Some players find it challenging to navigate through Rust’s vast library of weapons. After all, the best option can depend on different situations and available resources. So, here’s a tier list of the best weapons in Rust to help you select the ideal choice for your unique playstyle.

Ranking the Top 10 Best Weapons in Rust

While this tier list of the best weapons in Rust ranks different options based on factors like overall versatility, power, and accessibility, the true “best” choice is deeply personal and situational. So, think of this list as a toolkit of information instead of a strict path.

10. MP5A4 (SMG)

Sometimes, combat in Rust can transform from a long-range fight into a close-quarters fight. If so, the MP5A4 (SMG) can be an excellent weapon during these scenarios. This weapon’s blend of high fire rate and manageable recoil can make quick work of frantic, close-quarters engagements. Use this firearm to stay on target and dispatch threats quickly. Still, it's important to mention the MP5A4's drawbacks if you're planning to use this firearm. For instance, its bullet spread is quite wide, limiting its effectiveness at medium to long distances. Also, its crafting costs are surprisingly high, even for its class.

Stats

• Damage: 37.5
• Rate of Fire: 600 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 30
• Reload: 4 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1.6 seconds

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Extended Magazine: +25% Magazine Capacity
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Targeting Attachment: N/A
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

9. M39 Rifle

If you’re looking for an upgrade from the standard semi-automatic rifles, the M39 Rifle is a great choice. It offers superior damage, a generous magazine size, and fairly remarkable accuracy. This combination of features and benefits allows the wielder to engage targets at reasonably long distances, especially when this weapon has the 8x Zoom Scope mod. However, any enemy that can get close to an M39 Rifle wielder may often get the upper hand. The slightly lower firing rate can be outmatched by more dedicated close-range weapons, particularly if an enemy gets the jump on you. Despite its situational drawbacks, the M39 Rifle can still be a fantastic asset to have in your arsenal. Still, its niche role might mean it generally falls short of more readily available and versatile options in this tier list.

Stats

• Damage: 50
• Rate of Fire: 343 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 20
• Reload: 3.25 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1 second

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Burst Module: +30% Rate of Fire, -35% Aim Cone, -35% Hip Aim Cone, and -35% Recoil
• Extended Magazine: +25% Magazine Capacity
• Gas Compression Overdrive: +20% Damage, -20% Rate of Fire, +30% Velocity, and +10% Recoil
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Targeting Attachment: N/A
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

8. Multiple Grenade Launcher

What do you do if you see a group of enemies running toward you? Bring out the Multiple Grenade Launcher, and watch as your opponents drop like flies. This heavy firearm excels in applying pressure during coordinated assaults on an enemy's position. The smoke it generates may also provide cover to you and your allies for tactical retreats. However, the Multiple Grenade Launcher’s shortcomings are quite significant. For instance, the grenades fired have a significantly pronounced arc, requiring considerable practice to aim effectively at anything beyond close range. Also, its scarcity and costs make it a risky investment for various players, especially those in Hardcore Mode.

Stats

• Damage: 90
• Rate of Fire: 150 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 6
• Reload: 6 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1 second

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

7. Thompson (SMG)

Perhaps the best advantage of the Thompson (SMG) is its accessibility. Many players can get this submachine gun during the early to mid-stages. Additionally, you only need a Workbench Lv. 2 to craft it. With the Thompson in hand, you have a reliable and versatile “friend” with balanced performance, solid close-range prowess, and excellent handling. These advantages, combined with its low resource cost, make it a fantastic general-purpose option for different combat scenarios. Still, the Thompson falls short when measured against top-tier alternatives. For starters, its durability degrades faster than that of other weapons, requiring the user to frequently spend additional resources for repairs.

Stats

• Damage: 37.5
• Rate of Fire: 462 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 20
• Reload: 4 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1 second

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Burst Module: +30% Rate of Fire, -35% Aim Cone, -35% Hip Aim Cone, and -35% Recoil
• Extended Magazine: +25% Magazine Capacity
• Gas Compression Overdrive: +20% Damage, -20% Rate of Fire, +30% Velocity, and +10% Recoil
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Targeting Attachment: N/A
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

6. Bolt-Action Rifle

The Bolt Action Rifle shares the same damage output as the L96 Rifle, making these weapons ideal choices for long-range combat. But the Bolt Action Rifle, in particular, is more accessible than its rarer cousin, as players can craft this weapon. Add the 8x Zoom Scope mod onto the Bolt Action Rifle, and you have a user-friendly killing machine in your hands. If used by a skilled user, this weapon can help dominate an open terrain while dictating the terms of engagement from a fairly safe position. However, the Bolt Action Rifle has a slow rate of fire, low magazine count, and slow reload time. These shortcomings prevent this firearm from being at a higher spot in this tier list.

