Very few things are as fun in gaming as well designed gunfighting combat, proven by the shooter genre ruling the video game industry for most of its existence. Over the years, developers have introduced us to hundreds, if not thousands, of unique guns of all shapes and sizes. Some let us mow down enemies with sheer firepower and others, in more creative cases like Ratchet and Clank, make them dance to death. We combed through a long list of favorites and compared them by appearance, gameplay design, and even nostalgia to determine which ones truly stand above the rest. Here is our list of the Top Ten Best Guns in all of gaming.
10. MIRV Experimental Launcher (Fallout Series)
What is better than launching a miniature nuclear bomb at unsuspecting Super Mutants in the wasteland? Using a launcher that fires six of them at the same time. There is not a single enemy in the Fallout universe that can survive the destructive force of a fully armed M.I.R.V. Watching the aftermath as enemies are hurled into the sky never gets old. The only reason this chaotic weapon is not higher on the list is the strong possibility that you might accidentally join your enemies as one of its victims.
9. Needler (Halo Series)
The phrase Fear the Pink Mist exists for a reason. Although often used by Covenant Grunts and not always used well by them, the Needler becomes legendary when placed in the hands of a player, especially in multiplayer. It is deadly for both beginners and veterans. While it has frustrated many Halo fans over the years, its place as one of the most iconic weapons in the franchise, aside from perhaps the Energy Sword, is unquestionable.
8. BFG 9000 (Doom Series)
The full name of this weapon may not be appropriate to repeat here, but its power speaks for itself. The BFG is so iconic that many other shooters have created their own versions or parodied it outright. Across different Doom games, its origins vary between human engineering and demonic design, but every version remains terrifyingly powerful. Demons may already be having a rough day, but once the Slayer gets his hands on this shoulder mounted monstrosity, things get much worse for them very quickly.
7. Lancer (Gears of War Series)
Gimmick weapons rarely feel like more than a novelty, but the Lancer is one of the few that makes you wonder if it could work in real life. Whether you are sawing through monstrous creatures emerging from the ground or charging into battle with its gas powered chainsaw revving, the Lancer is unforgettable. While the weapon might be impractical in reality, within the Gears of War world, nothing compares to slicing through a swarm of Locusts with this brutal hybrid of firearm and power tool.
6. Arm Cannon (Metroid Series)
Many fans first experienced the arm cannon through Metroid Prime, which transformed the series from a side scroller into a first person adventure. The new perspective highlighted how versatile and iconic the arm cannon truly is. It serves as a weapon, a grappling tool, and even a method of opening new paths. Strafing around enemies while charging up a finishing blast feels natural, satisfying, and true to Samus Aran’s legacy. It remains one of gaming’s most memorable and functional weapons.
5. Gravity Gun (Half-Life Series)
What would you like to use as ammo today? A saw blade, a wooden board, or maybe the body of a zombified former human? The Gravity Gun from Valve’s Half-Life series lets players manipulate nearly anything as a weapon. It stands out as both a combat tool and a core element for puzzle solving and world interaction. While modern gamers may take physics based gameplay for granted, the Gravity Gun played a major role in inspiring an entire generation of game design.
4. Golden Gun (007: Goldeneye)
One shot, one kill weapons are often viewed as unfair or cheap, but in Goldeneye, where even aiming is a challenge, the Golden Gun earns a pass. Scrambling to reach it first or attempting to outsmart whoever holds it created unforgettable multiplayer moments. Its simplicity and tension made it a legend of its era and a nostalgic favorite for countless players.
3. M6 Pistol (Halo Series)
It may seem strange that in a futuristic universe filled with advanced weaponry, a simple sidearm steals the spotlight. Yet anyone who played the original Halo knows the M6 pistol is unmatched. Its perfect sound design, heavy feel, and clean futuristic look made it iconic. Mastering headshots with this weapon felt incredible. Switching to your sidearm in Halo was not only faster, it was genuinely the better choice.
2. Portal Gun (Portal Series)
The cake may have been a lie, but the Portal Gun being one of the greatest guns in gaming certainly is not. Without firing a single bullet, it allows players to bend space, solve puzzles, outsmart GlAdOs, and ultimately destroy her piece by piece. The Portal Gun is the definition of a brilliant game mechanic that redefines what a weapon can be.
1. Super Shotgun (Doom Series)
Some items become classics because they endure through time. Others become classics because they define everything that comes after. The Super Shotgun in the Doom series is both. Whether you are using the pixelated 1993 original or its modern reimagining in Doom: The Dark Ages, nothing rivals the raw satisfaction of obliterating demons with this devastating double barrel masterpiece. It is simple, powerful, iconic, and widely considered one of the greatest guns ever created in gaming.
Conclusion
The world of gaming has introduced us to countless weapons, but only a select few leave a lasting impression through power, creativity, design, or pure nostalgia. The guns on this list shaped genres, set new standards in game mechanics, and delivered unforgettable moments for players. Whether you prefer high tech alien weapons, physics based tools, precision sidearms, or demon slaying boomsticks, these iconic guns represent some of the best design work in gaming history. Everyone has their own favorites, and exploring what makes each weapon memorable is part of what makes gaming such a rich and diverse experience.
