Top Weapons You Should Prioritize in Battle Royale

4 December 2025

When you drop into a Battle Royale map, it's not just about surviving—it's about dominating. And you know what separates a chicken dinner champion from a quick trip to the lobby? The weapons you choose. That’s right, when the storm is closing in and the circle is shrinking, having the right gun in your hands can mean the difference between glory and game over.

In this guide, we’re diving into the top weapons you should prioritize in Battle Royale. Whether you’re a seasoned slayer or a fresh recruit, keeping an eye out for these bad boys can boost your game tenfold.

Why Weapon Choice Matters in Battle Royale

Let’s get one thing straight: Battle Royale is not your typical run-and-gun shooter. You’re not just worrying about who’s in front of you—you’re also watching the zone, your loot, and every sneaky player hiding in the bushes with a sniper scope aimed at your dome.

That’s why having the right weapon isn’t just "nice to have." It’s vital. Different weapons shine in different situations. Need to hold down a house? Consider a shotgun. Planning to pick off enemies from a hilltop? You’ll need something with range, like a sniper rifle. The key is adaptability—and that starts with understanding which weapons to grab the moment you hit the ground.

1. Assault Rifles (ARs): The Bread and Butter

If Battle Royale had a golden child, the assault rifle would be it. These guns are the most versatile weapons in the game. Great at medium range, decent at long range (with the right attachments), and manageable in close quarters. They’re the all-rounders, the reliable heroes, the Swiss Army knives of your inventory.

Best ARs To Pick:

- M4A1 / M416 (depending on the game): These are popular for a reason. Low recoil, fast fire rate, and reliable performance across all ranges.
- AK-47: A bit more kick, but packs a punch. Ideal if you’ve got good aim or attachments to stabilize it.
- Scar-L / FAMAS: Great mid-game weapons with solid stats, though you might want something deadlier for late-game fights.

🧠 Pro Tip: Always slap on a good scope (like a red dot or 3x) and a compensator if available. It makes a world of difference in gunfights.

2. Sniper Rifles: Death From a Distance

There’s nothing more satisfying than landing a clean headshot from a mile away. Sniper rifles are perfect for thinning out the competition without risking close combat.

Top Snipers to Look For:

- Kar98k / M24 / AWM: These bolt-action beasts can one-shot kill with a headshot, even at long range.
- Dragunov / SKS: Semi-auto snipers are easier to use and more forgiving if you miss your first shot.

Snipers are especially useful mid- to late-game when players are bunched in high ground or rotating between zones. Positioned right, a sniper in your hands can control entire areas.

🎯 Pro Tip: Always aim for the head and consider carrying a silencer to stay hidden after a shot.

3. SMGs: The Kings of Close Quarters

Let’s face it—most battles in BR games happen up close. Tight buildings, small rooms, end-game chaos—this is where SMGs shine. They're fast, deadly, and forgiving if your aim isn’t perfect.

Must-Have SMGs:

- MP5 / MP7: Super stable with high fire rate. Easy for beginners and deadly in skilled hands.
- Vector: Insanely fast, but burns through ammo like crazy. Best used with extended mags.
- Uzi / MAC-10: Great for early-game rushes. Not ideal for long-term, but can save your life in a pinch.

🔫 Pro Tip: SMGs are best with hip fire in tight spots. No need to ADS (aim down sights)—just spray and pray!

4. Shotguns: One Shot, One Kill

Shotguns are the definition of high-risk, high-reward. When you’re inside a building or camping a stairwell, a shotgun is your best friend. They aren’t for everyone, but in the right hands, they’re deadly.

Best Shotguns to Use:

- Pump Shotgun / S686: Massive damage, but timing is crucial. Miss, and you might not get another chance.
- Auto Shotguns (like S12K): Easier to use, and good for panic spraying.

Close proximity + shotgun = instant deletion. But if you can’t land your shot, you might be the one getting sent to the gulag (or spectator screen).

