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However, as with other games, certain weapons are just cut out to be better than the others, especially at the hands of a skilled player. Which weapons are the best in Garena Free Fire’s do-or-die battle royale?
Updated December 30, 2022, by Rhenn Taguiam: While there are no big updates slated yet for Garena Free Fire in 2023, players of the mobile battle royale may want to take this opportunity to maximize the meta and keep up with the rest of the highest-rated champions in the game. After all, compared to the likes of realistic Rules of Survival or hero-based Apex Legends Mobile, it’s Garena Free Fire that becomes a decent in-between that balances both hero-based mechanics and weapon balancing. And for players who want to pair their favorite agent with the right weapon, some of the most recommended include a single-target focused assault rifle, a close-ranged masterclass submachine gun, a devastatingly powerful shotgun, an armor-penetrating sniper rifle, and even a farming implement.
15 AUG (AR)
Range: 56 Movement Speed: 50 Fire Rate: 61
Fans of battle royale know that the best weapons are the ones able to eliminate opponents rather quickly. However, Garena Free Fire gameplay proves that weapons that can dispatch a target quickly are just as valuable in the context of long-term gameplay. Such is the case of the AUG, an Assault Rifle that excels in dishing out single-target damage to make quick work of individual opponents.
Despite its immediate lack of armor penetration, the strong range and movement speed of the gun provides a lot of maneuverability for players who got used to battle royales like Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodhunt. Coupled with its decent firing rate and damage, the AUG is the gun to hold when players want to eliminate another team’s healer or frontline DPS in a duel.
14 UMP (SMG)
Armor Penetration: 67 Movement Speed: 79 Fire Rate: 74
Players fond of combat in battle royales can appreciate the existence of SMGs in any title, and Garena Free Fire gameplay uses SMGs to facilitate fun close-range encounters without a lot of pressure. However, for newcomers just getting used to the battle royale game’s multitude of guns and abilities, the UMP remains a simple-enough weapon to use that makes it an effective close-to-mid-range companion.
The weapon boasts a pretty high firing rate coupled with high movement speed, giving it quite a ton of maneuverability that makes it perfect in fast-paced close-quarters combat. Coupled with decent damage and strong accuracy at close range, the UMP is an ever-reliable weapon that both new players and combat savants could use in emergencies.
13 M1014 (Shotgun)
Damage: 94 Movement: 60 Fire Rate: 39
Most shooter games offer the shotgun as a nifty close-range companion, especially for players who want to get up close and personal against foes. The case is the same for the shotgun in Garena Free Fire gameplay, as the weapon is often a finishing weapon against players who rather feel overconfident with their more complicated weapons, especially those used to battle royale games like Bloodshore.
Players who want a straightforward shotgun to prove their close-range supremacy can grab the M1014 to dispatch enemies in extremely close ranges. While this shotgun gives great maneuverability and damage with its strong Movement Speed and Damage numbers, the game does suffer heavily in the Accuracy and Range department. This means players may have to train to shoot this weapon in different close combat situations to get used to its destructive potential.
12 M82B (Sniper Rifle)
Accuracy: 90 Range: 85 Damage: 123
Not all players are capable of wielding Sniper Rifles in a fast-paced battle royale like Garena Free Fire, especially when characters have special abilities and combat can happen rather quickly. However, those with the patience to maneuver around with this deadly weapon can prevail in most situations with the M82B Sniper Rifle.
Boasting high 165 Damage, the weapon can one-hit most opponents who are exposed and unprotected while roaming around. However, the M82B also shines in its high penetration stat, being able to pierce through a lot of armor, deal more damage to Vehicles, and even tear through Gloo Walls or special walls that Fortnite players may be familiar with. Players who want to eliminate enemy defenses rather quickly may want to consider giving the M82B a shot.
11 Scythe (Melee)
Damage: 90 Movement Speed: 82 Fire Rate: 30
As with other shooter games, melee weapons in a battle royale game like Garena Free Fire don’t have a lot of room in combat except for general fashion. And players who want to look incredibly slick and awesome in the game might want to get a Scythe, a gritty weapon that can turn Garena Free Fire dark like what the Shadow Royale Mode does to Apex Legends.
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At its core, the weapon boasts decent Movement Speed and Damage, making it an ideal weapon for finishing off vulnerable foes rather quickly. However, where the Scythe makes a mark in terms of gameplay is its range. Unlike other melee weapons in other games, the Scythe and its extended nature affect combat prowess, as this contributes to the weapon’s overall reach. In turn, the Scythe effectively becomes a melee substitute for the Shotgun when wielded by the right player.
10 M60 (Light Machine Gun)
Fire Rate: 56 Damage: 56 Range: 65
It might be cheating to add a whopping LMG to a recommended weapons list, especially since it’s a bit overkill to be on its business end. However, the M60 is a must-have for players who wish to work on their aim but still want to deal decent damage while having a bit of room to miss.
Not only that, but the M60 is one of the easiest to handle at mid-range incursions. Granted, players who use the M60 better not have to reload since the time it takes to do so can leave them open to a counterattack. Nevertheless, players who get to bunker down in a good defensive position can tear through opponents much faster with minimal effort with this weapon and a couple of explosives.
