Rust Weapons Tier List 2025

Rust has one of the most diverse weapon ecosystems in any survival game. From primitive bows and spears to endgame assault rifles and LMGs, every wipe pushes players through a brutal progression curve. Picking the right weapon at the right stage is the difference between snowballing into dominance or losing everything on the beach.

In this Rust gun tier list, we’ve ranked all the major weapons in the game from S to D tier, using performance, crafting cost, accessibility, and in-game meta relevance. This list combines insights from recent balance updates, community tier lists, and hands-on testing to give you the most accurate breakdown for 2025.

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Read our other Rust guide:

• Best Solo Bases in Rust

 

 

How Our Rust Weapons Tier List Works

Rust weapons aren’t created equal. Some are cheap and effective early wipe, while others dominate once you reach higher workbench tiers or secure rare drops. To rank every gun fairly, we looked at several key factors that shape Rust meta weapons:

1. Damage & Time-to-Kill – How quickly a weapon can drop opponents, including against different armor tiers.
2. Recoil & Ease of Use – Some guns are powerful but demand high skill. Others are forgiving and beginner friendly.
3. Range & Projectile Velocity – Determines how reliable a weapon is in close quarters, mid-range fights, or long-distance sniping.
4. Ammo Type & Cost – Cheaper ammo makes weapons easier to sustain during a wipe. Expensive or rare ammo limits practical use.
5. Crafting Requirements – Workbench level, scrap cost, and resource demand can push weapons higher or lower in viability.
6. Accessibility – Loot-only guns can be incredibly strong but aren’t always realistic to build your strategy around.
7. Role Versatility – Some weapons shine everywhere, while others are only useful in very specific situations.

Based on these criteria, this is how we define the tiers in our Rust best weapons tier list:

• S-Tier – Meta Defining: The strongest guns in the game. These dominate across most scenarios and are the backbone of competitive Rust PvP and raiding.
• A-Tier – Strong Picks: Reliable, high-performing weapons that excel in certain roles but don’t completely define the meta.
• B-Tier – Viable Options: Solid choices that can win fights with the right playstyle or attachments, but they’re often outclassed.
• C-Tier – Situational: Cheap, primitive, or niche picks that work early game or in specific scenarios but quickly fall off.
• D-Tier – First Weapons: The tools of survival at wipe start. They’re weak compared to late-game guns, but essential stepping stones that let you fight back before you progress to better gear.

On top of that, we’ve also considered the community's opinions about these weapons, which allowed us to get the Rust best weapons ranked based on both raw weapon data and what players think of them.

Rust Weapons Tier List

Now that we’ve defined how each tier works, it’s time to see where every weapon in Rust currently stands. This list covers the full weapon pool in 2025, from primitive survival tools to endgame assault rifles and heavy weapons. Use this table as a quick reference for the said Rust weapon tier list before we dive into the detailed breakdowns for each tier.

Please note that this is not the final list of Rust weapons ranked. S-tier weapons define the Rust meta across PvP and raiding, while A and B tiers provide strong alternatives that excel in the right situations. C and D tiers focus on early-game survival tools—essential at wipe start, but quickly outclassed as you progress. BLOG20

S-Tier Weapons in Rust

These are the best guns in Rust. They dominate across PvP, defense, and raiding, and securing one of them often defines the outcome of fights or even an entire wipe.

Assault Rifle (AK)

• How to Craft: 50 High Quality Metal, 200 Wood, 1 Rifle Body, 4 Springs (Workbench Tier 3)
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Damage: 100 | Chest Damage: 51 | Range: 250–400m | Capacity: 30 | Recoil: High

The AK is the best weapon in Rust, and it’s a very easy pick. It’s the most versatile weapon and the backbone of high-level PvP. I mean, it’s the most iconic weapon in the game. It’s out there with the bucket helmet and the starting rock. But enough of that. The AK’s heavy recoil makes it difficult to master, but skilled players dominate fights with it. Despite the steep crafting cost, it’s always worth producing in bulk once you reach Tier 3.

