[Top 10] RUST Best Weapons In The Game (Ranked)

Because the last thing you should be in Rust, is weaponless.


How important is using the right Weapons in the game?

Using the right weapons in Rust is crucial for various aspects of gameplay. The choice of weapons directly impacts your effectiveness in combat, defense, and resource gathering. Different weapons cater to distinct playstyles and scenarios, making it essential to select the appropriate ones based on your objectives and the challenges you face.

Are some weapons more powerful than others?

Yes, in Rust, certain weapons are inherently more powerful than others. The game features a diverse arsenal with varying damage, range, rate of fire, and recoil characteristics for each weapon. Firearms like the Bolt Action Rifle or the AK-47 tend to have higher damage per shot and are more effective at longer ranges, making them powerful choices for certain situations.
However, the power of a weapon is not solely determined by its damage output. Factors such as ease of use, recoil control, and ammunition availability also play crucial roles in defining a weapon's overall effectiveness. Check out the list below to learn about all of these factors. 

 

10. Pump Shotgun

The pump shotgun in Rust.

The pump shotgun is a close-quarters powerhouse, delivering devastating damage with its spread of pellets, making it an ideal choice for ambushes or defending tight spaces.

What's good about the pump shotgun:

Close-Quarters Carnage: The Shotgun excels in close-quarters combat, delivering lethal damage with its spread of pellets, making it a force to be reckoned with in tight spaces.

Intimidation Factor: Its high damage output and potential for one-shot eliminations create an intimidating presence, discouraging foes from engaging in direct confrontations.

Base Defense Advantage: Effective for base defense, the Shotgun's stopping power proves invaluable in defending confined spaces, providing a solid line of defense against intruders.

Stats:

Damage: High
Rate of Fire: Moderate
Reload Speed: Moderate
Effective Range: Short to Medium
 

Lethality Score: 75/100

 

9. Semi-auto pistol

The semi-auto pistol in Rust.

The SAP is a cost-effective sidearm, offering decent accuracy and fire rate for players looking for a reliable and affordable option for self-defense or quick engagements.

What's good about the semi-auto pistol:

Quick-Fire Accuracy: The Semi-Auto Pistol's semi-automatic firing mode allows for accurate shots at a rapid pace, ideal for close to medium-range encounters.

Resource Gathering Defense: Suited for early-game defense during resource gathering, the pistol provides a decent balance of firepower and ammunition efficiency.

Stealthy Eliminations: Its lower noise profile compared to louder weapons makes it suitable for stealthy eliminations without drawing excessive attention.

 

Stats:

Damage: Low to Moderate
Rate of Fire: Moderate
Recoil: Low
Effective Range: Close to Medium

Lethality Score: 80/100

 

8. Bolt-action

The bolt action rifle in Rust.

The bolt action rifle is up next. It's a high-powered, long-range precision weapon, prized for its ability to deliver accurate and lethal shots at a distance. With a slow rate of fire, it rewards skilled marksmanship, making it a favorite among players for both hunting game and engaging opponents from afar.

What's good about the bolt action: 

Precision Marksman: The Bolt Action Rifle is the epitome of precision, offering accuracy and high damage output, making it the go-to choice for players seeking long-range engagements.

One-Shot Lethality: With a well-placed shot, the Bolt Action can deliver one-shot eliminations, providing a lethal advantage in picking off targets from a distance.

Long-Range Base Defense: Ideal for safeguarding bases against distant threats, the Bolt Action's effective range makes it a valuable asset in defending against potential raiders or adversaries.

Stats:

Damage: Very high
Rate of Fire: Low
Reload Speed: Moderate
Effective Range: Long

Lethality Score: 90/100

 

7. Rocket Launcher

The rocket launcher in Rust.

The rocket launcher is a high-powered explosive weapon capable of dealing massive area-of-effect damage, making it a formidable choice for raiding enemy bases or taking on heavily armored opponents.

What's good about the rocket launcher:

Explosive Power: The Rocket Launcher delivers unparalleled explosive force, capable of devastating structures and eliminating groups of enemies in a single shot.

Base Raids: Ideal for base raids, the Rocket Launcher serves as a formidable tool for breaching fortified structures and overpowering defenders.

Area Denial: The wide blast radius makes it effective for area denial, forcing opponents to reposition and creating strategic advantages.

Stats:

Damage: Extremely High (Explosive)
Reload Time: Moderate
Range: Medium to Long
Blast Radius: Wide

Lethality Score: 94/100

 

6.MP5

The MP5 in Rust

The MP5 is a reliable submachine gun with moderate recoil, offering players a versatile and accurate automatic weapon for mid-range engagements.

What's good about the MP5:

Versatile Submachine Gun: The MP5 offers versatility in close to medium-range combat, making it effective in various situations.

Rapid Fire: With a high rate of fire, the MP5 is capable of quickly dispatching opponents, providing an edge in fast-paced engagements.

