Summary
- Each weapon category in Beyond Citadel offers unique gameplay mechanics and requires strategic selection.
- Standout weapons like the Heavy MG, Remote Detonator, and Infiltrator SMG provide diverse combat options.
- The Whalegun 4X, Meta-Magnum MkII, Machine Rifle A2, Sawn-Off Repeater, and Xeta Rifle offer specialized advantages.
Beyond Citadel has some of the most polished gunplay you’ll find in modern indie titles. Following in its predecessor’s footsteps, the classic Doom series, the game is packed with high-octane action, keeping you active and mobile at all times. What binds it all together, though, is the vast weapon arsenal, which comes with in-depth jamming, reloading, and firing mechanics you need to master.
Every weapon in Beyond Citadel is split across ten categories. You can only carry one weapon in each category at a time, and even upgrade them on the workbench. However, with 25 weapons, it’s challenging to pick the right ones, especially when buying them from a vendor costs a fortune. Fortunately, a few highlights do stand out to make your choices easier.
This list does not include Special weapons like the Painkiller.
8
Heavy MG
Weapon Type: Large Caliber
As an automatic weapon, the Heavy MG has impressive range and accuracy, taking care of snipers if they’re not too far away. The damage-per-second (or DPS) rivals the Machine Rifle A2, so it’s fairly good in its category. However, where this gun shines is in its recoil, which is lower than any other automatic weapon, including the Mega-Class pistol.
However, what you might not like is the Heavy MG’s alt-fire — the Flamethrower. Even at close range, the flamethrower’s damage is significantly underwhelming, and the fact it doesn’t have any after-effect damage is surprising. Compared to the A2’s alt-fire, it becomes clear there’s no reason to use Energy Cells on the MG.
The Heavy MG has a slight delay upon firing, so you can’t tap or burst fire with it.
7
Remote Detonator
Weapon Type: Demolition
The Detonator stands out as one of the most unique weapons in the game, having a straightforward yet powerful working: throw an explosive with your primary fire and detonate it with your alt-fire. For large threats and bigger mobs, this is an ideal weapon because of its blast radius and ranged use.
If you position yourself correctly, you can sometimes sneak up on a heavy unit behind a corner, thus letting you use the Detonator to easily kill them. Although situational, the Detonator has a one-of-a-kind mechanic that definitely shines on certain levels, especially with relentless enemy placements.
6
Infiltrator SMG
Weapon Type: Light Automatic
The Infiltrator is a standard SMG with obvious traits, including strong damage, high recoil, quick fire rate, and low magazine capacity. However, what makes it distinct is its alt-fire, which uses Energy Cells to summon a shield to block incoming fire. Fortunately, the cells only deplete if the shield receives any damage.
Looking at its offensive and defensive prowess, the Infiltrator becomes a reliable standalone weapon. The gun comfortably eliminates enemies in tight spaces, while the shield is a great piece to have when you’re desperately low on health. The only downsides are its damage and accuracy severely falling off at long range.
5
Whalegun 4X
Weapon Type: Anti-Material
As the only sniper rifle in the game, the Whalegun 4X does things other guns plainly can’t. Not only is its damage astonishing, but its effective range has no competition. It’s the perfect weapon for targeting other snipers and rocket gunners, who can often spot you from half a map away.
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In levels where you’re completely stranded and within sniping crosshairs, the Whalegun will always be your go-to weapon. It’s also a solid alternative to the Law RPG against bosses because of its ridiculous single-shot damage. In other words, it’s a brilliant sniper rifle that you should absolutely upgrade while ensuring you reserve enough bullets to use in meaningful encounters.
The Whalegun has aiming sway and bullet drop, so consider these when firing bullets, making sure you aim above the target the further it’s away.
Weapon Type: Sidearm
A semi-automatic Magnum is about as lethal as you’d expect, and the Meta-Magnum MkII pushes the boundaries for how reliable a sidearm can be. A headshot at close or medium range will kill just about any non-armored enemy, and if you face anything tougher, you can simply use this weapon’s alt-fire — a single-shot grenade launcher with incredible AoE.
The alt-fire perfectly compliments the Meta-Magnum’s built-in capabilities, destroying heaps of enemies or knocking a larger one. It is, by far, the best way to use your Rocket Ammo, which is shared across multiple weapons. Additionally, it follows the shotgun-like reloading pattern, meaning you won’t need to worry about wasting unused bullets when reloading.
3
Machine Rifle A2
Weapon Type: Small Caliber
If you have a massive weapon like the Machine Rifle A2 that barely hinders your movement speed, it’s going to be an unstoppable force. Its high magazine capacity, respectable damage output, and quick-fire rate are a treat, but the best thing about this weapon is undoubtedly its alt-fire. By using Energy Cells, it fires a laser beam that completely shreds the enemy HP.
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Like the Meta-Magnum, the A2 offers two modes for different enemy types — standard fire for pinning down nimble opponents and the beam for tougher ones. Because its ammo type, the 51mm Rifle Bullets, is also fairly common, this is likely going to be one of your most-used weapons.
Reserve your Energy Cells exclusively for the Machine Rifle A2 since its alt-fire is stronger than most boss weapons!
2
Sawn-Off Repeater
Weapon Type: Smoothbore
The most sought-after weapons in Beyond Citadel are the ones with a quick time-to-kill (or TTK). Thus, combining that fact with the game’s fast-paced movement naturally makes shotguns the obvious fan favorite, and the Sawn-Off Repeater is the best choice in this category.
Coupled with tremendous close-range power, this shotgun is extremely lightweight, letting you close the gap moments after seeing your enemies. Once you’re in killing range, the Sawn-Off will almost always one-shot enemies, even heavy units. Additionally, given this weapon’s nature, you won’t waste any bullets if you reload a partially loaded magazine — a feature several weapons lack in the game.
1
Xeta Rifle
Weapon Type: Large Caliber
Once you make it to the endgame, you can get your hands on the Xeta Rifle, the most versatile semi-automatic in the game. Its built-in scope is unbelievably accurate, the recoil is almost non-existent, and its damage output and effective range are exquisite. The alt-fire is also top-notch, with a burst spread that’ll obliterate any medium-sized threat up close.
With the Xeta Rifle, there’s virtually no need to switch to your Machine Rifle, Whalegun, or Infiltrator except in specific situations. It blends the Heavy MG’s fire rate with the Cavalry Carbine’s accuracy, resulting in a weapon superb in every map and layout.
- Released
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January 2, 2025
- Developer(s)
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- Publisher(s)
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- Steam Deck Compatibility
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Unknown