The highly anticipated Outer Worlds 2 offers players an impressive arsenal of weapons to choose from, making it essential to select your favorites wisely. Within the first few hours of gameplay, you will accumulate a diverse range of gear to help you tackle various hostile scenarios. Although you may invest dozens of hours mastering the game, starting strong is crucial to your success.
Given the multitude of options available, you’ll need to make strategic decisions on which weapons best suit your playstyle. Just like selecting the right traits and skills, choosing the optimal firearms is pivotal. The weapons listed below can be obtained through story progression, optional quests, or by crafting at workstations scattered across Fairfield and beyond.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices, this guide outlines the weapons that are worth your time. While the effectiveness of any weapon can be greatly enhanced with mods, this list focuses on weapons you can obtain early in the game without considering modifications.
For clarity, this list emphasizes ranged weapons since they cater to a wider variety of playstyles compared to melee and explosive alternatives. Additionally, pricier firearms available for purchase are excluded since currency can be scarce in the early game.
7 Machine Pistol
Size Matters A Little
The Machine Pistol can be acquired from early merchants or crafted yourself. While it gets the job done in certain situations, its lack of significant firepower makes it feel weak compared to the more effective rapid-fire options available later.
Using compact rounds—readily available in the early game—allows you to keep this weapon handy when other ammo types are running low. However, there are better compact round alternatives that are much more effective, which will appear later on this list.
6 Bio-Mass Pistol
Not Easy Being Green
While the Bio-Mass Pistol has a unique design and an engaging concept, its practicality often falls short. It relies on bio-mass canisters for ammunition, which are not as commonly found as other resources.
This weapon is only effective in close-quarter situations and requires a charging period to unleash its most potent projectiles. Despite its creative flair, the Bio-Mass Pistol’s limitations make it less reliable for consistent combat effectiveness.
5 ED Service Pistol
Call A Doctor If You’re Still Using It After Four Hours
The ED Service Pistol is your starting weapon, providing a straightforward and stable introduction to the game’s mechanics. Easy to control and with a reliable firing rate, it’s designed for quick usage—just squeeze the trigger to fire.
While it could use some powerful mods, it offers a notable 50% damage boost against enemy weak points, making it a viable backup option for several hours as you discover more robust weaponry. Its semi-automatic nature allows for consistent damage output while you familiarize yourself with more complex arms.
4 Triple Barrel Shotgun
Technology Is Crazy These Days
The Triple Barrel Shotgun is a cornerstone weapon that excels in close combat. By enhancing the classic shotgun design with an additional barrel, it offers substantial damage potential in the early game without requiring a considerable investment.
Although shotgun shells are not as frequently found as compact rounds, they are still common enough to ensure regular use. Just be prepared for slower reload times, as its close-range effectiveness can be game-changing.
3 Rattler
Sci-Fi Spaghetti Western
Available for purchase from the commissary in Fairfield, the Rattler distinguishes itself from other weapons. While I usually prefer finding weapons during gameplay, this particular piece stands out because of its unique capabilities.
With its ability to discharge eight short rounds simultaneously, it operates nearly like a shotgun but uses a more frequently encountered ammo type. Although not necessarily essential, if you have the funds, the Rattler is a powerful addition to your arsenal.
2 Repeating Rifle
Going The Distance
The Repeating Rifle serves as the optimal ranged weapon you can acquire early in the game, making it worthy of recommendation. With a single round firing mechanism and a base damage of 36, it truly stands out during the initial phases.
You will naturally obtain this weapon during the introductory mission, and it can serve you effectively throughout the beginning of your journey. Additionally, an upgraded version—the Prism Repeating Rifle—can be found early by completing the optional quest “Above And Beyond Repair.”Make sure to side with Kaur to collect it from a downed soldier.
1 Shock Machine Gun
It’s Electric! (Boogie Woogie Woogie)
The only major downside to the Shock Machine Gun is its relatively rare ammunition type. However, this negligible issue pales in comparison to its advantages during the early game. This weapon boasts a rapid firing rate and a damage effect of 19 lightning damage, making it a formidable tool against both human enemies and creatures.
Its large magazine size eliminates the hassle of frequent reloads, allowing you to maintain momentum in combat. You can secure this weapon shortly after arriving in Fairfield—enter the jail near the town and utilize scaffolding to access a hidden weapon cache. Acquiring the Shock Machine Gun will dramatically enhance your gameplay experience right from the start.
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