In the action-packed world of Grand Theft Auto Online, weapons are a player's best friend, and while each is technically viable, there are some that are better (and worse) than others. No matter how crispy a player's aim, how fast their reaction time, or how strategic their positioning is - situations can quickly go south if their choice of offense is not quite up to par. To avoid this, players should look for these powerful weapons (and toss these weaker ones) during their next trip to Ammu-Nation.Although new weapons were promised to players per the recent GTA Online Los Santos Drug Wars update, they don't seem to be accessible quite yet. To the disappointment of many, the rumored new pistol, railgun, and candy-cane-themed melee weapons look like they will be released gradually over the course of the next few weeks. But in the meantime, while players try GTA Online's Drug Wars features first, they can use the opportunity to perfect their existing arsenals.
The Special Carbine MK2 Is The Most Best Weapon In GTA Online
GTA Online can be a wildly unpredictable place, but players can be prepared for every situation by carrying the Special Carbine MK2. This assault rifle is effective from any range, even at longer distances, where it still retains much of its accuracy and damage. This, coupled with the various modifications players can place on the Special Carbine MK2 - like Extended Clip, for example - make it an incredibly versatile choice that can always be relied on. Its in-game description rightfully sums it up as "The jack of all trades."
Just like with any MK2 weapon, players must first own the original version, then purchase the upgrade separately at the Weapon Workshop. The base Special Carbine costs players $14,750, whereas the upgrade to the Special Carbine MK2 will require $135,000, making it one of the more expensive weapons in the game. With ways to make money fast in GTA Online, players can quickly work their way up towards this hefty purchase, and they will find that it's worth every penny to have this gun in their possession.
GTA Online Has Useful Weapons For Every Situation
Although the Special Carbine MK2 is the safest, most flexible option, there are some other weapons that measure up quite nicely and offer some variety. At a considerably more modest price is the AP Pistol - a handgun that is by no means flashiest in the game, but it packs quite a punch for its size. It features both fully-automatic and burst-fire modes, high accuracy, little to no recoil, and rounds that shred through armor - which make it the best weapon for drive-bys in GTA Online. It only costs $5,000 to acquire the AP Pistol, but it does require Rank 33 or higher.
Another one of the best weapons in GTA Online, players can't go wrong with the Heavy Sniper MK2. Although its fire rate is slow, this is remedied by its tremendous damage output. The base Heavy Sniper already does 216 damage per shot, but purchasing the MK2 version increases it to 230, without compromising fire rate whatsoever. The upgrade is an even bigger investment than that of the Special Carbine MK2, being priced at $165,375 - but those who purchase the Heavy Sniper MK2 can rest easy knowing that they have the power to kill any enemy across the map with a single, well-placed shot to the head.
On the other hand, the best short-range weapon in GTA Online is the Assault Shotgun. Not only does this weapon have the highest damage out of its class, it also sets itself apart by being the only shotgun with a full-auto mode. This makes even large groups of enemies, the best Warstock vehicles in GTA Online, and generally anything else that may find itself within the immediate vicinity of the player a breeze to eliminate. While one must have reached Rank 37 to unlock the Assault Shotgun, the purchase will only cost $10,000 - a small price to pay for guaranteed annihilation in close-quarters combat.
Some Weapons Should Be Avoided Entirely In GTA Online
Just because a weapon is expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's good. The most prominent example of this is the Widowmaker, a heavy weapon that looks cool in concept, but seriously lacks in its execution. For $499,000, it will shoot a glowing, red laser beam across the map with near-infinite range and damage comparable to the Minigun, but this isn't enough to overcome its worst flaw in GTA Online. The highly-visible beam reveals the player's exact location, making them an easy target. Coupled with the slow, clunky handling of the Widowmaker, users of this weapon probably won't live to tell the tale.
Following that same principle, GTA Online features a sizable range of melee weapons, but these are not the recommended means of attack in any situation. Almost everyone in the game uses guns, which can swiftly take out a player before they even get close enough to deal any damage. Unless they can confidently execute a stealth takedown, any shotgun (even something with below-average damage, like the Pump Action Shotgun) will outperform a melee weapon. The only exception to this rule is GTA Online's Stone Hatchet, which poses a challenge to enemies by giving the user short (yet extreme) damage reduction.
Players can choose from a wide range of weaponry in GTA Online, but at the same time, there are a few choices that are objectively better than others. Some of the highest-damage weapons are those upgraded to MK2, but there are also options for those who are looking for a more cost-effective solution. Conversely, nearly the entire melee class and the Widowmaker struggle to be useful past their unique design. Ultimately, the decision is up to the player, and they may use whichever weapon they feel suits them best - but following the recommendations above can make killing enemies, passing missions, and causing all-around chaos even easier in GTA Online.
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