The 15 Best Video Game Weapons of 2024

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As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that this list takes me back to my roots. Each game, each weapon, and each character has left a lasting impression on me, shaping not only my gaming journey but also my life as a whole.

In numerous games, battle plays a crucial role, shaping the entire gaming experience positively or negatively. The essence of combat, however, is often influenced significantly by the variety of weapons, spells, and similar factors at one’s disposal. On some occasions, exceptional weapons are those that mold a character build; on others, they intertwine with the game’s storyline and folklore. Yet, sometimes, it merely boils down to sheer enjoyment. Remarkable weapons can encompass all three qualities, but even if they don’t, 2024 video games featured many masterfully crafted, entertaining, and story-rich weapons.

SPOILERS AHEAD

In 2024, choosing standouts wasn’t a walk in the park, but analyzing the fights, scenes, and elements that made each game unique gave us a clear picture of which weapons outperformed expectations. Ranging from the pistol in Another Crab’s Treasure to the Gauss Gun in STALKER 2, here are the top weapons of 2024, listed in alphabetical order according to their associated game.

Another Crab’s Treasure – The Handgun

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Among the amusing arsenal of weapons, Another Crab’s Treasure might be the most hilarious. The creators of Aggro Crab unveiled this handgun prior to its launch, and it had fans chuckling back then. Their laughter likely doubled when they gave it a try, as nothing is more amusing in a Soulslike game than managing to instantaneously defeat a boss, at least once. The absurdity of a functioning gun underwater adds to the humor of Another Crab’s Treasure.

Astro Bot – PS5 DualSense Controller

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In the game titled “Astro Bot”, the formidable antagonist known as Space Bully Nebulax stands as the ultimate challenge. The journey leading up to this battle is filled with excitement, as players navigate through space while controlling their PS5 DualSense controller and blasting enemies in an exhilarating cosmic fight. They are accompanied by a range of PlayStation hardware from past years, adding a touch of nostalgia to the thrilling experience. The joy and nostalgia of this moment are difficult to beat, with the PS5 DualSense controller functioning as a powerful weapon that significantly enhances the fun factor.

Black Myth: Wukong – Sun Wukong’s Staff

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In the game “Black Myth: Wukong”, Sun Wukong’s staff is one of the top-tier weapons. Although it doesn’t play a significant role in terms of screen time within the main plot, it serves as an outstanding enhancement to the protagonist’s bo staff. Its narrative importance and statistical prowess make it a thrilling upgrade, even though it enters the story relatively late.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Jet Gun

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Over time, the “Call of Duty” series has introduced multiple Powerful Artifacts, but some have fallen short of expectations. One of the most underwhelming Powerful Artifacts was the Jet Gun from “Black Ops 2”, infamous for not being found in the Mystery Box and requiring players to construct it, only for it to self-destruct later. However, “Black Ops 6” reintroduced the Jet Gun and made significant improvements, transforming its reputation. It no longer detonates, can be continuously used with a simple recharge upon depletion, has an additional firing mode, and can be upgraded via the Pack-a-Punch machine. This change in the Jet Gun from 2012 to 2024 is significant, earning it this recognition.

Diablo 4: Vessels of Hatred – Rod of Kepeleke

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In the game Diablo 4: Vessels of Hatred, the Spiritborn class is a major attraction, and its unique items are simply fantastic. The appeal of this class is significantly boosted by the variety of build options available. One such unique item is the Rod of Kepeleke, which greatly enhances any build it’s included in. Players need to reach max level and farm specific locations to get it, but the reward is a Unique that allows players to cast Core Skills for free. While there is a minor disadvantage, the Rod’s secondary effect, when used correctly in builds, effectively nullifies this drawback. Its integral role in Spiritborn Builds is why it holds this position – it’s that simple.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Mythal’s Light

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In terms of legend and battle prowess, the Mythal’s Light weapon stands virtually unmatched within the game, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This tool can assume the form of either a Mageknife or Longsword, contingent upon Rook’s chosen class. Significantly linked to some of the most ancient lore in Dragon Age, this weapon symbolizes Mythal’s bond with Solas. Gaining it may prove challenging, but the prize surpasses any hurdles encountered. Mythal’s Light is frequently integrated into the top Mage construction plans within Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Spear of the Impaler

Check Out Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree on OpenCritic

In the expansive world of Elden Ring, particularly its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, few weapons feel as satisfying to use as the Messmer. This boss, known as the flagship opponent of the expansion, is not only iconic but also challenging to conquer. Overcoming him and acquiring the Spear of the Impaler is an incredibly rewarding experience within Shadow of the Erdtree.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – Slipstream Saber

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In the realm of the gaming industry, particularly the Final Fantasy series, the Buster Sword stands out as a highly recognizable weapon. This iconic tool reappears in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and players can even acquire various enhanced versions for Cloud. The pinnacle of these enhancements is the Slipstream Saber, which offers nothing but advantages while subtly altering its appearance. Despite this change, it remains the Buster Sword at its core. Wielding it during the concluding content of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth truly embodies the power fantasy that is the Buster Sword.

Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail – Pictomancer’s Paint Brushes

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2024 saw the arrival of two fresh classes in Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail – the Viper and the Pictomancer. As a fan, I can’t help but stand tall when I think about the paintbrush-wielding Pictomancer. With its Magic DPS role, the Pictomancer delivers raw damage, utilities, and easy-to-grasp gameplay, making it a top choice for casters. The evidence of this is evident in the Futures Rewritten (Ultimate) raid where Pictomancers are abundant. Its novelty lies in its effectiveness, adding an awesome touch to Final Fantasy 14 with its paintbrushes in 2024.

Helldivers 2 – LAS-16 Sickle

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In the heat of Super Helldive Difficulty battles, you might find that the LAS-16 Sickle laser rifle isn’t the go-to weapon for punching through Terminid or Automaton armor. However, unlike other energy weapons, it has significantly less diminishing returns. As an energy-based heat weapon, I can tell you that it delivers sustained bursts when you hold down the trigger, but overheats if used excessively. This means I have to manually reload after each prolonged use, unless I time my shots in short bursts and release before it overheats. Essentially, the LAS-16 Sickle is all about precision and strategic timing, as I don’t need to scavenge for ammo nearly as much as with many other primary weapons in Helldivers 2.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle – Indy’s Whip

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In another words, “Indiana Jones and The Great Circle” manages to make players truly feel like Dr. Jones, and one method it achieves this is through Indy’s whip. Although the combat in “Indiana Jones and The Great Circle” can be quite chaotic, the whip remains a trustworthy tool, capable of disarming opponents as well as other functions. It may not inflict the highest damage, but it effectively brings the fantasy to life, is useful for exploration outside of combat, and significantly contributes to the overall gaming experience.

Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Tri-Rod

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In the beloved series The Legend of Zelda, Link’s Master Sword stands out as an enduring icon among all weapons. Fans were intrigued to find if Zelda would yield this legendary blade in Echoes of Wisdom prior to its release, but that was not the case. Instead, the primary combat feature in Echoes of Wisdom revolves around the Tri-Rod. This tool is incredibly entertaining and offers a unique twist on traditional combat. Rather than directly engaging in battle, players can create Echoes or summon monsters to fight and protect Zelda. For instance, you can drop a box onto an enemy’s head, trap them in a water bubble, or even summon a stronger creature for defense. The Tri-Rod serves as a creative gameplay mechanic in both combat and exploration within Echoes of Wisdom.

Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth – True Legendary Hero’s Bat

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Testing someone and something as legendary as Kazuma Kiryu and his fists is a tremendous task, yet RGG Studios managed to do just that when they initially presented Ichiban Kasuga and his charming bat. In the game “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth“, they maintain what makes Ichiban and his bat so powerful and iconic, an image all fans are familiar with. Although players must put in significant work to unlock it, enhancing Ichiban’s bat to the True Legendary Hero’s Bat offers a blend of combat efficiency and Ichiban’s fantastical world in distinctive and enjoyable ways that make it more than worthwhile.

Metaphor: ReFantazio – The Prince Archetype

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In a different phrasing: Although Archetypes aren’t conventional weapons, they serve as repositories of heroic power, offering players special talents and capabilities. In the game Metaphor: ReFantazio, there is no more fitting or story-rich Archetype than The Prince. Exclusive to the game’s main character, The Prince can boost the entire team and inflict massive damage. For those who focus on developing all the Royal Archetypes, The Prince can unlock a hidden Skill that is not only incredibly powerful but also perfectly overpowered.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Gauss Gun

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In essence, the Sniper Rifle can be seen as essentially linked to the STALKER 2 series, and it plays a crucial role in gameplay due to its similar strengths. The Sniper Rifle and the distinctive EM-1 are among the most powerful weapons in STALKER 2, making it imperative for players to remain vigilant for one. This weapon is almost emblematic of the franchise, and its presence on this list is undeniably justified.

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2024-12-15 18:46