Returnal Weapon Tier List: Best & Worst [2023]

In the hostile world of Returnal, having the right weapon can make all the difference. But with so many choices, it can be difficult to know which guns are worth the effort. Fear not, as we’ve scoured the game to bring you the ultimate Returnal Weapon Tier List. From the explosive power of the Pyroshell Caster to the electrifying precision of the Electropylon Driver, we’ve got you covered.

S Tier:

Electropylon Driver

The Electropylon Driver stands out as the most outstanding weapon in Returnal due to its exceptional damage potential, user-friendly design, and unique ability to attach pylons to enemies, inflicting continuous damage. In addition, the weapon’s pylons can be linked together with an electric beam that wreaks havoc on enemies passing through it.

While its strength lies in its effectiveness against large targets, it also excels in crowd control and boss fights, making it an ideal choice for players who want to master every aspect of Returnal’s weaponry. This weapon is widely regarded as the epitome of excellence in the game.

A Tier:

Pyroshell Caster

The Pyroshell Caster’s lethal damage output and versatility in obliterating not only swarms of foes but also larger adversaries, elevates it as one of Returnal’s most coveted weapons. Outshining the Thermogenic Launcher with its superior crowd control capabilities and superior firepower, the Pyroshell Caster, despite having only two Traits, reigns supreme in the game’s arsenal.

Despite only having two Traits, they are both exceptionally powerful and compensate for the weapon’s slow fire rate. With the Bouncy Projectiles and Streamlined Chamber, this gun can take on even the toughest bosses and swarms of enemies in the game’s later stages. It outshines the Thermogenic Launcher and is a must-have for players seeking devastating firepower.

Thermogenic Launcher

Compared to other weapons that require precise aiming, let’s say such as the Pyroshell Caster, the Thermogenic Launcher is more forgiving in a way and packs a punch. Though not as point and click as some other guns, it does have its pros. It has a wide splash radius and impressive damage making it a force to be reckoned with against crowds of enemies. What makes the Thermogenic Launcher stand out is its ability to deal with crowds of enemies and bosses alike. With numerous Traits to choose from, you can use this weapon to tackle pretty much any situation.

The Thermogenic Launcher’s significant firepower lies in its ability to deliver immense initial damage that is further compounded by its impressive splash damage. This makes it a top-notch choice when it comes to clearing out large groups of enemies in one fell swoop, making it a standout weapon in Returnal. However, it’s worth noting that some of its Traits can be detrimental in certain scenarios. That said, the Thermogenic Launcher with full auto, you’ll be able to annihilate anything in your path in a matter of seconds!

Tachyomatic Carbine

The hulking monstrosity loomed in the distance, its grotesque form casting an ominous shadow over the treacherous terrain of Atropos. But with the Tachyomatic Carbine in hand, Selene was undaunted. Its sleek and deadly design was a testament to the art of destruction, a finely crafted instrument of violence that hummed with an otherworldly energy. With each pull of the trigger, a torrent of hot lead would spew forth from the barrel, a tempest of unrelenting fury that would lay waste to anything in its path. Its massive clip size was like a bottomless pit, devouring ammunition with a voracious appetite that seemed insatiable. But the Tachyomatic Carbine was no mindless beast, for it possessed a refined elegance that belied its savage power.

Despite the dramatic tone, everything said is true. This firearm is the closest you’ll get to an assault rifle on Atropos. It has a large magazine capacity and the ability to discharge a continuous stream of bullets, making it effective against a wide range of enemies, including bosses and large monsters. Its firing modes vary based on its traits and modifications, allowing for both close and long-range combat.

B Tier:

Atropian Blade

The Atropian Blade is a melee weapon that players always have with them once it’s unlocked. It’s particularly useful for taking out smaller enemies with a single slash. However, since Returnal’s combat moves at a fast pace, players should be careful not to leave themselves vulnerable after using the blade. Not only is the Atropian Blade a powerful weapon, but it also plays a crucial role in the game’s story. To acquire it, players must interact with a destroyed Automaton, which unlocks new areas to explore.

The Atropian Blade is a significant asset to players of all skill levels in Returnal. Its ability to deal high damage and breach shields make it an essential tool for navigating the game’s dangerous world. Additionally, it can pierce through red shield barriers, making it an excellent choice for taking down turret defenses.

Rotgland Lobber

The Rotgland Lobber is a powerful weapon in Returnal that has a unique firing mechanism. The longer you hold down the trigger, the further the shot will go, but this also slows down the rate of fire. Despite the impressive damage output, this weapon is best suited for smaller foes due to its strange range and fire rate. The Rotgland Lobber does have some unique Traits like Caustic Rot, Explosive Shot, and Tendril Rot that help compensate for its drawbacks. The weapon is also useful for mid-range combat and crowd control.

