One of the most adrenaline-inducing shooters of the year, Rage 2 leans into all the rough edges that most games try to refine and turns them into some of the wildest parts of the journey. A big part of the experience comes down to the wide variety of weapons and the different ways players can take out their opponents.
The other pieces to the puzzle are the upgrades, turning the already powerful weapons into experimental destruction. It's not always easy to choose which weapon to upgrade first. Players should focus on the most useful first and then branching out to the stylish cannons. The more they play, the more savage it gets.
1. Combat Shotgun
Players pick up the combat shotgun after completing the ''Radio Tower Repair'' quest, and it's most players' easiest path to victory. In a game where chaos is the primary form of combat, the powerful short range weapon will be one of the most useful tools in any arsenal.
Upgrading it will let players keep the same mechanics while taking on the upper class of enemies. This will be especially useful for armored bosses. Even when it doesn't take them out completely, it will stun enemies and deal massive damage, leaving them wide open for a follow-up attack.
2. Ranger Assault Rifle
This is another weapon that can be used in almost every situation the player finds themselves in. It's perfect for those who like to have a little more control than a shotgun offers. The rifle is a great base that players can build off of as they move through the story.
The main thing players will want to upgrade is the reload speed and damage dealt. This turns it into a powerhouse against mid-game enemies. If they really want to ramp things, then charging the overdrive meter will tear through the average enemy without flinching.
3. Grav Dart Launcher
Initially, this gun will feel a little awkward to use and some players will set it aside. However, mastering its mechanics makes it one of the most effective and fun weapons to play with. Requiring a little searching, you can pick it up in the Needle Falls Ark towards the South West of the map.
Firing small darts that transport the enemy to different locations, this weapon will deliver some of the most hilarious and satisfying kills in Rage 2. Upgrading it will make tossing enemies around feel like a breeze, and even trigger some heavy explosions in the late game.
4. Charged Pulse Cannon
Firing plasma bolts at the opposition has never been more fun. Players can melt those who stand against them, and deal massive damage when the weapon starts to overheat. It's primed for heavy assaults, and can take on groups of smaller enemies without wasting ammunition.
Picked up on the East side of the Shrouded Vault Ark, players will need to restore power by destroying the reactors. Once upgraded, not only will it cool down much faster, but the shots can home in to enemies and bring chaos to any enemy team.
5. Hyper Cannon
Living up to its name, the Hyper Cannon is one-shot destroyer. It can take out even the tankiest enemies in Rage 2. Using it first will put a significant dent in the enemies health and immediately turn the tide in the player's favor.
Unless players go out of their way, the Hyper Cannon will show up in the Greenhaven Ark, one of the last places they'll end up in the game. Upgrading it will damage all armor on the enemy, and when it does kill, an explosion damages everything standing close by.
6. Firestorm Revolver
This grimy revolver sets light to enemies and stands out among the rest of the lackluster pistols, spreading out its stats to make an all rounded weapon with some flair. Only found in the Dank Catacomb Ark, specifically hunting down this weapon is well worth the investment.
The Firestorm Revolver doesn't pack the giant punch that the game's other weapons do. However, its explosions will slowly drain the enemies health and make them much easier targets. Upgrading only makes it more effective, creating homing ammo and upping the length of the burn.
7. Smart Rocket Launcher
It's not hard to figure out what this weapon does: launch high-powered rockets that lock onto the enemy and blast them into oblivion. Grabbed from the Strongbox Ark, it's a rare weapon that operates at longer range than most weapons in Rage 2.
As soon as the enemies start to pile up mid-game, it's a smart choice to upgrade so the player can lock onto multiple targets. Seeing as it has a slower reload time, players are going to want to get maximum damage out of every shot fired.
8. Feltrite Laser Launcher
An item that shows up only in the ''Rise Of The Ghosts'' DLC, it's easily the most devastating weapon in the entire game. Using it almost feels like the player hacked the system and now holds a certified death beam in the palm of their hands.
Picking it up in the south of the Recondite Ark, players might not feel the need to upgrade this weapon for a while. Eventually though, upgrading it will help the player hold a beam for longer so they can melt an entire group without running out of juice.
9. Sword Of Transitus
Only available with the ''Terrormania'' expansion, this sword is as close players can get to close combat. Players will get it at the beginning of the game and upgrading is only possible by fighting through the Bonetowers in the Deadlands.
It's also the most directly effected by upgrades, giving new moves every time the player upgrades. Players will go from simple slashes to deflecting bullets and unleashing beams of energy, resembling some cursed samurai stumbling through the dark landscape.
10. Sidewinder Pistol
The Sidewinder joins the ranks of underwhelming pistols in Rage 2. It's a low-power weapon that provides precision shots in small bursts. It's received at the very beginning of the game, and that's probably where it should stay.
If the player has moved beyond regular difficulty and is looking for a way to make the game more challenging, upgrading the Sidewinder is a good move. Giving players faster shots and larger bursts, running through ammo has never been easier.
11. BFG 9000
Only unlockable with Deluxe and collector's editions of the game, this is reflected in its awe inspiring power and bulky aesthetic. They make it easy on the player by putting this DOOM weapon right at the beginning of the game in the Vineland.
It's one of the only weapons in the game that can't be upgraded. Thus, it gives the player all the power they could ever want up front.
12. Settler Pistol
Unfortunately for the Settler Pistol, it packs about as much power as its look would suggest. This makes it a very hard weapon to get through the game with. It will likely send fans into a downwards spiral if they even try.
Only adding to the sad state of affairs, the Settler Pistol joins the BFG 9000 in the weapons that can't be upgraded. Luckily, it's a preorder bonus and players have to specifically go looking for this flop before firing a single shot.