These are the best (most powerful weapons) in the game, ranked.
10: Combat Shotgun
See the Combat Shotgun in action:
This versatile boomstick is the Slayer’s trusty tool for up-close and personal engagements with the denizens of hell in Doom Eternal. With its sleek look and moderate firepower, the Combat Shotgun is a testament to the elegance of destruction, and utility.
This is the weapon that the game will start you off with, and while that might make you think that it’ll be useless like Doom 2016’s Pistol, instead the Combat Shotgun maintains some amount of usefulness into the late game. While you may never again use its regular primary fire, the sticky bomb and full auto mods can both pack a serious punch. In particular the sticky bomb mod can come in clutch if you need precision aiming only to find yourself lacking in Heavy Cannon ammo, this is a good weapon of choice for enemies with squishy bits. The Combat Shotgun does share ammo with the Super Shotgun but there’s plenty of ammo to go around in the wastes of hell, so both weapons can be used synergistically if you’re willing to experiment.
What makes the Combat Shotgun good:
- It’s the first gun you get in the game, so all players will have some level of familiarity and ability with this weapon.
- Both mods are usable even into the late game, the sticky bomb is good for precise shots and the auto mod can still do a lot of damage, albeit while using a lot of ammo.
- Some challenges might require the slayer to only do a certain amount of damage to an enemy, for instance to initiate certain glory kills. In these cases the Combat Shotgun can allow the player to do damage more incrementally than with the Super Shotgun or Rocket Launcher.
How to get Combat Shotgun: This weapon will be given to you after the first cutscene.
9. Unmaykr/Doom Eternal
See the Unmaykr in action:
Crafted from the very essence of the divine, this ethereal instrument is a prize possession of the Slayer’s arsenal in Doom Eternal. The Unmaykr stands as a testament to the Slayer’s journey through the depths of hell and beyond.
So, you might be wondering why one of the hardest to get and technically most powerful weapons in the game is so far from first place. While the Unmaykr is even overpowered in the sheer amount of damage it can deal out, the usefulness of this weapon outside of the fun factor is questionable. It shares ammo with the BFG but does not share the same tactical usefulness as a weapon that wipes the battlefield like the BFG. Despite this it’s totally worth it to try and get this weapon, if even just to say that you’ve done it and to get to play around with it for a bit.
What makes the Unmaykr great:
- Fun factor is huge with this weapon, it sends out energy projectiles in a wide spread that does devastating damage.
- There is a greater connection to a weapon like this that you have to work towards instead of the other weapons in the game, which are given to you freely.
- The visual design of the Unmaykr is totally alien from any other weapon that the Doom Slayer utilizes.
How to get the Unmaykr: You will have to complete all six Slayer gates available in Doom Eternal and then return to the Fortress of Doom to unlock this weapon.
8. Plasma Gun
See the Plasma Gun in action:
With its classic design and an electromagnetic heart that hums with power, the Plasma Gun transforms the battlefield into a canvas of incandescent annihilation. The primary fire releases a searing stream of superheated plasma, reducing demons to molten slag with each relentless burst.
The Plasma gun, from a tactical standpoint, exists as a weapon to fill the gaps that may be left over by other weapons. You wouldn’t necessarily want to face a full health Baron with one of these, but use the microwave mod on an enemy close to death and you’ll get a front row seat to the splash zone. The primary fire shoots a bunch of energy projectiles quickly and does moderate damage, though its comparative lack of damage means that in most scenarios a more powerful weapon (such as the super shotgun) will be the better option. Sometimes though, the Plasma Gun just seems to make sense in certain situations, you might not want to blow away that Cyber Mancubus with the super shotgun because you need some extra health, so use the Plasma Gun to nudge them into a glory kill. The aforementioned microwave mod is also useful because it causes a single enemy to be paralyzed in place, giving the Doom Slayer a unique tactical advantage.
What to expect from the Plasma gun:
- Microwave beam stuns enemies in place.
- Primary fire does okay damage, which may be a good thing in certain scenarios.
- Easy to use and understand.
How to get Plasma Gun: the gun will be given to you on the Exultia level.
7. Heavy Cannon
See the Heavy Cannon in Action:
Enter the fray Slayer, armed with the precision instrument of annihilation - the Heavy Cannon. In the Chaotic ballet of Doom Eternal, this powerhouse of a weapon stands as a testament to relentless firepower and surgical accuracy.
