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Best Fortnite Weapons in 2025: Ultimate Guide to the Current Meta
Shotguns are the backbone of Fortnite’s close-range meta—and if you’re wondering what is the best shotgun in Fortnite in 2025?, we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown just below. Whether you’re grinding Ranked mode or dropping into Zero Build tournaments, mastering the right weapon loadout is the key to securing Victory Royales.
This guide doesn’t just list guns—it analyses stats, real-game performance, and community-tested tier rankings. From new Star Wars blasters to Unstable shotguns and exotic mythics, we’ve rounded up the best Fortnite weapons in Chapter 6 Season 3, including full shotgun rankings, pro insights, and expert-recommended loadouts.
TL;DR – Quick Weapon Tier List for 2025
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S Tier | Sentinel Shotgun, Unstable Frostfire Shotgun, Mythic A280-CFE Blaster, Lightsaber + Force Combo, Mythic IQA-11 Marksman |
| A Tier | ACP Scatter Blaster, Captain Phasma’s F-11D, DC-15 Heavy Blaster, Thermal Imploder, Mythic Enhanced DL-44 |
| B Tier | BARM-ST12 Scatter Blaster, DLT-19 Blaster Rifle, CR-2 Blaster, Suppressed Sniper Rifle |
| C Tier | E-11 Blaster, Standard DL-44 Pistol, Flare Gun |
| D Tier | Scoped Revolver, Auto Shotgun (Vaulted), Repeater Rifle (Vaulted) |
Note: This list is updated with both in-game performance data and user feedback from Fortnite communities on Reddit, X (Twitter), and Fortnite Tracker.
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Understanding Fortnite’s Weapon Pool in 2025
Before we dive into individual weapons, it’s important to understand how Fortnite’s loot pool works in Chapter 6. The weapon system is currently shaped by several layered mechanics that affect everything from spawn rates to power levels.
- Seasonal loot themes: Galactic Battle has introduced Star Wars blasters and Lightsabers, which have unique mechanics like overheating instead of ammo.
- Weapon rarity tiers: Weapons come in Common to Mythic rarity. Higher rarities often deal more damage or have better cooldowns.
- Rotating vault/unvault cycles: Some meta favourites (like the Pump or Scar) are removed for several seasons before returning.
- Game mode splits: Zero Build and Ranked Battle Royale play very differently. A weapon that’s S-tier in one mode may drop to A or B in the other.
Insight: How Weapon Choice Impacts Win Rate in Fortnite
One of the most powerful indicators of a good weapon is its correlation to player win rate and average damage dealt. According to recent Fortnite.gg match data:
- Players using the Sentinel Shotgun win 14% more 1v1 fights at close range than those using the Auto Shotgun.
- Mythic Blasters like the Enhanced A280-CFE appear in the loadouts of 8 out of 10 top 100-ranked players.
This shows a clear relationship between tier-ranked weapons and higher in-game performance—especially in Zero Build lobbies where aim duels dominate over building.
Best Shotguns in Fortnite – Ranked and Reviewed
In Fortnite, close-range combat is where games are won or lost—and nothing dominates short-range fights like a well-placed shotgun shot. Despite numerous changes to the loot pool over the years, shotguns have remained the cornerstone of close combat in both Build and Zero Build modes.
In Chapter 6: Season 3, several shotguns are competing for the top spot. From wild exotics to Unstable loot, we’ve broken down which options are actually worth running—and which you should skip.
This section also directly answers the high-traffic query: What is the best shotgun in Fortnite right now? Let’s find out.
Best Shotguns in Fortnite – Full Ranked List (2025)
| Rank | Shotgun | Special Effects |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unstable Frostfire Shotgun | Swaps between Frost (slows enemies) and Pepper (boosts speed) |
| 2 | Sentinel Shotgun | Heavy-hitting, consistent spread, reliable reload |
| 3 | Unstable Yoink Shotgun | Pulls enemies toward you like a grappler |
| 4 | ACP Scatter Blaster | Fast fire rate, wide spread, easy to use |
| 5 | BARM-ST12 Scatter Blaster | Aggressive rush-down weapon for early game |
#1 – Unstable Frostfire Shotgun
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Unstable Frostfire Shotgun)
A unique Unstable weapon that randomly alternates between two states—Frost and Fire—each with powerful effects.
- Frost Mode: Slows enemies on hit, giving you the upper hand in close fights.
- Fire Mode: Grants the Pepper effect, boosting your movement speed dramatically.
Why It’s Meta: This shotgun allows you to both disrupt your opponent and reposition quickly, making it ideal for quick-peek edits and rotating in late-game fights.
