Best Fortnite Weapons Ranked: Top Guns in November 2026

Last Updated: November 11, 2026

Choosing the right weapons in Fortnite can make a huge difference during a match. Some guns deal heavy damage in close-range fights, while others are much better for controlling enemies from a distance. With the Treasure Hunters mini-season introducing new weapons and returning favorites, players have several options to consider.

The Gilded Dragoon Shotgun is one of the strongest choices for burst damage, while the Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle is a reliable weapon for medium-range combat. Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG is another powerful close-range option, thanks to its increasing fire rate and movement boost.

In this guide, we rank the best Fortnite weapons based on damage potential, consistency, magazine size, usefulness, and performance in different combat situations. We also cover special abilities, the best weapons for Build and Zero Build, and loadouts worth trying in the current season.

TL;DR: Best Fortnite Weapons Ranked

• Gilded Dragoon Shotgun: Best for massive close-range burst damage.
• Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle: Best overall medium-range weapon.
• Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG: Best special SMG for aggressive close-range fights.
• Machine SMG: Best for sustained close-range damage.
• Auto Shotgun: Best for consistent shotgun fights.
• Hammer Assault Rifle: Best for controlled medium-range attacks.
• Sentinel Pump Shotgun: Best for players who prefer precise shotgun shots.
• Tactical SMG: Best alternative for fast close-range combat.
• Sidearm Pistol: A reliable backup weapon with quick reloads.
• Usopp’s Slingshot: A useful precision weapon with a fast reload.

These rankings focus on the Treasure Hunters Battle Royale weapon pool available on November 11, 2026. Special abilities and mode-restricted equipment are discussed separately.

Best Fortnite Weapons Ranked: Complete Tier List

Not every weapon should be judged by its maximum damage. A shotgun might deliver an incredible hit but leave you vulnerable while reloading. An SMG may deal less damage per bullet but provide better sustained fire.

We consider how easily a weapon can help you win an actual fight rather than simply comparing damage numbers.

Rank	Weapon	Category	Best Use
1	Gilded Dragoon Shotgun	Shotgun	Close-range burst damage
2	Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle	Assault Rifle	Medium-range combat
3	Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG	SMG	Aggressive close-range fights
4	Machine SMG	SMG	Fast sustained damage
5	Auto Shotgun	Shotgun	Consistent close-range combat
6	Hammer Assault Rifle	Assault Rifle	Controlled medium-range damage
7	Sentinel Pump Shotgun	Shotgun	High-damage individual shots
8	Tactical SMG	SMG	Fast close-range pressure
9	Sidearm Pistol	Pistol	Quick backup damage
10	Usopp’s Slingshot	Special Pistol	Precision shots

This is an overall practical ranking, not an official Epic Games tier list. Your preferred weapon may change depending on your aim, playstyle, game mode, and the rarity you find.

1. Gilded Dragoon Shotgun – Best Overall Close-Range Weapon

The Gilded Dragoon Shotgun takes the first position because of its incredible burst damage. It is designed for players who prefer landing a powerful shot instead of relying on several weaker hits.

Its biggest strength is the damage it can deal with a single well-placed shot. At Legendary rarity, its listed damage reaches 164 per shot, with up to 205 headshot damage. This gives accurate players the potential to eliminate a fully shielded opponent with one headshot.

Why the Gilded Dragoon Shotgun Is So Strong

• Extremely high damage at close range.
• Can eliminate fully shielded opponents with a successful high-rarity headshot.
• Quick reload compared with its heavy burst damage.
• Works particularly well when peeking around corners or structures.

Weaknesses

The biggest problem is its one-round magazine. If you miss your shot, you must reload before firing again. This gives opponents an opportunity to attack or reposition.

Its damage also falls significantly at longer distances, so you should not use it as a replacement for an assault rifle.

Best for: Skilled players who have good shotgun aim and prefer aggressive close-range combat.

2. Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle – Best Overall Assault Rifle

The Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle is one of the most reliable weapons in the Treasure Hunters loot pool. It is fully automatic and performs well in medium-range engagements.

Its 32-round magazine gives it an advantage over the Hammer Assault Rifle when you need to maintain pressure without frequently reloading.

Why You Should Use the Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle

• Good damage output for a medium-range weapon.
• Large magazine with 32 rounds.
• Fully automatic firing makes it easier to maintain pressure.
• Useful for attacking opponents who are moving between buildings or taking cover.

Weaknesses

The Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle is not the best choice for extremely long-range shooting. Its accuracy and damage potential become less effective when enemies are far away.

