One of the most important criteria for most video games is the weapon selection available to players. After all, when faced with dangerous enemies and strong bosses, players need to have the proper tools to succeed in their objectives.
When it comes to weapons, there are several varieties to choose from. There are those ranging from close quarters to long range, and even those with a balance between the two. From bladed weapons like knives, swords, axes, and spears, to projectile-based weapons such as pistols, shotguns, as well as crossbows; there are practically an infinite number of weapons to choose from in video games.
However, not all players have the same style. We are more likely to choose a weapon based on factors like one’s personal preference, as well as a weapon’s power. In this case, only the most powerful weapons for the most experienced players will do.
From god-destroying swords to one-hit firearms, these powerful weapons are what every player strives to obtain. In many cases, these weapons are responsible for making or breaking the reputation of the games they are featured in.
However, while there are powerful weapons out there, there is no guarantee that all of them will be powerful. In fact, players are just as likely to obtain weapons that are useless or so weak that it is a wonder why the developers even bothered to include them.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 13 Strongest Video Game Weapons (And 12 Weakest), Ranked.
Strongest: Buster Sword – Final Fantasy Series
First appearing in Final Fantasy VII, Cloud’s Buster Sword is one of the most legendary blades in all of gaming. Rivaling even the likes of the Master Sword from Legend of Zelda, the Buster Blade is an important part of the Final Fantasy franchise.
It’s so popular that its also appeared in other media like the Kingdom Hearts games. It even appears as a cameo in Adventure Time.
Despite being Cloud’s starter weapon, the Buster Blade’s strength increases once the player unlocks Cloud’s Limit Breaks.
After unlocking Limit Breaks like Finishing Touch and Omnislash, the Buster Sword becomes one of the best weapons in the game.
With these abilities, even Sephiroth doesn’t stand a chance.
Weakest: Green Shells – Mario Kart Series
In the Mario Kart franchise, the turtle shells are considered one of the franchises signature weapons.
After hitting a mystery box, players have a chance to land on three possible types of shells. Unfortunately, there is one variety of turtle shell that is more of a hindrance than a trump card.
In Mario Kart, green turtle shells are possibly the worst item to land on. Een if the player throws them, they are not always guaranteed to hit their intended target. Furthermore, they can also ricochet off of surfaces, and fly back towards the racers that threw them.
With such a huge weakness, even banana peels are more useful.
Strongest: Master Sword – The Legend Of Zelda Franchise
As one of the most iconic weapons in gaming, Link’s Master Sword is as powerful as its reputation. Forged by a goddess and blessed by a princess, its main purpose is to protect the world from the forces of evil.
It destroys all forms of dark magic such as curses, creates waves of energy, and even bestows its wielder with the power to time travel.
Additionally, in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the sword is unbreakable, unlike other weapons.
In Breath of The Wild, Link must sacrifice 10 full heart containers in order to obtain this sword.
However, it is a small price to pay in exchange for such a powerful weapon.
Weakest: Flamethrower – Dead Space
In Dead Space, the player must help the protagonist survive against hordes of flesh-eating monsters called necromorphs using whatever weapons and resources he can find.
The strength and effectiveness of a weapon can mean the difference between life and the grave . In some cases, weapons such as the Flamethrower are not very likely to guarantee one’s survival.
Firstly, the damage is minimal, and is inflicted slowly overtime. Secondly, even after they have been set ablaze necromorphs will still charge at you.
Instead of wasting time on the Flamethrower, the player’s effort is better spent towards relying on weapons that deal major damage in single blow.
Strongest: Blue Shells – Mario Kart Series
While green shells are a terrible draw in Mario Kart, it is a different story regarding the blue shells. Blue shells target lead racers and come in two varieties: winged and spiny.
The spiny shells will fly through the race track, hitting any player in their way until they reach the lead driver.
On the other hand, flying shells will pass over all racers, and even fly across the map, to reach their target. Furthermore, upon reaching the lead racer, they create a small blast radius that hits any racers in proximity.
The downside is that if a player that is already in the lead throws one, they become a target themselves.
Weakest: Kingdom Key – Kingdom Hearts Series
In the Kingdom Hearts series, the Keyblade is one of the most powerful weapons in existence. It can take on many forms, each one bestowing its wielder with a different ability.
