[Warframe] Best Weapons Tier List

As most of the Tenno know, recent updates to Warframe, like the Incarnon Genesis and many new content including Koumei & the Five Fates-have transformed the weaponry landscape in this game. The Incarnon system, for example, has transformed how so many primary, secondary, and melee weapons work; because, with such a feature, they now may unlock abilities that alter the way that these weapons behave unexpectedly. These updates have also brought buffs and reworks to older weapons; so those old, understatedly powerful weapons are now among some of the deadliest tools in the game.

On top of that, Warframe has a constantly shifting meta due to new mission types, enemy factions, and damage adjustments. Therefore, an updated weapons tier list is a must in order to understand what weapons are most exceptional at 2024 and which are actually behind the curve. Your overall play will change rather significantly between farming loot, trying out end-game content such as Steel Path or dynamic modes like Arbitrations or Sanctuary Onslaught depending on the best weapon set for each given activity.

S-Tier: This tier includes the absolute best weapons in Warframe. The most efficient tools of destruction that do very well in nearly every imaginable situation. It is because these weapons are top-tier in damage, reliability, and utility and will usually boast unique features such as Incarnon modes or scaling mechanics that will make them incredibly powerful throughout late-game and high-level content. S-tier weapons comprise the go-to weapons for the player looking to take their success in missions to the top level, whether soloing or in groups, with minimal downsides unless otherwise stated.

A-Tier: A-Tier weapons are extremely reliable and do great at pretty much all the content that Warframe has to offer. They may not be outright overpowered like the S-Tier weapons, but they still have better damage, more utility, and versatility than necessary. Such guns might have drawbacks under certain conditions or shine only under particular builds, but, regardless of these reasons, they will clean up high-level content very well.

B-Tier: B-Tier weapons can do a lot on many different missions, but lack the versatility and damage potential that the upper tiers have. These weapons can feel like they're only good at some missions. Most of these weapons would definitely depend on having a great riven mod to compliment them.

C-Tier: These weapons can be good, but most of them are lacking in stats and output. Sure, they might have special niche uses, but they cannot match up to the higher tiers in terms of power and utility. These cute little weapons may need to see some reworks in order for them to actually be on-par with Warframe's content.

The Tier List

S-Tier: This tier includes the absolute best weapons in Warframe. The most efficient tools of destruction that do very well in nearly every imaginable situation. It is because these weapons are top-tier in damage, reliability, and utility and will usually boast unique features such as Incarnon modes or scaling mechanics that will make them incredibly powerful throughout late-game and high-level content. S-tier weapons comprise the go-to weapons for the player looking to take their success in missions to the top level, whether soloing or in groups, with minimal downsides unless otherwise stated.

Phenmor (S-Tier 1/591)

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Phenmor weilded by Excalibur

The Phenmor resembles the Swiss Army knife of rifles--if Swiss Army knives could blast their enemies into oblivion with high damage shots. Its high base damage and deadly Incarnon mode make it a spitting beam bullet monster vaporizing foes with impressive efficiency.

The Phenmor will turn you into a REAL Tenno, turning enemies into piles of glowing ash before they get a gist of what just happened. Don't forget to bring some popcorn for those satisfying high numbered headshots!

Why Phenmor is S-Tier:

• Incarnon Mode: It fires high-impact beams of bullets with increased critical chance and/or status chance.
• Devastating a crit/status-based rifle offering versatility on its highest scale.
• Ideal for single-target damage and mid-range engagements.
• Scales well on long endurance missions.
• Works really well with any damage-platform frames.

Warframe | Phenmor Is The BEST RIFLE In Warframe | Steel Path | 2024 https://youtu.be/8GoBZmvobck?si=onIH1_xcddIJgvhU&t=7

Glaive Prime (S-Tier 2/591)

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Glaive Prime being previewed

Glaive Prime is a great lethal throwing weapon, as it can detonate in mid-air to unleash lethal AoE damage. As with other melee weapons, it can be used as such an ordinary melee weapon, but the throw and forget mode is quite spectacular, since it deal massive amounts of damage, thanks to its damage from a distance.

Think of Glaive Prime as a perfect multitasker, which is slicing and dicing and exploding—so if you miss your target, there's still a huge "boom" to back you up.

Why Glaive Prime is S-Tier:

• Can be thrown in for the explosives-based damage.
• High Slash damage, good for status procs.
• Ideal for both close and ranged combat.
• With an explosion, you can hit multiple enemies.
• One of the most versatile melee weapons in the game.