The Heavy Cannon is an essential weapon for conquering the combat arenas of Doom Eternal, in particular the sniper mod will be your go-to method for destroying enemies weak points. It's also a great option for weapon swapping, once you get the hang of this weapon’s rhythm. What really makes the Heavy Cannon such a good weapon in Doom Eternal is that it synergizes so well with every other weapon in the game, to the point that new combat opportunities may present themselves if you start relying on this weapon more. The Micro-Missiles are powerful but ultimately don’t fit as easily with the use of other weapons.
Why you should use the Heavy Cannon:
- Precision makes it essential to destroy weak spots.
- Good inclusion for weapon swapping.
- You will get a lot of time to practice with it.
The Heavy Cannon will be given to you in the first level of the game.
6. Chaingun
See the Chaingun in action:
Crafted with industrial might and a rotating barrel that roars with mechanical fury, the Chaingun is the answer to the hordes that dare to challenge the Slayer. Its primary fire unleashes a torrent of high-caliber rounds, turning demons into a symphony of disintegration. The air trembles with the sheer force of its unrelenting hailstorm.
The Chaingun earns this spot by virtue of just dealing a ridiculous amount of damage. You can’t really integrate it into weapon swapping, and it’s mainly good at taking out really big guys or a bunch of small guys one at a time if you want. But no matter the situation you can bet on the Chaingun being capable of shredding a way directly through any single foe that stands in the Doom Slayer’s path. The mobile turret makes the Chaingun slower but more powerful, effectively making the Chaingun even more exaggerated, in a good way though. The energy shield is also available as a mod and while many people get a lot of tactical use out of the energy shield it is a distinctly defensive option. Take the mobile turret and rip through Nightmare difficulty feeling an unstoppable force of nature, you won’t regret it.
What to know about the Chaingun:
- Extremely high damage.
- High defense with the shield mod.
- Good panic weapon.
The Chaingun will be given to you on the Super Gore Nest level.
5. Chainsaw
See the Chainsaw in action here:
The Chainsaw operates on a simple principle: insert, rev, and let the whirring blades feast upon the demonic flesh. With a satisfying roar, the Chainsaw rends through the ranks of lesser foes, transforming them into a platter of gory confetti. It is a great equalizer in the face of overwhelming odds, a reminder to the denizens of hell that, in the Slayer’s hands, no demon is safe.
The Chainsaw will make quick work of any enemies that you point it towards. While there are a few enemies that technically cannot be killed by the Chainsaw, this weapon still has enough usefulness that no play style will be able to get through the game by heavily relying on the Chainsaw. And remember that the Doom Slayer will not take damage while locked into animations, so you can use the Chainsaw to get a quick reprieve from combat while you plan your next move of explosive brutality. The ammo for the Chainsaw will have to be used conservatively, while you will always have a replenishing Chainsaw, a single piece of ammunition for this weapon will only defeat a single small enemy. Don’t lose track of how much ammo you have and end up standing at the feet of a colossal demon wondering why nothing is happening. Using the Chainsaw will bolster your ability to keep track of your resources and replenish them, so use the Chainsaw every chance you get.
Here's why you should use the chainsaw:
- Will one shot kill anything it works on..
- Gives you I-frames.
- gives you resources.
The Chainsaw is given to you within the first few seconds of starting the game.
4. Ballista
See the Ballista in action here:
As you wield the Ballista you become an arbiter of divine retribution, a force that harnesses the energies of the heavens to rend through the very fabric of hell. So load up the Ballista, feel the power of the cosmos coursing through its frame, and let its beams pierce through the darkness, lighting the way to victory in the infernal abyss.
This is the first really heavy hitting single-shot weapon in the list, whenever you come across a monster that’s intimidating just pull this thing out and blast straight through it. The ballista is a great choice for weapon swapping and will be necessary to get through the harder encounters on nightmare. Pairing it with the Super Shotgun and Rocket Launcher is the Slayer’s best option to conquer the most difficult scenarios. While both of the mods that it comes with are very viable, many players will opt to not use the mod abilities in general and instead incorporate the weapon into a weapon swapping cycle. The Ballista can go through a lot of energy ammo very quickly, so keep an eye on resources and a Chainsaw close by when using it. The Arbalest will do big damage to a single enemy, generally, and the Destroyer Blade will do damage to a row of enemies, generally. Both are highly situational but if used right can allow you to practically skip certain high intensity battles.