M249

• How to Craft: Uncraftable, found in Helicopter/Bradley crates
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Damage: 130 | Chest Damage: 65 | RPM: 500 | Range: Moderate | Capacity: 100 | Recoil: Very High

Here’s why the M249 is on the list of the best guns in Rust: a crate-only LMG with 500 rpm? Come on! A 100-round belt and devastating DPS, it can wipe entire squads or lock down raids. Its recoil is heavy, but the sheer volume of firepower wins fights outright. Many consider it the best weapon in the game when available.

Thompson

• How to Craft: 10 High Quality Metal, 100 Wood, 1 SMG Body, 1 Spring (Workbench Tier 2)
• Ammo Type: Pistol Ammo
• Stats: Head Damage: 76 + bleed | Chest Damage: 38 + bleed | Range: ~250m | Capacity: 20 | Recoil: Low–Medium

The Thompson is among the best guns to use in Rust and the ultimate snowball weapon. It’s cheap to craft, easy to control, and highly effective in close to mid-range combat. Outperforming both the Custom SMG and MP5 in cost-to-performance value, it’s the go-to gun for early PvP dominance.

Semi-Auto Rifle (SAR)

• How to Craft: 1 Rifle Body, 1 Semi-Auto Body, 450 Metal Fragments, 4 Springs (Workbench Tier 2)
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Damage: 80 | Chest Damage: 40 | Range: 150m | Capacity: 16 | Recoil: Medium

The SAR is a mid-game rifle that shines as a reliable snowball weapon. It’s cheap, accessible at Tier 2, and effective at all ranges, making it a strong option before upgrading to AKs. Its bullet drop makes long-range fights tricky, but its affordability and versatility keep it in S-Tier.

L96 Sniper Rifle

• How to Craft: Uncraftable, found in Military Crates and Airdrops
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Head Damage: 160 + bleed | Chest Damage: 80 + bleed | Range: 450–1000m | Capacity: 5 | Recoil: Severe

The L96 is the strongest gun in Rust, capable of one-shot headshots on geared players. Its accuracy and extreme range make it superior to the Bolt Action Rifle, though it’s rare and loot-only. In the right hands, it controls entire fights, making it one of the deadliest long-range weapons in the game.

Rocket Launcher

How to Craft: 40 High Quality Metal, 4 Metal Pipes (Workbench Tier 3)

Ammo Type: Rockets

Stats: Damage: 350 (Chest) | Range: ~250m | Capacity: 1 | Recoil: High

Why is this on the list of the best weapons in Rust? The Rocket Launcher is the centerpiece of raiding. Its explosive power destroys bases and wipes out groups caught in splash damage. While slow to reload and costly to operate, it’s indispensable in late-game strategy. No raid happens without it, cementing its place in S-Tier.

A-Tier Weapons in Rust

These weapons may not define the meta like S-Tier picks, but they’re still excellent choices. They offer strong performance, accessibility, or unique advantages that make them reliable in the right hands.

LR-300 Assault Rifle

• How to Craft: Uncraftable — found in Bradley/APC crates, airdrops, Bandit Camp, and Attack Helicopter loot
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Head Damage: 80 | Chest Damage: 40 | Range: ~188m | Capacity: 30 | Recoil: Low

You can’t ignore the LR-300 as one of the strongest guns in Rust. Even though you can only get it as a rare loot from crates, it's basically the cooler AK cousin. Lower recoil means you’ll hit headshots more consistently, which is why LR-300 is preferred over AK by those players who can get their sweaty hands on it.

MP5A4

• How to Craft: 15 High Quality Metal, 1 SMG Body, 2 Metal Springs (Workbench Tier 3)
• Ammo Type: Pistol Ammo
• Stats: Head Damage: 70 | Chest Damage: 35 | Range: ~72m | Capacity: 30 | Recoil: Medium

The MP5A4 is the only military-grade gun that’s craftable. With a 30-round mag, higher accuracy, and controllability compared to the Thompson, it excels at close to mid-range. It’s not as cheap as the Thompson, but its accuracy and versatility make it a strong late-game SMG for players who can afford Tier 3 production.

