In this article, we examine the most powerful weapons in Fortnite history—undisputed kings of their respective categories (classes). Keep in mind that these selections are based on the current state of the weapons and the balance of power in the game.
The Strongest Weapons in Fortnite
Best Melee Weapon: Infinity Blade
There’s simply no debate here. The Infinity Blade was one of the strongest and most balance-breaking items ever added to Fortnite Battle Royale. While there were powerful competitors like the Nitro Fists and the Shockwave Hammer, the level of power the Infinity Blade provided was on a completely different scale. An undisputed number one.
Best Launcher: Lawless Shockwave RPG
This was the hardest category to select because the RPG, Goo Gun, and Sticky Grenade Launcher were all very strong contenders. But the winner is the Lawless Shockwave RPG.
Why did I choose this? First of all, it not only damages opponents but also provides incredible mobility thanks to its Shockwave effect. Unlike a regular Shockwave launcher, this weapon allows you to both blast enemies away and deal damage to them. Holding both explosive power and top-tier mobility in a single slot makes it priceless.
Best Bow: The Boom Bow
There’s a reason this weapon has remained the best for years: it’s insanely strong.
Why did I choose this weapon? Because it’s more effective than even its Mythic variant. It deals 115 damage, and even if you don’t hit directly, you can still land splash damage. Plus, the fact that it uses shotgun shells instead of arrows eliminates ammo issues entirely. It requires high skill, but the reward is massive.
Best Sniper: Reaper Sniper Rifle
The Reaper Sniper Rifle wasn’t just a weapon—it was a force that completely shaped the game’s meta. In Chapter 5 Season 1, everyone was running around with this gun.
The reason I chose the Reaper Sniper Rifle is because, when combined with suppressor and optical sight attachments, it became an inescapable one-shot monster. Its bullet speed and accuracy were so high that it rendered every other assault rifle useless that season.
Best Shotgun: Cerberus’ Gatekeeper Shotgun
This weapon entered our lives in Chapter 5 Season 2 and managed to surpass nostalgic classics like the “Spas” and “Havoc Pump.”
The biggest reason I chose this shotgun is that it has an almost semi-automatic fire rate and deals 97 body damage. Its only disadvantage—a 3-round magazine—can be fixed easily with a speed mag attachment. A close-range weapon with no weak points, leaving no room for error.
Best Pistol: Baron’s Double Down Pistol
Baron’s Double Down Pistol is essentially a better version of the “Mammoth Pistol.”
The reason I chose it is that, despite its small size, it’s an incredible sniper-like pistol. The Mammoth Pistol was already the best pistol in the game; Baron’s version gives you one extra shot before reloading (two shots total). While high-risk, landing a hit instantly breaks the enemy’s shield, offering an insane reward.
Best DMR/Marksman: IQA-11 Marksman Blaster
We’ve known this weapon since the Galactic Battle event, and honestly, it sits at the top partly because the DMR category is generally weak.
Other DMR options (like the Huntress) usually fall short, while the IQA-11 Marksman Blaster stands out in both damage and usability.
Best SMG: Midas’ Gilded Eye Drum Gun
Since the Drum Gun technically counts as an SMG, it’s included here—and it beats the Thunder Burst SMG by a narrow margin.
Drum Guns usually suffer from range issues, but the thermal scope on this version changes everything. You can turn off the scope for close-range spraying, or activate it at long range and use it like an assault rifle. Its recoil is almost nonexistent, and its range is amazing.
Best Assault Rifle: Foundation’s MK7
One of the most anticipated categories. Although powerful rivals like the Pulse Rifle and Striker AR exist, the clear winner is the MK7.
The reason I chose the MK7 is that its Red Dot sight makes it unique. With a 9.5 fire rate and a 35-round magazine, it minimizes your margin of error. Even if you miss a few shots, its rapid fire melts opponents quickly.