Apocalypse Rising 2 Best Guns: Ultimate Tier List Guide
Discover the Apocalypse Rising 2 best guns to dominate PvP. Our guide ranks every weapon from S-tier to F-tier based on damage, range, and community data.
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Ranking EVERY Gun in Apocalypse Rising 2 as a NEW PLAYERTable of Contents
In the unforgiving landscape of Dualpoint Interactive’s survival hit, your choice of weaponry is the thin line between a successful extraction and a total inventory loss. Identifying the apocalypse rising 2 best guns is not just about looking at raw damage numbers; it is about understanding how velocity, recoil, and attachment compatibility interact during high-stakes PvP encounters. Whether you are a solo survivor picking off targets from a distance or part of a "Zerg" squad rushing military bases, knowing which firearms to prioritize can drastically alter your survival rate.
Finding the apocalypse rising 2 best guns requires a deep dive into the current meta, where specialized variants like the "Operator" and "Rogue" series often outshine their standard counterparts. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the top-tier weaponry based on player experience and community reports, providing you with the statistical edge needed to dominate the islands.
Quick Answer
The current meta favors high-velocity assault carbines and versatile LMGs. The Operator XM177 is widely considered the best overall weapon due to its laser-like accuracy and common 5.56mm NATO chambering. For secondaries, the Rogue Uzi and Snake’s Mac-10 provide primary-level firepower in a compact slot.
S-Tier: The Absolute Best Guns in Apocalypse Rising 2
The S-Tier represents the pinnacle of engineering in the game. These weapons have minimal drawbacks and offer the highest utility in combat. If you find one of these, it should immediately become your primary focus for attachments.
1. Operator XM177 (Assault Carbine)
Ranked by many veteran players as the undisputed king of the islands, the Operator XM177 is a specialized variant that excels in almost every category. It utilizes 5.56mm NATO ammo, which is arguably the most common military caliber, ensuring you rarely run dry during a long siege. Its greatest strength lies in its "aimed accuracy" and "velocity," allowing you to hit moving targets at mid-to-long range with ease.
2. M60 (LMG)
When it comes to raw stopping power and suppression, the M60 is a beast. While it uses 7.62mm NATO—a slightly rarer caliber than 5.56mm—the trade-off is massive body and headshot damage. Community reports suggest that the M60 is the ultimate "squad wiper," capable of holding down a position against multiple attackers thanks to its 100-round capacity and superior range.
3. Rogue Uzi (Secondary SMG)
The Rogue Uzi is a game-changer because it occupies a secondary slot while performing like a top-tier primary. With a 32-round magazine and a steady fire rate, it allows you to carry a sniper or LMG in your primary slot without sacrificing close-quarters effectiveness.
S-Tier Statistical Comparison
Weapon Name
Ammo Type
Base Damage
Headshot Damage
Velocity
Capacity
Operator XM177
5.56mm NATO
22
29
3150
30
M60
7.62mm NATO
27
33
3080
100
Rogue Uzi
9mm Para
20
25
1540
32
L96A1
7.62mm NATO
40
60
3400
10
PKM
7.62mm Rimmed
27
33
2910
100
Dominating the Mid-Range: Top Assault Rifles and Battle Rifles
Mid-range combat is where most Apocalypse Rising 2 engagements take place. The apocalypse rising 2 best guns in this category balance fire rate with manageable recoil.
The 5.56mm NATO Contenders: AUG vs. M4A1
The AUG is a fan favorite because it comes with a built-in optic and grip, making it an "instant" endgame weapon. You don't need to hunt for attachments to make it viable. However, the M4A1 offers more customization. If you have a suppressed operator build, the M4A1 can actually surpass the AUG in stealth and handling.
The 7.62mm Powerhouses: FAL and AKM
If you prefer "Heavy" rifles, the FAL is your best bet. It deals significant damage and has a decent fire rate, though the recoil can be difficult to manage without a vertical grip. The AKM is the reliable workhorse of the Soviet-tier weapons. While its 7.62mm Soviet ammo is slightly less common in Western military crates, its reliability and high damage-per-second (DPS) make it an A-tier staple.
Battle Rifle Comparison Table
Rifle
Mode of Fire
Recoil Control
Best Use Case
FAL
Auto/Semi
82%
High-DPS CQC and Mid-range
G3
Auto/Semi
82%
Precise mid-range tapping
AUG
Auto/Burst/Semi
79%
All-around versatility
AKM
Auto/Semi
75%
Reliable damage at all ranges
Attachment Synergy
Always pair high-recoil battle rifles like the M14 or FAL with a Vertical Grip or Stubby Grip. Community testing shows that reducing vertical kick is more important than horizontal stability in AR2, as it allows for more consistent headshots.
Close-Quarters Combat: The Best Secondaries and SMGs
In the tight corridors of the Ash military base or the houses of Fairview, you need a weapon with a high fire rate and tight hip-fire spread.
