For a first ordinary run, the editorial A-tier pick is Pavlov for flexible automatic fire, with RS10 as a close-range alternative. Keep a map’s required wonder weapon when solving its quest. God Killer is an S-tier endgame option by unlock role, not a realistic starting purchase. These tiers express intended use and access cost; no current-patch DPS or solo high-round test was performed.
Editorial tiers by role
| Tier / role | Pick | Reason | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| S — unlocked endgame | God Killer | Orb splash damage; reward for four original hidden quests | Quest-locked, boss-gated and costs 3,500 |
| A — general automatic | Pavlov Avtomat | Automatic fire; 30-round community-listed magazine; historical media recommendation | Ammo and upgrade costs still matter |
| A — close groups | RS10 | Eight-shell community-listed magazine; close-range alternative | Reload timing and range limit flexibility |
| A — deliberate single targets | Sie Rigotti / Revolver | Consider when comfortable landing deliberate shots | Less forgiving than automatic fire |
| B — early bridge | MX1910 / MP18A | Accessible starting or transition weapons | Do not treat low base cost as proof of high-round strength |
| Quest priority — varies by map | Thunderbolt / Howler / The Plague / Sword | Needed for specific progression tasks | A quest priority is not a universal combat ranking |
Buying and upgrade plan
- Keep an affordable weapon supplied while opening the route. Match-currency prices are not DLC or real-money charges.
- For an automatic preference, save toward Pavlov rather than buying multiple replacements. For close combat, consider RS10. These are editorial choices from handling roles and documented features.
- Reserve the required quest weapon slot and then budget for Super Charger upgrades and ammunition. A high raw damage value cannot compensate for a missing puzzle tool.
- Once four original hidden objectives are complete, defeat the relevant map boss to access God Killer; see the linked seal guide.
Map-specific weapon priorities
| Map | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lavernock | Thunderbolt | Medusa cylinder and powered targets |
| Ashes | Howler | Codes revealed during Dark Waves |
| Sewers | The Plague | Protected Rat Orbs and rat-wheel quest |
| Fortress | Sword, then optional Shattered Edge | Sword opens the forge route; upgrade has further material steps |
| House | Corpse Grinder | Retrieve after the well task; use on marked bodies |
| Tides | Maelstrom is an optional pickup | Find its key via the locks near the Super Charger; swords drive the main quest |
Community base damage reference
The Fandom data module supplies these base damage values and in-match prices. It is community-maintained and not version-stamped as a v1.3.3 balance specification. Pellet counts, fire rate, reload, tier and Miracle effects affect real output; these rows are not ordered as a damage-per-second ranking.
| Weapon | Base damage field | Match-currency cost |
|---|---|---|
| God Killer | 1,100 | 3,500 |
| Howler | 550 | 2,000 |
| Shattered Edge | 480 | 2,000 |
| The Plague | 360; 5 pellets listed | 2,000 |
| Thunderbolt | 270 | 2,000 |
| RS10 | 131; 3 pellets listed | 1,500 |
| Pavlov Avtomat | 55 | 1,750 |
| Maelstrom | 109 | 2,500 |
| MX1910 | 50 | 500 |
TheGamer’s April 2024 comparison is historical and the readable article ends at second place; no missing first-place pick is invented. The official April 2025 notes explicitly increased The Plague from 280 to 360. No broader claim of unchanged balance since v1.3 is supported. Miracles and unlock access matter alongside the weapon.
Official game video
Watch the official video on YouTube: Sker Ritual - Gamescom 'Meet the Elites' Trailer
Questions people ask
Which weapon should a beginner try?
Editorial recommendation: use the Pavlov Avtomat if you prefer automatic fire and can afford its 1,750 match-currency price. TheGamer’s 2024 list placed it second. RS10 is an alternative for closer groups. Neither recommendation is a current-patch benchmark or universal best weapon.
Is God Killer the best weapon?
Its community-listed base damage is 1,100, but it requires the four original hidden-objective seals and a boss defeat before purchase. It fires explosive orbs, not melee attacks. That makes it an endgame unlock rather than an opening-round purchase plan.
How do weapon upgrades and inspect work?
The Laughing Policeman’s Super Charger upgrades guns, while Lucky offers a random weapon. No reliable inspect binding was established in the sources checked; consult your platform’s control menu and do not assume an Inspect action or default key is available.
Sources checked 2026-10-24
- Community weapon data module — accessed 2026-10-24
- Community God Killer unlock and firing behaviour — accessed 2026-10-24
- TheGamer historical weapon comparison, 30 Apr 2024 — accessed 2026-10-24
- Official upgrade-system description — accessed 2026-10-24
- Community map/weapon walkthrough — accessed 2026-10-24
- Official Plague balance change in April 2025 — accessed 2026-10-24
Last source check: 2026-10-24.