Skip To...
There’s an overwhelming number of weapon types or classes in Once Human, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. However, resources can be tedious to collect and craft, and upgrading them all can also be time-consuming. That’s why I recommend referring to our ranking for all the weapon types in Once Human to see which ones are worth your time and resources (this in-game season, at least). I’ve also thrown in what I consider the best weapon for each type or category (don’t expect them to obtain them easily).
9. Sub Machine Guns
Recommended Best Sub Machine Gun: MPS5 – Kumawink
Sub Machine Guns have always been in quite a weird spot. Most of them do less damage than a Rifle and hold significantly less ammo than LMGs. So what you’re usually left with are niche weapons, depending on their status effect.
Against armored and distant targets, you’re better off with something more powerful and something that has a better ammo economy, like most other weapon types in Once Human.
8. Shotguns
Recommended Best Shotgun: DB12 – Raining Cash
Most of the shotguns in the game have poor reload speeds, as expected. So while the good old double-barrel might pack a punch, it gets old fast. You also can’t rely too much on shotguns when it comes to cheesing boss fights.
That leaves most shotguns’ efficiency to mob clearing, but even then, melee weapons can do that without ammunition and with better AoE.
7. Heavy Weapons
Recommended Best Heavy Weapon: MGL
Heavy Weapons or launchers are awesome when they work, but they’re not really something you can rely on for all situations, much like shotguns. They’re impressive for boss fights, sure. But beyond that, they’re just occupying another weapon slot.
Moreover, the ammo economy for Heavy Weapons can be a nightmare, and each shot comes with a lot of guilt, especially if you miss. You might even end up spending more time scavenging for Heavy Weapon ammo components than actually enjoying the weapon.
6. Light Machine Guns
Recommended Best Light Machine Gun: MG4 Predator
On paper, LMGs look impressive especially when you’re relying on Status effects that depend on fire rate. But if you’re not rocking the MG4 Predator, then expect to spend too much Gunpowder fueling these heavy beasts.
Moreover, most starting or intermediate LMGs have bad recoil, leading to even more ammo wastage. So unless you enjoy this playstyle, there are more efficient ways to spend your in-game ammo.
5. Rifles
Recommended Best Rifle: KAM Abyss Glance
The Rifle at least has a good Cradle perk focusing on damage and sustainability. It’s also the better option compared to SMGs and isn’t as heavy as the LMGs. It’s not perfect, of course.
The damage per shot can often feel lacking– even on full Calibration/upgrade. However, the accuracy of SOCR (SCAR) rifles are quite commendable. Put a good scope on them and they can even double as discount Sniper Rifles.
4. Melee
Recommended Best Melee: Frozen Northern Pike
Early on, Melee weapons in Once Human are the top choice when it comes to clearing trash mobs. Even without Calibrations, they can kill some of the lowest enemies in 1-2 hits, whereas a rifle might consume 3-4 bullets.
If you have the Frozen Northern Pike or the fish sword, you can even have fun due to the frozen area damage, and it also somehow works well against elites or certain bosses. Besides, melee weapons are always available.
3. Pistols
Recommended Best Pistol: DE.50 – Jaws
Funny enough, the smallest gun in Once Human tends to be the most well-rounded weapon. They’re decent for boss fights and medium-distance targets and can put up a good defense when you’re getting swarmed.
More importantly, they don’t consume too much ammo to get the job done. That’s why a lot of players tend to gravitate toward the Desert Eagle or even some of the revolvers.
2. Crossbows
Recommended Best Crossbow: Compound Bow
The bow is usually your first projectile weapon in the game and you can take any green or blue crossbow to mid-game without any problem. Most of the time, they even out-damage the automatic weapons.
All you need is one well-placed shot. It’s also silent, and the best among them have good scopes. The ammo economy is superb, as expected. The only usual problem is the slow projectiles, but it’s easy to adjust for that.
1. Sniper Rifles
Recommended Best Rifle: HAMR Brahminy
One shot, one kill (as much as possible). Anything else is frustrating or janky in Once Human. The weapon that comes the closest to that comfortable playstyle is the Sniper Rifle, of course.
You might say that it’s somewhat useless at close range, but the reality of wielding Sniper Rifles in Once Human is that no enemy can get close to you, so there’s almost no need for closer-range weapons. For boss fights, there’s no better tool. It’s one of the best weapons– if not the best, in Once Human.
