Top Weapons in Fortnite Ranked: What You Should Be Using Right Now

Published on January 8, 2025 by Karl Schmidt

Top Weapons in Fortnite Ranked: What You Should Be Using Right Now

Fortnite’s latest season has brought classic weapons back to life and shaken things up in the current meta. With so many options to choose from, knowing which weapons to prioritize can be daunting. We’ve put together a guide ranking the top weapons and offered some tips to help you to equip yourself with the best loadout for any match, whether in Build or Zero Build modes.

Understanding Fortnite’s Weapon Meta

The weapon meta in Fortnite defines which guns are the best in the current season. Factors like damage, fire rate and utility determine their ranking, but the meta isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your playstyle, the mode you’re in (Build or Zero Build) and even your drop location can influence your weapon choices.

Factors to consider for weapon performance:

  • Damage and DPS: How much damage the weapon can deal in a short amount of time.
  • Fire Rate and Accuracy: High fire rates are perfect for close-range fights, while accuracy takes the cake at long range.
  • Utility: Explosives for clearing structures or versatile rifles for multi-range fights.

As you refine your weapon choices, consider using tools that can elevate your gameplay. SecureCheats offers Fortnite hacks that can significantly enhance weapon efficiency. These hacks provide precision aim and optimized settings that can help you make the most out of each weapon’s capabilities, ensuring that your shots land exactly where you need them and when it matters the most. Embrace these tools to transform your standard arsenal into a truly formidable set of weapons.

By understanding these factors, you can pick weapons that not only suit your strategy but also maximize your effectiveness in the game’s challenging Remix season.

S-Tier Weapons: The Best of the Best

S-Tier weapons dominate the current meta, offering unmatched power and versatility. These are must-haves for any loadout:

  • Pump Shotgun
    • Exceptional close-range damage with up to 200 on a headshot.
    • Requires precision due to its slower fire rate.
    • Best for aggressive players who can land critical hits on the regular.
  • Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
    • One-shot potential with precise headshots, even at long range.
    • Fast aim-down-sights (ADS) makes it versatile for medium-range combat.
    • Ideal for players with strong positioning and aiming skills.
  • Rocket Launcher
    • Devastating against structures and groups of enemies.
    • Excellent for forcing opponents out of cover in both Build and Zero Build modes.
    • Watch out for the slow reload time and plan ahead.
  • Assault Rifle
    • A versatile weapon in any range, with consistent DPS and reliability.
    • Easily found and adaptable to any playstyle.
    • Works perfectly as a primary weapon in your loadout.
  • Heavy Shotgun
    • High-damage, precision-based weapon with better range than the Pump.
    • Slightly faster fire rate but still demands accuracy.
    • Great for players looking for a combination of power and reliability.

These weapons stand out for their raw power and adaptability, which makes them essential choices for winning in this Remix season. Grab them whenever possible for a competitive advantage in the game.

A-Tier Weapons: Reliable and Versatile

While not as dominant as the S-Tier choices, A-Tier weapons are highly dependable and can get the job done in the right hands. These weapons strike a balance between power and versatility, which makes them excellent secondaries.

  • Tactical Shotgun
    • Faster fire rate than the Pump Shotgun, this weapon offers a forgiving alternative for close-range fights.
    • Ideal for players who prefer consistency over burst damage.
  • Heavy Assault Rifle
    • High damage per shot but requires controlled bursts to counter its recoil.
    • Best for mid-range fights where precision is your best friend.
  • Suppressed Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
    • Offers stealth with minimal sound while firing.
    • Excellent for players who want to keep the sneak factor alive.
  • Grenade Launcher
    • Perfect for flushing opponents out of cover or dealing area damage.
    • Strong in team scenarios where enemies cluster together.
  • Tactical AR
    • Combines the fire rate of an SMG with the versatility of an assault rifle.
    • Great for players who want to stay mobile and respond to threats quickly.

These weapons provide solid performance across various scenarios and can complement an S-Tier weapon for a well-rounded loadout. Keep them in mind when prioritizing your loot.

B-Tier Weapons: Situational Picks

B-Tier weapons are not as highly rated, but they still deliver in specific scenarios or when you’re out of better options. These guns often call for precision or specific strategies to reap their full potential.

