Survival PvP multiplayer games are a dime a dozen these days. However, the most popular contenders among them have remained the same over the years. One such title is Rust and it has been going strong ever since its early access days. One of the strongest assets it has is a relatively balanced and fair weapon mechanic and ranking. This has ensured that the players will always have fun and randomness in their games.

RELATED: Minecraft: 5 Reasons Survival Mode Is Best (& 5 Adventure Mode Is)

Of course, the goal in Rust is to always stay on top of everyone else no matter the method. There's a low chance of that happening if you just fool around with nothing but spears and crossbows. So knowing which weapons can propel you to the top of the food chain is imperative in Rust, assuming you want to win or at least rack up as many kills as possible before going down yourself and getting your corpse stripped.

Updated May 22nd, 2021 by Sid Natividad: Most of the best weapons in Rust are not craftable and are thus difficult to obtain. For beginners or early-game players, sticking to those that are within their budget is wiser as that budget might be one's measly life and not just resources.

Thankfully, low-risk weapons in Rust needn't be low-reward as well. Some of them are decent placeholders or stepping stones that ought to be useful as both killing devices and deterrents.

15 The Custom SMG

custom smg in rust

Early on in the game, you'll want a weapon that can make quick work of several enemies at close range, especially those still stuck with sticks and stones trying to swarm you. The Custom SMG is a perfect weapon for such a scenario.

It's cheap too. The SMG body is available and present enough in many loot crates. Don't expect this one to carry you to the late game though.

How To Get The Custom SMG

You'll the following pieces:

  • SMG Body
  • 1 Metal Spring
  • 8 High-Quality Metal

Or check for one in the following places:

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Military Crate
  • Oil Rig Scientist
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Supply Drop
  • Helicopter Crate

14 The Python Revolver

python revolver in rust

Despite being craftable, it's best not to treat the Python Revolver lightly, especially for those punks who are feeling lucky. This little hand cannon packs a punch and is a pretty sight in the right hands. Don't be fooled by the revolver mechanism, it has a respectably fast rate of fire.

The only weakness of this one is the range. It's not that great for any enemy that's too smart to come close, meaning players will almost always have to tuck their tail and run against opponents with bigger and longer guns.

How To Get The Python Revolver

  • 3 Metal Pipes
  • 10 High-Quality Metal
  • 1 Metal Spring

Or check for one in the following places:

  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Military Crate
  • Oil Rig Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Heavy Scientist

13 The Pump Shotgun

pump shotgun in rust

Then again, the Python Revolver might not be the best when it comes to getting rid of enemies who want to be too intimate. Another craftable weapon called the Pump Shotgun does that job better. It does come with some tradeoffs though.

The pump mechanism sacrifices the rate of fire for massive damage. You just can't use this one with reckless abandon as the reload rate is also slower. Still, it's a better option than the double-barrel shotgun.

How To Get The Python Revolver

  • 2 Metal Pipes
  • 15 High-Quality Metal
  • 1 Metal Spring

Or check for one in the following places:

  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Supply Drop
  • Military Crate
  • Oil Rig Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Heavy Scientist

12 The M92 Pistol

m92 pistol in rust

Sadly, one of the most decent pistols in the game, the M92 Pistol, is not craftable but it's pretty cheap in bandit camps and only goes for 250 scraps. It's a better option compared to the Semi-Automatic Pistol which is craftable but the Python Revolver is better than that one.

The gun's recoil is also low so this is a good weapon if you want to save some pistol ammunition. More importantly, the range is better even compared to the craftable SMGs.

How To Get The M92 Pistol

  • Bandit camp: Purchase for 250 scraps
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Supply Drop
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Cargo Ship Scientist
  • Military Tunner Scientist
  • APC Crate
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Heavy Scientist

11 The Semi-Automatic Rifle

rust's semi automatic rifle

One of the best weapons at significant ranges, the Semi-Automatic Rifle is a troubling weapon to counter for many players that don't have the more advanced and modern rifles. It does have low damage since it's crafted but this rifle more than makes up for it with the commendably low recoil and good accuracy.

It comes at a hefty cost for craftable items though it's absolutely worth it if you need to trade fire at a distance.

How To Get The Semi-Automatic Rifle

You'll need the following components:

  • 1 Metal Spring,
  • 4 High-Quality Metal
  • 1 Semi-Automatic body, and
  • 450 metal fragments

Or check for one in the following places:

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Military Crate
  • Oil Rig Scientist
  • Heavy Scientist

10 The Thompson

rust thompson

For a weapon that doesn't demand much but gives something decent back, then you can't go wrong with the Thompson submachine gun. It's been around in many FPS games ever since WW2 shooters introduced this snappy and light gun and in Rust, it's praiseworthy enough to be considered by serious players.

The Thompson submachine gun might only have a magazine size of 20 rounds, but the easy crafting cost makes the Thompson readily available. If you're feeling lazy, you can just loot one from another player as it's pretty common.

How To Get The Thompson

  • 10 High-Quality Metal
  • 100 Wood
  • 1 Metal Spring
  • SMG body

Or check for one in the following places:

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Supply Drop
  • Cargo Ship Scientist
  • Military Tunner Scientist

9 The MP5A4

rust mp5 gun

For a better submachine gun though, something more contemporary or modern will suit your needs better. That would be the MP5A4 or simply MP5. It's the best submachine gun available in the game and is easily crafted as well, albeit pickier and more demanding than a Thompson.

