Best Weapons In Garena Free Fire

Key Takeaways

• The Treatment Gun is a powerful support tool that heals allies.
• The M249 is an airdrop LMG with high firepower, best used in emergencies or against multiple enemies.
• The M4A1 is a beginner-friendly AR great for all ranges, with decent handling and accuracy.

As Garena Free Fire takes its straightforward battle royale mechanics from genre superstars such as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile, it makes sense for the title to feature a unique slate of easily accessible weapons for players to use. After all, players need these armaments to secure victory in this fierce 50-player battle royale.

However, as with other games, certain weapons are just cut out to be better than the others, especially at the hands of a skilled player. Which weapons are the best in Garena Free Fire’s do-or-die battle royale?

Updated November 26, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Garena Free Fire kicking off November with a collaboration with the Blue Lock anime, fans of the battle royale can duke it out as iconic duo Isagi Yoichi and Nagi Seishiro – this time without using a football but instead football-themed skins and gear.

However, fans who want to start saving up credits to purchase their themed skins and items may want to make sure they’re using the right equipment in their matches. Among must-have guns in the game include a long-ranged assault rifle, a seemingly futuristic AR/Sniper hybrid, a popular close-quarters companion, and a weapon popularized by a zombie show.

28 SKS (AR)

Enemies Become Easy Pickings From Afar

Although advertised as a modified M14 with a pre-packaged scope and uses AR Ammo, the SKS is in itself more of a marksman rifle than a standard assault rifle. Its scope cannot be removed and players are therefore stuck with an AR they can technically convert into a sniper whenever they wish.

Thankfully, the SKS does perform decently in extremely long ranges. Its nature as “technically a DMR” doesn’t fail players when they need a long-ranged performer, as it can shoot at targets much further than ARs but still boasts the same damage, range, and general accuracy.

When To Use SKS

Players who want to pull off sniping stunts but maximize their inventory space would appreciate the SKS for needing AR Ammo. This means players can carry an SKS as a sniper and emergency AR while at the same time being able to use another AR like the AK or the Groza if they need backup firepower should they get overwhelmed in close-to-mid-range.

27 XM8 (AR)

A Futuristic Sniper/AR Hybrid

While some fans might argue that the AK is a more versatile weapon in the battle royale, there’s just something about the handling of the XM8 that makes it more comfortable to use. Touted as a futuristic Sniper/AR hybrid, the XM8 comes with a decent rate of fire and a lack of recoil that can make it much easier to use in mid-to-long-ranged incursions. Its accompanying scope cannot be switched out but still offers decent coverage for much longer-ranged fights, allowing players to become snipers whenever they wish.

This dual-purpose nature of the XM8 can make it quite a decent endgame weapon, especially for players who like to switch playstyles on the fly. Knowing that the XM8 can be a reliable companion for both extreme long-range and mid-ranged fights can drastically boost the player’s survivability, especially since they can cover most of their coverage needs with just a single weapon.

When To Use XM8

When torn between the XM8, the AK, and even the Groza, the XM8 only stands out if players are confident about their aim at a distance. If they know the area well enough that they can find a decent vantage point to take out enemies from afar and still engage in a wilder gunfight, then the XM8 is a solid pick for its versatility. However, players uncomfortable with the XM8’s default scope would be much better off choosing an AK or an AR they’re more comfortable with.

26 SPAS12 (Shotgun)

A Decent Companion In Extreme Close Range

The SPAS12 remains one of the most popular Shotguns in any shooting game, and its existence in Garena Free Fire remains consistent in its performance in other FPS titles. As a Shotgun, the SPAS12 boasts high damage and a decent rate of fire with an obvious caveat in terms of accuracy, making it mostly a close-range weapon. In turn, players who want to finish off an enemy quickly can reliably use the SPAS12 to give opponents that killing blow.

Likewise, the SPAS12 serves as a nifty emergency weapon for players who end up having to fight multiple opponents up close that their AR or SMG can’t necessarily handle. Having the SPAS12 as a heavy-hitter when cornered can be a player’s best shot at survival, especially if they want to finish the job quickly to avoid getting the attention of other passers-by who might kill them as ganks.

