Rust: The 10 Best Guns, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• The right weapon in
  Rust
  can be a game-changer, like the versatile Thompson submachine gun for mid-game practicality.
• The M39 Rifle’s high damage and accuracy combo make it ideal for stealthy long-range engagements, but it’s not craftable.
• The M249 light machine gun is the ultimate firepower option, with unmatched damage output and a massive magazine size in
  Rust
  .

In the high-stakes survival game Rust, developed by Facepunch Studios, players must constantly fight and scavenge to survive. From defending hard-earned loot to raiding enemy bases, having the right weapon can make all the difference.

A reliable gun can quickly turn around a player’s wipe experience, so gamers must know the ins and outs of Rust’s expansive arsenal. To guide players, here are the best guns a player can find in Rust, with details on their specs and how to craft and loot them.

10 The Thompson

The Most Versatile Tier-2 Weapon

The Thompson, or “Tommy Gun”, is a reliable submachine gun that excels in close and mid-range combat. Despite being an SMG, it also has significant potential in long-range engagements when in the hands of a skilled player. The Thompson deals more damage per shot than the MP5A4, its higher-tier counterpart, but suffers from lower accuracy and magazine capacity, making it less effective when facing multiple enemies.

While other guns on this list are more powerful, the Thompson’s cheap crafting cost makes this versatile gun a very practical choice, especially in the mid-game.

9 The M39 Rifle

A Precise And Powerful Psuedo Sniper

The M39 Rifle is a semi-automatic rifle that combines high damage and accuracy to make a powerful mid to long-range weapon. When combined with a scope and silencer, the M39 becomes an exceptionally reliable choice for stealthy, long-range engagements. Boasting the same damage as the Assault Rifle, the M39 can be deadly when used by a player with steady aim.

Unlike the M39’s lower-tier alternative, the SAR, this military-grade weapon cannot be crafted or researched. Instead, players looking to acquire the M39 must purchase it for 400 scrap at Bandit Camp or obtain it from high-tier loot spots.

8 The M4 Shotgun

The Most Powerful And Rarest Shotgun

The M4 Shotgun is a high-powered shotgun that is exceptionally strong for close-range PvP. Compared to other shotguns in Rust, the M4 delivers damage at a greater distance, and its semi-automatic design means it benefits from a high rate of fire, making it more versatile than its lower-tier counterparts.

From defending against raids to door-camping enemies, the M4 can offer some of the highest damage output in the game, even against a full-metal armored opponent, which is why it’s extremely rare to find.

7 The HMLMG

Reliable Firepower Perfect For Raiding

The HMLMG is a belt-fed, handmade light machine gun that benefits from a high rate of fire and a 60-round capacity. The HMLMG is a versatile weapon but is primarily favored for raiding because of its large magazine, which can hold plenty of explosive ammo and keep up the pressure without frequent reloads.

While it is a craftable alternative to the iconic M249, the HMLMG is, unfortunately, relatively expensive and suffers from notably low accuracy. Additionally, its default iron sights are weak, so it is recommended that players use a Holosight when making use of this weapon.

6 The MP5A4

A Craftable Military-Grade SMG

The MP5A4 is a direct upgrade from the Thompson, offering several advantages that make it a more powerful choice in various PvP scenarios. This Tier-3 SMG offers higher accuracy and magazine capacity than the Thompson and a significantly higher fire rate, making it extremely strong in close to mid-range combat.

The MP5 also features an alternate burst fire mode that makes its recoil more manageable, which is ideal for medium-to-long-range engagements, and significantly enhances the gun’s overall versatility. It is easily the best SMG in Rust and is, thankfully, the only military-grade weapon that players can craft.

5 The Bolt Action Rifle

A Reliable And Craftable Sniper

The Bolt Action rifle, or “Bolty”, is an accurate and powerful sniper rifle typically fitted with an 8x Zoom Scope. Its precision and high damage make it a fairly popular weapon, especially with gamers who favor methodical, long-ranged combat. Luckily, players with a Level 3 Workbench can craft this trusty sniper using the components listed above.

The trade-off for its intense damage is that the Bolty suffers from a slow rate of fire and only holds four bullets at a time, forcing players to be meticulous when aiming. A Weapon Lasersight is a welcome addition to the Bolt Action to eliminate weapon sway and to make aiming smoother.

4 The LR-300

A Well-Rounded Assault Rifle Offering Low Recoil And Versatility

The LR-300 is a military-grade assault rifle that stands as the only potential rival to Rust’s iconic Assault Rifle. It offers drastically less recoil than the AK, but suffers from higher bullet spread and lower damage. The gun’s ease of use and optional burst mode make it a well-rounded alternative to the Assault Rifle, but most of the time, it is still outshined by its counterpart’s superior damage.

The LR-300 cannot be crafted, so players can only obtain it by defeating heavily armed Scientists, looting high-tier spots, or purchasing it from Bandit Camp.

3 The L96

Offers High Accuracy For Long-Range Fights

Fans of the Bolt Action rifle will find the L96 even more appealing, as it’s considered the former’s direct military upgrade. The L96 sniper rifle stands out for its higher accuracy and faster bullet velocity, making it more powerful, especially at extremely long ranges. Unfortunately, unlike the Bolty, there is no option to craft the far rarer L96.

Players can use Tactical Gloves to reduce the aim sway of any weapon by 80%, which is especially critical when using a sniper rifle.

Players may consider using incendiary bullets to boost the L96’s damage potential, as the gun’s extremely high bullet speed minimizes the usual drawbacks of these rounds.

2 The Assault Rifle

The Most Dynamic And Reliable Choice

The Assault Rifle, or ‘AK’, is renowned as the go-to weapon of choice for most Rust players. It offers the perfect balance of damage, rate of fire, and accuracy, making it an incredibly versatile weapon capable of outperforming all other weapons at close to mid-range.

The AK’s only drawback is its drastic recoil. Players must master its spray pattern to be effective when using it, especially during long-range PvP. Despite being one of the most powerful weapons, the Assault Rifle is craftable, which makes this multipurpose gun an even more appealing choice and solidifies its status as a favorite among Rust players.

1 The M249

Offers Unmatched Firepower

The M249 stands out as the most intimidating gun found in Rust. It is an extremely rare weapon that players cannot purchase or craft but must fight to win at the crash site of the Attack Helicopter or the Bradley APC.

This light machine gun offers a high rate of fire and boasts the largest magazine size in the game, capable of holding 100 5.56 Rifle Bullets, making it the perfect weapon for gaining control when raiding or defending. With greater damage output than the AK, easier recoil control, and a massive magazine, the M249 offers unmatched firepower and is easily the single best gun in Rust.