World War Z is very much a game where weapon use is crucial. These hordes of zombies aren't going to eliminate themselves, and without the right weapon for the right situation, you might find yourself facing a less than desirable fate. For those searching for the perfect arsenal to have under your belt, World War Z does have some really useful tools to play around with.

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Depending on which class you choose and what weapons are spread throughout the level, you might not always get to use the weapons you want. But keeping an eye out for these weapons at all times is something you'll want to make a habit of.

8 Flamethrower

World War Z. Screenshot of the Flamethrower weapon loadout screen.

Sometimes you just get the urge to toast a zombie or two, and as long as you can find a Flamethrower in World War Z, you're more than welcome to do this. Acting as a heavy weapon, the Flamethrower does take more time to equip and slows down movement speed. But it's excellent for covering a large area with fire and taking down groups of enemies.

The best way to use this weapon is to save your fuel until the end of your current mission or when the stakes seem a little too tricky. You don't want to be using the Flamethrower on just any old enemy as fuel is limited, and once you've used it all, you can't refill it.

7 Shotgun

World War Z. Screenshot of the Shotgun weapon loadout screen.

When at close range, the shotgun is perfect for pushing back zombies and dealing some heavy damage. To balance the close-up nature of the gun, pairing it with either a pistol or sniper rifle will go a long way. The shotgun deals a ton of damage, and there are options to customize it just the way you want.

Maybe you want to add a sight to your weapon to make aiming easier or increase the ammo capacity. Either way, the shotgun will be helpful in virtually all scenarios. Don't underestimate the reliability of this powerful weapon.

6 Scout Rifle

World War Z. Screenshot of the Scout Rifle weapon loadout screen.

Admittedly, the scout rifle can be tricky to control at times, with aim proving to be a bit of an annoyance. But upgrades added to the weapon will help with this, and it's good this is an option since the scout rifle is mighty once you get the hang of the aiming and shooting.

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Some classes start you off with a rifle, but one of the most valuable types is the scout rifle. When zombies spot you and there's no going back to the shadows, this rifle will be just what you need to fight them off.

5 Crossbow

World War Z. Screenshot of the Crossbow weapon loadout screen.

The biggest benefits of the crossbow are the power of its bolts and the short reload time. Of course, when met with a weapon such as this, the length of the reload time dissuades you from using it regardless of its strength. But that's one mistake that won't be made in World War Z.

The crossbow is good for taking out relatively far away enemies, but it's also decent for close-up situations in a style similar to the shotgun.

4 Sniper Rifle

World War Z. Screenshot of the Sniper Rifle weapon loadout screen.

There's a reason why so many players opt to use a sniper rifle — the powerful scope affords so many opportunities. You can shoot from afar without worrying too much about enemies sneaking up on you as they're in your line of sight.

Alternatively, when you need to make a quick shot as a zombie lunges towards you, you can take advantage of the power of the weapon to kill the clambering enemy instantly with one well-aimed shot. Granted, that isn't ideal, but it'll do in a close-range pinch.

3 Chainsaw

World War Z. Screenshot of the Chainsaw weapon loadout screen.

Not only does wielding a chainsaw make you feel incredibly cool when you get to use it against the bloodthirsty creatures coming for your brains, but it also works well when backed into a corner or swarmed by the enemies of World War Z. These moments happen quite often, so if you ever spot a chainsaw be sure to pick it up and save it for one of those dire situations.

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Your melee weapon is helpful on its own, but the chainsaw does a lot more damage, attacks a broader area, and just looks better. However, it is a heavy weapon that you can only carry one of and takes a long time to equip. It also slows down your character's movement. But if you're offered the chance to use it, don't pass on the opportunity.

2 Advanced SMG

World War Z. Screenshot of the Advanced SMG weapon loadout screen.

The advanced SMG is perfect for the enormous crowds of foes that are heading your way. This is because of the ammo capacity, weapon movement speed, and everything else in between. It's a well-rounded weapon that balances the fast-paced energy of the game's stages and it can be regularly found around the World War Z maps.

Ammo will be used up quickly with the SMG. However, there are plenty of ammo refills in all stages, so wasting your ammo will be nothing but a fading memory.

1 Pistol With A Silencer Equipped

World War Z. Screenshot of the Pistol weapon loadout screen.

Sometimes the basics are the best, and this is no different in World War Z. The tried and true balance of the pistol makes it the most useful weapon in the game. It's simple and probably the least flashy weapon, but is one that will be incredibly helpful when sneaking around. Keeping a silencer attached and making sure to keep your distance are the orders of the day — the pistol makes it easy to take out zombies with quick and precise headshots before they're ever aware of your presence.

Since the pistol is the most commonly offered weapon, it may seem like it's the most basic of the bunch. Even though that is true, it is also the best that can be found within the game. So sometimes, you need to take a step back, breathe and pull out this handy tool.

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