Starfield weapons and how to choose the best one

Starfield offers a wide array of weapons, each suited to different playstyles, requirements, and combat scenarios. Selecting the best weapon for a given task can be challenging, so we provide an overview of the various types of guns available in the game to help you make informed choices.

In Starfield, your weapons can inflict three primary types of damage: physical, energy and electromagnetic (EM).

Ballistic weapons inflict physical damage, laser weapons deal energy damage, and electromagnetic weapons stun foes with EM pulses. Particle beam weapons belong to a hybrid category, combining physical and energy damage. You can select any weapon type you prefer, specialize in one type, or switch between them as desired. You will find basic information about each weapon type below, and you can also refer to our comprehensive table of all Starfield weapons to easily compare their statistics.



Ballistic weapons in Starfield


Ballistic weapons inflict physical damage similarly to conventional firearms, propelling bullets through the barrel towards adversaries. These weapons offer good flexibility not only in their basic configurations but also through modding, where you can, for example, change the receiver to make the gun semi-automatic or fully automatic. The effective range of such guns can vary from short-range guns like pistols or shotguns to medium and long-range rifles. However, it's worth noting that weapon mods can significantly alter the gun's properties. The only potential disadvantage may be the relatively high ammo consumption for fully automatic guns, but fortunately, various vendors always have some in stock.

Here are some of the ballistic weapons you can find in Starfield:



Laser weapons in Starfield


Laser weapons inflict energy-based damage by emitting high-voltage laser beams, substituting traditional bullets with energy. Although there aren't many types of energy weapons in Starfield, they usually provide a better range than their ballistic counterparts, solid damage, and pretty good ammo efficiency. It isn't a bad idea to have some laser weapon in your backpack; you never know when it may come in handy.

Some of the laser weapons you can utilize to your advantage are:



EM weapons in Starfield


EM, or electromagnetic weapons, operate on a fundamentally different principle compared to other guns. They are designed as a non-lethal option for stunning enemies. The selection of EM weapons is quite limited, with only one basic rifle available. However, it can offer a useful advantage when you prefer to resolve conflicts with less violence.

The sole EM weapon in the game is:



Weapon modifications and making your best Starfield weapon


When you access a Weapon workbench, you can apply different weapon modifications to customize your firearms and adjust their statistics. The available modification categories may vary depending on the type of weapon you're working with and can include the following: Receiver, Magazine and battery, Optics, Muzzle, Stock and grips, Barrel and Cover.

Additionally, rare and legendary weapons can offer a range of legendary effects, granting additional bonuses. However, since the effects can vary, it's important not to rely solely on the weapon's rarity but to consider the specific effects themselves.

Selecting the right modifications can greatly enhance your weapon to suit your preferences, so don't underestimate the impact of mods. In Starfield, there isn't a universally best weapon; it all comes down to your preferences, so don't hesitate to experiment with different weapons and modifications to discover your ultimate weapon.

Good aim and have fun! :)

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