Having the police chase you around in GTA 5 starts to get cumbersome after a short while. After all, those pesky should pay heed to your latest heist run now, shouldn’t they? Well, no worries, while cops may remain, with our list of the 30 best weapons in GTA 5, they won’t remain for much longer.
We’ve run through the paces, blown up a lot of cars, and even messed with a few RP players here and there throughout our entire selection process. So, before you go ahead and enable Passive Mode like the pacifist you are, here are the top 30 weapons to have in your arsenal!
Heavy Sniper MK II
Type: Sniper Rifle
Rank: 90
Added as part of the 1.40 Gunrunning Pack update. The Heavy Sniper MK II is an upgrade to the Heavy Sniper purchasable at the Weapon Workshop once the original has been unlocked and purchased for $38,150. This upgraded Rifle will cost you an additional $165,375.
The MK II is arguably the most powerful, accurate, and long-ranged weapon in all of GTA Online. If you’re looking to kill any and all of your foes from a safe distance, this is without a doubt the weapon for you!
Railgun
Type: Heavy Weapon
Rank: None
The infamous Railgun was added to GTA Online on January 12, 2023, as part of the Los Santos Drug Wars Update. So if you want the newest weaponry GTA Online has to offer, head over to the Gun Van and purchase this beast for a whopping $730,000.
Whilst the price might be eye-brow raising, the fun you’ll have with this weapon will more than justice it. The Online Railgun is not as ferocious as its Story Mode counterpart, with half the damage and bullet velocity, but it remains an incredible weapon.
Now is the perfect time to splurge on some new weaponry!
Widowmaker
Type: Heavy Weapons
Rank: None
The Widowmaker is another exceptional addition to the Heavy Weapons class. This cannon is effective against cars, planes, helicopters, and other players.
Performing basically as a fun reskin of the Minigun, its damage and other stats are identical. So why not rain fire upon your enemies in (Gallatic) style?
The weapon’s cumbersome nature, which slows the player and makes them unable to run fast is a notable drawback. However, we believe the fun that can be had with this gun outweighs its cons.
Up-n-Atomizer
Type: Handgun
Rank: None
The Up-n-Atomizer was added to GTA Online as part of the 1.46 Arena War update on January 1, 2019, and will cost you $399,000 from Ammu-Nation.
Whilst the Atomizer is not the most powerful explosive weapon available, it does have infinite ammo, making it insanely reliable in all situations. This little ray gun would make an ideal sidearm for those gut-wrenching moments when your primary is empty.
The Up-n-Atomizer is perhaps the only weapon with infinite ammo, earning it a rightful place in 4th on our list. Get down to Ammu-Nation and get blasting!
Unholy Hellbringer
Type: Light machine gun
Rank: None
Added to GTA Online as part of the 1.46 Arena War update on January 8, 2019, this is an enjoyable and devastating weapon and a great addition to your arsenal. This weapon can be purchased in any GTA Online Ammu-Nation shop for $449,000 in-game currency.
The Republican Space Ranger’s Sci-Fi Unholy Hellbringer packs a fierce punch for a light machine gun, accompanied by satisfying futuristic light beams and sounds.
Classic Sniper Rifle
Type: Sniper Rifle
Rank: None
The Iconic Sniper Rifle is available in Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online. Like most weapons in GTA Online, this gun can be customized heavily, with an array of attachments and tints.
This weapon has been included so high up on this list due to its power and availability to new players: Available for $20,000 in all Ammu-Nation shops and can be found around the map for free in GTA Online.
Precision Rifle
Type: Sniper Rifle
Rank: None
Added to GTA Online following the 1.61 Criminal Enterprises update on July 26, 2022, this rifle is one of the most powerful ranged weapons Grand Theft Auto V has to offer. However, unlike most weapons, it can not be modified with attachments.
The selling point for this $450,000 rifle is its incredible precision and accuracy, making up for its lack of customization. Is it worth the massive price point? Head over to Ammu-Nation to find out.
Assault Shotgun
Type: Shotgun
Rank: 37
The Assault Shotgun is a staple gun of Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online, being part of the base game. It’s powerful, fully automatic, and has a high rate of fire.
To obtain this weapon in Story Mode you’ll need to complete the Blitz Play mission, then purchase it for $1,500 from Ammu-Nation. In GTA Online, this automatic shotgun is unlocked at Rank 37, and will only cost you $10,000.
Marksman Rifle
Type: Sniper Rifle
Rank: None
The Marksman Rifle was among the first weapons to be added to Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online, as part of the 1.17 Last Team Standing update on October 2, 2014. This staple Rifle will cost you $15,750 from Ammu-Nation shops in both GTA V Story Mode (After completing The Paleto Score mission) and GTA Online.