It also has a longer reload than some alternatives, so avoid starting a fight with an almost empty magazine.

Best for: Players who want a dependable primary weapon for medium-range fights in both Build and Zero Build.

3. Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG – Best Special SMG

Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG arrived during the November 8 Captain’s Day event. It is one of the more interesting close-range weapons in the current Fortnite season.

Its firing speed increases the longer you hold the trigger. It also provides a movement speed boost while firing, making it useful when pushing an opponent or maintaining pressure during a close-range encounter.

What Makes Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG Special?

• Firing speed increases while holding the trigger.
• Provides a movement speed boost during firing.
• Works well when chasing opponents or pressuring them behind cover.
• Can be particularly useful in fast encounters where constant damage matters.

How to Get Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG

You can challenge Lil Uzi Vert at his Stronghold on Crossbones Isle. Defeating him provides an opportunity to obtain his signature weapon, although boss drops should not be treated as guaranteed for every player.

Keep in mind that the special weapon’s exact performance can differ from ordinary SMGs. Check its current in-game tooltip rather than relying on unverified damage numbers.

Best for: Aggressive players who enjoy pushing opponents and maintaining close-range pressure.

4. Machine SMG – Best for Sustained Close-Range Damage

The Machine SMG is a strong choice for players who prefer fast automatic weapons. It has one of the highest listed base DPS values among the regular launch weapons in the Treasure Hunters loot pool.

At Uncommon rarity, its listed damage is 14 per shot, with approximately 189 damage per second. Its 33-round magazine also provides enough ammunition to maintain pressure during a fight.

Why the Machine SMG Is Worth Picking Up

• High sustained damage output.
• Fast firing speed.
• 33-round magazine at the listed Uncommon baseline.
• Useful when an enemy is pushing your position.
• Works as a follow-up weapon after landing a shotgun shot.

Weaknesses

The Machine SMG is most effective at close range. Its damage output and accuracy are less impressive when shooting enemies from far away.

Its fast firing speed can also drain your ammunition quickly if you spray without aiming properly.

Best for: Players who prefer aggressive movement and continuous close-range damage.

5. Auto Shotgun – Best Shotgun for Consistent Damage

The Auto Shotgun is a strong option for players who want more opportunities to land shots during close-range fights. Unlike the Gilded Dragoon, it does not depend on a single powerful shot.

Its eight-round magazine gives you more room to correct missed shots and maintain pressure on an opponent.

Why the Auto Shotgun Is Useful

• Eight-round magazine at Uncommon rarity.
• Good sustained close-range damage.
• More forgiving than a single-shot shotgun.
• Suitable for players who prefer continuous firing during fights.

Weaknesses

Its full reload takes longer than the Gilded Dragoon’s reload. You should avoid reloading in the open, especially when another opponent is nearby.

It also loses effectiveness when you try to use it against enemies at medium or long range.

Best for: Players who want a consistent shotgun without depending on one perfectly timed shot.

6. Hammer Assault Rifle – Best for Controlled Medium-Range Combat

The Hammer Assault Rifle is another reliable choice in the current weapon pool. It offers good damage per bullet and works well when you prefer controlled shots instead of continuously spraying an opponent.

At Common rarity, it deals 27 damage per body shot. It has a 20-round magazine and a relatively quick reload compared with the Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle.

Why the Hammer Assault Rifle Is a Good Choice

• Good damage per bullet.
• Useful for medium-range encounters.
• Quick reload compared with some larger-magazine alternatives.
• Suitable for players who prefer controlled aiming.

Weaknesses

The 20-round magazine is smaller than the Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle’s magazine. You may need to reload more frequently when fighting multiple opponents.

Best for: Players who prefer accurate medium-range shooting and controlled bursts.

7. Sentinel Pump Shotgun – Best for Precise Shotgun Shots

The Sentinel Pump Shotgun rewards players who can aim carefully and time their shots. It has a slower firing pace than the Auto Shotgun, but it offers stronger individual hits at its base rarity.

At Uncommon rarity, it deals approximately 98.4 body damage per shot. Its four-round magazine means you need to make each shot count.

Why the Sentinel Pump Shotgun Is Worth Using

• Strong individual shotgun damage.
• Useful for accurate close-range attacks.
• Works well when combined with an SMG or another follow-up weapon.
• Suitable for players who prefer deliberate firing rather than automatic shotguns.

Weaknesses

Its slower firing pace makes missed shots more punishing. You should also avoid challenging several enemies at once without enough ammunition or a way to reposition.