When To Use SPAS12

Players who have a penchant for staying in buildings for cover and loot can have a great deal of fun using the SPAS12 to get the jump on enemies and eliminate them before they initiate a counter-attack. While definitely not the weapon to take for extreme distances, players who want a heavy-hitting Shotgun as they clear the interiors of buildings, structures, houses, and the like may be able to depend on the SPAS12 to get the job done without much trouble.

25 Crossbow

Kill Foes With Silence

Players who love Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead will likely see a Crossbow in Garena Free Fire as a gateway into creating a badass unit that loves using an unconventional weapon instead of the standard AR. And for the most part, the Crossbow pulls this awesomeness with its interesting perk: killing with silence.

Picking up the Crossbow allows players to shoot at opponents without being detected, making this the perfect stealth weapon. Enemies not immediately recognizing where players could be can make the Crossbow the perfect ambush weapon – provided that players can reload in time to fire another lethal shot.

When To Use Crossbow

Despite the Crossbow’s decent damage and accuracy, its setback of having just a shot worth of magazine to use before having to reload can make it a challenging weapon to rely on throughout the match. The Crossbow is best used if players want to be back up to distract opponents while the rest of the team ambushes them from another direction. Likewise, a stealthy player can focus on getting into unconventional vantage points to get the jump on an opponent – especially in hot zones where enemies frequently fight and players want to become a third party and score ganks for easy loot.

24 Treatment Gun

The Ultimate Support Tool

When players acquire the Treatment Gun in their Free Fire gameplay, the weapon transforms them into one of the most viable support units in a team. While the Treatment Gun can damage enemies in a traditional sense, its most useful feature comes in its ability to heal teammates.

The Treatment Gun comes with a special HUD that provides players with the ability to constantly heal allies until they have to recharge. Until then, the Treatment Gun can be used to deal damage – although not as much as other weapons, making it more of an emergency weapon than a go-to main weapon even for a heavy support playstyle.

When To Use Treatment Gun

The Treatment Gun can’t heal its user, making it more viable in team play. Due to its mediocre damage, players shouldn’t expect to kill a lot of enemies with the Treatment Gun. Moreover, the Treatment Gun has a nifty feature where using its scoped mode allows players to revive an ally from afar – although this is only available once per Treatment Gun.

23 M249

An Airdrop LMG For The Endgame

When it comes to a battle royale like Free Fire where players can encounter many enemies at once, knowing how to use an LMG like the M249 can become a life-saver. Given its remarkable firepower and decent rate of fire, the M249 can decimate enemy squads quickly provided players learn how to control its recoil.

Due to its heavy firepower, it makes sense for the M249 to be only available in airdrops and therefore generally rarer compared to most other weapons in the game. Its strength in long distances does mean suffering a bit in terms of accuracy, which means players need to strategize their positions carefully or risk not only declaring themselves but also having enemies run them down with not a lot of opportunities to exit.

When To Use M249

Given the M249’s nature as an LMG retrieved via airdrops, players need to reserve it for emergencies. In instances where players need that extra dose of firepower – usually when surrounded or in the last legs of the fight – the M249 can be a decent deterrent to force enemies away, clear paths, or overwhelm them with the sheer threat of carnage. In instances where players obtain the M249, it’s best to pair it with a reliable secondary weapon or immediately switch to an enemy’s firearm if they’re within range.

22 M4A1

Beginner-Friendly AR For All Angles

Players of FPS titles and tactical shooter games might already be familiar with the M4A1, especially with its iconic carry handle. As one of the OG firearms to appear in heavy-hitter FPS titles in gaming, it makes sense for Free Fire to also have the M4A1 as a beginner-friendly weapon.

Despite seemingly having average damage, the M4A1 makes up for this with its ease of handling and decent accuracy. The M4A1 is among the most maneuverable ARs in the game, especially at medium-to-long range. Should players have to choose between unfamiliar weapons and the M4A1, the latter is a reliable weapon that can likely get players out of sticky situations.

When To Use M4A1

When players acquire the M4A1, it’s advisable to use it as soon as possible. Despite its middling damage numbers, its reliability across most ranges should make it capable of holding its own against both long-ranged snipers and up-close shotguns. Thanks to its decent magazine size and firing rate, the M4A1 should be dishing out consistent damage numbers that should pepper through an enemy’s health quickly should players train their aim right.