💣 Pro Tip: Don’t rely on shotguns in open areas. Always carry a ranged weapon alongside them.

5. LMGs: The Bullet Hoses

Light machine guns come with a tradeoff. They hit hard and carry buckets of bullets, but they’re heavy and slow. LMGs are best for players who like suppressive fire and don’t mind camping or defending positions.

Dominant LMGs:

- DP-28: Surprisingly stable and hits like a truck. Great for controlling choke points.
- M249: Massive magazine size and rapid-fire rate. Ideal for team fights.
- RPD / PKM: Standard LMGs that offer good firepower with manageable recoil.

🛡 Pro Tip: LMGs shine when you’ve got cover. Use them to lock down zones or defend revives.

6. Marksman Rifles: The Best of Both Worlds

Marksman rifles fall somewhere between assault rifles and snipers. If you’re the type that loves long-range control but still wants to fight mid-range, these are for you.

Recommended Marksman Guns:

- DMRs like SKS, Mini-14, or MK14: Semi-auto, solid damage, and great accuracy.
- EBR / VSS: More niche, but deadly in the hands of a patient shooter.

These guns reward accuracy and patience. If you’re a thinker, a cautious player, or someone who prefers to third-party fights rather than rush into them, a marksman rifle might suit your style.

🧐 Pro Tip: Pair a DMR with a red dot and a 6x scope. You’ll be ready for any scenario.

7. Pistols: When It’s All You’ve Got

Let’s be real: pistols are your last resort. But in early-game scrambles or last-man-standing duels, they can absolutely clutch a win.

Top Pistols (If You Must):

- Desert Eagle: Packs insane punch but slow fire rate.
- Glock / P18C: Auto pistols that behave more like SMGs.
- Revolvers: High damage, but slow reload.

🔍 Pro Tip: Use them early-game, then ditch them the moment you find a real weapon.

8. Throwables: Your Secret Weapons

Okay, they're not guns, but throwables are game-changers. They can flush campers, force rotations, and snag kills without using a single bullet.

Most Useful Throwables:

- Frag Grenades: Great for flushing out rooms or finishing downed enemies.
- Smoke Grenades: Perfect for revives, sneaky escapes, or zone rotations.
- Molotovs / Thermite: Good for area denial and burning enemies out of cover.

💡 Pro Tip: Always carry at least one smoke. You’ll thank yourself later.

Weapon Tier List (General Battle Royale Hierarchy)

Here’s a quick snapshot of what weapons to prioritize when time is ticking:

- S-Tier: M416, AK-47, AWM, MP7, M249
- A-Tier: SKS, Kar98k, Vector, Pump Shotgun
- B-Tier: SCAR-L, Mini-14, Auto Shotgun, DP-28
- C-Tier: Pistols, Uzi, Revolvers

Keep in mind, this might vary based on the game (PUBG, Warzone, Apex, Fortnite, etc.), but the fundamentals stay the same: prioritize based on your playstyle and current match situation.

Weapon Loadout Tips: Balancing Your Arsenal

So what should your ideal loadout look like? Here’s a quick template that works for most players:

- Main Weapon: An assault rifle or marksman rifle
- Secondary Weapon: SMG or shotgun for close-quarters
- Backup: Sniper rifle if you’re confident at range
- Utility: Carry 2-3 throwables (smoke and frag at least)

Balance is key. You don’t want two long-range weapons and no close-range defense—or vice versa. Think of your weapons as a toolbox, and build it to tackle everything the BR chaos throws at you.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not just about which guns are the "best" on paper—it’s about what works for you. The best players in the world can dominate with a pistol, and the worst can fumble with a fully-kitted AR. But having a core understanding of which weapons to prioritize gives you a major edge.

So next time you drop into your favorite Battle Royale, keep your eyes peeled for the weapons we covered. Prioritize wisely, get kitted fast, and give your enemies a one-way ticket back to the lobby.

Time to lock and load.