Expert Insight: “The Frostfire’s unpredictability is actually its biggest strength. In Zero Build, that speed boost can win a 1v1 almost every time.” — Tocata, Fortnite pro
#2 – Sentinel Shotgun
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Sentinel Pump Shotgun)
The classic heavy-damage option, the Sentinel delivers a reliable one-shot burst with each pull. Unlike the unpredictable Unstable weapons, the Sentinel is all about pure muscle in every close-range fight.
Why It’s Meta: Great spread, excellent damage, and consistent reload time make it perfect for Ranked play. Its vertical recoil is easy to master after just a few games.
- Build fights
- Tournament late zones
- Duels near elevation
#3 – Unstable Yoink Shotgun
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Unstable Yoink Shotgun)
Part of Fortnite’s chaotic Unstable loot system, the Yoink Shotgun lets players pull enemies toward them after landing a hit. It’s a wild twist on shotgun mechanics with aggressive potential.
- Strengths: Breaks building rhythm, confuses opponents, great for off-angle peeks.
- Weaknesses: Not as lethal on initial impact; better as a utility weapon than a main finisher.
#4 – ACP Scatter Blaster
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (ACP Scatter Blaster)
Featured during the Star Wars “Galactic Battle” update, this shotgun mimics the feel of an auto-shotgun but with more punch and a sci-fi twist. It’s an excellent option for mid-skill players and chaotic duo/trio fights.
- Great for spam damage in box fights
- Reliable across team-based modes
- Pairs well with Lightsabers or SMGs
Pro Tip: Stack it with shields and a long-range DMR for a balanced and flexible loadout.
#5 – BARM-ST12 Scatter Blaster
Image credit: Star Wars Wiki (BARM-ST12 Scattergun)
A heavier version of the ACP Blaster, this shotgun is best for players who love to push hard early. With solid base damage and a wide spread, it thrives in POI drop fights and fast-paced engagements.
- Ideal for first drop chaos
- Great in urban POIs and tight corners
- Strong for breaking builds or bridges
While not a long-term weapon in high-ranked matches, the BARM-ST12 can give you a dominant early-game edge until you upgrade to something stronger.
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Best ARs, SMGs, and Star Wars Weapons
While shotguns rule close-range battles, assault rifles and submachine guns dominate the mid-range. Chapter 6 Season 3 continues Fortnite’s trend of faster-paced, high-accuracy weapons with improved scopes, tight recoil, and low bloom.
The loot pool is stacked with precision-focused weapons that are just as effective in Zero Build as they are in traditional modes. Let’s break down the top performers.
Top Mid-Range Weapons in Chapter 6: Season 3
| Weapon | Type | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Veiled Precision SMG | SMG (Scoped) | Close-to-mid range tracking fights |
| Spire Rifle | AR (LMG-style) | Spray suppression in Build fights |
| Fury Assault Rifle | AR | Ranked mode rotations and headshot bursts |
Veiled Precision SMG
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Veiled Precision SMG)
This is arguably the most accurate SMG Fortnite has ever released. With its built-in scope, tight recoil, and fast fire rate, it feels like a hybrid between an SMG and a rifle—making it perfect for aggressive play in Ranked or Zero Build.
- Ideal for tracking through vertical cover
- Perfectly complements shotguns like the Sentinel
- Pairs well with Med-Mist or Smoke Grenades
Competitive Play Impact: It’s quickly become a favourite among high-rankers due to its laser-like consistency.
“I dropped 10 eliminations back-to-back in Ranked with this thing. It melts if you have good aim.” — YouTuber AussieAntics
Spire Rifle
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Spire Rifle)
A hybrid assault rifle with a 50-round magazine and LMG-style handling. It’s built for pressure, not precision—perfect for teams trying to break builds or suppress enemies during rotations.
- Use for cover fire during rotation
- Shines in trios and Arena modes
- Struggles in solo clutch scenarios due to bloom
Fury Assault Rifle
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Fury Assault Rifle)
The Fury AR combines tight burst accuracy with fast reloads, offering excellent mid-range control. It’s a great choice for players who love clean headshots but want something lighter than a DMR.
- High accuracy under pressure
- Strong for strafing and peek-shooting
- Best when paired with a scoped DMR
Pro Strategy: Run Fury + Deadeye DMR for full range coverage—especially strong in open biome maps.
Deadeye DMR
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Deadeye DMR)
The Deadeye DMR is a precision marksman’s dream. Equipped with a reliable scope and semi-auto fire, it rewards players who excel at long-range engagements and first-shot accuracy.
- 2–3 headshots to down enemies
- Minimal bullet drop and high velocity
- Excellent for open-field fights or high ground angles
Best used in Build mode for sniping through edits or in late-game scenarios where zone control matters most.
Surgefire SMG
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Surgefire SMG)
An underrated weapon in the current meta, the Surgefire SMG focuses on volume over precision. With minimal recoil and a quick reload, it’s ideal for mid-skill players in fast-paced box fights.