  • Burst Assault Rifle
    • Accurate two-shot bursts are great for controlled players.
    • Best at medium range and not so great in close quarters.
  • Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle
    • Offers consistent long-range damage but lacks the one-shot potential of the Bolt-Action.
    • A solid backup option for players who prefer steady sniping.
  • Rapid Fire SMG
    • Excellent close-range weapon with a high fire rate.
    • Ideal for quickly eliminating unshielded opponents but is a drain on ammo.
  • Drum Gun
    • Great for suppressive fire or breaking structures.
    • Performs best in build-heavy scenarios where sustained fire is an advantage.
  • Revolver
    • High damage per shot but requires high accuracy, too.
    • A niche weapon for players secure in their aiming abilities.

While these weapons won’t carry your entire game, they can be really good when used well. Use them as placeholders until you can secure higher-tier gear.

C-Tier Weapons: Avoid Unless Necessary

C-Tier weapons can’t really compete in the current meta due to limited utility, lower damage or being outclassed by other options. These are your go-tos when you have no other choice.

  • Tactical Submachine Gun
    • Low damage output and accuracy compared to other SMGs.
    • Replace with a Rapid Fire SMG or Tactical AR as soon as you can.
  • Suppressed Pistol
    • Weak damage and limited utility make it a poor choice in most scenarios.
    • Avoid unless stealth is crucial and no alternatives are available.
  • Hammer Pump Shotgun
    • Outperformed by other shotguns like the Pump and Tactical Shotgun.
    • Performs poorly in both close and mid-range combat.

These weapons are better left alone if you have access to higher-tier gear. If you have to use them, prioritize upgrading your loadout as soon as possible.

Tips for Building the Perfect Loadout

A well-balanced loadout is your key to adapting to Fortnite’s dynamic battles. By combining weapons suited for different scenarios, you can handle a variety of challenges and playstyles. Here are some tips to optimize your setup:

  • Balance Range and Utility
    • Close-range: A Pump Shotgun or Tactical Shotgun for close-range fights.
    • Mid-range: An Assault Rifle or Tactical AR for consistent damage.
    • Long-range: A Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle for taking out enemies from a distance.
  • Adapt to Build vs. Zero Build Modes
    • Build Mode: Include weapons like the Rocket Launcher to break structures.
    • Zero Build Mode: Prioritize mobility and rapid-fire options like the Tactical AR or Rapid Fire SMG.
  • Incorporate Utility Items
    • Carry items like Shield Potions and Mobility Tools (e.g., Grapplers or Launch Pads) to stay alive longer and improve your positioning.
    • Use explosives like Grenade Launchers to coax enemies out of cover.
  • Prioritize Rarities
    • Higher-rarity versions of weapons offer significant stat improvements. Always upgrade when you can.

Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle best and complements the current meta. A versatile loadout can make a huge difference.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Meta Changes

Fortnite’s weapon meta is constantly changing, with regular updates that vault, unvault or tweak weapons. Being prepared ensures that you’re never caught off guard.

  • Watch for Patch Notes
    • Epic Games frequently releases updates that adjust weapon stats and loot pools. Keep an eye on these to know what’s coming.
  • Experiment in Practice Modes
    • Use Playground Mode to test new weapons or changes without the added pressure.
    • Practice aim and build strategies with updated gear to stay sharp.
  • Stay Flexible
    • Learn to adapt to multiple weapon types so you’re ready for any changes in the loot pool.
    • Focus on mastering core skills like aiming and movement to stay consistent regardless of meta shifts.

By staying informed and flexible, you’ll be equipped to dominate in Fortnite, no matter how the meta changes in future updates.

Fortnite’s Chapter 2 Remix season demands a good understanding of the current weapon meta. Prioritize S-Tier weapons like the Pump Shotgun and Rocket Launcher, complement them with reliable A-Tier options and do your best to steer clear of weaker choices.

By balancing your loadout, adapting your strategies and staying aware when it comes to updates, you’ll be well on your way to tackling any match. You’ve got this.

  • Author Image
    Karl Schmidt

    Head of Content Ops for SecureCheats, a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the digital realm. Having explored a wide spectrum of video games, from indie gems to AAA title.

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