However, as it stands not all of the Keyblade’s forms are equal. In some cases, there are those whose abilities are practically useless. One example is the Keyblade’s base form, the Kingdom Key. Unlike most of its other forms, the Kingdom Key is a basic weapon that offers no boost whatsoever.
For this reason, players are more likely to switch it out the moment they acquire a stronger Keyblade form.
Strongest: 211-V Plasma Cutter - Dead Space
Unlike the Flamethrower, the plasma cutter is a much more ideal weapon. Instead of inflicting minimal damage over a period of time, this weapon can destroy necromorphs in a single blow.
Among all the weapons available in Dead Space, it would not be an exaggeration to call the Plasma Cutter one of the most powerful weapons in the game.
If it weren’t for the fact that the game limits the amount of ammunition for each weapon, the Plasma Cutter would make the player practically unbeatable.
Due to this limitation, it is better to save the plasma cutter for the more resilient necromorphs.
Weakest: Hidden Gun - Assassins Creed: Brotherhood
In the world of Assassins Creed, the range and historical accuracy of weapons varies from one game to the next.
As they are designed mostly for assassination, the strength of these weapons differs from the usual criteria found in other games. However, one of the weakest weapons is the Hidden Gun from Brotherhood.
Unlike a gun from an earlier installment, this weapon is a poorly designed for both assassinations and melee combat. It only has a single round, and the sound it makes easily gives away your position.
As a result, most players tend to favor the crossbow. Not only does it perform the same functions as the gun, it is more proficient for assassinations.
Strongest: Ray Gun (Marks I-III) – Call of Duty Franchise
Call of Duty games feature an impressive display of weaponry and firepower. However, one of the strongest weapons in the game can only be found in the zombie mode campaign.
The Ray Gun (marks 1 through 3), is one of the best weapons to have when playing Call of Duty’s zombie mode. Over the years, the Ray Gun has undergone several changes. Its more recent form is the Ray Gun Mark III in Black Ops III: Zombies.
For those lucky to survive long enough to get it, it eliminates enemies instantly and has a lot of ammo.
In addition, it delivers splash damage that affects any nearby enemies.
Weakest: Bowcaster – Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
In Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy players have the chance to wield the signature weapon of the Wookie’s, the Bowcaster.
At first, the idea of handling Chewie’s signature weapon sounds like a dream come true. Sadly, this weapon fails to live up to expectations. Sure, it sounds and looks cool, but the truth is that this weapon deals insignificant damage and has a low rate of accuracy.
Some may argue that the Bowcaster makes up for this with its ability to store energy and fire multiple shots at once. Unfortunately, whether it is close or long range, it is very unlikely these shots will hit their target.
Strongest: Golden Gun – Goldeneye 007
For those of you that have seen the Man With The Golden Gun, you may already be quite familiar with this entry. The signature weapon of assassin Francisco Scaramanga is one of the most popular weapons in the James Bond franchise.
In the film, this weapon is assembled using a lighter, a pen, a cigarette case, and a cufflink. Much like in the film, Goldeneye 007 also has its own version of the gun.
While it may only fire one shot before reloading, the strength behind it is nothing to laugh at.
A single hit from this weapon guarantees an instant kill, making it one of the strongest weapons in the game.
Weakest: Giant’s Knife– Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
It is a given that no weapon in The Legend of Zelda games will ever be equal to the Master Sword. In many games, such as Breath of the Wild, most of the weapons are likely to break after overuse.
In Ocarina of Time, the Giant’s Knife is just one example. Despite its name, the Giant’s Knife is around the size of a small sword. Unlike, the much more powerful Biggoron’s Sword, this weapon is actually quite fragile.
The player can equip it as a weapon, but it will break after only two or three uses.
Strongest: Leviathan Axe – God of War
In God of War, Kratos forgoes his signature Blades of Chaos in favor of a new weapon.
Kratos’ Leviathan Axe is just as powerful, if not more so than his old blades. Unlike the Blades of Chaos, Kratos can throw the axe towards incoming foes, or across vast differences. Much like Thor’s hammer, the Leviathan Axe returns to Kratos at his command.
