Red Dead Redemption 2: Most Powerful Weapons, Ranked

in Red Dead Redemption 2, You'll need the best weapons so players can be the most dangerous person in the room when the situation inevitably escalates. While many weapons have entirely situational benefits, some prove to be the best weapons to use overall, and players are either confident experts or downright idiots who don't have them in their arsenal.

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Red Dead Redemption 2: Best rifles and how to get them, rankings

Rifles serve as excellent weapons for long-range engagements in Red Dead Redemption 2. The rankings for each rifle are as follows:

Ultimately, the gameplay is Red Dead Redemption 2 It's as difficult or as easy as the player makes it. Not making the most of your arsenal in the game, or continuing to use boring, ineffective weapons, will make gunfights more difficult than they should be. As a result, it is the player's duty to help Arthur gather his treasure. Best guns in RDR2 It can be used to change the flow of battle and make things easier in the more action-packed parts of the game.

Updated on January 21, 2026 by Mark Sammut: Since we've already covered the best guns in RDR2, we've added two new sections to the end of the article: Quick Picks and Do You Need The Best Weapons?

29

knife

A melee weapon that can tear enemies to pieces.

Although the majority of players prefer to use ranged weapons to deal with the numerous threats that lie ahead, Red Dead Redemption 2There's nothing wrong with keeping a melee weapon handy to take out any enemies that get too close. One of the weapons that helps Arthur Morgan on his travels is knife.

As you might expect, this weapon can easily take down most enemies with just a few swings. Normally closing the distance to an enemy with a ranged weapon would be a death sentence, but players who achieve this goal can use the machete to inflict violent death on any enemy attempting to prematurely take Arthur's life.

28

cleaver

A close combat weapon that can be thrown

melee weapon Red Dead Redemption 2 It's pretty interesting, but what makes this weapon even better is whether or not the player can successfully throw it. that cleaver This is one of those weapons that's lethal enough to take out enemies from afar, while also serving as a handy hacking tool for when the hapless fool gets close to Arthur. They will have no idea what is in store for them.

Aiming this weapon in combat can be a bit tricky, so it's ideal for players to get a good angle when throwing it if they don't want to miss. This weapon can kill in one hit from a distance, but is prone to gunfire when nailing enemies at close range.

27

tomahawk

A powerful and fast projectile weapon that requires utmost precision.

using tomahawk to Red Dead Redemption 2 To be most effective, players must aim these projectile weapons with pinpoint accuracy, which can be quite challenging. This can make throwing this weapon tricky during intense gunfights that require players to maintain cover for long periods of time.

However, players who are comfortable with this ranged weapon will find it quite fun to use in combat. It's always satisfying to see an enemy fall to the ground after being hit by a tomahawk. Of course, players can always use this weapon in close combat, and when enemies are close, the tomahawk becomes a versatile and interesting weapon to use in any dramatic scenario.

26

Cattleman Revolver

Weapons that Arthur has had since the beginning of the game

The first revolver a player grabs is surprisingly one of the best revolvers and a solid gun to use throughout the game. This pistol has surprisingly decent range for a pistol, and its high rate of fire means players can fire several bullets at enemies before they can react.

Of course, the damage will quickly overwhelm them, but if players dual-wield two of these revolvers, they can remain a threat until the end of the game. However, even wielding a single revolver allows players to quickly fan the hammer and have an excellent rate of fire that can overcome weak bullets.

25

mouser pistol

Excellent for close range combat due to high rate of fire

Semi-automatics became the standard with the advent of the industrial age. Red Dead Redemption 2 It is set. It's easy to see why a pistol with a rate of fire this high can take out most enemies in no time, especially in close range combat. This is mouser pistol It's a great sidearm for players to rely on when things get too hot and heavy.

While it doesn't boast the highest damage output, players can rain down so many bullets on enemies that they don't have time to react before they bite the dust. Players will eventually upgrade and acquire better sidearms as they progress through the game, but the Mauser Pistol will serve as a loyal servant until the player reaches this point.

24

semi-automatic pistol

Rapid fire weapon with low damage per shot and balance

This pistol may not be as good as a revolver or shotgun in close combat, but it is a great weapon for horseback riding as it allows the player to fire quite a few bullets while on the move and quickly reload for the next attack. It also has enough range to use the pistol, allowing players to hold their own in mid-range combat.

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Perhaps its only weakness is that it is very expensive and it is very difficult to find pistol ammo in the game. However, if players keep these bullets hidden, they can deal a lot of damage and have a lot of fun with this weapon.

23

Otis Miller's Revolver

Otis Miller's Unique Schofield Revolver

Otis Miller is the world's legendary gunslinger. Red Dead Redemption 2. It's easy to see why finding one of his sophisticated firearms will make it fun for players to channel their inner vanity and shoot down enemies in style.

The fact that there are unique weapons Red Dead Redemption 2 The inability to upgrade is a major drawback that is quite frustrating for fans. Still, the cost of owning one of them is small. best gun RDR2It looks great and does its job in combat. If players want to find this revolver, they will need to head to Rattlesnake Hollow in Cholla Springs as part of a treasure hunt.

22

Callaway's revolver

Jim “Boy” Callaway's Schofield Revolver

Canis Canem Edit is a Latin phrase used by fans of Rockstar. teaser This may sound familiar. Nice to see this game getting the green light. Red Dead Redemption 2It could be something as simple as the unique revolver that players earn after personally shooting down Jim Calloway in the final duel in “The Noblest of Men, and a Woman.”

It's a simple gun with nothing unique to boast about from a gameplay perspective, but most fans won't mind. As long as players like the reference, don't expect too much from it, and use it as intended in combat. Callaway's revolver This would be a decent gun to get your hands on in the game.

21

Flacco's Revolver

A unique Cattleman revolver previously owned by Flaco Hernández.

The great thing about this weapon is that you can get it through a side quest, and to upgrade it you can simply use it. This gives it an advantage over other weapons that require a significant amount of cash to acquire and even more cash to modify and upgrade.

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These revolvers also have greater accuracy compared to guns of the same caliber, allowing players to get down on revolver-wielding enemies faster and take them out while they struggle to attack. Pairing this weapon with other revolvers will make players feel like the best gunslinger in the West.

20

midnight pistol

A unique Mauser pistol previously owned by Billy Midnight.

This unique gun is gold-plated and once belonged to Billy Midnight, one of the West's most infamous gunslingers. He may or may not deserve the title, but considering the mysterious circumstances surrounding his opponent's death, his gun is one of the best pistols a gunslinger can own.

This gold-plated beauty has solid stats with excellent fire and reload speeds, even when dual-wielded with other weapons. Because of its high accuracy, it will really shine if players take the time to upgrade it.