21 FAMAS

Burst Weapon For More Tactical Skirmishes

Compared to other Assault Rifles in the game, the FAMAS is notable for its Burst Fire capabilities. Instead of dishing out damage full-auto, the Assault Rifle fires three bullets at a time, forcing players to recalibrate their firing patterns, especially during engagements.

However, players who manage to work their way around this burst firing pattern should see the FAMAS as a maneuverable weapon in mid-range. Its limited firing capability can be seen as an advantage, as this should train players to be more purposeful about their firing and mindful of their surroundings whenever the FAMAS takes a short break in between shots. Mastering this timing should give players enough room to make quick exits after every burst, giving a tactical flair to their experience.

When To Use FAMAS

Being a medium-range-leaning weapon with long-ranged capabilities, the burst-fire mode of the FAMAS is the main factor that determines its ideal approach to gameplay. The short break between bursts might seem unnoticeable to most combatants, but it can be jarring for users who aren’t accustomed to seemingly inconsistent fire. Given the burst-fire nature of the FAMAS, it’s ideal to practice burst-them-aim strategies – as in capitalizing on the break in between shots to recalibrate the weapon’s aim against moving foes. Alternatively, FAMAS users should consider making quick strafes to safe zones such as cover in between shots.

20 Scythe

High Damage Only At Melee

As with other shooter games, melee weapons in a battle royale game like Garena Free Fire don’t have a lot of room in combat except for general fashion. And players who want to look incredibly slick and awesome in the game might want to get a Scythe, a gritty weapon that can turn Garena Free Fire dark like what the Shadow Royale Mode does to Apex Legends.

At its core, the weapon boasts decent Movement Speed and Damage, making it an ideal weapon for finishing off vulnerable foes rather quickly. However, where the Scythe makes a mark in terms of gameplay is its range. Unlike other melee weapons in other games, the Scythe and its extended nature affect combat prowess, as this contributes to the weapon’s overall reach. In turn, the Scythe effectively becomes a melee substitute for the Shotgun when wielded by the right player.

When To Use Scythe

Compared to other melee weapons, the Scythe’s long-ranged power easily makes it a must-have for players of all types. Despite its low accuracy and slow swings, the Scythe’s capability to cover distance can help players damage enemies trying to escape. Moreover, players who want to add a bit of fun in games could even kill unsuspecting enemies with mid-range melee strikes.

19 RGS50

Anti-Vehicle Launcher For Teams

Also known as the Anti-Materiel Launcher, the RGS50 is known to be the only vehicle in the battle royale’s gameplay to be able to lock onto vehicles. This quality makes the RGS50 quite deadly at the hands of the right squad, as a dedicated vehicle destroyer can cripple teams in the late game of any Garena Free Fire match. Its only downside is dealing less damage to players, making it unideal in hard skirmishes. For more tactical teams, however, the RGS50 seems like a logical choice for a more strategic weapon.

Should players need a heavy-hitting weapon to deal with pesky enemy vehicles, the RGS50 can get the job done, especially within reach of its decent ammunition count. This isn’t to say that the RGS50 should be the player’s primary weapon in the match, but its anti-vehicle capabilities can make it a dependable asset in the high-stakes midgame and the wilder endgame moments of a playthrough.

18 AN94 (AR)

Decent Starting AR To Cover Starting Zones

While the AN94 is similar to most other Assault Rifles in the battle royale for its decent range and firing rate, its high recoil can make it rather difficult to use in hectic situations. The AN94 makes up for this with decent firepower, although fans may want to replace the AN94 with other ARs quickly due to its unremarkable damage output.

Given the AN94’s lack of DPS in the battle royale, it can become quite the undesirable Assault Rifle in the game especially when it comes to prolonged firefights. Should players find themselves in desperate need of a heavy-hitting weapon, the AN94 can be a suitable substitute until they find a better weapon in caches or loot them from other players in the match.

17 Kord (LMG)

Less Mobility Is A Worthwhile Trade-Off With Higher Damage

Among LMGs in the game, the Kord packs quite a punch with its overall damage output and predictably weaker mobility. However, despite its higher base damage, the Kord doesn’t perform as efficiently as its other counterparts due to having lower accuracy and effective range. The Kord also possesses a unique mechanic that allows players to fire it like a shotgun when they crouch, adding some variety to the overall gameplay.