- 40-round magazine for aggressive spray
- Excellent reload time for resets
- Performs best in tight corners and urban POIs
It’s not a long-range solution, but in short-range duels, it holds its own—especially in Zero Build.
Bonus: Best Star Wars Weapons in Chapter 6
This season’s Star Wars crossover, Galactic Battle, brought back some of the most fun and effective weapons in Fortnite. While they’re not always in the core loot pool, they can still be found in specific POIs like Rebel Bases or as part of timed events.
- ACP Scatter Blaster: A spray-style shotgun ideal for close-range spam.
- BARM-ST12 Scatter Blaster: Stronger, more aggressive shotgun option.
- Lightsabers: Deflect bullets, dash through builds, and control melee space.
- Shockwave Blaster: Excellent crowd control tool—best in team fights or endgame rotations.
These items bring a mix of fun, mobility, and raw power that can shake up both casual and ranked matches when active.
Mythics and Exotic Gear: The Game-Changers
Fortnite isn’t just about shotguns and rifles anymore. Mythic items and exotic gear have become some of the most influential tools in Ranked and Tournament play—offering insane damage, mobility, or game-winning crowd control. Chapter 6: Season 3 continues this trend with multi-functional mythics that feel as strategic as they are powerful.
Top Mythic & Utility Weapons in 2025
| Item | Effect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Myst Gauntlets | Wave blast + AoE knockback | S-Tier |
| Superman Sprite | Long-range laser beam | A-Tier |
| Bass Boost Gloves | Shockwave + jump boost | A-Tier |
| Krypto Treats | Summon explosive attack dog | B-Tier |
| Tracking Visor | Thermal enemy outlines | A-Tier |
Myst Gauntlets
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Myst Gauntlets)
The standout mythic of the season. Myst Gauntlets fire a wide shockwave that deals high area-of-effect (AoE) damage and pushes enemies backward—perfect for box wipes or endgame zone control.
- Crushes grouped enemies late-game
- Ideal for tight builds or stacked rotations
- Synergises well with Shockwave Grenades
Superman Sprite
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Sprites)
This laser-style beam cuts through buildings, cars, and teams in seconds. Limited in durability but unmatched in structural destruction, it’s a top-tier utility weapon when used smartly.
Meta Tip: Time your beam with storm rotations to hit exposed players trying to rotate out of cover.
Bass Boost Gloves
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Bass Boost)
These gloves blend mobility with disruption. Not only can you launch yourself to high ground or out of builds, but their AoE shockwave can also clear enemy walls and builds on impact.
- Essential for outbuilding aggressive trios
- Perfect for Storm Surge tags in scrims
- Helps reposition when boxed in or outnumbered
Krypto Treats
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Myst Gauntlets)
Krypto Treats let you summon a temporary AI-controlled companion that aggressively targets enemies in your vicinity. While not a guaranteed knock, it’s great for pushing low-health players out of cover or applying pressure in duos.
- Works well for isolating fights
- Countered by mobility (e.g., Boost Gloves)
- More useful in casual or team-based playlists
Tracking Visor
Image credit: Fortnite Wiki (Tracking Visor)
This utility item reveals heat signatures and outlines nearby enemies—even through walls—using a temporary visor overlay. When combined with long-range weapons, it becomes a powerful scouting and sniping tool.
- Perfect for build fights and rotations
- Synergises with the Deadeye DMR and Reaper Sniper
- Short cooldown balances its strength
Best Loadouts by Playstyle
Here’s a breakdown of top-performing loadouts depending on your preferred style of play. Whether you’re an aggressive fragger or a slow-paced zone controller, there’s an optimal weapon set for you.
Aggressive Fragger (Zero Build / Ranked)
- Striker AR
- Thunder Burst SMG
- Gatekeeper Shotgun
- Shockwave Grenades
- Superman Sprite or Boost Gloves
Defensive Builder (Arena / Build)
- Deadeye DMR
- Hammer Pump Shotgun
- Tracking Visor
- Mythic Gauntlets
- Slurp Juice / Reboot Flare
Team Support / Duo Anchors
- Surgefire SMG
- Stormshot AR
- Shockwave Blaster
- Shield Breaker EMP
- Krypto Treats
Each of these loadouts reflects the current Chapter 6: Season 3 patch and is tuned for ranked, arena, or competitive Zero Build formats. Test combinations based on your comfort, and don’t forget mobility is king.
Mastered the Meta? Put It to the Test.
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Weapon Balance, Patch Trends, and Meta Shifts
Epic Games has consistently rebalanced Fortnite’s arsenal over the past few seasons, and Chapter 6: Season 3 is no exception. Shotgun headshot multipliers, AR bloom rates, SMG recoil, and mythic cooldowns have all been fine-tuned to improve competitive balance.