Therefore, this is a great starter weapon for new players that packs enough accuracy and damage to compete with the more battle-hardened GTA veterans.
MG (Machine Gun)
Type: Machine Gun
Rank: 50
Want a weapon that will fire hundreds of bullets and look badass whilst doing it? Look no further than the MG. This fully-automatic heavy machine gun is sure to make an impression on whoever is unlucky enough to be on the receiving end. Whilst this beast of a weapon is a mere $13,500 in the Online Ammu-Nation shops, it is locked until Rank 50. However, it can simply be picked up and found in Story Mode.
If you’re in need of mid-range suppressing power or need to clear a group of enemies, be sure to pick up the MG.
Service Carbine
Type: Assault Rifle
Rank: None
The Service Carbine is a GTA Online exclusive, added as part of the 1.61 Criminal Enterprises update on August 25, 2022. Based on the real M16 A1 Rifle, known popularly within the media for its prevalent use during the Vietnam conflict.
This gun can be made by collecting hidden weapon components that appear around the GTA Online map, finding them all will allow you to assemble the Service Carbine. However, if you’re wishing to get straight into action this great Assault Rifle can be purchased for $370,000.
Carbine Rifle
Type: Assault Rifle
Rank: 42
The Carbine Rifle is another classic weapon featured in both Story Mode and Online Mode. Heavily customizable and reliable, this should be a staple piece of weaponry in your arsenal.
The rifle can be purchased in GTA Online for $13,000 upon reaching Rank 42. In Story Mode, the weapon becomes available after The Jewel Store Job.
Special Carbine
Type: Assault Rifle
Rank: None
The Special Carbine Assault Rifle was added to Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online as part of the 1.11 Business update on March 4, 2014.
Similarly to the Carbine Rifle, this weapon features a very low price of $14,750 Online and becomes available following The Jewel Store Job.
Gusenberg Sweeper
Type: Machine Gun
Rank: None
Fans of Rockstar’s Mafia series will be dying to get their hands on this classic machine gun. Commonly known as the Tommy Gun, this weapon was added to GTA Online following the 1.10 Valentine’s Day Massacre update on February 13, 2014.
What this gun lacks in power it makes up for in style! Dawn a suit and pick up the Gusenburg Sweeper for $14,600 to live out your Godfather fantasy.
Assault Rifle
Type: Assault Rifle
Rank: 24
Modeled after the infamous AK-47, this iconic rifle is the perfect starting weapon for low-ranked players.
To obtain this weapon in Story Mode, simply purchase it for $1,400 or find it around the map. However, in Online Mode this weapon will set you back $8,550 and require you to reach Rank 24.
This early-game weapon makes up for its low damage with great long-distance accuracy and a large magazine.
Compact Rifle
Type: Assault Rifle
Rank: None
The Compact Rifle was added to GTA Online as part of the 1.33 Lowerriders Custom Classics update on March 15, 2016.
As the name suggests, this is a small yet powerful Assault Rifle, packing impressive power for its size. This can be purchased for $14,650 at the Ammu-Nation stores and is immediately available to new players.
Heavy Revolver
Type: Handgun
Rank: None
The Dirty Harry of pistols. This hand cannon was added as part of the 1.31 Executives and Other Criminals update on December 15, 2015.
Cheap, reliable, and powerful. Coming in at only $5,900 this beast of a handgun will stop anyone in its tracks. Unlocked at Rank 1, new players can fend off their enemies with ease. Additionally, this gun can be customized with various tints and colors.
Homing Launcher
Type: Explosives
Rank: None
Tired of being blown up from above or run over by other players? The Homing Launcher is what you need! Destroy every and any vehicle in your path with heat-seeking accuracy. Added as part of the 1.19 Festive Surprise 2014 update, this thing couldn’t be any less festive.
For only $75,000 in GTA Online and $165,000 in GTA V’s Story Mode (Available after the Minor Turbulence mission), this Infrared guided missile launcher is cheap and effective.
Whether it be a car, boat or plane this launcher will turn it to smoke and dust.
Assault SMG
Type: SMG
Rank: 29
The Assault SMG, originally from Grand Theft Auto IV, is an average weapon with reasonable damage and accuracy. However, the SMG does boast an above-average fire rate, making it a high-capacity, compact and lightweight weapon.
Whilst it is free in Grand Theft-Auto V’s Story Mode, this weapon will require you to reach Rank 29 online and cost you $12,550. Regardless, this is a handy backup weapon for those tight situations.
Combat PDW
Type: Machine Gun
Rank: None
The Combat PDW was added to Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online as part of the 1.27 Ill-Gotten Gains Part 1 update on June 10, 2015. This weapon allows for various attachments to be purchased and various tints to be applied.
