So, if you’re tired of wondering whether that new rifle is worth keeping, here’s a breakdown of what weapon tiers mean, which ones are best, and how to get your hands on top-tier firepower.
What Are Weapon Tiers in Starfield?
Weapon tiers basically tell you how powerful a gun can become. As you progress through the game, you’ll notice that the same weapon can come in different versions – from basic to legendary. The higher the tier, the better the stats, mods, and perks.
| Tier | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Standard version, no mods or perks. | Grendel SMG (basic drop) |
| Rare | Comes with a few stat bonuses or attachments. | Old Earth Assault Rifle with scope |
| Epic | Better base damage and improved accuracy or stability. | Urban Eagle with laser sight |
| Legendary | Top-tier weapons with unique perks and effects. | Lawgiver with explosive rounds |
Each tier is a jump in performance. Legendary guns don’t just deal more damage – they can change the entire rhythm of combat. A well-rolled pistol can outclass a basic rifle if it’s legendary-tier with good modifiers.
How to Get Higher-Tier Weapons
Higher-tier weapons in Starfield weapon tiers don’t appear randomly. You’ll need to earn them through missions, crafting, or special traders. The more you level up, the more often better gear shows up in loot drops.
| Source | How to Obtain | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Faction Quests | Completing storyline missions for the UC Vanguard or Freestar Rangers. | Reward weapons scale with your level – finish later for better versions. |
| Crafting | Use Weapon Workbenches with proper skills and materials. | Invest in the “Weapon Engineering” skill to unlock high-tier mods. |
| Vendors | Check weapon traders in New Atlantis, Akila, or Neon regularly. | They restock daily – higher levels mean better weapons in stock. |
| Enemy Drops | Loot legendary enemies in high-threat zones or space battles. | Crimson Fleet captains and merc leaders have a higher drop chance. |
| Mission Rewards | Side missions often reward rare or epic guns. | Don’t skip small quests – some have hidden weapon rewards. |
Best Weapons by Tier
Here’s a quick look at some standout weapons from each tier that players swear by. This list is based on reliability, ammo availability, and pure damage output.
- Common: Grendel SMG – solid starter weapon with easy ammo.
- Rare: Old Earth Pistol – strong accuracy and works great early on.
- Epic: Hard Target – a precision rifle with huge headshot potential.
- Legendary: Advanced Old Earth Assault Rifle – customizable and deadly.
How to Tell If a Weapon Is Worth Keeping
Don’t just look at the color of the item name. Compare stats. A legendary gun might sound great, but if it uses ammo you rarely find, it’s not practical. Always check the damage per shot and fire rate – sometimes an epic-tier weapon with fast reload beats a legendary one with a slow firing speed.
Also, try combining weapon tiers with your playstyle. Snipers and pistols work best for stealth builds, while automatic rifles or shotguns suit aggressive players.
Upgrading Weapons
You can mod almost every weapon in Starfield. Attach scopes, suppressors, or laser sights. Mods aren’t tied to tiers – even a common gun can become dangerous with the right setup. But higher-tier weapons benefit more from these upgrades, giving you stronger bonuses and stability.
Tips for Managing Weapon Loadouts
- Carry at least one ballistic and one energy weapon for different enemy types.
- Keep spare ammo types – energy guns eat through cells fast.
- Upgrade weapons you actually use, not ones that just look cool.
- Sell lower-tier weapons often; they add up in credits fast.
Why Weapon Tiers Matter
The more you play, the more enemies scale with your level. That means sticking with early-game weapons can get you killed fast. Understanding Starfield weapon tiers helps you stay ahead of that curve. It’s not just about power – it’s about efficiency, survival, and style.
Once you find your favorite gun type, look for legendary versions of it. It feels satisfying when you finally get that perfect roll – the weapon that just clicks with your playstyle.
Final Thoughts
Starfield has one of the best weapon systems Bethesda has ever made. Between different ammo types, attachments, and modifiers, there’s room for every kind of player. Learn how Starfield weapon tiers work, and you’ll always have an edge in a fight. Space is dangerous – your gun should never be the weak link.
