BioShock Infinite includes more weapons that any other BioShock game, offering greater opportunity for variety during combat. Throughout the game, different weapons will become available for Booker to use as he journeys through Columbia. Some of these weapons prove useful and effective while others are better used a last resort.
Unlike the first two games in the series, Booker is only able to hold two guns at a time rather than having all weapons at his disposal. Therefore, picking the right guns to use and invest in can make all the difference when fighting off enemies throughout BioShock Infinite.
14 Founder Triple R Machine Gun
As one of the first guns you’ll be able to equip the Founder Triple R Machine Gun is a handy weapon early on that loses its use the minute a better weapon becomes available. While ammunition for this gun is easy to obtain, its shortcoming overshadows its easy access.
This weapon doesn’t deal a lot of damage so the only way to really make an impact with it is to chew through bullets. However, its heavy recoil and kickback make aiming accurately difficult, and basically render the usefulness of this gun to close-ranged combat scenarios. Any foes at mid to long-range will be a struggle to hit.
13 Vox Burstgun
Working as a combination of the Carbine and Machine Gun, the Vox Burstgun is a weapon Booker can use and find later in the game when the Vox Populi enter the scene. Unfortunately, the gun serves as a less effective version of the two guns it's made out of, and struggles to stand out from the pack.
While it does have a solid rate of fire it is plagued by recoil that make it hard to aim with and hit targets from anything other than close range.
12 Founder Pig Volley Gun
The Founder Pig Volley Gun is a heavy weapon that can deal major damage to enemies. While it is not as strong as the game's RPG, its ability to fire over multiple shots in quick succession makes it one of the more practical and efficient heavy weapons in the game.
The main way to find and use this weapon is by defeating Beast enemies in the game and looting their corpses. When using the Volley Gun, it is important to maintain some distance from your enemies. Firing at close range can cause Booker to deal self damage and lose health. From a safe distance though this gun is a great way to clear groups of enemies and even out the playing field.
11 Barnstormer RPG
This RPG is a fantastic way to deal heavy damage from long range both against groups of weaker enemies and when targeting one of the stronger foes in Columbia. The Barnstormer RPG can be found throughout the game quite consistently and tends to have a habit of appearing right before big combat sequences.
While it does, of course, deal heavy damage at a base level, purchasing the Damage Boost upgrades for it at the Minuteman’s Armory Vending Machines makes it the go-to weapon during the harder battles in the game.
10 Peppermill Crank Gun
The Peppermill Crank Gun is a heavy weapon that Booker can use to deal massive damage to enemies. Unfortunately, this gun is one of the rarer finds in the game. The only way to really get your hands on it is by killing Motorized Patriots or by opening certain Tears made by Elizabeth throughout the game.
Ammo for this weapon cannot be purchased from Vending Machine, so conservation is key to ensuring you are able to use the Crank Gun when needed most. So while it may be one of the stronger weapons in the game it's held back by the fact that it’s very rarely able to be used.
9 Broadsider Pistol
The Broadsider Pistol is the first gun you can use in the game and is a reliable weapon that will save the day on many occasions. While it may not be the best gun in the game, its accessibility and consistency make It a great backup if combat encounters take a turn for the worst.
This pistol can fire bullets at a rapid rate and has little to no drawback or recoil issues. Adding to the practicality and quality of this gun is that you’ll always be able to find ammo for it rather than needing to purchase and conserve it.
8 Sky-Hook
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&dpr=1.5)
The Sky-Hook is mainly used as a way to travel across Columbia via Skylines, it also works as the game's melee weapon. Gear found throughout the game can be used to upgrade the damage toutput of the Sky-Hook and give it the ability to electrocute or burn enemies when used.
For those who love using the Vigor Charge, upgrading the Sky-Hook can be a way to add extra effectiveness to this Vigor, given it uses the Sky-Hook to deal its damage. You are also able to perform a unique Sky-Hook Finisher that brutally kills foes that are low on health. For those playing through BioShock Infinite on harder difficulties, using the Sky-Hook over your guns is not recommended as you’ll most likely end up exposed and vulnerable.
7 Vox Heater
The Vox Heater is a shotgun that deals heavy damage and serves as the alternative to the classic China Boom Shotgun found throughout the game. It can cause added fire damage to the target and is extremely lethal at close range.
The biggest downside to this weapon is the limited ammunition you can carry for it at any given time. Given that the Vox Heater is only able to shoot two bullets at a time, the best combat situations for it are when facing a smaller group of enemies or when up close and personal with stronger foes.
6 Vox Hail Fire
The Vox Hail Fire is very similar to the Pig Volley Gun; however, it has a few added features that give it a unique flair. It can be found throughout Columbia and can be upgraded at the appropriate Vending Machine.
When fired, the Hail Fire shoots off an explosive in rapid succession. If the trigger is held down the projectiles will also bounce and deflect off objects and surfaces, a great feature to help expose enemies who may be hiding behind cover.
5 Vox Repeater
The Vox Repeater is similar to the Founder Triple R Machine Gun, except it has better stats and is worth investing in. Found mainly during the second half of the game, this weapon is often used by foes, making it an easy weapon to find and maintain ammunition for.
Unlike the Founder Triple R Machine Fun, the Vox Repeater is an accurate automatic gun that deals solid damage to enemies. When upgraded, its damage levels make it a useful gun to have paired with a slower and heavier gun so that your loadout is balanced for any combat scenario.
4 Paddywhacker Hand Cannon
This gun is one of the most appropriately named weapons in the BioShock franchise. Is it a pistol? Is it a shotgun? Neither label completely embodies the essence of this weapon so to name it a Hand Cannon is very fitting. The Paddywhacker Hand Cannon is a powerful revolver that can kill most basic enemies with a single headshot.
Ammunition for the Hand Cannon can be found across Columbia, but certain parts of the game will make scavenging for bullets more trouble than it’s worth. However, this weapon never fails to deal major damage and is useful across all difficulties of the game.
3 Huntsman Carbine
The Huntsman Carbine is a semi-automatic rifle that will make any and every combat scenario a lot less daunting. With virtually no recoil and shots that deal major damage, especially when upgraded, this Carbine is one of the best guns in the game.
The biggest downside to this weapon is the limited ammo found for it throughout Columbia. While enemies drop pistol and shotgun bullets all over the place, finding Carbine ammo is rare. For those wanting to consistently use this gun, purchasing bullets from a Vending Machine is inevitable. However, if you do have the coin to spare The Huntsman Carbine is a great asset for all fights throughout the game.
2 Bird's Eye Sniper Rifle
First found in front of the Hall of Heroes, the Bird’s Eye Sniper Rifle is a game-changing weapon, especially when playing on higher difficulties. Extremely powerful and precise, this sniper rifle will help take down groups of enemies with ease from a safe and secure distance.
Naturally, this weapon is for close-quarters combat, so pairing it with the shotgun or hand cannon makes for a lethal pair. Ammunition will be scarce for this gun however, so be sure to use it wisely as it's almost never just lying around.
1 China Broom Shotgun
Investing in this weapon early on will make your BioShock experience a much smoother and more enjoyable ride. Found early on in Columbia, the China Boom Shotgun is powerful at close range and can take down human enemies in a single shot. While different to the shotgun found in the underwater city of Rapture, the China Broom Shotgun is just as effective.
It houses four shots in each clip and ammunition for it can be found with ease throughout the game. Paring this weapon with the Vigor Charge is a devastating combination.