The STRONGEST MELEE in Warframe | Glaive Prime Builds 2023 https://youtu.be/4X5gSoux0vY?si=pzWWPmG_b8r-iWlz&t=76

Torid (S-Tier 3/591)

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Official diagram design of the Torid.

The Torid is a weapon for making your foes wish they had never breathed in your direction. It lets out clouds of toxic gas so virulent that your enemies would choke in their final breaths, and with Incarnon mode, it could even emit a high precision beam of toxin so deadly that a warning label should come along with activating it.

Using Torid is like throwing a surprise party for Grineer and the like where the surprise would be, well death. It's about making the atmosphere stink of QUICK deaths. Nobody knew killing could be this fun.

Why Torid is S-Tier:

• Incarnon Mode: Creates a deadly beam of toxin that shreds through enemies.
• Amazing area denial and status application.
• As a main pair with status-focused Warframes like Saryn or Nidus
• For spreading viral, corrosive, or gas status procs.
• It inflicts massive DoT against enemy groups.

Warframe: Torid Incarnon ULTIMATE Build Guide https://youtu.be/ZI5HI8UjoGw?si=Rs6Ql69A_g9Vckr6&t=98

Epitaph Prime (S-Tier 4/591)

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Official Diagram Design of the Epitaph Prime

The Epitaph Prime is a versatile second weapon, where the weapon boasts perfect AoE damage as well as single-target precision damage from a charged shot, which applies status effects to the target. Thus, the Epitaph Prime plays well to a player's love of mixing and matching since uncharged shots mean quick AoE damage.

The Epitaph Prime feels more of a direct damage weapon with a chaos button, whether precision or splash damage: they equal the amount of efficiency. Prepare for some happy accidents here.

Why Epitaph Prime is S-Tier:

• High damage output with charged shots.
• The uncharged shots spread status effects to multiple enemies.
• Absolutely perfect for sniping at a range but also great status spreading up close.
• Excellent application of status procs like viral or radiation.
• Can easily be modded for either damage or status versatility.

Warframe | An Absolute Banger | Epitaph Prime https://youtu.be/WeCW6wRcJls?si=9AjtsOgmjfQaXOQ1&t=189

Bubonico (S-Tier 5/591)

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Bubonico wielded by Rhino

The Bubonico shotgun combines viral-infused explosives with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Who needs a normal Earth-like shotgun when you can share more of the love - and viral damage - with everyone in the room?

The Bubonico is a friendly neighborhood plague doctor. It's here to help you - by making sure your enemies get their daily dose of viral damage. Who says you cannot be charming and deadly at the same time?

Why Bubonico is S-Tier:

• Really good viral damage with excellent AoE capabilities.
• Great for status application and crowd control.
• Versatile in close-range and mid-range engagements.
• It really does well with frames such as Nidus or Saryn for enhanced viral synergy.\
• Its explosions can cause severe damage to large groups of enemies.

Warframe | An Absolutely Fantastic Flashbang | Bubonico https://youtu.be/PP-FUN8O7zk?si=uUpeeq9AbYf_3J5k&t=281

Kronen Prime (S-Tier 6/591)

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Cloud Prime

Kronen Prime being previewed

Kronen Prime is one of the best melee weapons in Warframe, and it provides fast attack speed with an evident high Slash damage. It is great for killing enemies when they're grouped up, thanks to its wide sweeping hits and in using status effects for stripping all the armor with ease.

Kronen Prime is a literal blender on overdrive, it chews through the enemies with a lovely spin. And just like how a ninja kills, the enemies won't know what hit them until it's too late.

Why Kronen Prime is S-Tier:

• Has high attack speed. Fantastic for fast combat.
• Incredible slash damage. This is important to bypass armor and apply bleed.
• Pretty easy to mod for high critical chance and status effects
• Status builds pair really well with it, thus making it really good for late-game content.
• Its long range of attacking makes it efficient for crowd control.

Broken Kronen prime Build | The King is Back [Warframe] https://youtu.be/HONplgROim0?si=tJdvwO-RLoUL_tPZ&t=18

Kuva Nukor (S-Tier 7/591)

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MCGamerCZ

Kuva Nukor being displayed clearly

The Kuva Nukor, in particular, is very well known for chaining its beam to spread status effects like wildfire. So high status chance and chaining those beams up to several enemies, it's bound to be a status-proccing monster in any mission.

