Starfield: 17 BEST Weapons And How To Unlock

In the vast expanse of Starfield, the best weapons like the Maelstrom assault rifle, the potent Experiment A-7 shotgun, and the quick-firing Solstice laser pistol stand out. Each with unique attributes, from versatility to raw power, players can equip top-tier weapons to fight enemies and conquer the cosmos.

Best Weapons In Starfield

Here is an overview of the best weapons in Starfield showcased along with Damage, Range, Accuracy, Magazine, Mass and Value Stats: 

1. The Ashta Tamer

Astha Tamer in Starfield is a lever-action weapon originating from Akila City, famed for taming vicious alien creatures, the Ashta.

The Ashta Tamer stands out as the best weapon in Starfield due to its origin and design, hailing from the treacherous Akila City, constantly under siege by the deadly Ashta creatures. Its unique lever-action mechanism allows it to dispatch foes efficiently, especially up close. Its weight and power make it an unparalleled choice for those confrontations where every shot counts.

How To Get

To obtain the Ashta Tamer in Starfield, players must venture into a cave during the “Empty Nest” quest at Akila. Here, the weapon lies concealed in a crate. Additionally, players can stumble upon its base or upgraded versions in various containers, as loot from fallen adversaries, or within select NPC inventories.

2. Unrestrained Vengeance

Unrestrained Vengeance in Starfield is a rare laser rifle with unparalleled range and accuracy, equipped with the Hitman perk, enhancing damage when aiming.

Starfield’s Unrestrained Vengeance stands out not just for its impressive firing rate and range but also for its adaptability.

• The weapon’s inherent advantage is its extended range, which doesn’t compromise its high accuracy.
• This makes the last rifle a superior choice for crowd control and sniping from secure distances.
• Unrestrained Vengeance’s uniqueness is further emphasized by the Hitman perk that boosts damage by 15% when aiming.
• Though the weapon doesn’t come with a sight, it offers seven mod slots, allowing players to customize it extensively.
• For optimized performance, coupling the Recon Laser Sight with the Long Barrel is advised for.

How To Get

Acquiring the Unrestrained Vengeance requires players to tackle the formidable Hunter in the “High Price to Pay” main story mission of Starfield. Upon bringing down Hunter’s health bar once, even if he re-emerges, he’ll relinquish this coveted laser rifle, along with some credits, once you return to your spaceship and ascend.

3. Razorback

Razorback in Starfield is a high-power Pistol boasting a decent firing rate, limited by its magazine capacity but notable for its eight-mod compatibility.

Among Starfield’s arsenal, the Razorback stands out due to its distinct blend of power and versatility, especially for a pistol.

• Its potential for significant single-target damage, particularly at medium ranges, makes it an asset for precision players.
• Although the effectiveness of Razorback diminishes at short and long ranges.
• The weapon’s adaptability is evident with the capacity to be equipped with an impressive eight mods, a surprising feature given its compact size and status as a common weapon.
• While Razonbakc lacks pre-equipped mods in Starfield and intrinsic perks, its customizability offers players the opportunity to tailor its abilities to their preferences.

How To Get

To get your hands on the Razorback in Starfield, be on the lookout as you venture through Starfield. This weapon can be serendipitously found in crates or as loot from vanquished foes. Moreover, the in-game NPCs might sporadically have it in their inventories, adding another avenue for acquisition.

4. Solstice

The Solstice in Starfield is a Laser Pistol powered by 1.5-kilo Volt Lazer Ammo, designed for rapid enemy engagement, albeit with a recoil challenge.

The Solstice’s forte lies in its quick fire rate and compact magazine, enabling swift enemy takedowns.

• While the weapon’s pronounced recoil demands closeness during combat.
• Its lightweight build and mod-friendly structure (capable of holding seven mods) empower users to control its kick efficiently.
• Solstice might be a Common weapon, lacking specialized Perks, but an upgrade to its Advanced version notably escalates its Energy output.