Best for: Players who prefer precision and controlled shotgun combat.

8. Tactical SMG – Best Alternative for Close-Range Combat

The Tactical SMG is another dependable automatic weapon. It offers higher damage per bullet than the Machine SMG at the same Uncommon baseline, although its listed DPS is slightly lower.

It deals 19 damage per shot and has a 26-round magazine. Its reload time is also shorter than the Machine SMG’s at the listed rarity.

Why You Should Consider the Tactical SMG

• Good close-range damage.
• Fast firing speed.
• 26-round magazine.
• Quick reload compared with the Machine SMG.
• Useful as a secondary weapon after a shotgun attack.

The Tactical SMG is a good alternative when you prefer slightly stronger individual shots and faster reloads over the Machine SMG’s larger magazine.

Best for: Players who want a flexible close-range automatic weapon.

9. Sidearm Pistol – Best Backup Weapon

The Sidearm Pistol is a practical backup weapon that should not be ignored. It offers a good combination of damage, fire rate, and reload speed.

At Uncommon rarity, it deals 27 damage per shot, has a 14-round magazine, and a listed reload time of approximately 1.63 seconds.

Why the Sidearm Pistol Is Useful

• Good damage per bullet.
• Quick reload.
• Useful when your primary weapon runs out of ammunition.
• Can be effective against opponents at suitable short and medium distances.

It is not a replacement for a strong assault rifle or shotgun, but it can help finish an opponent when switching weapons is faster than reloading your main gun.

Best for: Players who want a quick backup option.

10. Usopp’s Slingshot – Best Special Precision Weapon

Usopp’s Slingshot is one of the special weapons introduced with the Treasure Hunters mini-season. Unlike automatic weapons, it relies on individual shots and rewards players who can aim accurately.

Its single-round firing design means you do not need to manage a large magazine. It also has a very fast reload, allowing you to prepare another shot almost immediately.

Why Usopp’s Slingshot Is Worth Trying

• Strong individual shot damage.
• Very quick reload.
• Useful for precision-based attacks.
• Can be an interesting alternative to conventional pistols.

Weaknesses

Missing a shot can cost you an important opportunity, especially when facing an opponent with an automatic weapon. It also requires more careful aiming than most ordinary SMGs.

Best for: Players who enjoy accurate single-shot weapons.

Best Fortnite Special Weapons and Abilities Ranked

Not every powerful item in Fortnite is a conventional firearm. Treasure Hunters also introduces One Piece-inspired abilities, special weapons, and equipment that can change how you approach combat.

These items are ranked separately because their abilities and purposes are different from ordinary guns.

1. Gum-Gum Fruit – Best for Closing Distance

The Gum-Gum Fruit transforms you into Luffy and gives you access to rubber-based attacks. It includes long-range punches, foot slams, and a charged launching attack.

Its biggest advantage is the ability to pressure opponents while changing your position. It can be useful when an enemy is trying to escape or hiding behind a structure.

Best use: Closing distance and attacking opponents from unexpected angles.

2. Flame-Flame Fruit – Best for Sustained Pressure

The Flame-Flame Fruit transforms you into Ace and gives you access to fire-based attacks, including rapid shots and a powerful Fire Fist finisher.

It is useful when you want to maintain pressure instead of depending on a single attack. Learn its range and firing pattern before using it in a difficult fight.

Best use: Applying continuous offensive pressure.

3. Zoro’s Three Sword Style – Best Melee Ability

Zoro’s Three Sword Style gives players access to three katana blades. It is designed for close-range combat and includes a dash that helps you approach enemies.

It can be effective when attacking opponents who are already weakened or when you have an opportunity to close the distance safely.

Best use: Aggressive melee attacks and closing gaps.

4. A$AP Rocky’s Shock Rocket – Best for Aerial Attacks

A$AP Rocky’s Shock Rocket allows players to use Shock Rock charges to launch themselves into the air before firing rockets toward opponents.

It is useful for gaining a better angle and applying pressure from above. However, Epic lists the Shock Rocket as available in non-Competitive play, so do not build your Ranked loadout around it.

Best use: Aerial attacks and unexpected repositioning in supported playlists.

5. Explosive Cannon Ball – Best for Breaking Cover

The Explosive Cannon Ball can be thrown or loaded into a cannon. It is useful for damaging structures and creating pressure around defensive positions.

Like the Shock Rocket, it is listed for non-Competitive play. Its usefulness depends on the situation and the available cover.