Think of the Kuva Nukor as the ultimate status beam. One enemy zapped means everyone nearby is going to have a bad day. A flashy little toy that handles big crowds with ease.

Why Kuva Nukor is S-Tier:

• Chains its beam between multiple enemies.
• It has a high status chance with base radiation damage.
• Status effects spread very fast, good for group play
• Easy to mod for 100%+ status chance
• One of the best secondary options in the case of priming groups.

Kuva Nukor Build 2024 (Guide) - The Master Blaster (Warframe Gameplay HDR) https://youtu.be/2fku-hxgV1Y?si=OKl77I7SNVbSS6lg&t=781

Cedo (S-Tier 8/591)

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Faceless Beanie

Cedo is being showcased at the hands of a warframe.

Cedo is like a party planner for status effects: it gets in uninvited and makes sure everyone gets their piece of the viral good times. Its alt-fire fire applies status effects like seasoning a bland meal *chef's kiss* as well as a glaive-like projectile that delivers swift slashes to enemies unaware of what's coming.

You wanna shoot straight, Cedo is your guy. You wanna shoot bouncy status- applying discs, Cedo is your guy, again. A quick and friendly reminder, be careful carrying this shotty in a crowded room.

Why Cedo is S-Tier:

• Spreads status procs across enemies rapidly.
• Good for layering multiple status effects in a very short time
• High damage output against armored and health based enemy
• Good with any frame since it’s got such great ad-clear potential
• Alt fire reliable AoE clear.

Warframe | Gundition Overkill | Cedo https://youtu.be/nOVz0dN6OOU?si=yi-eKbTip1nND6rl&t=253

Rubico Prime (S-Tier 9/591)

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Rubico Prime wielded by Loki

Rubico Prime is the living evidence of a deadly trained hawk in terms of its weapon. It is precise, deadly, and capable of bringing down such high-value targets from a mile away. With superb critical stats, this sniper rifle can be claimed as the undisputed champion of long-range annihilation.

If sniping existed as a sport, Rubico Prime would be Michael Jordan. It's just 'cause, with great power comes great responsibility. You'd even have an occasional waiting time so that your teammates can catch up with your damage numbers.

Why Rubico Prime is S-Tier:

• Huge unmatched crit potential for long-range sniping.
• Massive damage from headshots makes it ideal for headshot-based builds.
• Scales very well with crit-focused builds.
• Shows a ton of punch-through against grouped enemies.
• Excellent for Eidolon hunting and boss fights.

Solo 6x3 | Rubico Prime | RTA 8:08.665 | Warframe Eidolons https://youtu.be/isJBmD4rDRI?si=lm7lm2AGAym_EJ5x&t=985

Nikana Prime (S-Tier 10/591)

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Nikana Prime Being Displayed Alongside Excalibur

The Nikana Prime boasts extremely high critical chance and Slash damage, thus being best for one-target damage and quick slams. The frequency of combos makes it among the deadliest melee weapons.

Wielding the Nikana Prime will make you feel like the one true space-samurai. The only thing sharper is the attention required to play it. Blink, and your enemies are already down.

Why Nikana Prime is S-Tier:

• High critical chance and critical damage, perfect for red crits.
• Excellent Slash damage, great for high-level enemies.
• Flowy fast combos with decent mobility
• For precision melee players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward weapons.
• Can be modded for both crit and status so it offers very flexible builds.

Nikana Prime vs LVL 9999 | The BEST Nikana! | Full Build Guide | Echoes of Duviri https://youtu.be/H0seBkiNX8U?si=J8meXpkIcgfB4Hbs&t=30

Acceltra Prime (S-Tier 11/591)

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Acceltra Prime wielded by Gauss

Acceltra Prime shoots explosive rounds so hard it might actually shame the Flash. With this, this weapon is for players that believe fast is best and blast things up while going about it.

You can be your own speedster with the Acceltra Prime. The only thing you have to remember not to blow up is your teammates by accident, but then again, good thing Warframe doesn't have friendly-fire!

Why Acceltra Prime is S-Tier:

• High rate of fire, very explosive when the projectiles are primed in-flight.
• Great AoE, and crowd control.
• Excels in high-density missions.
• With a damage-focused build , it would go really well with crit mods to maximize damage.
• Projectiles won’t damage you when shot too close.

