Finding the best Fortnite weapons is no easy task. And what makes it so tricky is that each seasonal update brings new changes that shift the balance of power. However, knowing precisely which guns dominate the island is crucial to securing that shiny Victory Royale crown.

In this Fortnite tier list, we’ll rank all long, medium, and close-range gun categories from best to worst. We’ll break down the top meta weapons, why they’re effective, and provide insights into the latest balance changes.

Best Fortnite Assault Rifles Ranked: Most Versatile Weapons

The Fortnite assault rifle meta is the backbone of any solid loadout, improving your gameplay at medium to long range. In the current meta, the Enhanced Holo Twister Assault Rifle, with its 199.8 base DPS, has emerged as a top contender due to its built-in sight and low recoil.

That said, the iconic MK-Seven Assault Rifle remains a powerful choice, though it requires a bit more skill to control its recoil. For those who prefer a more forgiving Fortnite AR, the Fury Assault Rifle is an excellent pick, boasting a large magazine and fast fire rate. You can even rely on hipfire.

In Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4, the O.X.R. Rifle made a significant impact thanks to its versatility in both PvP and PvE situations. However, its slower fire rate can be problematic against players who try to close the gap early in the fight.

Tier	Weapons
S+-tier (meta)	Enhanced Holo Twister Assault Rifle
S-tier (excellent)	MK-Seven Assault Rifle, O.X.R. Rifle
A-tier (good)	Fury Assault Rifle, Hammer Assault Rifle
B-tier (okay)	Tactical Assault Rifle
C-tier (not great)	Enhanced Assault Rifle

Best Fortnite Shotguns Ranked: Top Short-Range Weapons

Shotguns are the heart and soul of Fortnite’s close-range meta, especially if you’re climbing the Fortnite ranks. The Enhanced Sentinel Pump Shotgun, with its base 101.15 DPS, delivers devastating damage in a single shot.

In contrast, the Sweeper Shotgun is one of the best guns in Fortnite for controllable recoil. The Twinfire Auto Shotgun is another solid option thanks to its massive magazine, making it forgiving for players who don’t have perfect aim. You also won’t need to worry about skin hitboxes.

At the time of writing, the Wood Stake Shotgun has made its entry into the current Fortnite season as a unique hybrid weapon that bridges close and long-range combat. When aiming down sights, it offers surprising accuracy and reach, setting it apart from traditional shotguns.

Tier	Weapons
S+-tier (meta)	Enhanced Sentinel Pump Shotgun
S-tier (excellent)	Sweeper Shotgun
A-tier (good)	Twinfire Auto Shotgun
B-tier (okay)	Hammer Pump Shotgun, Wood Stake Shotgun
C-tier (not great)	Frenzy Auto Shotgun

Best Fortnite SMGs Ranked: Top Medium-Range Weapons

Fortnite’s SMGs are perfect for shredding your enemies. Add to that a sweaty skin, and you’re basically unstoppable. The Veiled Precision SMG takes the spotlight on our list. It boasts a high 154.5 base DPS, while its built-in Red Eye Sight delivers accurate shots even at medium range.

The Stinger SMG is another powerful option, especially if you’re playing Fortnite on iOS or Android. The hipfire alone requires little to no aim—all you need to do is hold the trigger. Spray and pray, as the community calls it!

The current SMG meta offers some of the best guns in Fortnite, thanks to a weapon like the Hyperburst Pistol that can compensate for the unavailability of certain SMGs. For the most reliable loadout, we suggest keeping a shotgun handy alongside your preferred SMG.

Tier	Weapons
S+-tier (meta)	Veiled Precision SMG
S-tier (excellent)	Stinger SMG
A-tier (good)	Hyperburst Pistol
B-tier (okay)	Night Rose Veiled Precision SMG
C-tier (not great)	Tactical Submachine Gun

Best Fortnite Sniper Rifles Ranked: Top Long-Range Weapons

No Fortnite gun tier list is complete without mentioning the sniper rifles! In the current meta, the Enhanced Falcon Eye holds 106.7 base DPS and shatters enemies with only a few shots—that is, provided you hold down ADS for a few seconds and fire your shot.

Since you’re often marked (with a shiny star) when others notice you using ADS, it’s hard to remain stealthy. Fortnite’s new weapons (long-range) are usually built on the foundations of guns like the Hunting Rifle or Deadeye DMR.

Once you’ve calibrated the best settings for optimal aim in Chapter 6, Fortnite offers a selection of long-range weapons to choose from. The base Falcon Eye and Bolt-Action may be tough to master, but they can be a replacement for your primary weapon.

Tier	Weapons
S+-tier (meta)	Enhanced Falcon Eye Sniper Rifle
S-tier (excellent)	Reaper Sniper Rifle
A-tier (good)	Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
B-tier (okay)	Deadeye DMR
C-tier (not great)	Hunting Rifle

Other Useful Fortnite Items and Melee Weapons

If you’re ever confused about which weapon to pick in Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4, go with the best version of the Wrecker Revolver. While it technically falls under the Pistols category, it works brilliantly as a shotgun or long-range weapon, thanks to the impressive 87.75 base DPS even at the lowest rarity.

Outside the gun meta, Fortnite has added several melee options that can be deadly against unprepared enemies. For example, weapons like Darth Vader’s Lightsaber, Shockwave Hammer, Rumi’s Sword, and Last Call have added many twists and turns based on the mode you’re playing.

FAQs

Which Fortnite weapons are hitscan?

In Chapter 6, most weapons are hitscan, meaning bullets land instantly where you aim. This makes the Wrecker Revolver especially strong for precision shots.

What are Fortnite exotic weapons?

Exotics are special weapons with unique perks or abilities that give players tactical advantages.

How many weapons are in Fortnite?

There are currently over 14 weapons in Battle Royale, though the exact number shifts each season.

Are thermal weapons still in Fortnite?

No. Thermal weapons are not part of the current Fortnite Battle Royale loot pool.

What is the best gun in Fortnite?

Right now, the Holo Twister Assault Rifle and Sentinel Pump Shotgun top our Fortnite weapons tier list for overall performance.