In anticipation of the upcoming Far Cry 6, some fans of the franchise have gone back to previous installments to experience the FPS sandbox elements Ubisoft is known for. Far Cry 3, the game that arguably started the open-world trend for action shooters, still holds up today with its great weapon variety and gameplay.

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Players can bring four weapons with them to liberate the game's various Outposts. Some weapons in the game are unique variants that have enhanced stats, otherwise known as Signature Weapons. Most of these weapons are so strong that players should be aiming to obtain them as soon as possible while others can be safely ignored. From unique machetes to explosive snipers, here are all nine of Far Cry 3's signature weapons ranked from worst to best.

9 Cannon

Far Cry 3 Cannon

Only obtainable from Uplay rewards, the Cannon is a Signature variant of the .44 Magnum. This variant features an extended barrel and optical sight pre-installed.

Each attachment on the Cannon is meant to make this weapon more suited for medium-range engagements, yet most of Far Cry 3's assault rifles, snipers, and even the Recurve Bow get the job done faster. Its horrid hip-fire accuracy means it isn't that great at close-quarters engagements, either. Players are better off using a standard .44 Magnum or 1911 until they unlock the Shadow.

8 Japanese Tanto

Far Cry 3 Japanese Tanto

The Japanese Tanto is a unique machete that is obtainable after finding 6 Letters of the Lost. There are a total of 20 on both islands in Far Cry 3, so this weapon can be obtained relatively early if players know where to look.

Melee swings with the Japanese Tanto do twice as much damage when compared to the standard machete, meaning this weapon can kill unarmored pirates and mercenaries in a single attack. While this is certainly an upgrade, the number of times the player will need to use their melee weapon to kill someone is extremely limited. Of course, this isn't including takedowns, but the Japenese Tanto doesn't improve melee takedowns in any way.

7 Tribal Knife

Far Cry 3 Tribal Knife Menu

Similar to the Japanese Tanto, the Tribal Knife is an upgrade over the standard machete that can kill unarmored enemies in a single slash. What makes the Tribal Knife better than the Japanese Tanto is how easy it is to obtain.

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If players pre-ordered Far Cry 3 or own either the classic or compilation editions of the game, this knife will be available right at the start of the game for no cost. Unless players favor the appearance of the Japanese Tanto, there is no reason to obtain it when the Tribal Knife exists.

6 Shadow

Far Cry 3 Shadow Pistol

Arguably the best pistol in Far Cry 3, the Shadow is the Signature version of the 1911 pistol featuring a red dot sight, suppressor, and extended magazine. It also features a much higher accuracy stat that rivals some of the game's sniper rifles.

Mid-range engagements are surprisingly viable on the Shadow due to its great accuracy and innate suppressor. Obtaining this weapon can be quite the task early on, as players will need to liberate 17 Outposts. This is doable before players unlock the second island, but be prepared to shell out $2,600 at the gun shop to obtain the Shadow. It is well worth the effort, though, as this weapon easily overshadows every other pistol in the game.

5 Bull

Far Cry 3 Bull Signature shotgun.
Via: GamePro iSrael (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB_QJ0jN2LE

Far Cry 3's strongest shotgun, the Bull, is a modified version of the M133 featuring a larger chamber to store additional shotgun shells, a pre-installed reflex sight, and a much higher damage stat.

Obtaining this weapon is quite easy, as players only need to collect ten Relics and purchase the Bull for $3,010. Since there are a total of 120 Relics in Far Cry 3, finding only ten of them should be rather easy. The weapon itself is a powerhouse that can take down tougher wildlife and heavily-armored foes in a few shots. Pair this with an SMG or assault rifle to get the most out of this gun.

4 AMR

Far Cry 3 AMR sniper.

No weapon in Far Cry 3 hits as hard as the AMR, a variant of the Z93 that has explosive and armor-piercing rounds. A single bullet from this gun can kill a bear, and two shots are enough to disable a helicopter. It can be obtained after finding 20 Relics. The weapon costs $4,800.

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A steep price, for sure, but one that is justified. No weapon in the game comes close to the AMR's power. The reason this isn't the best Signature Weapon, however, is because this gun does not come with a suppressor. The Z93, the sniper this weapon is based on, can install a suppressor, meaning some players choose its non-Signature counterpart for stealth gameplay. If players don't care about being stealthy, though, the AMR is a tough weapon to beat.

3 Bushman

Far Cry 3 Bushman assault rifle
Via: GamePro iSrael (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUbUGHSynZY

Players won't be able to use the Bushman until the end of Far Cry 3 due to its unlock requirements. This weapon becomes available for purchase after the player deactivates all 18 Radio Towers in the game. Once unlocked, it can be purchased for $3,800.

Unique to the Bushman is its suppressor, marksman sight, and extended magazine attachments. This is the only fully-automatic assault rifle in the game that comes with a suppressor. It also has the best range stat out of any assault rifle, making it well-suited for medium to long-range engagements. Players looking for a well-rounded assault rifle can't do much better than the Bushman. It's just a shame it's locked behind most of Far Cry 3's campaign.

2 Ripper

Far Cry 3 Ripper
Via: VGR https://www.vgr.com/unlock-signature-weapons-far-cry-3-classic/

While the Ripper might be an unwieldy machine gun, its base stats and attachments are so great that it becomes a must-have weapon in any loadout.

The Ripper is a variant of the MKG equipped with a larger magazine, optical scope, and higher stats across the board. It can be obtained right at the start of the game by completing six Trials of the Rakyat. As for performance, the Ripper is an apt name for what this weapon does. A few bullets from this gun's massive 200-round magazine can down most enemies. Should a heavily-armored opponent appear, this weapon can tear them to pieces in a few seconds. Restocking on ammunition can become quite expensive for this weapon, but the damage it deals is so great that it is a must-have in any loadout.

1 Shredder

Far Cry 3 Shredder

SMG enthusiasts need to obtain the Shredder as soon as possible. Available after finding 10 Memory Cards, this variant of the Vector .45 ACP features a suppressor, optical sight, and an extended magazine. It costs $3,275.

Besides the new attachments, the Shredder has better accuracy and damage stats compared to most SMGs. Its incredibly high fire rate allows the Shredder to decimate any target that is on the opposite end of the barrel, whether that be a bear of a heavily armored opponent. The only downside the Shredder has is its somewhat uncommon ammo type of SMG. Most enemies use assault rifles in Far Cry 3, so players will need to buy ammo from time to time. Regardless, the Shredder is a must-have in any loadout.

NEXT: Far Cry 5: 5 Must-Have Weapons (& 5 Useless Ones)