Deathloop, developed by Arkane Studios, is a game where time loops, stealth, and frantic action combine to create a unique experience. At the heart of its gameplay is a vast selection of weapons, each designed to cater to different playstyles. Whether you prefer going in guns blazing or taking a more stealthy approach, Deathloop offers an array of weaponry to satisfy your every need. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the best weapons in Deathloop, how to obtain them, and the strategies that make them shine.
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Understanding Weapons in Deathloop
In Deathloop, weapons are categorized into different tiers, which are indicated by their rarity color: Gray (basic), Blue (uncommon), Purple (rare), and Gold (unique/legendary). Basic weapons are plentiful and easy to find but lack unique features or mods. As you progress, rare and legendary weapons come into play, offering powerful perks, unique abilities, and enhanced damage.
The game encourages experimentation, allowing you to combine different guns, slabs (abilities), and trinkets (mods) to create synergies tailored to your playstyle. Some weapons are ideal for specific missions or time periods, and knowing when and how to use them can turn the tide of any loop.
Let’s break down the best weapons available in Deathloop, their strengths, and where you can find them.
1. The Fourpounder – Best for Power and Versatility
The Fourpounder is one of Deathloop’s standout pistols, and it comes in various forms, from basic to unique variants. It’s a heavy, high-damage handgun that can annihilate enemies with just a few well-placed shots. It’s best used in mid-range combat situations, and its sheer power can break through enemy defenses quickly.
Why It’s Great:
- Explosive Rounds: The Fourpounder’s bullets explode on impact, making it an ideal weapon for taking out groups of enemies or Visionaries from a distance.
- Versatility: It functions both as a powerful single-target eliminator and as an effective crowd control weapon when combined with trinkets or slabs like Karnesis.
Unique Variants:
- Tribunal: The Tribunal is an enhanced version of the Fourpounder, offering increased accuracy and fire rate. It maintains the explosive nature of the original Fourpounder but adds precision for those who prefer a more focused playstyle.
How to Obtain:
The standard Fourpounder is fairly common and can be found on enemies or in various weapon caches throughout Blackreef. The Tribunal, however, is a rarer variant often found in hidden locations or as a drop from high-level Eternalists.
2. Rapier – Best for Long-Range Precision
The Rapier is a shotgun, but it stands out from other shotguns due to its single-shot, high-precision mechanic. This weapon is perfect for long-range engagements and players who prefer a more tactical approach, as it’s capable of dealing massive damage to enemies from a distance. Though classified as a shotgun, its pinpoint accuracy at long ranges makes it feel more like a sniper rifle.
Why It’s Great:
- High Damage: The Rapier deals substantial damage with each shot, often killing standard Eternalists in one hit.
- Precision: Unlike most shotguns, which are designed for close-quarters combat, the Rapier excels at hitting targets from across the map.
Unique Variants:
- Constancy Automatic: This variant is particularly deadly because of its ability to shoot without needing to reload, making it ideal for fast-paced situations or when you’re surrounded by enemies.
How to Obtain:
The Rapier can be found in various parts of Blackreef, particularly in Karl’s Bay and Updaam. The Constancy Automatic, being a rarer variant, may require you to take down certain Visionaries, such as Egor or Charlie, or explore hidden parts of the island.
3. LIMP-10 – Best for Dual-Wielding Mayhem
If fast-paced, dual-wielding action is your style, then the LIMP-10 is your go-to weapon. It’s a submachine gun that prioritizes speed and volume of fire over precision, making it one of the best weapons for close-quarters combat. When paired with another weapon in Colt’s left hand, the LIMP-10 truly shines as a chaotic tool of destruction.
Why It’s Great:
- High Fire Rate: The LIMP-10 spits out bullets at a staggering rate, ideal for overwhelming enemies quickly.
- Dual-Wielding Synergy: Pair it with another SMG, pistol, or even a shotgun to maximize your damage output and increase your chances of survival in hectic firefights.
Unique Variants:
- Ever After: This is the legendary version of the LIMP-10, offering increased damage and a larger magazine size, allowing for prolonged engagements without needing to reload as frequently.
How to Obtain:
The LIMP-10 is commonly found in many Eternalist strongholds across the island. However, obtaining Ever After may require you to complete certain missions or eliminate powerful enemies.
4. Heritage Gun – Best for Flexibility
The Heritage Gun is one of the most unique weapons in Deathloop, offering two different firing modes that allow it to function as both a shotgun and a rifle. This makes it incredibly versatile, and with the right strategy, it can adapt to almost any situation.
Why It’s Great:
- Dual Firing Modes: Switch between a spread-shot mode for close-quarters combat or a slug-shot for long-range precision. This adaptability is what makes the Heritage Gun so powerful.
- Powerful in Any Range: Whether you’re sniping Visionaries from across a room or clearing out crowds at close range, the Heritage Gun handles both tasks with ease.