Key Weapon Changes in Chapter 6 Season 3
- Shotgun Rework: The Gatekeeper’s spread was widened, reducing its 1-pump potential but improving follow-up shots.
- DMRs Buffed: Deadeye DMR now has reduced recoil and better mid-range accuracy, making it a standout sniper-hybrid weapon.
- SMG Nerfs: Thunder Burst’s fire rate was slightly reduced to balance its dominance in short-range spam fights.
- Mobility Items: Shockwave Gauntlets and Boost Gloves now have longer cooldowns in competitive playlists only.
These changes reflect Fortnite’s ongoing attempt to balance casual and competitive play. Many weapons are now tuned with separate stats depending on the playlist (Ranked vs. Pubs vs. Tournaments), allowing more flexibility without ruining core mechanics.
Weapon Strength Over Time
Looking back over the last 5 seasons, there’s a clear pattern: Fortnite’s strongest weapons don’t remain meta forever. Whether it’s the Hammer Pump, MK-Seven, or Twin Mag SMG, each season brings rotation and resets to prevent stale loadouts.
Chapter 6 introduced a tighter loot pool but doubled down on synergy-driven combos—especially pairing weapons with utility items like the Tracking Visor or Shield Breaker. This trend is expected to continue through Season 4 and beyond.
Predicted Adjustments for Late 2025
- Further nerfs to Gauntlet knockback distance
- Increased drop rates for lesser-used exotics
- Possible vaulting of Surgefire SMG or Reaper Sniper
If you’re planning ahead for FNCS qualifiers or Ranked grind, staying aware of Fortnite’s patch cadence and loot pool shifts is critical. The best weapons today might not even exist next season.
Best Fortnite Weapons Tier List – Chapter 6 Season 3 (2025)
| Tier | Weapon | Why It’s Ranked |
|---|---|---|
| S+ | Gatekeeper Shotgun | Unmatched close-range burst damage; dominant in Zero Build |
| S | Striker AR | Versatile in all ranges with tight bloom and high DPS |
| S | Deadeye DMR | Mid-range headshot king post-buff; strong in Build mode |
| A+ | Thunder Burst SMG | Great for mid-close spam; slightly nerfed this season |
| A+ | Shockwave Gauntlets | Best mobility item, especially in ranked |
| A | Reaper Sniper | Long-range one-shot; risky but rewarding |
| A | Boost Gloves | Better verticality than Gauntlets; great for movement-heavy players |
| B+ | Surgefire SMG | Strong if mastered, but outshined by Thunder Burst |
| B | Stormshot AR | More consistent than fun; lacks peak potential |
| C+ | Krypto Treats | More fun than practical; easy to counter |
Our final tier list reflects the current meta as of Chapter 6 Season 3, and we’ll continue to update this with each major balance patch. These rankings are based on tournament testing, pro feedback, and solo/duo ranked performance across Zero Build and traditional modes.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite’s meta is always shifting, and the best players adapt fast. Knowing the stats is one thing—knowing how to build your loadout around movement, playstyle, and patch trends is what separates casuals from contenders.
If you’re pushing Ranked or aiming for Zero Build cash cups, stay flexible. The Gatekeeper shotgun might get nerfed next patch. DMRs might take over. Always be ready to change your strategy as the loot pool evolves.
Bonus Tips for Competitive Players
- Always carry a mobility item like the Grapnel or Dash Sprite. It’ll win you late-game circles.
- Consider a loadout with both range and utility — e.g., DMR + SMG + Gauntlets.
- Learn chest spawn patterns to find mythics quicker in Ranked play.
Want More Fortnite Insights?
- What Chapter Is Fortnite On? (Full Timeline Guide)
- Who Is the Best Fortnite Player in 2025?
- Fortnite Ranks Explained – Full Ranking System
- Fortnite Esports Betting Guide
Credits & Sources
This article was compiled and updated by the editorial team at eGaming HQ, based on official patch notes, gameplay testing, and tournament insights. Data sources include Epic Games updates, FNCS results, and performance stats from top-ranked players worldwide.
Page last updated: 9 July 2025
FAQs About Fortnite Weapons in 2025
Q: What is the best shotgun in Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3?
A: The Unstable Frostfire Shotgun is currently the top pick, thanks to its dual effect (slow/freeze + speed buff). It outclasses the Outlaw and even the Yoink for aggressive players.
Q: What’s the strongest mythic or exotic item this season?
A: The Myst Gauntlets offer AoE burst damage that dominates close-quarters play. They’re harder to find but worth it.
Q: Which gun is best for Zero Build mode?
A: The Deadeye DMR is a must-have for range control, especially if you pair it with tracking tools like the Visor.
Q: Can I still find Krypto Treats and novelty items?
A: Yes! Krypto Treats summon a missile dog — hilarious and effective, though not meta-critical.