CQC Maneuverability: Well-suited for close-quarters combat (CQC), the MP5 allows players to swiftly navigate and control indoor spaces.

Stats:

Damage: Moderate
Rate of Fire: Very High
Recoil: Low
Effective Range: Close to Medium

Lethality Score: 80/100

 

5. Thompson

The Thompson in Rust

The Thompson is a rapid-firing submachine gun that strikes a balance between firepower and control, making it effective for both offensive assaults and defensive skirmishes.

What's good about the Thompson:

Rapid Fire Assault Rifle: The Thompson's rapid-fire capability makes it effective for engaging enemies in close to medium-range skirmishes.

Suppressive Fire: With a moderate recoil and high rate of fire, the Thompson is valuable for suppressing enemy movements and keeping them pinned down.

Resource Gathering Security: Its balanced stats make it a reliable choice for securing resources, providing protection against potential threats.

Stats:

Damage: Moderate
Rate of Fire: High
Recoil: Moderate
Effective Range: Close to Medium

Lethality Score: 85/100

 

4. SAR 

The SAR in Rust.

Despite its relatively low damage output, the SAR emerges as one of the game's most practical and adaptable weapons, offering controllable recoil at extended ranges. Effectively countering a SAR from a distance poses a challenge without adequate cover.

Adaptability: The SAR excels in various combat scenarios, adapting well to both close-quarters engagements and extended-range encounters.

What's good about the semi-auto rifle:

Controllable Recoil: Its controllable recoil makes it effective for accurate and sustained fire, especially at longer distances, providing an edge in gunfights.

Versatility: The SAR's versatility allows players to swiftly switch between targets, making it a reliable choice for dynamic combat situations.

Stats:

Damage: Moderate
Rate of Fire: High
Recoil: Controllable
Effective Range: Medium to Long

Lethality Score: 90/100

 

3. AK

The AK in Rust 

For third place, we have the AK. The AK is a powerful and sought-after firearm known for its high damage output and versatility, it typically does around 50 damage per shot. It is a tier 3 weapon, requiring advanced resources to craft, making it a valuable asset for players in the game. The AK-47's recoil can be challenging to manage, but skilled players can harness its firepower to dominate encounters.

What's good about the AK:

High Damage Output: The AK boasts a higher damage output compared to the LR (L85 Rifle), providing substantial stopping power against adversaries.

Medium-Range Dominance: At medium range, the AK surpasses other assault rifles in terms of kill speed, making it a lethal choice for engagements within this distance bracket.

Recoil Management Challenge: While it comes with a bit more recoil, players proficient in managing this challenge will unlock the AK's true potential, enabling them to swiftly eliminate enemies.

Stats:

Damage: Very High
Rate of Fire: High
Recoil: Moderate to High
Effective Range: Medium

Lethality Score: 90/100

 

2.L96

L96 in Rust.

The perfect sniper does exist in Rust, and it's the L96. The L96 provides superior accuracy over the Bolt Action at extended distances, though it comes with the trade-off of being non-craftable so you will have to find it at monuments, etc. With 23 RPM and dealing 80 damage,

It's ideal for safeguarding your base, these weapons also prove exceptionally efficient in field operations, particularly when paired with a concealed position for stealthy, undetected waiting.

What's good about the L96:

Precision Sniper: The L96 shines as a precision sniper rifle, offering superior accuracy over long distances, surpassing the Bolt Action Rifle.

Monumental Damage: With an impressive 80 damage per shot, the L96 is a one-shot kill to the head, providing lethal stopping power.

Base Defense: Ideal for safeguarding bases, the L96's long-range capabilities make it a formidable choice for defending against distant threats.

Stats:

Damage: High
Rate of Fire: Slow
Recoil: Moderate
Effective Range: Long

Lethality Score: 92/100

 

1.M249

M249 in Rust.

The M249 stands out as a top-tier firearm in Rust, recognized for its excellence among the entire player base. Boasting a magazine capacity of 100 rounds and an impressive RPM (rounds per minute) of 500, this firearm enables you to shoot approximately 8 bullets per second—more than sufficient to take down an adversary during raids.

What's good about the M249:

Overwhelming Firepower: The M249 stands out with its exceptional magazine capacity and rapid RPM, allowing players to unleash a barrage of bullets on enemies.

Raids and Base Offense: Suited for raids, the M249's high rate of fire is advantageous for breaching bases and overpowering opponents during offensive maneuvers.

Suppression: The M249's suppressive capabilities make it effective in keeping enemies pinned down, limiting their ability to retaliate.

Stats:

Damage: High
Rate of Fire: Very High
Recoil: High
Effective Range: Medium to Long

Lethality Score: 95/100

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Meet Madi, the eco-warrior wordsmith with a Texan twist. When she's not busy deciphering the secret language of trees or crafting compelling social media campaigns, you'll find her in vr!
Gamer Since: 2007
Currently Playing: Rust
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