Unique Variants:
- Heirloom Edition: The unique version of the Heritage Gun boasts even higher damage and increased range for its slug mode, making it a top-tier weapon for both long and short engagements.
How to Obtain:
The Heritage Gun can be found in specific Visionary lairs or hidden weapon caches. Look for it in areas where multiple Visionaries converge, such as during the evening parties in Updaam.
5. Strelak 50-50 – Best for Crowd Control
The Strelak 50-50 is a powerful automatic shotgun that excels at taking out multiple enemies at once. Its fire rate, combined with its wide pellet spread, makes it one of the best weapons for crowd control in Deathloop. When you’re swarmed by Eternalists or need to clear a room quickly, the Strelak 50-50 is the perfect choice.
Why It’s Great:
- High Fire Rate: As an automatic shotgun, the Strelak 50-50 unloads rounds quickly, decimating groups of enemies with ease.
- Devastating at Close Range: Few enemies will survive a direct blast from this weapon, making it perfect for tight spaces and indoor environments.
Unique Variants:
- Fusillade: The legendary version of the Strelak 50-50 increases the fire rate and reduces reload time, making it even more effective in fast-paced encounters.
How to Obtain:
The Strelak 50-50 can often be found in Updaam and Fristad Rock, particularly in areas where Eternalists gather in large numbers. The Fusillade variant may require you to defeat Julianna during an invasion or take down a powerful Visionary.
6. Sepulchra Breteira – Best for Sniping
For players who prefer a more tactical approach to combat, the Sepulchra Breteira sniper rifle is the weapon of choice. It’s a long-range rifle with incredible stopping power, capable of eliminating enemies from across the map with pinpoint accuracy. If you enjoy staying hidden and picking off enemies one by one, this weapon is ideal.
Why It’s Great:
- Incredible Range: The Sepulchra Breteira is perfect for taking down enemies from a distance, allowing you to avoid direct confrontation.
- One-Shot Kill: Most enemies, including Visionaries, will fall to a single well-placed headshot from this rifle.
Unique Variants:
- The Perforator: The legendary version of this sniper rifle increases bullet penetration, allowing you to shoot through walls or multiple enemies at once.
How to Obtain:
The Sepulchra Breteira can be found on certain rooftops in Updaam or inside Visionary hideouts. The Perforator version may require you to defeat multiple Visionaries or explore hidden areas within Blackreef.
7. Vopat Trencher – Best for Mid-Range Carnage
The Vopat Trencher is a heavy-duty automatic rifle that delivers consistent damage at mid-range. It’s perfect for players who prefer sustained fire over single shots and want to control the battlefield from a distance. With the right upgrades, the Vopat Trencher can be one of the most reliable weapons in Deathloop.
Why It’s Great:
- Consistent Damage: The Vopat Trencher delivers a steady stream of bullets, making it ideal for mid-range engagements and taking down groups of enemies.
- Durability: Its solid construction and ease of use make it a go-to weapon for many players, as it rarely jams or overheats.
Unique Variants:
- Winter’s Blast: This legendary version of the Vopat Trencher adds a freezing effect to its bullets, slowing down enemies or freezing them in place, making it a fantastic choice for crowd control or for dealing with tough enemies. The slow or frozen enemies are easier to take down, giving you an edge in mid-range combat.
How to Obtain:
The Vopat Trencher is commonly found on mid-level Eternalists and in several areas of Karl’s Bay or Fristad Rock. The Winter’s Blast variant is more elusive and may require you to complete side missions or explore hidden locations in Blackreef.
8. PT-6 Spiker – Best for Stealth Takedowns
For players who prefer the quiet, methodical approach, the PT-6 Spiker is the best weapon for stealth-based gameplay. It’s a nail gun that fires sharp projectiles silently, making it the perfect weapon for sneaking through enemy strongholds undetected. It’s deadly, quiet, and perfect for avoiding attention while taking out enemies with precision.
Why It’s Great:
- Silent Shots: The PT-6 Spiker’s main feature is its silence. This allows you to eliminate enemies without alerting others, making it an essential weapon for stealthy players.
- Versatile in Different Scenarios: While primarily a stealth weapon, the Spiker can also be used in open combat when necessary, although its slow fire rate makes it less ideal for larger firefights.
Unique Variants:
- Silent Death: This legendary version of the PT-6 Spiker increases its range and accuracy, making it even more lethal at longer distances, while retaining its silent characteristics.
How to Obtain:
The PT-6 Spiker is commonly found in quieter areas of Blackreef, such as The Complex or Updaam. The Silent Death variant can be acquired after completing stealth-based missions or as a drop from certain Visionaries or high-level Eternalists.