How To Get 

To acquire the Solstice in Starfield, perseverance is the key. Although its appearance in loots (from crates or fallen foes) seems sporadic, the more you farm, the better your chances. Known to be a frequent possession of Pirates, it’s advisable to scout locations like Abandoned Hangars, Deserted UC Listening Posts, and Abandoned Mines.

These adversaries and key spots, coupled with Weapon Cases, Storage Crates, and Safes—often found in lived-in areas—are potential Solstice hotspots.

5. Big Bang

Big Bang is a Particle Beam Shotgun in Starfield renowned for its immense damage output and extended shooting range, unparalleled by other weapons.

Starfield’s Big Bang is not just a weapon; it’s an experience.

• What the weapon lacks in firing rate, as expected of a shotgun, it compensates with a staggering damage potential.
• The ability to shoot over more extended distances distinguishes the Big Bang from its counterparts.
• Its formidable power doesn’t come without weight, making it a hefty piece to carry.
• While Big Bang is categorized as a Common weapon, devoid of innate Weapon Perks, its compatibility with up to seven mods provides ample room for customization.

To maximize the Big Bang’s prowess in Starfield, the Laser Sight combined with the Ergonomic Stock is a stellar modification choice.

How To Get

Acquiring the Big Bang is a testament to a player’s progression in Starfield. It’s not just scattered anywhere: this weapon is exclusive to specific in-game merchants. For hopeful wielders, advancing to higher levels is essential before this behemoth becomes available in the merchant’s inventory.

6. The Old Earth Shotgun

A relic from a bygone era, Old Earth Shotgun in Starfield delivers powerful physical damage, optimized by the Ballistics and Shotgun Certification skill.

The Old Earth Shotgun is a testament to timelessness in Starfield’s futuristic setting.

• Among the four cherished Old Earth weapons, the shotgun holds its own, proving that age doesn’t compromise efficiency.
• Delivering a solid 73 physical damage per hit, its prowess is enhanced by Ballistics and Shotgun Certification skills. Its fire rate is pegged at 6, but reloading speed plays a pivotal role.
• With its accuracy dictating the spread, it’s essential to tweak and mod the weapon to suit individual playstyles.

How To Get 

To secure this vintage piece, Old Earth Shotgun in Starfield, players can visit gun stores like Centaurian Arsenal in New Atlantis, Rowland Arms/Laredo Firearms in Akila City, or Neon Tactical in Neon.

Though there’s no unique version known yet, the weapon’s presence is felt throughout Starfield, reminding players of the blend of past and future. However, sourcing ammunition, given its unique caliber, remains a challenge, adding to its novelty.

7. Heller’s Cutter

Heller’s Cutter in Starfield is a unique Laser Cutter, originally belonging to Heller at Argos Extractors, known for its distinct design and robot-damage bonus.

Heller’s Cutter stands out in Starfield’s arsenal, not just for its rarity but its inherent capabilities.

• While many weapons in Starfield arise from evolved random generation systems, Heller’s Cutter remains truly unique.
• This Laser Cutter, your first weapon in Starfield, remains vital even in later stages, primarily for resource extraction.
• Heller’s Cutter, however, elevates the experience by adding a touch of flair, evident in its exceptional paint job and a special advantage: a consistent damage bonus against robots.
• This makes Heller’s Cutter a superior weapon to your regular cutter, even if its primary usage remains mineral harvesting.

How To Get

To possess Heller’s Cutter in Starfield, one must venture to its origin: the Argos Extractors mining outpost on Vectera in the Narion system.

• Located inside a building right of the landing pad, the cutter lies concealed in a crate near the entrance, reminiscent of where you acquired your first cutter.
• Simply interact (E, X, or A) to claim it.
• However, ensure you approach post the ‘Back to Vectera’ mission, wherein you seek the scientist Barrett.

Prior attempts lead to a locked outpost. Follow Starfield’s storyline, and Heller’s Cutter seamlessly integrates into your journey.

8. The Drum Beat

The Drum Beat in Starfield is a Combatech rifle with a 60-bullet magazine capacity, dealing 8 physical damage per shot, boasting versatility when modified.