Despite the innate rapid-fire capabilities of the Kord, players are encouraged to compensate for its lack of innate firepower with more careful and deliberate aim. Being an LMG, its heavy-hitting nature can leave players of the battle royale with a slight lack of mobility that can become a vulnerability when taken advantage of by opponents. In this regard, an LMG user should ideally have a backup or have a secondary weapon nearby in case of emergencies and can leave an area immediately when other enemies start focus-firing on them.

16 VSS (SMG)

Scoped SMG For Mid-To-Long Ranged Fights

Despite its classification as an SMG, the VSS is more akin to a scoped sniper rifle due to its special inclusions: the 4X Zoom and a silencer. This allows the VSS to perform quite decently at mid-to-long ranges, although its lack of firepower does mean it may still take a few shots to take out foes from afar. While the VSS can perform decently at mid-range, the scope intensity can make transitions from ADS to hip-fire quite jarring for players.

While an SMG, the VSS isn’t immediately ideal for close-to-mid-range incursions. Its lack of firepower may make it not as useful in further mid-range battles, and as such needs players to be more careful when using it in combat situations.

When To Use VSS

Players are encouraged to use the VSS from afar where they can be more deliberate with their aim to ensure they get their shots in, especially headshots that are guaranteed to kill opponents much faster. As a scoped SMG, players need to be wary whenever they try to use their ADS, as the zoom transition can offset their aim in intense firefights.

15 UMP

Middling SMG Stats Make For A Decent Starter

Players fond of combat in battle royales can appreciate the existence of SMGs in any title, and Garena Free Fire gameplay uses SMGs to facilitate fun close-range encounters without a lot of pressure. However, for newcomers just getting used to the battle royale game’s multitude of guns and abilities, the UMP remains a simple enough weapon to use that makes it an effective close-to-mid-range companion.

The weapon boasts a pretty high firing rate coupled with high movement speed, giving it quite a ton of maneuverability that makes it perfect in fast-paced close-quarters combat. Coupled with decent damage and strong accuracy at close range, the UMP is an ever-reliable weapon that both new players and combat savants could use in emergencies.

When To Use UMP

Despite its middling damage, the UMP shines not just in firing rate and reload speed, but especially its movement speed. Players who want an accurate SMG in close-range plays should opt for the UMP, with its decent armor penetration potentially capable of stopping enemy vehicles from escaping especially when the firefight continues outside buildings.

14 AUG

Better SMG Range Is Offset By Lower Mag Size, Accuracy

Fans of battle royale know that the best weapons are the ones able to eliminate opponents rather quickly. However, Garena Free Fire gameplay proves that weapons that can dispatch a target quickly are just as valuable in the context of long-term gameplay. Such is the case of the AUG, an Assault Rifle that excels in dishing out single-target damage to make quick work of individual opponents.

Despite its immediate lack of armor penetration, the strong range and movement speed of the gun provide a lot of maneuverability for players who got used to battle royales like Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt. Coupled with its decent firing rate and damage, the AUG is the gun to hold when players want to eliminate another team’s healer or frontline DPS in a duel.

When To Use AUG

The AUG’s rarity already makes it a tempting choice for an assault rifle, especially with average stats across the board except for incredible movement speed. Players who are reliant on fast and loose incursions should go for the AUG, especially since its handling can facilitate quick shooting during hits-and-runs or third-partying ganking which is common in battle royale titles.

13 M1014

High Damage Up Close Is Risky Against Faraway Targets

Most shooter games offer the shotgun as a nifty close-range companion, especially for players who want to get up close and personal against foes. The case is the same for the shotgun in Garena Free Fire gameplay, as the weapon is often a finishing weapon against players who rather feel overconfident with their more complicated weapons, especially those used to battle royale games like Bloodshore.

Players who want a straightforward shotgun to prove their close-range supremacy can grab the M1014 to dispatch enemies in extremely close ranges. While this shotgun gives great maneuverability and damage with its strong Movement Speed and Damage numbers, the game does suffer heavily in the Accuracy and Range department. This means players may have to train to shoot this weapon in different close combat situations to get used to its destructive potential.