9. Pepper Mill – Best for Consistent Mid-Range Fire
The Pepper Mill is a versatile, high-capacity machine gun that excels in mid-range combat, allowing players to unload a large amount of ammo in quick bursts. This makes it ideal for suppressing enemies or holding down areas when you’re expecting a heavy onslaught of Eternalists. Its large magazine and relatively stable accuracy make it one of the most reliable weapons for players who prefer continuous fire without worrying about running out of bullets too quickly.
Why It’s Great:
- High Capacity: With a large magazine, the Pepper Mill lets you keep firing for extended periods, ideal for intense combat situations.
- Mid-Range Dominance: While it’s not as powerful as a sniper rifle or a shotgun, the Pepper Mill thrives in mid-range combat, making it a perfect all-rounder for general engagements.
Unique Variants:
- Bullet Hell: The legendary variant of the Pepper Mill, Bullet Hell, increases the fire rate even further and reduces reload time, making it a powerhouse in mid-range combat scenarios where sustained fire is key.
How to Obtain:
The Pepper Mill can be found in many Eternalist outposts throughout Blackreef, often in areas with a high concentration of enemies. The Bullet Hell variant may be discovered in Visionary lairs or acquired after completing challenging missions.
10. Constancy Automatic – Best for Continuous Fire Without Reload
The Constancy Automatic is one of the most unique weapons in Deathloop, and for good reason: it allows continuous firing without the need to pause for reloading. This is because of its dual-magazine system, which lets you shoot with one magazine while the other reloads. This mechanic makes the Constancy Automatic a deadly weapon in situations where constant firepower is needed.
Why It’s Great:
- Dual Magazine: The Constancy Automatic’s dual-magazine system allows you to fire continuously, swapping between magazines automatically without any downtime.
- Perfect for Aggressive Playstyles: For players who like to keep the pressure on enemies without having to retreat or reload, the Constancy Automatic is an ideal choice.
Unique Variants:
- Full Auto Fury: The upgraded version of the Constancy Automatic enhances its fire rate and magazine capacity, making it even more deadly in prolonged firefights.
How to Obtain:
The Constancy Automatic can be found after taking down certain Visionaries, such as Aleksis or Egor, or in highly fortified areas of Blackreef. The Full Auto Fury variant is a rare drop, often hidden in secret rooms or available after challenging encounters with Eternalists.
Best Weapon Synergies and Strategies
While each weapon in Deathloop is powerful in its own right, the game truly shines when you combine them with slabs and trinkets to create unique synergies. Here are a few strategies to maximize the potential of the best weapons in the game:
Weapon and Slab Combinations:
- Heritage Gun + Shift Slab: The Heritage Gun’s ability to switch between close-range and long-range fire, combined with the Shift slab’s teleportation ability, makes for an incredibly versatile loadout. You can quickly shift between distances while engaging enemies, keeping them on their toes.
- Sepulchra Breteira + Aether Slab: For snipers who prefer a stealthy approach, combining the Sepulchra Breteira sniper rifle with the Aether slab (which grants invisibility) lets you stay hidden while picking off enemies from a distance.
- Fourpounder + Karnesis Slab: The Fourpounder’s explosive rounds paired with the Karnesis slab (which allows you to throw enemies into the air) creates a devastating combo. You can lift enemies up and shoot them with explosive rounds for maximum carnage.
Weapon Trinket Suggestions:
Trinkets can enhance your weapons, adding additional perks and making them even more effective in combat. Here are some ideal trinkets to pair with the best weapons:
- Swift Shooter: Increases fire rate, perfect for weapons like the Pepper Mill and Constancy Automatic.
- Shock Absorber: Reduces recoil, making the Rapier and Strelak 50-50 more accurate in prolonged combat.
- Perforator: Adds armor-piercing capabilities, great for the Sepulchra Breteira and Heritage Gun to deal extra damage against tougher enemies.
General Playstyle Tips:
- Dual-Wielding LIMP-10s: If you enjoy a more chaotic and aggressive style, dual-wielding two LIMP-10s can unleash an unstoppable torrent of bullets. Just make sure to use trinkets that reduce recoil and increase magazine size to maintain control during extended fights.
- Stealth Approach with PT-6 Spiker: When attempting stealthy takedowns, stick to rooftops and out-of-the-way areas. The PT-6 Spiker will allow you to eliminate enemies silently, while slabs like Aether or Shift help you move through areas unnoticed.
Conclusion
Deathloop offers a broad array of weapons, each tailored to different styles of gameplay. Whether you prefer sniping enemies from afar, unleashing chaos with explosive rounds, or taking the stealthy route, the game’s arsenal ensures there’s something for everyone. Mastering the best weapons in Deathloop is not just about raw firepower but also about understanding the unique synergies between slabs, trinkets, and playstyle.
As you explore Blackreef and face off against Visionaries and Julianna, experiment with different weapon combinations to find the loadout that suits you best. With the right tools in hand, you’ll be ready to break the loop and uncover the mysteries of this time-bending island.