GTA 5 Best Weapons Guide
Complete tier list ranking all guns in GTA 5 and GTA Online
Last updated: January 2026
GTA 5 and GTA Online feature over 100 weapons across multiple categories. Choosing the right weapon for each situation can mean the difference between success and failure. This guide ranks all the best weapons based on damage, accuracy, fire rate, and overall utility.
Weapon Categories
Pistols
14 weapons
SMGs
8 weapons
Assault Rifles
10 weapons
Shotguns
8 weapons
Sniper Rifles
5 weapons
Machine Guns
4 weapons
Heavy Weapons
7 weapons
Melee
15 weapons
Thrown
6 weapons
Best Weapons
Combat MG Mk II
Machine Gun
The best overall weapon in GTA 5 Online. Features an extremely fast fire rate, especially on the first few bullets, and deals massive damage. Stock magazine holds 100 rounds, upgradeable to 200.
Unlock: Rank 80
$119,000 + $135,000 upgrade
Heavy Sniper Mk II
Sniper Rifle
The most powerful sniper in the game with the furthest range and biggest accuracy. One-shot kills on most targets. Slower fire rate is the only drawback.
Unlock: Rank 90
$38,150 + $165,375 upgrade
Up-n-Atomizer
Special
Unique weapon that launches enemies into the air, pushes vehicles, and disorients targets. Infinite ammo with cooldown. Essential for unsticking vehicles.
Unlock: Rank 1
$399,000
Excellent Weapons
Marksman Rifle Mk II
Sniper Rifle
Versatile semi-auto sniper that works in almost every situation. More damage than assault rifles with a fast fire rate. Great for medium to long range combat.
Unlock: Rank 60
$15,750 + $149,000 upgrade
Assault Shotgun
Shotgun
Fastest fire rate shotgun available. Only needs to reload once for every 8 shells. Devastating at close range with quick reload times.
Unlock: Rank 37
$10,000
Special Carbine Mk II
Assault Rifle
One of the most reliable assault rifles with decent accuracy, superb damage, and high rate of fire. Low recoil makes it easy to control.
Unlock: Rank 1
$14,750 + $135,000 upgrade
Minigun
Heavy
If you like weapons with fast and continuous fire rates, this is perfect. Can easily set any vehicle on fire. Heavy weight slows movement.
Unlock: Rank 120
$47,000
Homing Launcher
Heavy
The best launcher for destroying vehicles with pinpoint accuracy. Lock-on targeting makes it easy to hit moving targets including helicopters.
Unlock: Rank 1
$75,000
Good Weapons
Heavy Revolver Mk II
Pistol
Extremely powerful pistol that can destroy helicopters at close range. Requires frequent reloads but each shot packs a serious punch.
Unlock: Rank 1
$5,900 + $99,000 upgrade
Pump Shotgun Mk II
Shotgun
Not the highest damage in its class, but with Explosive Slugs equipped, it can destroy any vehicle with a single shot.
Unlock: Rank 1
$600 + $82,500 upgrade
Tactical SMG
SMG
Newest SMG added in the San Andreas Mercenaries update (2023). Best SMG for drive-bys with decent damage and good accuracy. Only available from Gun Van.
Unlock: Rank 1
$325,000 (Gun Van)
Carbine Rifle Mk II
Assault Rifle
Solid all-around assault rifle with balanced stats. Good accuracy and damage make it reliable for most combat situations.
Unlock: Rank 42
$13,000 + $107,500 upgrade
Where to Get Weapons
Ammu-Nation Stores
The main weapon shops scattered throughout Los Santos and Blaine County. Sells most standard weapons and attachments. Prices decrease as you level up.
Gun Van
A mobile weapons dealer that changes location daily. Sells exclusive weapons like the Tactical SMG and offers discounts on certain items. Check the map for its current location.
Weapon Workshop
Found in MOC, Avenger, Arena Workshop, Terrorbyte, Kosatka, and Agency. Required to upgrade weapons to Mk II variants with special ammo types.
Special Locations
Some weapons like the Up-n-Atomizer are only available through special events, the Casino Store, or Warstock Cache & Carry website.
Pro Tips for Weapons
- •Always upgrade to Mk II variants when possible - they offer better stats and special ammo types like explosive or incendiary rounds.
- •The Up-n-Atomizer has infinite ammo and can unstick any vehicle - essential for cargo missions.
- •Extended magazines are worth the investment on high fire rate weapons like the Combat MG.
- •Keep your weapon wheel organized by hiding weapons you do not use through the Weapon Locker in your properties.
- •For drive-bys, SMGs are king. The Tactical SMG or AP Pistol are the best choices for shooting from vehicles.