Outplaying opponents and achieving a victory royale in Fortnite feels incredible, but winning takes more than just shooting skills. Knowing what weapons to grab, which to leave behind, and how to use them is critical to winning a round of Fornite. After all, a player with a common Assault Rifle probably won't put up much of a fight against another player with an Exotic weapon, no matter how skilled each player is.

RELATED: Beginner Tips For Fortnite: Impostors

Fortnite's Chapter 2, Season 8 introduced new weapons and brought back old ones. Some weapons will give players a much higher chance of winning than others thanks to their damage rate or abilities, and different weapons are stronger in certain situations. Here are the top picks.

8 Dragon's Breath Sniper Rifle

Fortnite character holding Dragon's Breath Sniper Rifle red arrows

The Dragon's Breath Sniper Rifle is of Exotic rarity, so it makes sense that it is one of the best weapons in Season 8. This rifle deals a staggering amount of damage (116 damage per shot) and creates an explosion, setting the surrounding area on fire.

The weapon can only hold one bullet at a time, so players need to know how to accurately aim in order to most effectively use it. Missing even one shot could give a skilled opponent time to reload and snag an elimination, so fans should use it wisely. Players can grab this weapon from Pitstop in Boney Burbs for 500 Bars.

7 Rocket Launcher

Screenshot of Fortnite Rocket Launcher aimed at player structure

Rocket Launchers are a projectile, explosive weapon known for the massive destruction they cause. They can destroy enemy structures with ease and don't require very precise aim, making the Rocket Launcher one of Fortnite's strongest weapons for new and experienced players alike.

RELATED:

Fortnite: Locations From Chapter 1 That Should Return To The Game

Many players have expressed frustration with the large amounts of damage Rocket Launchers deal, leading most fans to believe that better balancing with Rocket Launchers is one of the biggest fixes Fortnite needs. The Rocket Launcher can be obtained from Loot Sharks or Supply Drops.

6 Sideways Rifle

Fortnite Sideways Rifle orange background

The Sideways Rifle is an interesting choice, since it relies on an overheat system rather than a magazine size. After players fire it multiple times, it goes into overheat mode and temporarily cools down. Right before overheating, the Sideways Rifle deals bonus damage, so players should carefully time their shots and take the rifle's unique power into consideration.

Some gamers might hold the misconception that Fortnite is outdated, but the game constantly brings in new content. The Sideways Rifle, for example, is a brand new addition with Chapter 2, Season 8. Players can find it in the Sideways Chests in the Sideways.

5 Sideways Minigun

Fortnite Sideways Minigun orange background

The Sideways Minigun, like the Sideways Rifle, uses an overheat system and can fire a certain number of shots before needing to enter a cooldown mode. The Sideways Minigun's strength is that it can fire shots extremely rapidly, and each of those shots do 24 damage per second, amounting to about 168 damage per second.

Players could wipe out an unsuspecting enemy in under 2 seconds with perfect aim, making this a great weapon for short-or-mid ranged combat. Find the Sideways Minigun in Sideways Chests in the Sideways.

4 Shadow Tracker

Fortnite Shadow Tracker exotic Pistol

The Shadow Tracker is of Exotic rarity, and comes with a unique boost in addition to the damage it deals: the Shadow Tracker allows the whole squad to see the location of the hit player as they move. Being able to see the enemy through walls gives the team a huge advantage, often resulting in an elimination or two for the squad.

RELATED: Every Season Of Fortnite, Ranked

This ability makes the Shadow Tracker one of the most powerful weapons in the game, and allowing the team to see other players is something many fans didn't even know they could do. Players can obtain this unique gun from Dusk at Primal Pond for 400 Bars, or find it randomly in Malfunctioning Vending Machines.

3 Slone's Burst Assault Rifle

Fortnite Slone's Burst Assault Rifle gold sparkles

Slone's Burst Assault Rifle is a Mythic weapon with potential at both mid-and-long range. Therefore, this weapon's strength is in its versatility and high damage potential. Mythic weapons are so strong that some fans think they made the game worse.

Only one player per match can earn this rifle directly from Slone, so if players want to obtain it, they may need to eliminate a player holding it. Landing near Dirty Docks and defeating Doctor Slone early in the match is the best bet for those who hope to snag this great weapon, as she will drop this item once beaten. The addition of hostile NPCs like Doctor Slone is one of Fortnite's biggest changes since its start.

2 Rail Gun

Fortnite Rail Gun file folder

The Rail Gun can shoot through walls, furniture, and other barriers, making it a great choice for those going against experienced builders. Any weapon that counters building is powerful; in fact, some players believe that, unlike Apex Legends, Fortnite relies too much on building and little on actual shooting skill.

This Sniper also deals a high amount of damage per second (94 for a Legendary). Because the Rail Gun is so strong, it is no longer allowed in competitive play, which is a testament to its power.

Players can purchase a Rail Gun for 400 Bars from:

  • Charlotte at Pleasant Park
  • Suba Jonesy at Coral Castle
  • J.B. Chimpanksi at the Weather Station

1 Chug Cannon

Screenshot of Fortnite Chug Cannon weapon

The Chug Cannon might not be able to deal massive amounts of damage — or any damage at all — but it's still a powerful tool and a great addition to any Fortnite player's loadout. Still, it takes up two inventory slots, so players should think carefully about whether they need to carry around this heavy healing tool.

The Chug Cannon is especially helpful for those who play Duos, Trios, or Squads, since it heals anyone in its vicinity. Remembering to stay healed is just one important tip beginners need to remember to survive longer, and the Chug Cannon helps significantly. Players can purchase a Chug Cannon from The Brat for 600 Bars.

MORE: Fortnite: Weirdest Skins To Ever Be Added In The Game