Too bad that it shares the crafting materials with those life-preserving health kits. But on the other hand, it can prove to be a worthy trade-off.

What’s great about the Molotov:

• Sometimes it’s more cost-efficient to kill off all enemies before they have a chance to hurt you, instead of trying to melee them and heal afterward
• Fire spreads across multiple bodies, quite quickly
• The option to increase its AoE radius is super good

Molotov Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Molotov_Cocktail

6. Double-Barrel Shotgun

Double the fun

Even though TLoU 2 falls in the “survival horror” genre, this weapon behaves as if stripped straight out of an FPS game. A weapon that simply gets the job done, it’s a wonderful companion for Abby’s pumped-up behavior (and physique!)

Found much later in the game than its single-barrel counterpart, this shotgun revels in dishing out an excessive amount of pain with a single pull of the trigger. Everyone - safe from mini-bosses and the like, falls in front of its gaze.     

What’s great about the Double-Barrel Shotgun:

• Uses the (arguably) most powerful craftable ammunition in the game, the incendiary shells
• Best choice when surrounded

Double- Barrel Shotgun Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Double_Barrel

5. Bolt-Action Rifle

Few weapons in the game can fill the “sniper” role, and even less with this much confidence. And not only that, but this rifle is quite useful on not-so-distant targets as well. It simply doesn’t discriminate.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where this weapon’s drawbacks are, aside from its relative inefficiency when it comes to enemies in extreme proximity. If we are willing to overlook that, then we’ll face the dilemma of which upgrade to spend resources on – there are many “right” options for a weapon as good as this.

What’s great about the Bolt-Action Rifle:

• Obtained from the very start of the game
• Good in almost any type of situation
• Capable of distant one-shot kills

Bolt-Action Rifle Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Hunting_Rifle

4. Hunting Pistol

A secret worth uncovering

Evoking memories of the infamous El Diablo from the original game, this angry pistol is the answer to many of the game’s combat challenges. Utilizing enough projectile power to send enemies flying, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Even though we can’t change its capacity of only one bullet, the fact remains that we’ll find many uses for that one shot. Also, if the player can live without carrying a shiv at all times, the ammo stock for this beast will always be plentiful. 

What’s great about the Hunting Pistol:

• Not difficult to score one-shot kills with this one
• Craftable ammunition
• A scope can be attached to it as well, increasing its usefulness 

Hunting Pistol Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Hunting_Pistol

3. Bow

Goes well with a green hoodie

In a game where it’s wise to stay hidden and pick off enemies methodically, slowly, one by one so they can’t overwhelm you, stealth-kills are king. Hence, it’s not a surprise that we obtain noise-less armaments only when the story is well underway.

On Ellie’s side, we have this “medieval” looking contraption, obviously available for applying for whichever archery tournament is held nearby. But of course, this very game is one such ordeal! Just be mindful of the arrow’s realistic fall on prolonged flights, and you’ll have no trouble defeating your unalarmed foes.   

What’s great about the Bow:

• 100% silent
• Crafting the arrows is expensive, but they can be re-acquired from dead targets (not always though)
• The Rangefinder makes it a lot easier to use against distant baddies  

Bow Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Bow

2. Flamethrower

BBQ time

The final weapon found by Abby, and a true gem at that. It does exactly as the name implies – setting everything ablaze in an instant.

Though it works better against infected flesh than armor, it’s no secret that no enemy in the game will be happy when he/she sees you holding it. It can bring a smile to your face, though. Ammo is of course scarce, so pacing your appetite is recommended.

What’s great about the Flamethrower:

• It cannot be upgraded at all – and it shouldn’t be
• Enemies still alive will continue to burn
• Not a “Not a Flamethrower”

Flamethrower Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Flamethrower

1. Crossbow

It feels just... right

An all-around better weapon than the mighty bow, this modern, bolt-throwing killing machine is our choice for the best weapon in TLoU 2. Silence is golden in this game, as is defeating your enemies without any one of them realizing that it’s too late. Way too late.

Understandably, the ammo for this unique armament comes extremely rare. However, a precise shot to the head usually preserves the bolt “unaffected” – so it can be picked up and used again. Very nice.

What’s great about the Crossbow:

• It’s silent and automatic – no prolonged “draw” animations here
• Deals a lot of damage through armor as well
• Headshots are welcomed, but not necessary for chaining kills

Crossbow Details: https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Crossbow

So, what would be your weapon of choice?