Fortnite Chapter 6 has introduced a wide arsenal of new and returning weapons, and as always, not all of them are created equal. Whether you’re grinding Zero Build, testing your aim in Ranked Arena, or just dropping in for a casual trios session.
Weapon tiers fluctuate with every update and balance patch, but some guns rise to the top and stay there. Others? They’re only useful if you have literally no better choice. We’ve tested them all across multiple modes and situations to create this definitive Chapter 6 weapon tier list from frustrating duds to meta-defining monsters.
Let’s break down which Fortnite weapons deserve your trust and which ones should be left behind.
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F-Tier – Avoid at All Costs

Ranger Pistol – This sidearm feels like it was added as a joke. It deals pitiful damage, has a slow rate of fire, and can’t compete with anything above a gray rarity. A desperation pick, nothing more.
Rebel SMG – Looks fast, plays clunky. The bloom is unbearable, and it feels like your shots disappear into thin air. Unless you’re cornered with no ammo, don’t touch it.
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D-Tier – Only Use If You’re Desperate
Hammer Pump Shotgun – It’s got power, but you’ll need perfect timing. A long reload and unreliable close-range damage make it a frustrating pick in sweaty fights.
Ranger Assault Rifle – Accurate enough at long range, but its low DPS holds it back. It’s basically just a placeholder until you find something more lethal.
Reclaimer Pistol – It’s flashy but lacks practical value. Outside of early-game scraps, it’s just too weak to compete.
C-Tier – Situationally Useful
Striker AR – Not bad at mid-range, but it lacks the stopping power of top-tier Fortnite rifles. Useful if you can land headshots.
Tactical Pistol – A solid sidearm with a surprising rate of fire. Great as a secondary in early-game fights and underrated in build mode for quick swaps.
Scoped Burst SMG – Great at tapping at mid-range, but easy to get outgunned in aggressive pushes. It rewards patience, not panic.
Double-Tap Pistol – Deadly in the hands of high-accuracy Fortnite players. Not beginner-friendly, but satisfying when mastered.
B-Tier – Solid Mid-Meta Picks
Thunder Burst SMG – This is a powerful utility weapon because of its clean recoil, dependable DPS, and excellent mobility. Very reliable, but not broken.
Lever Shotgun – Hits hard and has a quick fire rate, but only truly shines with accuracy. Risky in panic builds, deadly with pre-aim.
Hunter Bolt Sniper – Still one of the most satisfying guns to use. High risk, high reward. If your aim is true, this one-shot wonder is still relevant.
Repeater Rifle – Slower paced but rewarding for players who love ranged duels. Best used in open terrain with good sightlines.
A-Tier – Strong Contenders for Any Loadout
Scoped AR – Great for poking from cover and finishing off weakened enemies. A strong pick in trios or Zero Build.
Reaper DMR – This marksman rifle hits like a truck. Excellent for breaking Fortnite builds and picking off runners. High learning curve, but top-tier when mastered.
Twin Mag SMG – Reload speed makes it dangerous. Pair that with tight hip-fire and it dominates in tight spaces.
Hawk Repeater Shotgun – Its semi-auto action makes it ideal for close-range spray downs. Solid alternative if you’re not confident with pump timing.
S-Tier – The Meta Breakers
Havoc Suppressed AR – Quiet, precise, and deadly. The recoil pattern is easy to control, and it shreds shields before enemies can react. Still the best all-around AR.
Maverick Burst Rifle – One of the best burst rifles we’ve seen in Fortnite. High burst damage and great accuracy when crouched. It’s brutal if your aim is clean.
Auto Shotgun – Its forgiving spread and insane fire rate make it essential in box fights. Every loadout should consider one.
Mythic Thermal DMR – High damage and built-in vision makes this one of the best long-range weapons in the game. An elite pick for Zero Build dominance.
Plasma Cannon – Rare but terrifying. It melts builds and forces movement instantly. Not always practical, but always powerful when found.
Final Thoughts

You have a lot of options with the Chapter 6 arsenal, but only if you know what to prioritize. Meta Fortnite weapons like the Suppressed AR, Auto Shotgun, and Maverick Burst Rifle are your key to steady success whether you’re speed-running crown victories in Zero Build, grinding ranked, or building to the skies.
But weapon tiers are only half the story. Player preference, playstyle, and in-game confidence are just as important. Some players excel with burst Fortnite rifles, others swear by the Sniper. The real secret? Find what works for you and learn how to dominate with it.
So experiment, build your own loadout strategy, and remember, it’s not about what’s popular, it’s about what’s powerful in your hands.