Acceltra Prime Build 2024 (Guide) - Missiles Armed & Ready (Warframe Gameplay) https://youtu.be/JLYHApAipP0?si=NpKSp0V3GyvWPWcb&t=946

Kuva Bramma (S-Tier 12/591)

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Kuva Bramma wielded by a Kuva Lich

Kuva Bramma is the bow for those who want their enemies to have a "blast" from a distance. With explosive cluster bombs, a small encounter can quickly be turned into a fireworks show, minus safety goggles.

The Kuva Bramma is a one-arrow-wonder, all you need is one arrow to obliterate a whole room. Just be prepared for the mess left behind- confetti is nice, but body parts are less so.

Why Kuva Bramma is S-Tier:

• Massive AoE explosion with explosive effects.
• Ideal for crowd control and room clearing.
• Insanely high damage against armored targets.
• Ammo management can be nullified by an ammo mod.
• Multishot does wonders for damage output.

Warframe | The Best Bow | Kuva Bramma https://youtu.be/941heIae5TI?si=Vl2TI8RoACcaw2xS&t=187

Pyrana Prime (S-Tier 13/591)

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Pyrana Prime pistol shotgun showcase

The Pyrana Prime is a lethal fully-automatic secondary shotgun. When you pull off a multi-kill, a second ethereal Pyrana spawns for you, and the firepower is basically doubled. Since the shotgun pistol feels so plush when unleashing quick, massive damage burst onto your opponents, you would suddenly feel the urge to turn to close-quarters combat.

Turns every opportunity into a personal "double or nothing" strike. Kills a number of enemies and then suddenly has a ghostly version pop up saying, "Need a hand?"

Why Pyrana Prime is S-Tier:

• High burst damage. Great for tight combat.
• Pulls out an ethereal Pyrana on multi-kills, effectively doubling the damage output.
• Good for getting rid of heavy enemies fast.
• Good in short-range firefights.
• Very good for players who like high-risk, high-reward opportunities.

Warframe 2022 Pyrana Prime Build https://youtu.be/qMwq6mshPaE?si=TLXMjSFkUakvHCep&t=11

Ignis Wraith (S-Tier 14/591)

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Stickman Admin

Ignis Wraith previewed in the arsenal screen.

Ignis Wraith lets out a constant flow of flames, making enemies run for their lives. This is perfect for any patron of barbecue party enthusiasts, albeit macabre ones. This is the father of all flame-throwers in Warframe, and it deserves the title.

This weapon can get rid of crowds, especially the Infested with continuous heat damage. Using Ignis Wraith is like hosting an eternal cookout for enemies. Just remember: if they start crying, that's just the fire talking!

Why Ignis Wraith is S-Tier:

• Great AoE with high status spread.
• Simple use; great for quick mission clears.
• Effective against normal starchart enemies.
• Works great with any status-based build.
• Provides constant damage spread by providing heat status.

By Fire BE PURGED! Ignis Wraith Build | Warframe 2024 https://youtu.be/yGbZXwH-svg?si=MFQKuIeS_vU0Ir4o&t=297

Proboscis Cernos (S-Tier 15/591)

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Proboscis Cernos Bow being drawn by Nidus

Proboscis Cernos is like a magic trick gone wrong where it pulls enemies in as a bow. Its explosive arrows create chaos, so no enemy would be safe and sound.

Think of the Proboscis Cernos as the ultimate "come hither" weapon. It's great for parties, just don't expect the same from your enemies because they suddenly got stage fright!

Why Proboscis Cernos is S-Tier:

• Tendril explosions will surely crowd control enemies together.
• High status chance for viral damage application.
• Groups the enemies for more kills and efficiency of damage.
• There is consistent damage over time, good for long engagements.
• Good with high-density enemy missions.

Warframe | Delightful Destruction | Proboscis Cernos https://youtu.be/NGJ9S2iSHNA?si=654JLyQinGjQxbpr&t=410

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Arca Plasmor Symbolizing A-Tier Weapons

A-Tier: A-Tier weapons are extremely reliable and do great at pretty much all the content that Warframe has to offer. They may not be outright overpowered like the S-Tier weapons, but they still have better damage, more utility, and versatility than necessary. Such guns might have drawbacks under certain conditions or shine only under particular builds, but, regardless of these reasons, they will clean up high-level content very well.