Bolt Action Rifle

• How to Craft: 30 High Quality Metal, 1 Rifle Body, 3 Metal Pipes, 1 Metal Spring (Workbench Tier 3)
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Head Damage: 150 + bleed | Chest Damage: 75 + bleed | Range: 350–500m | Capacity: 4 | Recoil: Severe

The Bolt Action Rifle, or “Bolty,” is Rust’s standard sniper rifle. Craftable at Tier 3, it’s for those who fancy themselves snipers. Or rats. Or campers. Combines well with the x8 scope. Its biggest drawback is its tiny 4-round magazine and slow firing speed, which makes it vulnerable in close quarters. Still, in the right position, it dominates open-field fights and punishes poorly geared players from afar.

M4 Shotgun

• How to Craft: Uncraftable, found in military loot and high-tier crates
• Ammo Type: Shotgun Shells
• Stats: Capacity: 8 | Fire Mode: Semi-Automatic | Range: Medium | Recoil: High

The M4 Shotgun is a semi-auto shotgun with strong versatility for a weapon in its class. What more could you want? Unlike pump-action or double-barrel shotguns, its semi-auto fire allows for faster follow-ups, making it deadly indoors. The only problem with it is finding it. You can’t buy it either, which makes it super precious. In turn, it means that you’ll likely end up never using it even if you do find it. Unless, of course, you go out of your way to find multiple M4s.

Handmade LMG

• How to Craft: 30 High Quality Metal, 1 Rifle Body, 2 Metal Springs, 3 Gears (Workbench Tier 3)
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Damage: 57.5 | RPM: 480 | Aim Cone: 0.2° | Capacity: 60 | Reload: 6.5s | Recoil: High

The Handmade LMG is essentially a craftable alternative to the M249. It doesn’t match the M2’s control or firepower, but with a 60-round belt and high DPS, it’s devastating in raids or defense. Its inaccuracy in long bursts makes it harder to use, but for teams who can mass-produce them, it’s a reliable suppression tool.

Python Revolver

• How to Craft: 10 High Quality Metal, 3 Metal Pipes, 1 Metal Spring (Workbench Tier 2)
• Ammo Type: Pistol Ammo
• Stats: Head Damage: 110 + bleed | Chest Damage: 55 + bleed | Range: ~72m | Capacity: 6 | Recoil: High

The Python is the hardest-hitting pistol in Rust, modeled after the classic Colt Python. With six powerful rounds, it can chunk down even armored players in a few hits. Its slow fire rate and limited capacity mean you need to hit your shots, but in skilled hands, it’s one of the strongest sidearms available.

 

B-Tier Weapons in Rust

B-tier is for the weapons that most players end up using for their entire wipes. They’re not as good, but they’re easier to make or obtain, which means losing them is not so bad either. So, this tier isn’t about being slightly worse than S/A tiers and slightly better than C/D tiers; it's just what most people are using. One caveat, though – these aren’t for everyday use. You might even be better off using something more really accessible.

M92 Pistol

• How to Craft: Not Craftable (purchasable at Bandit Camp for 250 scrap or found in high-end crates/helicopter loot)
• Ammo Type: Pistol Bullets
• Stats: Damage (Head): 90 | Damage (Chest): 45 | Range: 90m | Recoil: Very Low | Magazine: 15

The M92 is a military-grade sidearm with an excellent fire rate and accuracy compared to the Semi-Automatic Pistol. Its 15-round mag and low recoil make it forgiving and reliable. However, the fact that it can’t be crafted and costs scrap to buy limits its accessibility, pushing it into B-Tier.

Prototype 17

• How to Craft: Not Craftable (rare drop from crates, supply events, and scientists)
• Ammo Type: Pistol Bullets
• Stats: Damage: 40 | Rate of Fire: 533 RPM | Range: Short-Mid | Magazine: 18 | Fire Mode: Toggleable Burst

Prototype 17 is a unique burst-fire pistol with solid DPS potential. It feels strong in fights but suffers from extreme rarity, being locked behind event crates and elite drops. Its scarcity is the main reason it can’t climb higher than B-Tier.

Pump Shotgun

• How to Craft: 15 High Quality Metal, 2 Metal Pipes, 1 Metal Spring | 120s at Workbench
• Ammo Type: 12 Gauge (Buckshot, Slug, Incendiary, Handmade Shells)
• Stats: Head Damage: 280 | Chest Damage: 210 | Magazine: 6 | Range: ~10m | Recoil: High

The Pump Shotgun dominates close-range fights with huge damage per shot. It’s a reliable raid tool for base interiors or ambushes, though its slow reload and poor range make it situational. It’s a mid-game favorite for players who thrive in tight quarters.

