Bioshock Infinite is the final installment in the Bioshock Trilogy, and makes a ton of changes to the initial concept made in 1 and 2. Namely, there’s the change in scenery, but Infinite also places greater emphasis on your armory. As usual, the mysterious main man only has a couple slots in his inventory, so your choice in load out is a lot more significant.
Infinite has guns for every occasion, each one fun in their own right, especially when combined with Vigors. But some of the guns are better suited for this game’s explosive combat sequences than others.
10 Pig Flak Volley Gun/Hail Fire
The Volley Gun may be ranked last simply because the concept of it should work, but absolutely does not. Suppose it depends on the combat situation, but a serious amount of mental gymnastics go into getting the shells to hit a specific target. Use the weapon like a grenade launcher, as it’s best for breaking up groups or wearing down large enemies.
Don’t even try it on airborne enemies or turrets, unless you’re already right up next to them. But we’d advise you don’t wait until you can see your foe’s nose hairs, because the explosive damage you’ll take if you’re too close to the blast is significant.
9 Peppermill Crank Gun
The Crank Gun is certainly a one-and-done manner of weapon, so take care to use it when such a thing is actually needed. This is a pretty sizable minigun that, surprisingly, doesn’t slow you down until you start firing with it.
The crank, of course, means it takes a long time to begin firing, but the rate of fire is speedy and the damage output works when used on large groups of foes. But this gun’s greatest weakness is its effect on Booker’s movement and its tiny magazine, which keeps it stuck low in this list.
8 Bird’s Eye Sniper Rifle
This Sniper Rifle functions much like a gun of its type is meant to; powerful shots at a low rate of fire, best when shot from a distance. The rate of fire and reload time of this weapon make it a drag, and Ironsights is required to hit what you’re aiming for at the gun’s maximum range.
This weapon ranks pretty low because there are only a handful of times when a sniper rifle is the right weapon for you. Preferably you’re outside, or else in a large open area and have enough time and space to focus your shots. It can be difficult to focus on targets in the heat of battle, especially when using Ironsights, which slows movement. Other weapons can provide ample range for your typical combat scenarios.
7 Broadsider Pistol
Ah, the pistol: the standard starter weapon for many a first-person shooter. You’re only other option is the Sky-Hook when you get the pistol, and compared to its basic stats, getting up close and personal with your melee weapon is somewhat preferable. Low damage per shot with a moderately fast shot speed makes this feel more like a BB gun than an actual weapon, which keeps it at number seven.
There’s merit in the early game critical hits you can get by aiming at the head, and there are a number of upgrades for the pistol that make it a reasonable standby throughout the game. But when compared to some of the other guns you’re given early on, its easy to dismiss the hidden potential of this weapon.
6 Barnstormer RPG
What the RPG lacks in speed and accuracy, it more than makes up for in range and destructive power. It shoots off like a missile, making it great for breaking up large groups that are far away from you. The RPG is almost as powerful as Devil’s Kiss when it comes to taking down airborne enemies and turrets.
You’re liable to blow yourself up if you try to use it in close quarters combat, however, and that combined with its short clip keep it ranked pretty low on the list.
5 China Broom Shotgun/Heater
The value of the shotgun in Bioshock Infinite is the same as in any other FPS. It’s a fairly close range, wide hitter that doesn’t do much damage but can stagger groups of enemies. The China Broom is standard, but the Vox Heater adds an explosive effect to the shot that sets your enemies ablaze.
The difference between these versions of the weapon is plain to see in combat, where the damage over time effect of the Heater’s projectiles can quickly turn the tides which you’re in the thick of battle. It’s the small chance for crit damage and the slightly inconvenient fire rate that keeps this in fifth place.
4 Sky-Hook
Ah, the Sky-Hook. One of the most iconic melee weapons in videogames, if not solely for its sadistic design. In practice, you realize overtime that the amount of damage this thing does isn’t great. Though the Sky-Hook is handy for fending off aggressive enemies, it’s all too easy to get crowded and take tons of damage.
This melee weapon is best for staggering enemies so you can off them with a quick shot to the noggin. But always remember to use the finisher when you can, as it equates to about three strikes of regular damage. The Sky-Hook ranks as high as it does simply due to the artistry of it. That little horror movie sting that plays when you cleave through an enemy’s skull is pure magic.
3 Huntsman Carbine/Burstgun
The Huntsman Carbine averages best overall with its base stats in damage, rate of fire, and accuracy. Reliably pop your foes with headshots using this gun both from a distance and close by. The Carbine does function better at a distance, however; it loses points because you have to sacrifice firepower for precision.
The best thing about the carbine is how reliably versatile it is, helpful in almost any combat situation. It’s got amazing synergy when used with the Bucking Bronco vigor, allowing you to land those crits with ease.
2 Paddywhacker Hand Cannon
Now here’s a gun that’s saved the day in many a hairy situation. The Hand Cannon is a compact handgun with incredible firing power and a moderate rate of fire. It’s truly one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It’s got a smaller clip, because of course not everything about it can be perfect, keeping the Hand Cannon at number two. It’s especially handy for dealing with overpowered enemies with a specific weak spot, like the Handy Man.
This ogre wants to get up close and personal, and no other weapon will bring him down faster. When you need precision in close quarters, the Hand Cannon strikes that happy medium between short range and critical hit value.
1 Triple-R Machine Gun/Repeater
This might be a divisive choice, but the machine gun is the best because it’s truly a weapon for every occasion. The machine gun in Bioshock Infinite is far easier to wield than a similar weapon in other games. You don’t get a ton of recoil, and its crit rate goes toe to toe with that of other precision weapons, something you wouldn’t count on for a gun like this.
It’s got a large magazine, great rate of fire, and pretty decent damage, the latter weapon upgrade being one of the best in the game. The machine gun is the best all-around weapon, but if you’re looking for something with a little more kick try the Vox Repeater. What you sacrifice in shot speed gets repaid with higher damage, and you’re more likely to land hits with its steadier recoil.