Benefits of the Ballista:
- Very high damage.
- Ultra useful in weapon swapping.
- Both mods are viable.
The Ballista is given to you after beating the Doom Hunter Base level, pick it up in the Doom Fortress.
3. Rocket Launcher
See the Rocket Launcher in action here:
With its rugged design and a payload that promises devastation, the Rocket Launcher fires a barrage of high-explosive projectiles upon your foes. Engage the secondary fire and watch as the weapon transforms into a lock-on targeting system. Paint your demonic targets with the reticle, unleash the rockets, and witness as they home in on their prey with deadly accuracy.
The Rocket Launcher is a great all around weapon in Doom Eternal. The rocket itself does a ton of damage to any enemy caught in its path, but the splash damage from the explosion will deal with anything unlucky enough to be too close to the rocket’s primary recipient. When used in weapon swapping with the Ballista and Super Shotgun, the Rocket launcher will take you all the way to the end of the game. While the remote detonation is totally usable, the lock on mod is what most people will recommend, and it is what a lot of combat techniques are already built around. Taking down enemies such as the Doom Hunter becomes much easier with the lock on system, just don’t use it on them while they’re in an animation, they will be invincible.
What makes the Rocket Launcher a great weapon:
- Huge damage, and considerable area of effect damage.
- Good for weapon swapping.
- Use the lock on mod to get even more out of the Rocket Launcher.
The Rocket Launcher is given to you in the Cultist Base level.
2. BFG
See the BFG in action here:
With its ominous hum and a design that resonates with otherworldly energy, the BFG9000 channels raw power into a singular blast. The primary fire unleashes a green inferno, a projectile of such magnitude that it consumes demons in its wake, leaving only echoes of cosmic obliteration.
The BFG is the panic button of Doom Eternal. If you find yourself in a situation that you see no possible way out of, then turn to the BFG to save yourself. It will destroy just about anything in its path or even remotely close to it, but the ammo is very scarce. Part of the power of the BFG is the knowledge to know when you should and shouldn’t use it. Sometimes you might use the BFG only to regret it moments later, as the one large enemy that you just disintegrated gives way to three more, and you're left with an empty BFG. Only use this weapon in the most dire of circumstances, or when you see an arena that’s been laden with BFG ammo, because at that point you’re gonna have bigger problems than simple resource management. While the BFG’s specificity of use makes it not good as a general use weapon, some sections of this game will almost outright require some help from the BFG.
Why you should use the BFG:
- Will destroy anything that you see on screen.
- Very scarce ammo, only use it in dire circumstances.
- Highly tactical weapon, can take a while to get down how to use it right.
The BFG is given to you during the Mars Core level.
1. Super Shotgun
See the Super Shotgun in action here:
The Super Shotgun, a close quarters masterpiece which sends a surge of pellets tearing through demons, turning them into a gruesome display of carnage. But engage the secondary fire, and watch as the retractable hook launches forth, embedding itself into the flesh of demonic adversaries. In an instant, you’re pulled towards your target, delivering a point-blank blast that reduces even the mightiest demons to mere fragments of their former selves.
This is the single most devastatingly useful weapon in Doom Eternal, it is the crux of any good weapon swapping strategy, and many players will pull out the Super Shotgun only to use the meat hook because there is no other ability in the game that gives the Doom Slayer such mobility in the battlefield. The damage that it deals is immediate, and there is no foe that does not feel the pain that this weapon delivers. You can use the meat hook to close in on an enemy and finish them off, or you can use the meat hook to make a quick escape from combat, or to latch onto that grunt that you chainsaw for some quick ammo. Or quickly swap between the Super Shotgun, Ballista, and Rocket Launcher to obliterate anything that dares to even look in your direction. In most cases you should just have the Super Shotgun in your hands, more so than any other weapon in the game.
What makes the Super Shotgun the best weapon in Doom Eternal:
- Devastating damage at close range.
- Meat-hook allows for increased mobility.
- Combine with Ballista and Rocket Launcher weapon swapping for even more damage.
The Super Shotgun is given to you in the Cultist Base level.