9 Desert Eagle (Pistol)
Movement Speed: 76 Damage: 90 Range: 74
Despite the flak pistols get for being generally “unusable” weapons, it’s the Desert Eagle that disproves detractors. Players who want an ever-reliable secondary firearm can have the Desert Eagle with them, with its speed offering decent mobility to help users chase opponents down or even mow down foes at close-range in the unfortunate circumstance of meeting them in a closed space.
While its accuracy and rate of fire aren’t as impressive, the Desert Eagle’s fast reload speed coupled with its decent range allows the gun to be a valid option. Switching to the Desert Eagle in emergencies can save players.
8 M500 (Pistol)
Damage: 67 Range: 76 Reload Speed: 69
Players in the mood for experimentation might want to try the M500 for a handy pistol option, primarily for the inclusion of a 2x Scope. While certainly not a scope for larger distances, the decent damage and fast-enough reload speed can help players aim for opponents and run away fast enough to avoid any form of retaliation.
The M500 is also a handy ranged sidearm for players who strive to stay in the mid-to-close range in combat but still want a way to annoy opponents they see from afar. Although experimental in terms of build options, the M500 is certainly strong enough to help players compete but at the same time test new weapon combinations.
7 KAR98K (Sniper)
Accuracy: 90 Damage: 90 Range: 84
Players looking to dominate long-range matches need a reliable sniper, and KAR98K won’t disappoint. Properly-placed shots either knock the opponents down or kill them entirely, and its 5-shot magazine could even damage the victim’s squad mates.
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What’s interesting is that the KAR98K is a weapon that can be found almost anywhere, meaning players who want to train snipers or want to switch to a marksman build can easily grab this gun and start shooting enemies from afar. Its easy-to-find nature can help players start a defensive build and defend a garrison point before heading to safe zones, which they can use in tandem with explosives and other throwables.
6 AWM (Sniper)
Accuracy: 90 Damage: 90 Range: 91
Sometimes, players can dish out the most damage in a firefight from a distance, and the AWM is a top-tier sniper rifle, boasting a range and damage that makes it one of the most dangerous guns in Garena Free Fire. And with a range of 91, the AWM is built for players who love going for a marksman build.
From the right distance, two to three bullets can easily kill an opponent not fast enough to dodge or run for cover. Pairing the AWM with an MP40 can secure all range parameters for the player, letting them deal with enemies from a distance while still providing protection up close.
5 M1887 (Shotgun)
Damage: 100 Movement Speed: 79 Armor Penetration: 28
Although shotguns only ever excel in short-range, the shrinking zones in battle royales mean surviving players will inevitably have to fight in close quarters anyway. And people stealthy enough can catch opponents by surprise and kill them up close, especially with a shotgun as powerful as the M1887.
With this baby, players have a 15-round magazine that can ruin an opponent’s day in extremely close combat situations. Its movement speed should also help players catch up with foes faster. This is very useful for players who love getting up close and personal, and for emergencies where opponents have no choice but to stay close anyway, such as in the latter parts of the entire match.
4 AK47 (Assault Rifle)
Fire Rate: 56 Damage: 61 Range: 72
Assault rifles are typically among the most convenient weapons in any shooting game, particularly due to their penchant for having a more balanced skill set than other types of guns. In Garena Free Fire, the AK47 proves such is the case. At its core, it boasts high damage at the cost of vertical recoil, challenging players to master their handling to achieve more consistent damage.
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While not as punchy as the M14, the AK47 stands on its own when it comes to wilder incursions. When faced with multiple moving opponents, the messier recoil of the AK47 might get some surprise shots in. And if an M14 is not in sight, an AK47 is the best substitute thanks to its decent damage.
3 SCAR (Assault Rifle)
Fire Rate: 61 Damage: 53 Range: 60
While the AK47 is possibly one of the most recognizable assault rifles out there, Free Fire has the SCAR as a silent rival. It’s true that the SCAR boats lower stats overall than the AK47, but its decent fire rate and higher handling mean there’s a better chance of this weapon landing hits consistently.
With this in mind, players who don’t mind a weapon with lower stats can confidently use the SCAR, especially with Level 3 attachments that help this gun step up its game and even compete with more powerful options within and outside the assault rifle category.
2 MP40 (SMG)
Fire Rate: 83 Damage: 48 Movement Speed: 88
Players who need an extremely straightforward firearm in emergency situations can rely on the MP40 to get the job done with as minimal assistance as possible. Despite its nature as a submachine gun, the close-to-mid range of the SMG makes it extremely potent, meaning it is a nifty option for players who just need a gun that works for most occasions.
It’s crucial to note that, unlike other weapons, the MP40 can only equip a magazine and a stock, making it not as customizable as other firearms. However, this also proves that the MP40 is usable on the get-go with minimal attachments, since its speed allows players to nimbly navigate the battlefield much better.
1 M14 (Assault Rifle)
Fire Rate: 52 Damage: 77 Range: 77
Almost any shooting game would have an assault rifle as either the default or the most versatile weapon variant, and the case is the same with Free Fire and the M14. This weapon is easily one of the most flexible weapons in the game, thanks in part to its nature as an assault rifle that can tackle a multitude of range options with decent recoil and handling.
However, where the M14 shines the most is its stats. Its magazine size of 15 might require multiple reloads, but it has the highest range among all assault rifles, making it a nifty sniper substitute if needed. Coupled with its firing rate, the M14 can become a decent companion to firefights as well.
Garena Free Fire was released in 2019 and is currently available for Android and iOS devices.
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