strong at close-range but lacks the versatility of top ARs.
- K2 – A functional rifle with decent stats, but it feels like a jack-of-all-trades without excelling in any area.
- S686 – Double-barrel shotgun with quick burst potential. Lethal up close but severely limited by its two-shell capacity.
- S12K – A semi-auto shotgun with a detachable magazine. Functional, but its damage falls short compared to top-tier shotguns.
- Dragunov – A powerful DMR with moderate recoil. Good for patient shooters who prefer pacing their shots.
- M249 – An LMG with a huge magazine and decent firepower, but heavy recoil makes it hard to control in stand-up fights.
- Vector – Blistering fire rate at close-range, but low magazine capacity limits its viability without extended mags.
- PP-19 Bizon – Large magazine SMG that lacks killing power compared to other close-range options.
- JS9 – A lightweight SMG with decent handling but overshadowed by stronger alternatives like the MP5K.
- M16A4 – A burst-fire AR that can be effective with practice, but it’s largely outclassed by full-auto rifles.
- Win94 – A lever-action rifle with a built-in scope. Fun to use but lacks the damage output of bolt-action snipers.
- SKS – A beginner-friendly DMR that’s reliable early-game but underperforms compared to the SLR and Mk12.
C-Tier Weapons Explained
C-Tier guns are niche or situational picks. They have clear drawbacks—be it in damage, handling, or usability—that limit their effectiveness in most engagements. These are weapons you’ll use in the early game or for fun, but rarely as long-term staples.
- DP-28 – Solid for spraying prone due to low recoil, but its handling is too clunky for mobile fights.
- O12 – A fully-automatic shotgun with wild recoil. High risk, high reward, but generally unreliable.
- VSS – Suppressed DMR with built-in scope. Great for stealth but lacks stopping power.
- Mutant – Semi-auto variant of the Mk47 with a difficult learning curve. Can be rewarding for tap-fire enthusiasts.
- Deagle – High-damage pistol that’s difficult to use effectively in fast-paced fights.
- P1911 – Reliable sidearm, but in a game filled with ARs and SMGs, its impact is limited.
- Skorpion – Machine pistol that can serve as a budget SMG but lacks killing power.
- P18C – Full-auto pistol that’s fun to use but wildly inaccurate.
- Micro UZI – Very high fire rate, but limited by small magazine size and poor range.
- Tommy Gun – Iconic SMG that lacks a sight attachment slot. Fun, but underwhelming in serious engagements.
- R45 – Revolver with solid damage but low ammo capacity and slow reloads.
- R1895 – Classic revolver with huge stopping power but crippling reload times.
- P92 – Standard pistol that serves only as a last-resort weapon.
- Sawed-Off – A shotgun pistol hybrid. Extremely limited in range and power.
These weapons are usually what you see first when you land. They're good for the first pick, but you always switch them for something better.
D-Tier Weapons Explained
D-Tier is reserved for melee weapons and throwables that serve highly specific or niche functions. While they can be useful in certain situations, they’re not competitive as primary weapons and are best considered utility items rather than tools for consistent combat.
- Crowbar – Can be used to open certain locked areas on specific maps, but is irrelevant in combat.
- Machete – A melee option with no practical advantage over any firearm.
- Sickle – Same as the Machete; purely a close-range melee weapon.
- Pickaxe – Another melee weapon with limited functional use.
- Stun Grenade – Effective for temporarily blinding enemies, but offers no direct damage.
- Frag Grenade – Strong in coordinated plays, but is also the reason for a lot of self-inflicted deaths among new players.
- Molotov Cocktail – Great for area denial, but lacks the explosive impact of a frag grenade.
- Sticky Bomb – Useful for breaching, but too situational to be a core weapon.
- Smoke Grenade – Excellent for cover and misdirection, but not a damage dealer.
- C4 – Powerful explosive, but requires planting and has delayed detonation.
- BZ Grenade (Blue Zone Grenade) – Creates a damaging blue zone field, but highly situational.
- Decoy Grenade – A utility item that mimics gunfire sounds; rarely used in high-level play.
What can be said about these weapons? They aren't useless, but they're good to have on you, especially grenades. Even melee weapons have their uses.
Conclusion
PUBG’s weapon meta in 2025 rewards players who understand how each gun performs in real combat situations. Top-tier weapons like the M416, Groza, and Mk12 dominate because they combine high damage, controllable recoil, and adaptability across all ranges, while solid picks like the SCAR-L, SLR, and Mk14 excel in specific roles for players who master them. Lower-tier guns still have value in early-game skirmishes or niche scenarios, but are quickly outclassed as better gear becomes available. Ultimately, knowing how each weapon fits into the meta helps you build stronger loadouts and make smarter choices when looting, giving you an edge over the competition in every match.
F.A.Q.
What is the best weapon in PUBG?
The M416 is widely considered the best all-around weapon in PUBG due to its controllable recoil, high fire rate, and excellent attachment compatibility.
What is the fastest killing gun in PUBG?
The Groza and Beryl M762 are among the fastest killing guns in close-range combat, thanks to their high damage per shot and rapid fire rates.
What are the best assault rifles in PUBG?
- M416
- Groza
- Beryl M762
- AUG A3
- ACE32
Are shotguns good in PUBG?
Shotguns like the DBS and S1897 are very effective in close-quarters combat, but their limited range and slow reloads make them situational weapons best used in specific engagements.
Which weapon has the highest damage in PUBG?
The Lynx AMR holds the highest damage per shot in PUBG, capable of destroying vehicles and downing players instantly, but it has limited ammo and is crate-only.
What is the best sniper rifle in PUBG?
The AWM is the best sniper rifle in PUBG, offering one-shot kills against level 3 helmets and superior range and velocity compared to other bolt-action rifles.