The Drum Beat stands out as a formidable weapon in Starfield.

• The weapon’s distinguishing feature is the significant magazine capacity of 60 bullets, ensuring sustained firepower during intense combat scenarios.
• When equipped with advanced magazines or other weapon modifications, the versatility of The Drum Beat is enhanced further.
• Specializing in Physical damage, the Drum Beat benefits from the Ballistics and Rifle Certification skills.

Its baseline fire rate is a rapid 160, though reload speed factors into achieving this. Given its potential spread and the impact of various weapon mods, players are encouraged to tailor the Drum Beat to their preferred combat style, ensuring optimal accuracy, fire rate, and range.

How To Get

To add this best weapon in Starfield, players can loot The Drum Beat from foes such as the Ecliptic Agent, Ecliptic Commandant, Ecliptic Specialist, Pirate Freebooter, Pirate Marauder, and Spacer Punk.

9. Beowulf

The Beowulf in Starfield is a bullpup rifle inspired by an Old English poem, that offers 36 physical damage per shot, ideal for mid to long-range encounters.

Among the myriad of weapons, Beowulf stands tall as a top-tier choice, easily making it among the list of the best weapons in Starfield.

• This bullpup rifle, reminiscent of the famed Old English poem, boasts a damage output of 36 Physical damage per shot.
• Further enhanced by the Ballistics and Rifle Certification skills, The Beowulf rifle is a force to be reckoned with.
• Though the weapon may have a base fire rate of 50, factors like reloading speed play a role in its efficacy.

Players can adjust its fire rate, accuracy, and range through various ammunition and weapon modifications, letting them mold the Beowulf to best suit their combat needs.

How To Get 

For players eager to wield Beowulf in Starfield, it can be acquired from foes such as Pirate Marauder, Spacer Scum, and Spacer Troublemaker.

While the Grendel may surpass it in fire rate, the Beowulf compensates with superior damage and accuracy, making it an essential addition to any Spacefarer’s arsenal.

10. The Kodama

The Kodama is a top-tier SMG in Starfield, designed for short to medium-range engagements, boasting a 170 fire rate and dealing 16 points of physical damage per shot.

In the vast weaponry of Starfield, the Kodama stands out as a superior submachine gun (SMG) choice.

• Notably futuristic in design, the Kodama SMG excels in close-quarters combat, effortlessly taking down enemies from short distances.
• Despite its modest 16 points of physical damage, the Kodama’s impressive 60% accuracy and rapid fire rate of 170 more than compensate, making it an ideal weapon for tight situations.
• Encounters with Spacers, starting around Level 12, often yield this weapon.

Players can also procure it from shops such as Centaurian Arsenal, Rowland Arms, and UC Exchange, with possible mods influenced by the player’s current level.

How To Get

For those who might struggle to locate the Kodama or wish to expedite the process, the Starfield console command offers a solution.

Given its prowess and adaptability in combat, the Kodama undeniably comes in the list of the best weapons in Starfield, especially the SMGs category. 

11. Coachman

The Coachman is a potent double-barrelled shotgun in Starfield, perfect for close-quarters combat, boasting a high damage output but limited by its low fire rate.

When discussing Starfield’s armory, The Coachman stands tall among shotguns.

• This double-barrelled titan delivers a whopping 52 points of physical damage at a moderate fire rate of 47.
• The shotgun is most effective when used in close to mid-range skirmishes, where it can unleash its power before the user either switches to a melee weapon or seeks cover.

Though the Coachman is burdened by significant recoil and a lengthy reload time, its ballistic prowess is unmatched, making it a favorite for those seeking high burst damage.

How To Get

To get your hands on The Coachman in Starfield, you have an array of options. Often, you can purchase it from Trade Authority shops in prominent cities like New Atlantis, Cydonia, and Neon.