The axe also grants the power over the element of ice.
This allows him to freeze enemies upon contact, send waves of ice shards at his foes, as well as unleash freezing energy beams.
Hopefully, fans can look forward to more of the Leviathan Axe in future games.
Weakest: Bare Fists – Dark Souls
In Dark Souls, the game allows players to choose from a variety of different weapons. While the prospect of fighting with knives, swords, bows and much more is appealing it would be interesting see a martial arts dynamic included in the game.
Interestingly, it is possible for players to fight using their bare hands. However, when faced with supernatural enemies such as Ornstein and Smaug, fighting bare handed may not be the best idea.
Unless the player is equipped with a weapon like the Caestus, they won’t get far fighting with just their fists. Even then, Caestus is also a terrible weapon.
Strongest: Ultima Weapon – Kingdom Hearts Series
Ultima Weapon is recognized as one of the Keyblade’s strongest forms. Even though its appearance changes between games, its power always remains the highest of any Keyblade.
It provides a major boost to the protagonist’s strength stat, increases magic power and critical rate, and its reach is one of the longest of any keyblade.
In most games, Ultima Weapon is acquired after completing certain events. However, in Kingdom Hearts, and Kingdom Hearts II, the only way to obtain it is by acquiring the necessary crafting materials, most of which require time and luck to acquire.
Nevertheless, it is worth the effort if it means getting your hands on this legendary weapon.
Weakest: Rivet Gun – Dead Space 2
It seems almost impossible that there could be a weapon weaker than the Flamethrower in the Dead Space series. Sadly, the Rivet Gun proves otherwise.
As its name suggests, the Rivet Gun fires rivets at necromorphs. Unfortunately, using this weapon to try and take down a necromorph is disastrous. The damage is so weak, that not even emptying an entire clip is enough to destroy a necromorph.
Almost any weapon is more ideal than the Rivet Gun. If anything, players should focus more towards finding the Javelin Gun, which is an upgraded version of the Rivet Gun that can destroy a necromorph in just two shots.
Strongest: Jack’s Morph Gun – Jack II & III
In Jack II, the protagonist Jack receives the Morph Gun. This weapon adds more versatility thanks to its four different mods, each with their own unique firing capability.
The red mod specializes in high impact damage, making it adept at close range combat. The yellow mod is more adept to sniping foes from a distance. The blue mod includes a rapid-fire function, making it ideal in both close and long-range combat.
The dark mod, the strongest of the four different mods, can wipe out waves of enemies with a single shot.
In Jack III, the Morph Gun is upgraded and receives two new forms per mod, each one more powerful than the last.
Weakest: The Klobb – Goldeneye 007
While the Golden Gun in Goldeneye 007 is famous for its power and reference to a James Bond film, it is not the only weapon with a reputation. The Klobb is an equally famous weapon in the game, albeit for different reasons.
In the game, the Klobb is recognized by fans as one of the weakest guns in the game. Not only does it inflict weak damage, its accuracy is extremely poor. Even the fact that it can be wielded in both hands does little to improve its reputation.
The Klobb’s status as a weak gun is so infamous that it earned its own Facebook page celebrating this fact.
Strongest: Spread Gun – Contra Series
The Contra series features some of the deadliest gun-based weapons in gaming. One of its best and strongest guns is the Spread Gun.
When compared to weapons like the machine gun, the Spread Gun is lacking in terms of speed. Although, it more than makes up for it with its ability to fire in five different directions simultaneously.
In the Contra series, the Spread Gun is the best choice for dealing with several foes at once.
After all, when faced with enemies like the Red Falcon, such a weapon is extremely useful to have on hand.
Weakest: Sun on A Stick – Team Fortress 2
In Team Fortress 2, the Sun On A Stick is a worthless weapon. Unless certain conditions are met, the weapon is just a regular stick that does little to no damage.
This weapon does deal critical hits to enemies that are on fire. However, Scouts, the only class capable of wielding this stick, do not have access to weapons that can set foes ablaze. In other words, they must either wait for enemies that are already on fire or work with other players that can perform this action.
Unless one or more players properly coordinates their moves, this weapon only proves to be more trouble than it’s worth.
