Choosing the right weapon from the extensive arsenal in Payday 2 can be quite daunting for newcomers. With so many excellent options available, we’ve narrowed it down to 7 standout weapons that excel in damage, firing rate, stability, and precision.
If you’re uncertain about which firearm to take for your heist, this Payday 2 guide will assist you in selecting the ideal weapon to complement your character build.
7. Akimbo CR 805B
Magazine | 60 |
Total Ammo | 120 |
Rate of Fire | 750 |
Damage | 99 x2 |
Accuracy | 72 |
Stability | 68 (32) |
Cost | $81,200 |
Let’s kick things off with one of the strongest SMG primary weapons, the Akimbo CR 805B. The exciting aspect of wielding this firearm is the opportunity to dual-wield it for enhanced damage potential, although it demands precise aiming and control.
This weapon excels in close-quarter skirmishes due to its impressive damage output per second. You can leverage Medium Barrel and Short Barrel modifications to boost damage, though this may sacrifice some accuracy. Alternatively, applying a barrel extension can help enhance precision. With the right upgrades, you could achieve stability and accuracy around 100.
6. Lion’s Roar
Magazine | 30 |
Total Ammo | 180 |
Rate of Fire | 857 |
Damage | 78 |
Accuracy | 60 |
Stability | 60 |
Cost | $629,000 |
The Lion’s Roar is an assault rifle that boasts a rapid fire rate combined with respectable damage. With proper modifications, skills, and an efficient secondary weapon, this gun can potentially achieve a 30% critical hit chance with the low blow aced skill for optimal effectiveness.
When managing high recoil, this weapon provides impressive long-range capabilities. Its excellent firing rate corresponds with substantial damage, accuracy, and stability. Additionally, it offers a greater ammo pickup rate compared to other rifles in its class.
5. Arbiter
Magazine | 5 |
Total Ammo | 15 |
Rate of Fire | 80 |
Damage | 480 |
Accuracy | 96 |
Stability | 96 |
Cost | $921,000 |
Next, let’s discuss grenade launchers. The Arbiter is a semi-automatic launcher featuring a high firing rate and outstanding ammo capacity. It holds the distinction of having the second largest magazine among grenade launchers and boasts impressive reserve counts.
This weapon has a swift projectile speed and supports various sight modifications to enhance targeting accuracy.
4. Compact 40mm
Magazine | 1 |
Total Ammo | 6 |
Rate of Fire | 30 |
Damage | 1,300 |
Accuracy | 84 |
Stability | 84 |
Cost | $441,000 |
The Compact 40mm is a one-shot grenade launcher that bears similar statistics to the GL40 Grenade Launcher. The key difference lies in its expedited reload speed and superior base concealment. It also has double the ammo pickup rate compared to the GL.
Its incredible damage can eliminate whole swathes of enemies with a precisely placed shot. Notably, this is the only explosive weapon available without requiring DLC.
3. Akimbo Stryker 18c
Magazine | 40 |
Total Ammo | 200 |
Rate of Fire | 909 |
Damage | 35 x2 |
Accuracy | 52 |
Stability | 56 |
Cost | $912,000 |
This semi-automatic pistol can operate as a primary weapon, providing enhanced damage while necessitating precise shots. For close-quarters engagements, it’s a solid choice, as it can effectively neutralize armored foes.
Uniquely, it offers the largest magazine capacity in the game, making it a preferred option for extended missions where ammo conservation isn’t a concern.
2. Akimbo Krinkovs
Magazine | 60 |
Total Ammo | 180 |
Rate of Fire | 822 |
Damage | 99 x2 |
Accuracy | 60 |
Stability | 44 (6) |
Cost | $60,200 |
If you’re a fan of SMGs, dual-wielding them with boosted damage is an enjoyable experience! The Krinkov demonstrates a good firing rate and ammo pickup efficiency when compared with the CR 805B, though it does require careful aiming due to its relative instability.
In close combat scenarios, it can swiftly eliminate foes, and you can further enhance its accuracy and concealment through upgrades.
1. Buzzsaw 42
Magazine | 150 |
Total Ammo | 450 |
Rate of Fire | 1,200 |
Damage | 80 |
Accuracy | 48 |
Stability | 28 |
Cost | $920,000 |
Saving the best for last, the Buzzsaw is a light machine gun and boasts the highest DPS in the game. With its substantial magazine size, it excels in close to mid-range battles.
The remarkable rate of fire at 1,200, combined with solid base damage, makes it an optimal choice for players looking to clear entire crowds efficiently. Moreover, it uniquely combines the best accuracy and stability available in Payday 2.