Players can also loot it from Spacers, a common foe usually found in locations such as Abandoned Mines, Deserted Mineral Plants, and Abandoned Mineral Refineries. Additionally, the Coachman is frequently found in Weapon Racks, Cases, and Safes scattered across the galaxy. For those prioritizing firepower in close encounters, The Coachman is an essential addition to their Starfield arsenal.

12. The Grendel

The Grendel in Starfield is a high-rate-of-fire SMG with low recoil, optimal for both indoor skirmishes and enemies in cover during mid to long-range combat.

Among Starfield’s arsenal, the Grendel stands out notably. This Combatech-manufactured SMG resembles a hybrid of a P90 and AUG, characterized by its remarkable fire rate and reduced recoil. Such features make the Grendel a dominating choice for mid-range engagements, especially in crowded settings where minimizing recoil can provide a tactical edge.

How To Get

Obtaining the Grendel in Starfield isn’t particularly challenging due to its commonality across the galaxy. Often carried by Spacers, Ecliptics, and various enemies, this ballistic rifle can frequently be found after successful combat.

Exploration also proves fruitful; the Grendel can be discovered in containers such as Weapon Racks, Safes, and Weapon Cases sprinkled throughout sites like Abandoned Mines, Deserted Relay Stations, and Mercenary Bases.

In essence, with its high fire rate of 170 and wide availability, the Grendel is a must-have for every Starfield enthusiast, offering both firepower and versatility.

13. XM-2311

The XM-2311 is a formidable pistol specializing in Physical damage and is the best weapon in Starfield under the pistol category that can be utilized for mid-range combat, boasting a fire rate of 67 and dealing 36 physical damage per shot.

Starfield offers an array of weapons, but the XM-2311 stands out prominently.

• XM-2311’s impressive fire rate, combined with a substantial physical damage output, positions it as a top-tier pistol.
• While its base attributes are commendable, the weapon truly shines when coupled with the Pistol Certification and Ballistics skill.

Additionally, with the flexibility of five mod slots and compatibility with various ammunition and magazine weapon mods, players can tailor the XM-2311 to their specific playstyles, enhancing its rate of fire, accuracy, or even effective range. The Space-Adept Perk, specifically designed for space combat, further amplifies its value.

How To Get

To procure the XM-2311 in Starfield, explorers can venture to Akila and seek out Rowland Arms. Alternatively, those willing to comb through the galaxy might stumble upon this prized weapon either by looting adversaries or discovering it within containers. In essence, for those craving power and precision, the XM-2311 remains an unmatched choice in the Starfield armory.

14. The Lawgiver

The Lawgiver in Starfield is a powerful, lever-action ballistic rifle delivering a hefty .50 Cal slug, blending old-west aesthetics with space-age capabilities.

In the expansive universe of Starfield, the Lawgiver holds a unique position. Its compelling damage output, notably 31 physical damage, combined with a commendable fire rate of 10 and a range of 40, ensures that enemies, even from long distances, aren’t safe.

This prowess, however, comes with a slight trade-off in the form of mediocre accuracy. Fortunately, by utilizing mod enhancements like scopes, players can bolster the Lawgiver’s efficiency considerably, making it one of the most versatile weapons in the game.

How To Get

For those eager to wield this powerhouse, Starfield offers multiple avenues. Lawgiver is frequently found on defeated Spacers, inhabitants of locales such as Abandoned Mines and Deserted Mineral Plants.

Furthermore, players may also discover the Lawgiver within locked safes at various points of interest. Trade Authority shops in prominent cities like New Atlantis and Cydonia often stock the Lawgiver, especially as players advance in levels.

Given Lawgiver’s prevalence in Starfield, players won’t need to deviate much from their primary quests to acquire this remarkable weapon, often coming with the bonus of enhanced stats and weapon modifiers. 

15. Peacekeeper

The Peacekeeper is an exceptional high-caliber rare rifle in Starfield known for its precision and unmatched firing rate, perfect for methodical players aiming for one-shot victories.

Starfield’s vast arsenal boasts many impressive weapons, but the Peacekeeper stands apart.