Snake’s Mac-10
This special variant is a "shredder." It features a built-in suppressor and allows for optic and under-barrel attachments, something the standard Mac-10 lacks. Its fire rate is one of the fastest in the game, making it the king of "room clearing."
MP5K
The MP5K is often overlooked, but it is one of the apocalypse rising 2 best guns for secondary slots. It uses 9mm ammunition—the most common ammo in the game—and features excellent hip-fire accuracy. It is the perfect backup for a player carrying a bolt-action sniper rifle.
Secondary Weapon Efficiency
Secondary Weapon
Hip-fire Accuracy
Rate of Fire
Ammo Commonality
Snake's Mac-10
44%
1020
Medium (.45 ACP)
Rogue Uzi
72%
660
High (9mm)
MP5K
62%
900
High (9mm)
Stunted AK-47
36%
600
Medium (7.62 Soviet)
Long-Distance Engagements: Sniping Excellence
Sniping in Apocalypse Rising 2 is about more than just damage; it's about bullet drop (velocity) and the ability to follow up shots.
L96A1 vs. M40A1
The L96A1 is widely considered the best sniper due to its 100% aimed accuracy and incredible velocity (3400). It minimizes the need to "lead" your shots on running targets. The M40A1 is a close second, offering similar one-shot headshot potential but with a slightly smaller magazine and slower reload.
The DMR Hybrid: M21 and M14 DMR
If you aren't confident in bolt-action rifles, the M21 or the M14 DMR (a rarer military find) offer semi-auto fire with sniper-like damage. These are excellent for suppressing enemies at a distance while maintaining the ability to spam shots if they close the gap.
Sniper & DMR Performance Data
Weapon
Velocity
Headshot Damage
Optics Included?
L96A1
3400
60
Yes
M40A1
3380
60
No
M21
4425
45
Yes
PSG-1
3160
48
No
Heavy Firepower: Ranking the Light Machine Guns (LMGs)
LMGs are the primary choice for squads. They allow for sustained fire during base raids and vehicle ambushes.
M60: The gold standard. High damage, high capacity, and terrifying sound profile that can psychologically suppress opponents.
PKM: The Soviet equivalent to the M60. It uses 7.62mm Rimmed ammo, which has become more common with recent updates. It hits just as hard as the M60 but has slightly different attachment options.
M249 SAW / Paratrooper: These use 5.56mm NATO. While they do less damage per bullet than the M60, their fire rate is higher and the ammo is much easier to find. The Paratrooper version is preferred by many because it takes up less inventory space.
Inventory Management
LMG magazines (especially the 100-round belts) take up a massive amount of inventory space (2x7 or 2x6). Only run an LMG if you have a Military Rucksack or better, otherwise you will have no room for health boosters or food.
Survival Tips: How to Choose the Right Loadout
Selecting the apocalypse rising 2 best guns is only half the battle. You must build a loadout that suits your playstyle.
The Sniper Loadout: L96A1 (Primary) + Rogue Uzi (Secondary). This covers all ranges perfectly.
The Aggressor Loadout: Operator XM177 (Primary) + Snake's Mac-10 (Secondary). Maximum DPS for house rushing.
The Budget Loadout: AK-74 (Primary) + M9 (Secondary). Easy to find, easy to feed, and very effective in the early-to-mid game.
For players looking to track their progress and see the official drop locations for these rare variants, visiting the official Apocalypse Rising 2 Roblox page is the best way to stay updated on new "Metal" or "Event" updates that introduce new weaponry into the loot pool.
Common Ammo Types and Where to Find Them
Ammo Type
Rarity
Primary Source
9mm Parabellum
Very Common
Residential houses, Police stations
5.56mm NATO
Common
Military camps, NATO crates
7.62mm Soviet
Common
Soviet bunkers, Militia camps
7.62mm NATO
Rare
Heavy military crates, Boss drops
.30-06 Springfield
Rare
Surplus crates, Hunting lodges
FAQ: Apocalypse Rising 2 Best Guns
What is the rarest gun in Apocalypse Rising 2?
While rarity can change with events, the Operator XM177 and the Patriot are among the rarest spawns. The Patriot is particularly unique because it has a 100-round capacity but cannot take attachments, relying on its massive fire rate (900 RPM) to overwhelm enemies.
Is the Snubnose revolver actually good?
In the current meta, the Snubnose is considered F-tier. While it is your starting weapon, it should be replaced as soon as you find a Makarov or M1911. Its low capacity and poor accuracy make it a "last resort" weapon only.
How do I improve my aim with the apocalypse rising 2 best guns?
Aiming in AR2 is heavily influenced by "Velocity." For long-range guns, you must account for bullet travel time. Practicing in VIP servers or low-population areas against "The Infected" can help you get a feel for the lead time required for different calibers.
Which is better: The M60 or the PKM?
Both are S-tier. The choice usually comes down to which ammo you have more of. If you have been looting NATO bases, the M60 is better. If you have been clearing Soviet bunkers or the Coastal Bunkers, the PKM will be easier to keep loaded. Community consensus suggests the M60 has a slight edge in range, while the PKM feels slightly more mobile.