Spas-12

• How to Craft: Not Craftable (found in elite crates, Supply Drops, Bradley/Heli events)
• Ammo Type: 12 Gauge (all shell types)
• Stats: Damage: 157.5 | Rate of Fire: 240 RPM | Magazine: 6 | Reload: 5.8s | Range: Short-Mid

The Spas-12 is a semi-auto shotgun that shreds at close range with a faster rate of fire than the Pump. Its limited availability holds it back, but in the right scenario, it can secure multiple kills quickly before opponents have time to react. It’s kind of the same deal as with M4, only SPAS is even rarer. Would you risk everything and try to get it from the events that other players could be targeting, giving it priority over any other loot from the event? Unlikely.

M39 Rifle

• How to Craft: Not Craftable (purchasable for 400 scrap at Bandit Camp or rare crate loot)
• Ammo Type: 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Stats: Damage: 50 | Rate of Fire: 343 RPM | Range: Mid-Long | Magazine: 20 | Recoil: Moderate

The M39 is the uncraftable military upgrade to the Semi-Auto Rifle. With higher damage, larger mag, and better accuracy, it fills the DMR role nicely. Still, its rarity and cost make it less accessible than the SAR, which keeps it grounded in B-Tier.

Crossbow

• How to Craft: 200 Wood, 75 Metal Fragments, 2 Rope | 60s at Workbench
• Ammo Type: Arrows (Wooden, High Velocity)
• Stats: Head Damage: 102–121 | Chest Damage: 60 | Reload: 3.6s | Range: ~250m | Recoil: Low | Magazine: 1

The Crossbow is the king of primitive precision. Cheap to make and capable of high headshot damage, it’s a wipe-start favorite. However, slow reload speed limits its effectiveness later in the game, keeping it from being more than a situational tool.

Custom SMG

• How to Craft: 8 High Quality Metal, 1 SMG Body, 1 Metal Spring | 60s at Workbench
• Ammo Type: Pistol Bullets
• Stats: Head Damage: 60 | Chest Damage: 35 | Magazine: 30 | Range: ~200m | Fire Rate: Very High | Recoil: Medium

The Custom SMG is a high fire-rate spray weapon meant for close-quarters combat. While fun to use, its poor accuracy and weaker damage output compared to the Thompson make it less reliable. It’s still a decent early Tier 2 gun but rarely your first choice.

C-Tier Weapons in Rust

C-Tier guns are useful early–mid wipe but fall off fast as opponents gear up. They’re cheap, simple, and great stepping stones—just don’t overstay on them once you can upgrade.

Double Barrel Shotgun

• How to Craft: 175 Metal Fragments, 2 Metal Pipes (≈60s at a workbench)
• Ammo Type: 12 Gauge (Buckshot, Slug, Incendiary, Handmade)
• Stats: Head: 210 | Chest: 180 | Capacity: 2 | Rate of Fire: 120 RPM | Reload: 5.5s | Aim Cone: 0.5° | Range: Short | Recoil: High

A classic early-wipe ambush tool. Two quick blasts give better follow-up potential than Waterpipe, but the long reload means it’s best for 1–2 targets or tight doorway fights. Cheap, reliable, and great for eco plays—just commit only when most pellets will land.

Waterpipe Shotgun

• How to Craft: 125 Wood, 75 Metal Fragments (≈60s)
• Ammo Type: 12 Gauge (all shell types)
• Stats: Head: 210 | Chest: 180 | Capacity: 1 | Rate of Fire: 13 RPM | Reload: 4.5s | Aim Cone: 1° | Range: Short | Recoil: High

The wipe-start one-tap. Incredibly cheap and lethal up close, but the single-shell cadence is punishing if you whiff. Pair with a bow/crossy for opener + finisher gameplay, then rotate off it as soon as you can.