While the Rotgland Lobber may have some downsides, it is still a deadly tool in your arsenal if you can master its quirks. Nonetheless, players must weigh the risk of learning to use the weapon against the possibility of an untimely demise in Returnal. The Rotgland Lobber is a strange but potent alien weapon that functions like a grenade launcher, making it an excellent addition to your collection of weapons and artifacts.

Spitmaw Blaster

The Spitmaw Blaster is Returnal’s equivalent of a shotgun, and it excels at what it was designed for: close-range combat. Its high damage output and wide spread make it an excellent choice for taking down enemies at point-blank range, and its ability to fire quickly allows players to dispatch smaller foes with ease. Additionally, the weapon’s unique Traits, such as Narrow Maw, Piercing Spit, and Quick Spitter, can further enhance its effectiveness and make it a valuable tool in a player’s arsenal.

However, as players progress through the game and encounter tougher enemies, the Spitmaw Blaster’s limitations become more apparent. Its range is severely limited, and makes it difficult to engage enemies at medium to long distances. Furthermore, its damage output struggles to keep up with the increased health and defenses of the game’s tougher foes, making it less effective against them. As a result, players will need to adapt their playstyle and either switch to a different weapon or use the Spitmaw Blaster in conjunction with other tools and abilities to maximize its effectiveness.

C Tier:

Coilspine Shredder

The Coilspine Shredder is a coveted weapon in Returnal, with players constantly seeking it out for its devastating power. While its slow projectile firing rate may be a drawback for some, its increased range and ability to ricochet off surfaces make it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled player. With only four Weapon Characteristics, the Coilspine Shredder still manages to pack a punch. Adrenaline Discs, Retarget, and Twin Discs all contribute to its lethal potential, particularly in late-game encounters with tougher enemies and bosses.

However, mastering the Overload feature is crucial to maintain a steady stream of fire and maximize its effectiveness. Despite its strengths, the Coilspine Shredder’s rarity can make it difficult to obtain, and its reliance on the Overload mechanic may be a challenge for some players. Nevertheless, its versatility and power make it a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal, particularly for those who prefer long-range combat.

Hollowseeker

The Hollowseeker in Returnal is a weapon that requires significant skill and practice to master. With its unique firing mechanism that shoots homing needles, it’s one of the fastest firing weapons in the game. However, it falls short in terms of damage output and range, making it difficult to use effectively in many situations.

Despite its high rate of fire, the Hollowseeker’s lack of damage and poor range limit its usefulness in Returnal. To make matters worse, it requires sustained fire to do any real damage. That can be challenging when dealing with the game’s aggressive monsters. The Hollowseeker can be effective against low to medium-level enemies and even some bosses with the right Weapon Traits. However it’s ultimately a weapon that requires a lot of effort to use well. It may not be the best choice in many situations.

D Tier:

Modified Sidearm SD-M8

The Sidearm SD-M8 is a versatile and reliable weapon in Returnal. It offers players a range of Traits that make it a force to be reckoned with in the early and late stages of the game. As the default weapon, it has virtually unlimited range, making it capable of hitting any enemy in the biome arena. Its Burst Fire Trait combined with Homing Missile and Serrated Projectiles Traits give players a potent combination for dealing with enemies and bosses alike.

However, while the SD-M8 is an excellent starting weapon, it falls short when compared to the game’s other guns. It can be deadly with the right combination of Traits. However, players will want to switch it out as soon as possible to access more powerful weapons. Its automatic firing option is convenient but lacks the speed of manual firing. That makes it less effective in some situations.

Dreadbound

The Dreadbound in Returnal is a weapon that is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s a crossbow that shoots a handful of needles that embed themselves in enemies and detonate half a second later. While it’s a powerful weapon, it’s also the most difficult to master. It is not the best choice for new players. The weapon’s slow firing rate and high learning curve make it challenging to use. That may not be worth the risk for most players.

However, the Dreadbound’s unique selling point is its retractable shot and returning projectile, which deals damage on its path back. The weapon has strong damage output and can take out multiple enemies with a single shot. That makes it a valuable addition to Selene’s arsenal for experienced players who are willing to master it. Its limited shards require pinpoint accuracy and precise timing to use the Overload ability. However the shards are incredibly powerful and can wipe out any enemy in the game.

Conclusion

In Returnal, players face an unforgiving world, but they will have an arsenal of 11 guns to help them survive. Our Returnal weapon tier list tailors to your needs. From the blazing flames of Pyroshell Caster to the electric shock of the Electropylon Driver, Returnal offers a thrilling selection. However, in the end, it’s up to the player to master these weapons and uncover the secrets of Atropos. Are you ready to face the challenge and claim victory in Returnal? The fate of Selene and the planet Atropos rests in your hands.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our article on How to Defeat Third Boss Nemesis.