When it comes to navigating the universe of Starfield, there are times when talking your way out of trouble just won’t cut it. In those moments, you’ll need to rely on the best weapons the game has to offer. Unlike the top ships in Starfield, which require a high Piloting skill, the best weapons have no prerequisites. However, honing your skills can certainly enhance your combat prowess. Investing in the Combat skill tree, particularly the Ballistics skill, can improve your efficiency with various weapon types.
Keep in mind that while we’ll be highlighting unique weapons, most basic weapons can also be upgraded with mods. Additionally, pre-modded versions of basic weapons can hold their own against the unique ones we’re about to discuss. But for those seeking a guaranteed reliable arsenal, here are the best weapons you can find in Starfield.
Weapon type: Pistol
How to get it: Gift from parents
Your journey into Starfield begins with a humble yet dependable sidearm. If you choose the Kid Stuff trait at the start of the game, you’ll receive Sir Livingstone’s Pistol as a gift from your parents. Though basic, this pistol is equipped with a compensator, large magazine, and high-velocity ammo, making it a reliable choice for dealing decent damage at lower levels. Just keep in mind that it uses .45 caliber rounds, which may require occasional restocking from a vendor.
Weapon type: Pistol
How to get it: Loot
The Magshot is hands down the best basic pistol available in Starfield. This futuristic revolver can eliminate common enemies with just one shot and can even double as a makeshift rifle due to the game’s lack of long-range weapons. While any Magshot pistol is a worthy addition to your arsenal, the unique version called Trickshot, obtained by looting a fallen mech during the faction mission “War Relics,” is even better. The Trickshot fires two bullets simultaneously every fourth shot, providing a substantial boost in firepower.
Weapon type: Shotgun
How to get it: Pass a persuasion check during the main mission “Entangled”
The Experiment A-7 shotgun is a standout weapon that surprisingly easy to acquire. During the main story mission “Entangled,” when you encounter Ethan in his security office, you’ll have the opportunity to ask him for tools to deal with the aliens. Pass a persuasion check, and he will gift you the Experiment A-7. This powerful shotgun boasts 131 damage and comes equipped with six out of eight mods, including a reflex sight, tactical stock, fully automatic capabilities, and flechette rounds. With the Exterminator perk that deals +30% damage against aliens, this shotgun is a reliable option against both extraterrestrial and human foes.
Weapon type: Rifle
How to get it: Loot from Captain Petrov’s vault on The Scow ship
When it comes to rifles, Gallow’s Reach reigns supreme. This unique version of the Old Earth Assault Rifle surpasses its already solid base version. To obtain Gallow’s Reach, head to The Scow during the mission “No Sudden Moves” and make your way into Captain Petrov’s personal quarters. Once you find his room, the rifle will be waiting for you in a locked safe. Gallow’s Reach boasts the Poison perk, randomly dealing poison damage and slowing down targets. With five mods, including armor-piercing rounds, an ergonomic grip, and a reflex sight, this rifle is perfect for taking down high-level enemies that require more than a few shots.
Weapon type: Melee
How to get it: Complete the “Infinity’s End” side quest and carry out The Hunter’s orders
No list of the best weapons would be complete without a melee option, and The Last Priest fits the bill. To acquire this special melee weapon, you must side with The Hunter over The Emissary during the “Unearthed” quest, which unlocks the side quest “Infinity’s End.” By either completing The Hunter’s task or passing a persuasion check with The Hunter while claiming to have completed it, you’ll receive The Last Priest as a reward. With high damage and the Elemental perk that deals corrosive, radiation, poison, and incendiary damage randomly, this melee weapon is perfect for players who prefer a close combat playstyle.
Weapon type: Particle Beam Rifle
How to get it: Defeat The Emissary at the end of ‘Revelation’
Finally, we come to what many consider the best weapon in all of Starfield, Eternity’s Gate. To obtain this legendary particle beam rifle, you must side with The Hunter during the “Unearthed” quest and defeat The Emissary at the end of the “Revelation” mission. Keep in mind that peacefully resolving the encounter by passing a persuasion check will result in not receiving Eternity’s Gate. This powerful rifle has three perks and six mods, making it a formidable force in combat. With the ability to fire two projectiles simultaneously on the fourth shot, volatile rounds that deal increased damage (but have the potential to fail), and a +10% damage bonus against humans, Eternity’s Gate is a force to be reckoned with.