The handy machine gun becomes available after the Military Hardware mission in Story Mode. The PDW is another Level 1 Online unlock, costing only $11,750, allowing new players to jump straight into the action with an accurate and fast-firing machine gun.
Compact Grenade Launcher
Type: Explosive
Rank: None
The very definition of a hand cannon! Rockstar added this fun little weapon in the 1.36 Bikers update on October 4, 2016
Exclusively purchasable in GTA Online from Ammu-Nation shops for $45,000, immediately available from Rank 1. It packs a powerful punch with huge damage, which more than makes up for its awful accuracy.
Unfortunately, this weapon doesn’t have any attachments. But let’s be honest, what else could you possibly want?
Heavy Shotgun
Type: Shotgun
Rank: None
The Heavy Shotgun was added to Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online as part of the 1.17 Last Team Standing update on October 2, 2014. This automatic-firing shotgun deals huge damage to those unfortunate enough to be at the receiving end. The poor accuracy of this weapon makes it a classic spray-and-pray weapon, just close your eyes and shoot til it clicks.
The Heavy Shotgun becomes available after the Monkey Business mission and is instantly available in the Online Mode for $13,550. Perfect for new players looking for a weapon that’s effective and easy to use.
SMG
Type: SMG
Rank: 11
Another classic Grand Theft Auto series weapon, first appearing in GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas. This weapon costs only $7,500 and is unlocked at Rank 11 in GTA Online.
In Story Mode, the SMG becomes available after the Franklin and Lamar mission and will cost you $1,300 from Ammu-Nation.
The SMG’s high fire rate and reasonable accuracy make up for its low damage, making it a great early-game weapon.
AP Pistol
Type: Handgun
Rank: Rank 33
The AP Pistol boasts the highest fire rate of the Handguns, making it an effective weapon in both Story Mode and Online Mode.
The AP can be unlocked in Story Mode by completing the Three’s Company mission. Unfortunately, the AP requires players to reach Rank 33 in online play and will cost you $5,000.
Pistol .50
Type: Handgun
Rank: None
The Pistol .50 designed after the Desert Eagle is as impressive as its real-life counterpart. Boasting good accuracy and damage, you’ll be safe taking on the toughest opponents with this gun.
The Pistol .50 will only cost you $3,900 from the Ammu-Nation in GTA Online and becomes available after the Monkey Business mission in Story Mode.
Mini SMG
Type: SMG
Rank: None
The Mini SMG is the perfect passenger: Drive-bys will never have been so easy with this little machine gun by your side. First appearing in the 1.36 Bikers update on October 4, 2016, this gun boasts an incredible rate of fire.
While its magazine size is woefully small, providing only 12 bullets, the gun is customizable with attachments such as an extended magazine.
The Mini SMG can be purchased from Rank 1 onwards for $8,900.
Micro SMG
Type: SMG
Rank: 5
The Micro SMG is the slower and less fun cousin of the Mini SMG. Whilst, it is a Grand Theft Auto series classic, its significantly lower fire rate leaves it wanting.
However, the Micro SMG is among the few weapons that can be found around the map in GTA Online. Additionally, it can be purchased for $3,750 at Ammu-Nation once you’ve reached Rank 5.
Vintage Pistol
Type: Handgun
Rank: None
The Vintage Pistol is one of the more attractive weapons requiring no visual customization, as it comes ready with a polished silver finish, pearl grips, and engravings.
This beautiful pistol was added in the 1.14 I’m Not a Hipster update on June 17, 2014. It can be acquired in Story Mode for $3,450 after the Mr. Philips mission. In GTA Online it is available from Rank 1 and costs $3,450.
Navy Revolver
Type: Revolver
Rank: None
The Navy Revolver is one of the more interesting weapons on our list. For this weapon is a bonus reward granted in GTA Online after solving the Los Santos Slasher mystery and killing the serial killer himself. There are plenty of tutorials on how this can be completed.
The Revolver has impressive damage and reasonable accuracy for such an old weapon. Definitely worth adding to your arsenal, if not just for the chance to solve a murder mystery.
Double-Action Revolver
Type: Revolver
Rank: None
Our final entry is the Double-Action Revolver, added in the 1.42 The Doomsday Heist update. This is another bonus reward weapon, requiring players to participate in a treasure hunt challenge. Again, tutorials are available.
The Double-Action Revolver is similar to the Navy Revolver in its damage and accuracy. However, this is a great promotional item for Red Dead Redemption 2 and an even greater addition to your arsenal.
Now get down to Ammu-Nation!
GTA V’s arsenal of weapons is one of the most notable features of the iconic game, and the 30 weapons highlighted in this article are some of the best the game has to offer. From the classics to the bizarre and the Sci-Fi, these weapons provide players with the tools they need to take on any challenge that the game throws their way.
