Top Starfield Weapons: Rifles, Shotguns, Melee Options, and More

Starfield presents an extensive array of weapons, but knowing how to choose the best options for your cosmic journey is essential. From rifles and shotguns to melee tools, we’ve compiled our top recommendations.

In Bethesda’s expansive space RPG, the galaxy serves as your playground, boasting numerous planets to explore and ships to pilot. With a wealth of unique weapons available, if you’re eager to discover the best choices for each weapon class, you’ve come to the right place.

Top Weapons in Starfield

Before we delve into specifics, here’s a quick overview of our most recommended weapons for each category:

Heavy Weapon: Poisonstorm
Melee Weapons: The Last Priest
Pistols: Sir Livingston’s Pistol
Rifles: Gallow’s Reach
Shotguns: Experiment A-7

Best Heavy Weapons

Poisonstorm

This heavy weapon earns its name from its unique capability to randomly inflict poison damage, making it a fantastic choice.

The Poisonstorm showcases a robust stat spread, and while its melee damage might be on the lower side, it boasts an impressive fire rate of 400. This characteristic makes it ideal for unleashing devastation upon unsuspecting foes.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
.50 MI Array	9	400	58	56.1%	Physical	160	12.20

You can acquire the Poisonstorm from Kore Kinetics located in Neon for 40,645 Credits.

Heller’s Cutter

Heller’s Cutter is another exceptional heavy weapon featuring a high damage output with almost zero recoil. Its fire rate is quite adequate, and it proves especially effective against robotic foes.

The Heller’s Cutter performs remarkably well against robotic adversaries.

You can locate the Heller’s Cutter during the Back to Vectera quest.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
Cutter	4	76	3	76.7%	Energy	9	4.00

The N67 Smartgun

The N67 Smartgun offers a unique twist on the Microgun, excelling due to its armor-piercing capabilities. This firearm can penetrate nearly any adversary, serving as a critical asset in the early stages of the game.

Moreover, it uses 7.777mm ammo, making it one of the most accessible ammunitions to find during your journey. Although its accuracy and range are slightly inferior compared to the other heavy weapons listed, it remains a formidable choice.

You can purchase the N67 Smartgun from the UC Distribution Center in the New Atlantis Commercial District for 34,144 Credits.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
7.77mm	11	350	40	49.3%	Physical	300	15.10

Top Melee Weapons

The Last Priest

The Last Priest is considered the best melee weapon available in the game. It’s a variant of the Va’Ruun Painblade, serving as an exceptional close-range melee option. In addition to itsPhysical Damage, it can randomly inflict elemental damage upon impact.

The Hunter grants you this melee weapon after completing the Infinity’s End side quest.Infinity’s End side quest, and The Hunter will reward you with this weapon.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
–	62	–	–	–	Phys	–	1.80

Va’Rune Painblade

The Va’Ruun Painblade is a formidable close-range weapon, closely trailing The Last Priest. Although it lacks elemental damage, it still delivers excessive damage to opponents. For those inclined to a melee-focused character, it’s a must-have.

You can either purchase it from a vendor in The Key or find it on high-level Crimson Fleet pirate ships, and loot it from Va’Ruun Zealot corpses.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
–	62	–	–	–	Phys	–	1.80

Best Pistols in Starfield

Sir Livingston’s Pistol

Sir Livingston’s Pistol is regarded as the top pistol in Starfield, offering a lethal mix of accuracy, damage, and fire rate. To acquire it, you must have the Kid Stuff trait and engage in conversation with your father at The Lodge.

an image of Sir Livingstone's Pistol in Starfield — Bethesda

Sir Livingston’s Pistol is a variant of the Old Earth Pistol.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
.45 Caliber	28	67	24	69.2%	Phys	15	1.80

Va’Ruun Starshard

The Va’Ruun Starshard combines Physical and Energy damage to deliver remarkable results. With 80 Energy Damage at its disposal, this weapon can wipe out enemies quickly. Paired with its high 70.1% accuracy, it’s a reliable choice against any hostile forces.

However, acquiring the Va’Ruun Starshard requires a bit of luck since it will only rarely appear at weapon vendors once you’re around Level 35.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
Light Particle Fuse	26 Physical / 80 Energy	12	30	70.1%	Physical / Energy	12	1.00

Best Rifles in Starfield

Beowulf

The Beowulf excels as a rifle within Starfield, particularly in mid-range combat. It boasts a strong balance of accuracy, damage, and magazine size, which collectively enhance its lethality.

The Beowulf features multiple variants within the game.

This rifle not only has solid stats but can also be enhanced with a variety of mods, such as Armor-Piercing Rounds and Burst Fire.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
7.77x37mm Caseless	36	50	40	69.1%	Phys	30	2.00

Gallow’s Reach

Gallow’s Reach is a unique variant of the Old Earth Assault Rifle. With its impressive 70.6% accuracy, you’ll find that most shots will hit their target. It comes equipped with 5 pre-installed mods:

Armor-Piercing Rounds
Ergonomic Grip
Laser Sight
Muzzle Brake
Reflex Sight

These modifications give you the chance to randomly poison enemies in battles. While Earth Assault Rifles might not be thrilling, this variation is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.

You can discover Gallow’s Reach in Petrov’s room during the No Sudden Moves main quest.

Top Shotgun in Starfield

Experiment A-7

The Experiment A-7 stands out for its incredible damage output, making it the finest shotgun in Starfield. When facing Aliens, its Experimentor characteristic can enhance damage by 30%, making it essential for your arsenal.

This weapon becomes available later in the game but is certainly worth the wait.

an image of the Experiment A-7 in Starfield — Bethesda

Experiment A-7 is a Breach shotgun variant.

To acquire this weapon, proceed through the Main Quest ‘Entangled‘ and successfully pass a speech check with Ethan.

Ammo Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Damage Type	Magazine Size	Mass
15×25 CLL Shotgun Shell	119	10	20	50.6%	Phys	6	6.90

Those are our top picks for the best weapons in Starfield.

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