• Dealing 19 physical damage per shot, it’s further enhanced by the Ballistics and Rifle Certification skills.
• What sets the Peacekeeper apart is its unique ability to one-shot-headshot adversaries from medium distances, making it ideal for strategists who prefer taking time to plan and execute.
• With a fire rate primed for crowd control and an Extended Magazine Perk, skirmishes are transformed into swift victories.

Moreover, the rifle’s compatibility with up to eight mods, like the Ergonomic Stock, heightens its accuracy, solidifying its place among the best weapons in Starfield. Ammo scarcity won’t be an issue; it’s commonly lootable, ensuring consistent firepower.

How To Get

Acquiring the Peacekeeper requires players to navigate the Altair system in Starfield, where a distress call from Private Mahoney will beckon. This initiates the Groundpounder side quest, culminating at the Freestar Collective Research Outpost on Altair II. Confront and defeat the Spacers, and as a reward, the mighty Peacekeeper is bestowed upon the player. 

16. The Maelstrom

The Maelstrom is a multifaceted assault rifle known for its adaptability, from being a rapid-fire menace to a silent marksman’s tool, depending on its modifications in Starfield.

The Maelstrom stands out due to its incredible versatility.

• This assault rifle boasts an impressive fire rate coupled with a 40-round capacity, ensuring dominance in both close and mid-range combats.
• Maelstrom’s true power lies in its seven mod slots, which can transform it from a bullet-spewing beast to a silent sniper, capable of downing enemies in just two headshots.

How To Get

Acquiring the Maelstrom is relatively straightforward; it frequently drops from defeated Crimson Fleet Pirates and Ecliptic Spacers.

• For explorers, this weapon can be discovered in various planetary and lunar locations, from abandoned outposts and mines to deserted relay stations. Locked containers such as Weapon Cases, Storage Crates, and Safes in lived-in areas often yield the Maelstrom upon unlocking.
• Moreover, major city hubs, including New Atlantis and Neon, host shops like Salinas Hardware and Centaurian Arsenal, where this coveted weapon can be purchased.

Considering its unmatched adaptability, having the Maelstrom in one’s arsenal isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a strategy for success in Starfield’s vast universe.

17. Experiment A-7

Experiment A-7 is a powerful Rare Shotgun in Starfield known for its exceptional damage output, especially against alien foes.

Among the impressive armory in Starfield, the Experiment A-7 holds a unique position as men.

• This shotgun, while having a limited magazine and longer reload time, deals tremendous damage, often requiring just two to three shots to defeat adversaries.
• Experiment A-7’s innate strength is augmented by the “Exterminator” Weapon Perk
• The perk grants the gun a whopping 30% damage boost against aliens.

However, to overcome its inherent accuracy issues, mods like the Laser Sight and Tactical Stock are recommended, allowing players to effectively harness the weapon’s full potential.

How To Get

Obtaining the Experiment A-7 involves a blend of exploration and storyline progression. Players must first journey to the New Atlantis planet, and from there, utilize the Overlord Shuttle as mentioned in this Reddit post, to reach the Deadrock Mining Outpost where the weapon can be located.

• Moreover, during the “Entangled” main story mission, players will receive this weapon from a security guard named Ethan upon investigating a distress signal from the Nishina Research Station.
• A persuasion dialogue choice concerning local scorpions, when chosen, ensures Ethan hands over this coveted shotgun.

Given its unparalleled firepower and alien-combating capabilities, Experiment A-7 is a must-have in the Starfield universe.

To wrap it up, exploring interstellar adventures in Starfield requires optimal firepower & best weapons in your inventory. The Maelstrom’s adaptability, Experiment A-7’s devastating force against aliens, and the Solstice’s precision energy strikes prove essential. As players chart unknown realms, these weapons remain paramount choices, ensuring success against the most formidable galactic adversaries.

This is all about the best weapons that you can find in “Starfield” If this article piques your interest and you want to explore more consider reading, The BEST Backgrounds in Starfield, and BEST Starfield Companion guides.

Next:

• Starfield: All Powers & Effects
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• Starfield: All Skill Tree Guide