When it comes to a roguelike like Housemarque’s Returnal, your luck plays a huge role in determining your success. However, one of the areas that you have limited control over is your choice of weapons. If you are looking for a guide to all the weapons in Returnal ranked from worst to best, we have you covered with the following guide.
11. Coilspine Shredder
Despite the fact that the Coilspine is a high damage-dealing sniper rifle, the trade-offs with reduced movement speed and time-to-kill just don’t make sense in Returnal.
The Coilspine Shredder is a great damage-dealer, but with only one round in its magazine (unless you have the right Traits), you need to be very accurate. Factor in the amount of bullet hell and movement in Returnal, and that is a recipe for disaster. Good for early-game testing, bad for endgame completion.
10. Dreadbound
Best Returnal Weapons, Ranked
A unique weapon that fires off shards that return to you, the Dreadbound is really good when you can make it work. Getting close and rapidly firing will make easy work of many enemies, but the aliens on Atropos are no fools. They move swiftly, soar through the air, and generally do not like it when you are near.
Unless you can guarantee 100% accuracy while being safe in close proximity, the Dreadbound is a dangerous weapon to wield. Limited ammo means less room for error, and you need plenty of that to stay safe in Returnal.
9. Spitmaw Blaster
Similar to the Dreadbound, the shotgun of the Returnal universe gets the short shaft here. Its limited range more than negates its damage potential, and even with the Narrow Maw trait, trying to focus damage on an enemy at medium range is always going to be a problem.
The ammo is not plentiful, and the dangers of being close to your enemies are always present. The Spitmaw Blaster is definitely not a prime choice of a weapon in Returnal.
8. Thermogenic Launcher
Best Returnal Weapons, Ranked
When it comes to raw damage, there is no denying that every one of the trio of rockets fired per round with the Thermogenic Launcher is devastating. The key being that they have to hit. When the rockets are not exactly lightning fast, it can be difficult trying to nail your target.
The bigger foes on the ground are easy prey; however, once you are fighting those aerial monsters that tend to circle around you, it becomes an issue. The limited ammo does not help either.
7. Pyroshell Caster
Another explosive-focused weapon, the Pyroshell Caster is a great way to control crowds and deal damage in a bunch. Its explosives are certainly great, especially when you can stick them onto enemies and watch the mayhem unfold.
Accuracy becomes the key issue here, with the shells considered slow to reach their target. You also have to consider the arc of the projectiles to fully utilise their potential. In terms of overall effectiveness, the Pyroshell Caster is a decent weapon to have.
6. Rotgland Lobber
Best Returnal Weapons, Ranked
Where the Rotgland Lobber wins over the Pyroshell Caster is the simple point that it does damage over time once its ball of rot explodes over enemies.
The AOE damage is high, and the persistent harm it can cause to enemies is a definite gem. However, the limited ammo is still a big danger to those not well-versed with the Overload mechanic.
5. Electropylon Driver
Now we are getting into the truly good stuff in Returnal when it comes to weapons. By making use of the enemy numbers and the environment around you, players are looking at causing constant damage without necessarily being in the thick of danger.
Lay down your traps, fire off your rods, and watch the enemies fry each other to oblivion. This allows you to be more defensive and focus on evading attacks. Play the long game here, and you will succeed. Although, it will prolong boss fights due to its relatively lower damage.
4. Tachyomatic Carbine
Best Returnal Weapons, Ranked
Mr. Reliable itself, the Tachyomatic Carbine is a workhorse of a weapon that is great for any situation. It may not have the biggest damage, but its ammo, range, and accuracy more than make up for it. If you can focus on any enemy accurately, the Carbine can make the most of its rounds.
Combine that with the higher damage-dealing traits like Payload Rounds and Leech Rounds, and you are ready to mix it with the big boys.
3. Modified Sidearm SD-M8
The sidearm that is stronger than it looks, this is the perfect weapon for those looking to deal heavy damage and who are able to reload proficiently with the Overload mechanic in Returnal. With traits like Burst Fire and the all-important Homing Missile, you can transform this unheralded pistol into a true monster-killing weapon.
Each shot hits hard and true, there is decent range, and even if you are missing with your shots, you get a decent amount of mileage with its magazine. The Sidearm SD-M8 is a treasure, and you will do well to persist with it, especially with the power of Homing Missiles.
2. Atropian Blade
Best Returnal Weapons, Ranked
A bonus of sorts, the melee weapon that is the Atropian Blade deserves a mention on any list of the best/worst weapons in Returnal. Always present, always dangerous, most common enemy varieties will fall with just a swing of the melee weapon.
Even the enemy-types with red shields are susceptible to the Atropian Blade; one swing can deal the killing blow, or open them up for a quick death via firearm. Plus, the visuals and animations are great to look at. The Atropian Blade is certainly made for loving.
1. Hollowseeker
When it comes to keeping you safe, allowing you to deal consistent damage without fine aiming, have great range, and a massive pool of ammo, nothing comes close to the Hollowseeker in Returnal. On its own, you are required to focus fire on a single enemy to take full advantage, but as your Proficiency Levels rise and you unlock the best traits, the Hollowseeker is undoubtedly the best weapon in Returnal.
Phasing Rounds let your projectiles pass through objects, Serrated Projectiles continuously reduce the enemies’ health, while Waves give you a flashing crescent of a projectile that adds to the fun. The real stars here, however, are the Portal Beam and the Portal Turret. Once you have these two helpers out on the battlefield, you can essentially take a break and stay safe. No enemy can withstand the barrage of rapid firepower plus portal damage, all while you take cover.
And there you have it, our guide to all the weapons in Returnal ranked from worst to best. Of course, this is based on our experience finishing the game and surviving cycle after cycle. If you have other thoughts, hit us in the comments below.
If you still need some more tips, tricks, and guides to help you be a better Selene, be sure to head over to our wiki or check out more of our coverage on the game below.
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