RELATED: Minecraft: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Survival Mode

That's to be expected. The MP5 is a competent enough weapon for those looking for something light but can still excel at medium-range engagements. You would want to treat it more like a stepping stone as it's easily outshined by other weapons.

How To Get The MP5A4

  • 15 High-Quality Metal
  • 1 SMG Body
  • 2 Metal Spring

Or check for one in the following places:

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Supply Drop
  • Cargo Ship Scientist
  • Military Tunner Scientist

8 The SPAS-12 Shotgun

rust spas 12

Shotguns are always welcome in games like Rust as it's inevitable that an antisocial noob will barge in your carefully constructed base and ambush you near the door. For such encounters, the Spas-12 is the best-in-class since it's a semi-automatic shotgun.

The reload speed isn't any better than the clunky-looking Pump Shotgun but the firing rate gives an insane advantage against some evasive enemies at close-quarters. Too bad it's quite a rare commodity since the SPAS-12 is only available in loot boxes or for trading in case someone is civil enough.

How To Get The SPAS-12 Shotgun

  • Bandit camp, 250 scraps
  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Supply Drop
  • Cargo Ship Scientist
  • Military Tunner Scientist

7 The M39 Rifle

m39 rifle rust

For a safe option when dealing with enemies, something like the M39 Rifle is a good choice. It's only semi-automatic and can't dish out some panic lead sprays for surprise close-range encounters but it's still a lovely gun for multiple situations.

RELATED: Top 16 Creatures To Tame First In Ark: Survival Evolved

Whether it's for long-range hunts or medium-range firefights, the M39 Rifle can and will suffice. It's not craftable but significantly better compared to the craftable semi-auto rifle in the survival game. The M39 Rifle also has zero bullet travel time and is a good candidate for a silencer.

How To Get The M39 Rifle

  • Bandit camp: Purchase for 400 scraps
  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Supply Drop

6 The LR-300 Assault Rifle

rust lr-300 rifle

Looking for one of the most advanced assault rifles in the game? Then the LR-300 ought to make any gun enthusiast drool. It's a special-looking assault rifle that comes with its own custom sight or scope, making it a beast no matter the scenario.

Don't expect it to just fall into your lap though. The LR-300 can only be obtained through drops so if you loot one off a person you just killed, consider yourself a good Rust player since this weapon is usually reserved for the most clever and competent.

How To Get The LR-300 Assault Rifle

  • Bandit camp: Purchase for 500 scraps
  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Supply Drop

5 The Multiple Grenade Launcher

rust grenade launcher

Normally, a rocket launcher would have populated this spot but nowadays, the Grenade Launcher in Rust has proven to be more efficient in taking out one annoying enemy or a group of them defending a fortified area.

RELATED: 15 Games For Fans Of ARK: Survival Evolved

This one packs in not just one but six punches and has a better reload time compared to other explosive weapons. The learning curve is a bit high though and you have to adjust your aim more than usual to get results. Do be conservative with this one as even its ammunition cannot be crafted.

How To Get The Multiple Grenade Launcher

  • Heavy scientists

4 The Bolt Action Rifle

bolt-action-rifle

Most solo encounters in Rust end up turning into long-range target practices so having a long-range weapon that can kill easily is more important. After all, why get up close and personal if you can just shot someone in the head dishonorably?

For a cheaper way to do this, the Bolt-Action Rifle is indispensable. It can deal with pesky enemies at a safe distance if you're aim is good enough.

How To Get The Bolt Action Rifle

  • 30 High-Quality Metal
  • Rifle Body
  • 5 Metal Pipe
  • 2 Metal Spring

Or check for one in the following places:

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Elite Tier Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Helicopter Crate

3 The L96 Rifle

l96 rust

Sniping is always a fun way to grief and annoy other players and when it comes to that, the L96 Rifle is a cut above most other guns. This favors the one-shot, one-kill philosophy as the reload speed is bolt-action and it's mostly viable in long-range.

The gun itself doesn't come with a scope so you have to work hard to that. You also have to do some keen searching for the gun because it's not available on workbenches. Once you have it, then it's mostly game-over for anyone out in the open.

How To Get The L96 Rifle

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate

2 The Assault Rifle/AK

Assault-rifle-in-game

As for the most well-rounded weapon ever in Rust, many players hold the AK or Assault Rifle in high regard. It's an awesome weapon that has a low cost of entry and can quickly match more modern or advanced-looking guns in the game.

The AK has good versatility and damage. The best part is that it can be crafted, making it the most common weapon of choice for players. You would think that the crafting cost is high but no, this weapon is generous compared to others. There's no reason not to get it.

How To Get The Assault Rifle/AK

  • 50 High-Quality Metal
  • 200 Wood
  • Rifle Body
  • 4 Metal Spring

Or check for one in the following places:

  • APC Crate
  • Locked Crate
  • Oil Rig Locked Crate
  • Helicopter Crate
  • Heavy Scientist
  • Elite Tier Crate

1 The M249

m249 rust

Still, if what you want is the best of the best when it comes to going gung ho on some trash-talkers in Rust, the M249. It can literally wipe out whole bases if you have the ammunition and the guts to back it up.

This light machine gun is only obtainable in attack helicopters so only the best of the best can walk away with such a monster of a weapon. The high damage paired with the huge magazine size makes the M249-wielder the apex predator in Rust.

How To Get The M249

  • APC Crate
  • Helicopter Crate

NEXT: The 14 Best Ark: Survival Evolved Mods So Far