So you’re probably wondering what the current META is in Fortnite. We got you covered here at Kavo Gaming. In this list, you will find the up-to-date weapons to use. Including the best weapons to use in Fortnite Battle Royale.
This guide is for the currently available items in the game. If you want to take a look at the weapons that have been removed from the game. Check out our Fortnite vaulted weapons and items article.
What does META mean in Fortnite?
Maybe you heard META being mentioned in a lobby and you went searching for what it means. META is actually an acronym for Most Effective Tactic Available. Essentially, when people ask about the game’s META. They want to know what combinations of weapons and items work best together in the game’s current state. What should I use to win more games etc?
With the definition out of the way, let’s jump straight into the current Fornite META. Below you will find a list of all the current weapons available. We will also explain the best weapons and the reasoning behind this.
Current Weapons META
The weapons are listed below based on how good they are. Weapons are regularly being tweaked and changed to balance the game. At the moment these are the best weapons available in the game.
The Best Weapons
Below you will find the best weapons to use in Fortnite Battle Royales’ current META. These are not necessarily the best weapons in the game. However, they are the best in the game’s current state.
Assault Rifle
The Assault Rifle is your go-to weapon in Fortnite. Its high rate of damage with solid DPS makes it a fantastic weapon to use. Its DPS ranges from 165(common) to 198(Legendary).
It works great in medium to long-range combat. It also has a great ammo capacity at 30 making it great for spraying enemies with gunfire. However, spraying may not be viable at longer ranges due to the weapon’s recoil. All 5 variants of the Assault Rifle can be found in chests or as floor loot scattered around the game.
Heavy Assault Rifle
The Heavy Assault Rifle does what it says on the tin. Deals huge damage per round. However, the accuracy is terrible so it is highly recommended to fire the weapon in short bursts. Hitting a target with the initial accurate bullets will be more beneficial than spraying with less accurate ones.
The Heavy Assault Rifle is currently available in Common, Uncommon, and Rare variants.
Suppressed Submachine Gun
The Submachine Gun has seen so many variants in Fortnite. The Suppressed Submachine Gun is currently available as of now. It can be found as common, uncommon, and rare variants.
It is a great weapon in close-quarter combat. Its low damage is made up for by its fast fire rate and high initial bullet fire accuracy. Many argue that the suppressor doesn’t make a difference. The Suppressed SMG can be found in vending machines, floor loot, and chests.
Tactical Submachine Gun
The Tactical SMG is a fast-firing machine. Even faster than the minigun in fact. Being an SMG it is best used in close range engagements. Players are advised to fire in short bursts because of the weapon’s small magazine size. It is currently available in 4 variants. Uncommon, Rare, Epic and Legendary.
Suppressed Assault Rifle
The Suppressed Assault Rifle is available in Epic and Legendary variants. It is an accurate weapon with the first 7 bullets, the most accurate. It is a great AR for players who prefer to play more strategically and remain stealthy.
Due to its accuracy fall-off rate. It is recommended to fire the Suppressed Assault Rifle in short bursts rather than spraying.
Pump Shotgun
The Pump is a great secondary weapon to have in your arsenal. It deals with extreme damage up close and personal. The Rare and Uncommon variants are currently available in the game. Both variants should be used in different ways.
The Rare variant has the ability to take out enemies in one headshot at point-blank range. Even if the enemy players are fully shielded. Therefore, if using the Rare variant. Remember to go for headshots.
The Uncommon variant should be used as a secondary to an Assult Rifle. Ready to pull out when in close quarters or if the enemy has already taken damage.
Heavy Sniper Rifle
Being the most powerful sniper rifle in Fortnite. The Heavy Sniper is a well sought-after weapon. It deals 157 damage per round and can obliterate buildings with ease.
Rocket Launcher
The Rocket Launcher is available in both Epic and Legendary variants. It is a very powerful weapon that can be used to cause major damage to both players and buildings. Its damage capability is balanced by the weapon’s ability to only hold 1 rocket at a time.
Decent Weapons
Tactical Shotgun(Epic and Legendary Variants)
The Tactical Shotgun is available in all variants. The Tac is not the deadliest of the shotguns but it makes up for it with its fast fire rate. It is best used in close-range combat. To be most effective with this weapon go for a headshot first and then switch to a secondary to finish off the enemy.
Minigun
The Minigun is a bullet spitting machine. Its best attribute is its extremely high rate of fire. It is capable of firing low damage rounds at a very fast fire rate. This makes it particularly great for destroying builds. The Minigun excels in medium-range combat. It has to wind up before it fires so if using the minigun at close range, it is recommended to sneak up on the enemy first.
Infantry Rifle
The Infantry Rifle is a semi-automatic weapon. This means players should take their time and pick their shots. The Infantry Rifle will reward them, due to its high accuracy per shot. It is best used in long-range combat to pick people off from a distance.
Grenade Launcher
Everyone loves to have fun with a grenade launcher. This bad boy is no different. It is fantastic at dealing major damage to players and buildings from a distance.
Keep in mind the Grenade Launcher fires missiles based on a trajectory that needs to be accounted for. Therefore, it takes a while to master aiming with this launcher.
Useable Weapons
Tactical Shotgun (Original/Common, Uncommon, Rare Variants)
The Tactical Shotgun is available in all variants. The Tac is not the deadliest of the shotguns but it makes up for it with its fast fire rate. It is best used in close-range combat. To be most effective with this weapon go for a headshot first and then switch to a secondary to finish off the enemy.
Revolver
Don’t we all love a Revolver? This baby has crazy headshot damage with the capability of dealing with over 100 damage points in close range. With that said, it is best used in medium-range combat to deal with some initial damage before swapping to a secondary to finish off the opponent.
Automatic Sniper Rifle
Since its damage buff in Season 10. The Automatic Sniper Rifle is quite a viable weapon in medium to long-range engagements. It has the fastest fire rate of all the snipers and if players have good aim. It can be great for getting rid of enemies quickly from a distance.
Hand Cannon
Fortnite’s Desert Eagle. This high-powered pistol does great damage. Despite it being a pistol, it is a very viable weapon in medium to long-range encounters.
Flint-Knock Pistol
The-Knock Pistols are a favorite among fans. Not only do they inflict tremendous damage per bullet. But they’re fun to goof around with because of the knockback feature. If you want to counter the knockback effect. Players can crouch when using the Flint-Knock Pistol.
Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
The Bolt-Action Sniper in most games is beastly. Fortnite is no different. This weapon excels from long-range. It has the ability to take out a player in one headshot even if they are shielded. Make sure to stay far though. Its slow reloading time will be sure to get you killed in close quarters combat.
Bad/Unusable Weapons
Suppressed Pistol
The Suppressed Pistol is nothing to write home about. If you do need to use it. It is best to use the weapon in medium to long-range combat.
Scoped Assault Rifle
The Assault Rifle with a built-in scope seems promising. However, the Scoped Assault Rifle is a letdown. Its slow fire rate and low ammo capacity make it crucial to carry a more powerful backup weapon such as an Assault Rifle or Tactical Shotgun.
Pistol
The Pistol, like most other Battle Royales, is an ok starter weapon. When you initially land and there is a rush to gather loot. Pick it by all means. However, it should be replaced as soon as you find a more viable weapon.