Best use: Breaking defensive structures and attacking clustered opponents.

Best Fortnite Weapons for Build Mode

Build mode rewards weapons that work well with structures, quick edits, and high-ground control. You need a weapon for close-range damage and another option for attacking enemies while they are building or moving.

Here is a practical loadout to try:

• Gilded Dragoon Shotgun: For powerful close-range attacks.
• Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle: For medium-range pressure.
• Machine SMG: For following up after shotgun damage.
• Healing item: To recover between fights.
• Mobility or utility: To reposition or escape when needed.

If you prefer a more forgiving shotgun, replace the Gilded Dragoon with the Auto Shotgun. This gives you more firing opportunities when opponents are constantly editing and moving around your structures.

Best Fortnite Weapons for Zero Build

Zero Build requires a slightly different loadout because you cannot create walls whenever you are under fire. You need weapons that work well with natural cover and allow you to respond quickly to aggressive opponents.

Here is a balanced Zero Build setup:

• Auto Shotgun: For consistent close-range damage.
• Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle: For medium-range encounters.
• Machine SMG or Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG: For close-range pressure.
• Healing item: To restore health and shield.
• Mobility item: To escape dangerous positions and rotate safely.

In Zero Build, do not sacrifice all your defensive options just to carry another weapon. A good mobility or protection item can save you when an opponent catches you in an exposed area.

Best Fortnite Weapon Combinations and Loadouts

Carrying the strongest individual guns does not automatically create the best loadout. Your weapons should work together and cover different combat situations.

Best Aggressive Loadout

• Gilded Dragoon Shotgun
• Machine SMG
• Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle
• Healing item
• Mobility item

This setup is useful for players who want to push opponents and maintain pressure after landing a powerful shotgun hit.

Best Balanced Loadout

• Auto Shotgun
• Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle
• Sidearm Pistol
• Healing item
• Utility or mobility item

This is a more flexible setup. It gives you options for close-range and medium-range encounters without depending on a single weapon.

Best Precision Loadout

• Sentinel Pump Shotgun
• Hammer Assault Rifle
• Usopp’s Slingshot
• Healing item
• Mobility item

This combination is suitable for players who prefer controlled shots and accurate aiming rather than continuous spraying.

Which Fortnite Weapons Should You Avoid?

Some weapons are not necessarily bad, but they are less useful as your main weapon. Their effectiveness depends on your aim, the distance to your opponent, and the situation.

Flint-Knock Pistol

The Flint-Knock Pistol deals high individual damage and has useful knockback. However, its one-round magazine and slow reload make it less dependable as a primary weapon.

It is better suited to players who understand how to use its knockback for repositioning or unexpected attacks.

Usopp’s Slingshot for Uncomfortable Players

Although it has a fast reload, the Slingshot requires accurate individual shots. Players who prefer automatic firing may struggle to get consistent results with it.

Gilded Dragoon Shotgun at Long Range

The Dragoon is not a bad weapon, but using it outside its effective range wastes its biggest advantage. Switch to an assault rifle when an opponent is too far away.

How to Choose the Best Fortnite Weapon

Before picking up a weapon, consider the following points:

• Combat distance: Choose shotguns for close-range fights and rifles for medium-range encounters.
• Magazine size: Larger magazines can help when fighting several opponents.
• Reload speed: A quick reload can make a major difference after an intense fight.
• Weapon rarity: Higher rarities generally offer improved weapon statistics, although a lower-rarity weapon may still suit your playstyle better.
• Game mode: Your ideal loadout may differ between Build, Zero Build, Ranked, and casual playlists.
• Personal accuracy: A weapon you can consistently hit shots with is often more useful than one with higher theoretical damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fortnite Weapons

Conclusion

The best Fortnite weapons depend on your preferred combat style, but some choices stand out in the current Treasure Hunters mini-season. The Gilded Dragoon Shotgun is excellent for high burst damage, the Bundlebuss Repeater Rifle is a dependable medium-range weapon, and Lil Uzi Vert’s Lil’ SMG provides strong close-range pressure.

For a balanced loadout, combine a shotgun with an assault rifle, then use your remaining slots for healing and mobility. Do not choose weapons based only on rarity or damage numbers. Pick equipment that you can use consistently and that suits the way you approach fights.

Fortnite’s weapon pool will continue to change as new Captain’s Day events arrive. Check our Fortnite latest updates and news guide for upcoming weapons, seasonal additions, and gameplay changes.