When To Use M1014

Players who want a reliable shotgun for most of their matches should opt for the M1014. Its straightforward nature can make it a close-ranged companion for easy melee kills. Compared to other shotguns, the better handling of the M1014 makes it a safe enough choice until players experiment with other weapons of this type.

12 M60

Packs A Punch But Averaging In Stats

It might be cheating to add a whopping LMG to a recommended weapons list, especially since it’s a bit overkill to be on its business end. However, the M60 is a must-have for players who wish to work on their aim but still want to deal decent damage while having a bit of room to miss.

Not only that, but the M60 is one of the easiest to handle at mid-range incursions. Granted, players who use the M60 better not have to reload since the time it takes to do so can leave them open to a counterattack. Nevertheless, players who get to bunker down in a good defensive position can tear through opponents much faster with minimal effort with this weapon and a couple of explosives.

When To Use M60

Players not confident with the traditional assault rifle could opt for the M60. Its average stats and 68-round magazine should encourage prolonged engagements at mid-range, unlike assault rifles that pack a punch but still rely on frequent reloads. In turn, the M60 is best used by aggressive teams, particularly those who love spray-firing opponents to submission.

11 Desert Eagle

Fire Rate Puts High-Damage Melee Plays At Risk

Despite the flak pistols get for being generally “unusable” weapons, it’s the Desert Eagle that disproves detractors. Players who want an ever-reliable secondary firearm can have the Desert Eagle with them, with its speed offering decent mobility to help users chase opponents down or even mow down foes at close range in the unfortunate circumstance of meeting them in a closed space.

While the Desert Eagle packs a punch, its lackluster rate of fire and accuracy puts players in precarious positions should they miss their shots. Switching to the Desert Eagle in emergencies can save players, but using the pistol as a shotgun can increase unnecessary risks at close quarters.

When To Use Desert Eagle

Among pistols in the game, the Desert Eagle packs some of the highest damage, range, reload speed, and movement speed stats. Despite these high numbers encouraging a Deagle-reliant kit, it’s still best used in case of emergencies. Its slow-firing nature means the Desert Eagle can become a liability for fast-paced plays, which means players may want to pack another rifle for general gameplay.

10 M500

Long-Range Advantage Offset By Poor Accuracy

Players in the mood for experimentation might want to try the M500 for a handy pistol option, primarily for the inclusion of a 2x Scope. While certainly not a scope for larger distances, the decent damage and fast-enough reload speed can help players aim for opponents and run away fast enough to avoid any form of retaliation.

The M500 is also a handy ranged sidearm for players who strive to stay in the mid-to-close range in combat but still want a way to annoy opponents they see from afar. Although experimental in terms of build options, the M500 is certainly strong enough to help players compete but at the same time test new weapon combinations.

When To Use M500

Players who want a long-range pistol should pick up the M500. Its incredible range and high movement speed encourage sniper-like gameplay with its 2x scope, although it can still accommodate close-quarters plays. While it doesn’t pack as much firepower as traditional snipers, players who simply need a weapon to accommodate further distances should opt for the M500 instead of risking their inventory space for a sniper they may barely use.

9 KAR98K

Powerful Sniper That Lacks Range For Distance Supremacy

Players looking to dominate long-range matches need a reliable sniper, and KAR98K won’t disappoint. Properly placed shots either knock the opponents down or kill them entirely, and its 5-shot magazine could even damage the victim’s squadmates.

What’s interesting is that the KAR98K is a weapon that can be found almost anywhere, meaning players who want to train snipers or want to switch to a marksman build can easily grab this gun and start shooting enemies from afar. Its easy-to-find nature can help players start a defensive build and defend a garrison point before heading to safe zones, which they can use in tandem with explosives and other throwables.

When To Use KAR98K

Without a doubt one of the best snipers in the game, the KAR98K packs extremely high damage, range, and accuracy stats. Despite its rather old appearance, the KAR98K also has high movement speed and above-average armor penetration, making the sniper one of the most balanced samples of its weapon type. It comes pre-equipped with an 8x scope, forcing would-be snipers to adjust their playstyles rather quickly. Its stability should make quick work of enemy squads, especially at the hands of someone who can make pinpoint changes to aim.