• Tenet Arca Plasmor
• Felarx
• Lex Prime
• Reaper Prime
• Redeemer Prime
• Laetum
• Phantasma Prime
• Harmony
• Dual Keres Prime
• Praedos
• Burston Prime
• Hespar
• Fulmin Prime
• Kuva Zarr
• Xoris
• Prisma Ohma
• Tenet Cycron
• Tenet Livia
• Broken War
• Galatine Prime
• Akarius Prime
• Ocucor
• Stropha
• Skiajati
• Edun
• Venka Prime
• Gram Prime
• Destreza Prime
• Silva & Aegis Prime
• Tenet Agendus
• Kuva Shildeg
• Nepheri
• Vastilok
• Trumna
• Nami Skyla Prime
• Fragor Prime
• Paracesis
• Argo & Vel
• Knell Prime
• Tenet Envoy
• Hate
• Strun Prime
• Azothane
• Ceti Lacera
• Volnus Prime
• Dual Toxocyst
• Keratinos
• Dual Keres
• Corufell
• Kuva Brakk
• Grimoire
• Jat Kusar
• Dread
• Sarofang
• Pangolin Prime
• Quassus
• Kuva Brakk
• Dakra Prime
• Synapse
• Prisma Dual Cleavers
• Supra Vandal
• Karyst Prime
• Aksomati Prime
• Stahlta
• AX-52
• Corinth Prime
• Korumm
• Tenet Exec
• Orthos Prime
• Cerata
• Sigma & Octanis
• Vitrica
• Kuva Hek
• Telos Boltace
• Slaytra
• Ruvox
• Venato
• Gunsen Prime
• Gotva Prime
• Masseter Prime
• Sun & Moon
• Kompressa
• Hirudo
• Dual Kamas Prime
• Dex Nikana
• Scindo Prime
• Pennant
• Twin Krohkur
• Latron Prime
• Rakta Dark Dagger
• Dragon Nikana
• Ninkondi Prime
• Kuva Ogris
• Tenet Grigori
• Cobra & Crane Prime
• Okina Prime
• Plague Keewar
• Verdilac
• Dorrclave
• Tatsu Prime
• Kuva Kohm
• Sepfahn
• War
• Lesion
• Dual Ichor
• Tatsu
• Atomos
• Athodai
• Euphona Prime

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Clear projection of Shedu

B-Tier: B-Tier weapons can do a lot on many different missions, but lack the versatility and damage potential that the upper tiers have. These weapons can feel like they're only good at some missions. Most of these weapons would definitely depend on having a great riven mod to compliment them.

• Amprex
• Vectis Prime
• Fulmin
• Phantasma
• Velox Prime
• Twin Kohmak
• Twin Grakatas
• Staticor
• Plague Kripath
• Zymos
• Shedu
• Kuva Tonkor
• Astilla Prime
• Tenet Flux Rifle
• Zylok Prime
• Kuva Sobek
• Soma Prime
• Aegrit
• Synoid Gammacor
• Kuva Seer
• Akmagnus Prime
• Magnus Prime
• Zakti Prime
• Tenet Tetra
• Sepulcrum
• Tenet Spirex
• Cantare
• Kuva Twin Stubbas
• Cinta
• Mara Detron
• Prisma Lenz
• Boar Prime
• Akstilleto Prime
• Evensong
• Tenora Prime
• Baza Prime
• Sicarus Prime
• Scourge Prime
• Akarius
• Opticor Vandal
• Tenet Spirex
• Cyanex
• Boltor Prime
• Tigris Prime
• Arca Plasmor
• Twin Gremlins
• Akvasto Prime
• Zenith
• Pandero Prime
• Tiberon Prime

C-Tier: These weapons can be good, but most of them are lacking in stats and output. Sure, they might have special niche uses, but they cannot match up to the higher tiers in terms of power and utility. These cute little weapons may need to see some reworks in order for them to actually be on-par with Warframe's content.

Everything else.

Conclusion

With constant additions to Warframe, keeping up-to-date on the most powerful weapons is that much more important. Being a veteran player looking for that arsenal optimization or a new Tenno just stepping into this world, this tier list gives you a snapshot of the current dominant weapons. Of course, Warframe is all about surprises: patches, reworks, and new content can change this list overnight.

Keep your weapons fresh and ready to adapt into the next wave of changes because, in Warframe, the grind never ends, and the strongest Tenno are the ones who change with it.

You may be interested in:

[Warframe] Best Warframes Tier List

[Warframe] Best Prime Warframes Tier List