RIVALS Weapon Tier List
Every core weapon ranked S through C — updated June 2026
Plus the best weapon for each map and how ranked bans shape what you should actually bring.
The best weapon in RIVALS is the Assault Rifle — the default primary has low recoil, a fast time-to-kill, and works on every map. The Contraband Permafrost and the Exogun secondary round out S-tier. On tight indoor maps like Backrooms, Station, and Onyx, swap to the Shotgun. Rankings reflect ranked 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 performance as of June 2026.
S-Tier — Dominant
Pick these first. Effective in nearly every scenario and map.
Assault Rifle
PrimaryBeginner FriendlyDefault primary. Best all-rounder — works at every range and map. Low recoil, fast TTK, and versatile. #1 weapon overall.
Permafrost
PrimaryContraband SMG. Fires in precise 2-round bursts — insane damage when mastered. Hard to obtain but dominant in ranked.
Exogun
SecondaryAOE blast damage that exceeds some primaries at range. Incredible on clustered maps. Can clear corners instantly.
A-Tier — Very Strong
Excellent weapons that excel in the right hands and situations.
Shotgun
PrimaryBeginner FriendlyBest close-range primary. One-shot potential. Dominant on indoor maps (Backrooms, Station, Graveyard).
Katana
MeleeCan deflect bullets — unique defensive ability. Excellent for aggressive rushers. High skill ceiling.
Scythe
MeleeDash-forward active ability closes gaps instantly. Hard to punish on approach. Solid ranked pick.
Burst Rifle
PrimaryBeginner FriendlyThree-round burst rifle — a hit-and-run side-grade to the Assault Rifle. Cheap to unlock (25 Keys) and beginner-friendly.
Uzi
SecondaryBeginner FriendlyAutomatic sidearm with a high fire rate — plays like a pocket Assault Rifle. Slight spread at range. Best beginner secondary (20 Keys).
B-Tier — Situational
Solid picks held back by skill floors or niche use cases.
Sniper
PrimaryOne-shot headshot potential. Dominates open maps (Playground, Bridge). High skill ceiling — punishing to miss.
Crossbow
PrimarySilent shots, good damage per bolt. Viable in ranked for stealth plays. Limited ammo count.
Molotov
UtilityArea denial tool. Forces enemies out of cover. Strategic value in team modes.
Knife
MeleeFast attack speed. Half the contract kill count of other weapons (easier to complete contracts).
C-Tier — Niche
Hard to recommend for ranked unless fully mastered.
Grenade Launcher
PrimaryNiche situational use. High skill needed to arc shots. Outclassed by Exogun for splash damage.
Revolver
SecondarySlow fire rate punishes misses. Viable only when fully mastered. Hard to recommend for ranked.
Best Weapon for Every Map
The weapon meta shifts hard between maps — an S-tier pick on Bridge can be a liability in Backrooms. Run these loadouts per map:
| Map | Best Weapons | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Backrooms | Shotgun, Uzi, Exogun | Tight corridors punish range weapons — close-range dominates. |
| Station | Shotgun, Uzi, Scythe | Indoor train station with fast TTK and almost no long sightlines. |
| Playground | Sniper, Assault Rifle | Open area with long sightlines — snipers shine here. |
| Bridge | Sniper, Assault Rifle | Long central lane rewards accurate range weapons. |
| Graveyard | Shotgun, Katana | Dense tombstone cover keeps every fight close. |
| Arena | Assault Rifle, Burst Rifle | Symmetrical layout, all ranges — the AR is king here. |
| Crossroads | Assault Rifle, Exogun | Four-way intersection — versatile loadouts win. |
| Onyx | Shotgun, Uzi | Dark, tight layout — shotgun-favored by design. |
| Big Splash | Sniper, Assault Rifle | The larger pool map makes snipers viable, unlike standard Splash. |
Quick Reference Summary
| Tier | Weapon | Category | Beginner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Assault Rifle | Primary | Yes |
| S | Permafrost | Primary | — |
| S | Exogun | Secondary | — |
| A | Shotgun | Primary | Yes |
| A | Katana | Melee | — |
| A | Scythe | Melee | — |
| A | Burst Rifle | Primary | Yes |
| A | Uzi | Secondary | Yes |
| B | Sniper | Primary | — |
| B | Crossbow | Primary | — |
| B | Molotov | Utility | — |
| B | Knife | Melee | — |
| C | Grenade Launcher | Primary | — |
| C | Revolver | Secondary | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon in RIVALS?
The Assault Rifle is the best all-around weapon in RIVALS — low recoil, fast time-to-kill, and effective at every range on every map. The Contraband Permafrost (2-round burst SMG that slows enemies) and the Exogun secondary are also S-tier for experienced players.
How many weapons are in RIVALS?
RIVALS has 53 weapons total (5 of them gamemode-exclusive) across four categories: Primary, Secondary, Melee, and Utility. Weapons come in three types — Standard, Prime, and Contraband. This tier list ranks the core competitive picks; niche utility items like the Medkit or Jump Pad are situational rather than tierable.
What weapons should beginners use in RIVALS?
Start with the Assault Rifle — it is the default primary and the most forgiving weapon in the game. The Burst Rifle (25 Keys) is a cheap hit-and-run alternative, and the Uzi (20 Keys) is the best beginner secondary, playing like a pocket Assault Rifle.
How do I get the Permafrost in RIVALS?
The Permafrost costs 600 Keys. It was previously available in the Prime Bundle and Contraband Bundle, but both have been retired. It is a Contraband primary, so expect a long Key grind — complete weapon contracts and redeem weekly codes to speed it up.
Can weapons be banned in RIVALS ranked?
Yes. Before each ranked match, every team bans one map and two weapons. The default loadout (Assault Rifle, Handgun, Fists, Grenade) normally cannot be banned — which is part of why the Assault Rifle tops this list: it is always available.
Do wraps and skins affect weapon stats in RIVALS?
No. Wraps and skins are purely cosmetic — they change how your weapon looks but have zero impact on damage, recoil, or fire rate. Tier placements are identical whether you run a default weapon or a Mythical wrap.
What level do you need to play ranked in RIVALS?
Ranked requires Level 100, 10 completed standard duels, at least 30 completed tasks, a verified account (email, Robux spend, or ID), and a Roblox account at least 14 days old. After unlocking ranked, you play 10 placement matches to reveal your initial rank.