Revolver

• How to Craft: 1 Metal Pipe, 25 Cloth, 125 Metal Fragments (≈60s)
• Ammo Type: Pistol Bullets
• Stats: Head: 70 | Chest: 35 | Capacity: 8 | Rate of Fire: 343 RPM | Reload: 3.4s | Aim Cone: 0.75°

Your first “real” gun most wipes. Dirt-cheap and snappy, but low damage and an 8-round cylinder struggle into armor. Great versus similarly geared opponents or as a budget sidearm while you farm up.

Compound Bow

• How to Craft: 100 Wood, 75 Metal Fragments, 2 Rope (WB1; 7–30s)
• Ammo Type: Arrows (Wooden, High Velocity) BLOG20
• Stats: Damage: 50–100 (charged) | Capacity: 1 | Reload: 1s | Aim Cone: 0.2°

The strongest bow on paper—fully charged shots hit like a truck—but the stationary draw time and durability drain make it risky. Post-nerf it’s a niche opener/pick tool more than a backbone weapon.

Nailgun

• How to Craft: 75 Metal Fragments, 15 Scrap (WB1; 30s)
• Ammo Type: Nailgun Nails
• Stats: Head: 36 | Chest: 18 | Capacity: 16 | Rate of Fire: 400 RPM | Reload: 3.1s | Aim Cone: 0.75° | Range: Short (heavy drop)

Ultra-cheap panic blaster. Shreds unarmored players up close and pairs well with a Crossbow early wipe. Drops off hard versus armor and over any distance—but for the first hour or two, it’s perfect.

D-Tier Weapons in Rust

These primitive tools are the very first weapons players rely on at wipe start. They’re cheap, accessible, and sometimes surprisingly lethal in the right hands. While quickly outclassed by firearms, they play a vital role in survival during the early hours of progression.

Hunting Bow

How to Craft: 200 Wood, 50 Cloth | 30s | Workbench not required

Ammo Type: Arrows (Wooden, High Velocity)

Stats: Head: 80 + 20 Bleed | Chest: 50 + 10 Bleed | Capacity: 1 | Rate of Fire: ~60 RPM | Range: ~150m | Reload: 1s | Draw: 1s

The Hunting Bow is often the first ranged weapon crafted in Rust. Its low cost and decent damage make it ideal for hunting and ambushing early-game players. Paired with cheap arrows, it’s a staple day-one weapon, though it becomes obsolete once crossbows and firearms enter play.

Eoka Pistol

How to Craft: 75 Wood, 30 Metal Fragments | 60s

Ammo Type: 12 Gauge (Buckshot, Slug, Incendiary, Handmade)

Stats: Head: 210 | Chest: 180 | Capacity: 1 | Rate of Fire: 30 RPM | Reload: 2s | Range: Short | Recoil: High

The Eoka is infamous for its unreliability, firing only after a random number of flint strikes. Still, when it works, it can one-shot unsuspecting targets with buckshot. Extremely cheap and devastating at point blank, it’s a gamble weapon perfect for wipe starts and eco raids.

Wooden Spear

• How to Craft: 300 Wood | 30s
• Ammo Type: None (melee/throwable)
• Stats: Head: 30 | Chest: 25 | Capacity: N/A | Attack Speed: ~40 HPM | Range: 2.6m | Throwable: Yes

The Wooden Spear is the most basic melee weapon, offering slightly extended range over tools like the rock. It inflicts bleeding and can be thrown for higher burst damage. While weak, it’s often your very first crafted weapon before upgrading to the stone version.

Stone Spear

• How to Craft: 1 Wooden Spear, 100 Stone, 5 Cloth | 45s
• Ammo Type: None (melee/throwable)
• Stats: Head: 70 | Chest: 35 | Capacity: N/A | Attack Speed: ~40 HPM | Range: 2.75m | Throwable: Yes

The Stone Spear is a direct upgrade to the wooden variant, with more durability and damage. Like its predecessor, it can be thrown for higher impact, but risks breaking on use. Effective against early wipe players and animals, it’s the strongest primitive melee option before bows or guns take over.

Conclusion

Winning in Rust depends on knowing which weapon fits the fight and how to use it. You don’t always get the chance to practice with rare guns on live servers, and some players (myself included) don’t always survive long enough to reach the high-tier gear. Still, it’s good to know which weapons are considered trash and which ones are truly OP.

We’ll keep this tier list updated as new weapons are added, which they almost certainly will be.

F.A.Q.