Stats

• Damage: 80
• Rate of Fire: 35
• Magazine Capacity: 4
• Reload: 5 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1 second

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

5. L96 Rifle

Defeat enemies before they can set foot in your base with the L96 Rifle. Its unparalleled range and exceptional accuracy make it a deadly tool in the hands of a master sniper. This weapon’s significant damage output also makes it suitable for dealing with high-value targets with remarkable efficiency. Note that every shot counts when firing a bullet from the L96. Its slow rate of fire means you can’t correct a missed shot fast, putting you at a major disadvantage if the opponent quickly notices the whiff. Also, the L96 is a non-craftable weapon, which means the only way to get it is by having RNG on your side as you open crates. Nonetheless, the L96 can make quick work for those who’re confident with their extreme-range precision. Still, you can avoid many direct confrontations by being readily available with this fairly versatile weapon.

Stats

• Damage: 80
• Rate of Fire: 23 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 5
• Reload: 3 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1 second

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Extended Magazine: +25% Magazine Capacity
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

4. LR-300 Assault Rifle

The LR-300 Assault Rifle can be a great choice for a Rust player who’s not too confident with their accuracy and weapon-handling skills. In particular, this firearm makes up for the user’s shortcomings with its exceptional handling and manageable recoil. However, this gun’s primary shortcoming is its lower damage output compared to other weapons in Rust, especially when compared to the traditional Assault Rifle. So, a direct confrontation with a highly-skilled opponent may put the LR-300 user at a dire disadvantage. Despite the trade-offs, this particular assault rifle still makes it to one of the top spots in this Rust weapons tier list, thanks to its accessibility. Many players should be able to find this weapon locked in various crates. It’s also available at the Black Market for 500x Scrap.

Stats

• Damage: 40
• Rate of Fire: 500 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 30
• Reload: 4 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1.5 seconds

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Extended Magazine: +25% Magazine Capacity
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Targeting Attachment: N/A
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

3. Rocket Launcher

If you’re looking for a weapon that can raze bases to the ground, look no further than the Rocket Launcher. Firing a rocket from this weapon can quickly alter a combat scenario in your favor. A single, well-placed shot from the Rocket Launcher blasts and burns a wide area, defeating any moving target it hits. A player with this heavy-duty firearm makes that person an invaluable asset for decisive actions, whether on the offensive or defensive. Still, the Rocket Launcher often falls short when compared to other weapons in this tier list. Although its raw power is undeniable, it's impossible to add mods to it, limiting its versatility. Also, its 1-rocket capacity and 6-second reload time can turn the tide of battle against you and your team IF you miss a shot.

Stats

• Damage: 350
• Rate of Fire: 10 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 1
• Reload: 6.16 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 3 seconds

2. M249 Light Machine Gun

Although the M249 Light Machine Gun generally has the best stats in the game, it still falls short in some areas, especially when compared to the top item in this list of the best weapons in Rust. Nonetheless, this LMG stands out due to its exceptional operational capacity and sheer output. “Spraying and praying” as you rain bullets down on various enemies is never more satisfying when wielding the M249. Its ability to fire a significant volume of rounds before requiring a reload is always an advantage. Although powerful, the M249 is one of the rarest weapons in Rust. Its scarcity makes it challenging for many players to acquire. Additionally, mastering its handling, particularly at long-range encounters, requires frequent practice. However, its operator, who manages to tame this "metal beast," is rewarded with a tool of near-unmatched firepower.

Stats

• Damage: 65
• Rate of Fire: 500 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 100
• Reload: 7.5 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1.8 seconds

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A

1. Assault Rifle (AK)

Out of all the weapons in Rust, the Assault Rifle (AK) arguably proves to be the most reliable and well-rounded choice for many players, especially for general use. Touted as one of the best weapons in Rust, its primary advantage is near-unmatched versatility, allowing the wielder to perform admirably in a broad range of combat scenarios - especially for those who can master its recoil control. Apart from its versatility, the AK is fairly easy to obtain since it can be crafted by standard means. Despite its benefits, this firearm still has some shortcomings. Nonetheless, many fights in Rust are usually mid-range encounters, making the AK an incredibly practical option for advancing enemy bases or defending your own.

Stats

• Damage: 50
• Rate of Fire: 450 RPM
• Magazine Capacity: 30
• Reload: 4.4 seconds
• Draw Weapon: 1 second

Available Mods & Stat Effects

• 8x Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Extended Magazine: +25% Magazine Capacity
• Holosight: -20% Aim Cone
• Military Silencer: -25% Damage and Velocity
• Muzzle Boost: +10% Rate of Fire, +0.15 Aim Cone, and +0.5 Hip Aim Cone
• Muzzle Brake: -15% Damage, +0.5 Aim Cone, +2 Hip Aim Cone, -50% Recoil, and -100% Aim Sway
• Oil Filter Silencer: -30% Damage and Velocity
• Simple Handmade Sight: N/A
• Soda Can Silencer: -30% Damage and -35% Velocity
• Targeting Attachment: N/A
• Variable Zoom Scope: +50% Recoil
• Weapon Lasersight: -20% Aim Cone, -50% Hip Aim Cone, and -90% Aim Sway
• Weapon Flashlight: N/A