Once Human Legendary Weapons Tier List | PvP & PvE
Based on hands-on testing, this Once Human weapon tier list ranks the top legendary weapons for PvP and PvE. Find the most reliable guns for every situation.
Oct 05, 20255.8K Shares135.4K Views
Once Human Weapon Tier List For Smart Upgrades
There’s a thrill in Once Human that goes beyond survival; it’s the chase for the weapon that changes everything. I didn’t plan on obsessing over recoil patterns, blueprint drops, or how to stretch every bit of Starchrom, but here I am deep in the grind, testing everything from meta rifles to total duds.
This isn’t just another Once Human weapon tier list. It’s a personal breakdown of what’s worth using, from the weapons that shred through bosses to the ones I regret wasting time on. If you’re wondering what to craft, what to skip, and where to spend your resources, I’ve got you.
Understanding The Weapon System In Once Human
Before getting into tier rankings, it's important to understand how weapons work in Once Human. I’ve tested every weapon type in real scenarios solo, co-op, and PvP, and here’s what I’ve learned that can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Weapon Categories Explained (and When To Use Each)
Once Human has nine main weapon categories, each designed for different situations. If you’re just starting or trying to figure out what suits your style, here’s how they perform:
- Rifles:These are your all-purpose weapons. They work well at medium to long range, offer balanced damage, and are easy to control. I’d say rifles are the safest pick for general use.
- SMGs:Super fast fire rate, great for close-quarters combat. But outside tight spaces, they struggle with range and accuracy.
- Shotguns:Absolute monsters up close. They hit hard, but the range is terrible. Good in PvE if enemies rush you.
- Snipers:Long-range killers. I love them in boss fights or PvP duels, but you’re vulnerable if enemies close the gap.
- LMGs:Good for suppressing large groups. They shoot for longer without reloading, but they’re heavy and harder to control.
- Pistols:Don’t underestimate them. They’re light, quick to pull out, and can save your life when your main weapon is down.
- Heavy Weapons:Think rocket launchers and big cannons. They cause insane damage but are slow and risky to use in tight spots.
- Crossbows:Unique because of their elemental effects. They're situational but fun, especially for crowd control or applying debuffs.
- Melee Weapons:I didn’t expect much, but with the right stealth build, they’re powerful. Especially useful when ammo is tight.
Each type has its role. The real challenge is knowing which one fits your current mission or your playstyle.
Weapon Rarity: Why It Matters More Than You Think
One mistake I made early on was treating all weapons equally. Big lesson: rarity directly affects your weapon’s long-term power.
- Common weapons can only be enhanced up to level 3.
- Epic weapons go up to level 5.
- Legendary weapons max out at level 6, and the difference isn’t just one extra upgrade.
Fully enhancing a legendary weapon can give it 50% or more total damage output compared to an epic version. That’s a huge gap when you're trying to survive late-game content or take on world bosses. If you're planning to invest materials and cores, always check the rarity first.
Core Weapon Stats (And What They Do)
Every weapon has a set of stats, but not all of them are easy to understand at first glance. Here’s how I break them down based on hands-on use:
- Damage:Straightforward: higher number, more pain.
- Accuracy:Affects bullet spread. High accuracy means your shots go where you aim.
- Stability:Controls how wild your recoil gets. A high-damage rifle is useless if the recoil sends your aim to the moon.
- Fire Rate:How fast your weapon shoots. Great for SMGs and autos, but balance it with control.
- Mobility:Impacts how fast you can move while holding or aiming. Heavier weapons slow you down, which can get you killed.
Here’s the real catch: a gun with lower damage but better stability and accuracy might outperform a raw damage monster if you’re landing more shots. I learned to prioritize feel and control over numbers alone.
S-Tier Weapons (Best For All Roles)
AWS.338 Bullseye: The Sniper Supreme
This sniper rifle doesn’t mess around. Every shot feels deliberate and devastating, especially when you're aiming from a distance. The .338 ammo hits incredibly hard, making it perfect for PvE boss fights or clearing enemies before they ever get close. It’s not great up close, but if you’re playing with precision, this is the long-range king. I’ve used it to wipe out elites in two hits, sometimes one if my buffs are stacked.
SOCR The Last Valor
This weapon feels like it was made for players who like to hold the line. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly dependable. The Last Valor offers a great balance between stopping power and survivability. What I love about it is how it complements tankier builds it doesn’t just deal damage; it lets you stand your ground while doing so. Think of it as the “no panic, just handle it” gun in your loadout.
Abyss Glance: The PvP Monster
I wasn’t sure about this weapon at first… until I brought it into PvP. Abyss Glance melts players if you know how to handle its recoil and maximize burst windows. It’s fast, aggressive, and rewards players with sharp aim and timing. It doesn’t feel overpowered on paper but in your hands, it’s lethal. In close to mid-range duels, it’s been my go-to.
Defiler
The name says it all. The Defiler is brutal, both in sound and performance. It has a unique, punchy rhythm that just feels right. It’s a crowd clearer and boss killer all in one, especially when modded correctly. I use it when I don’t want to think too much just hold down the trigger and let it do its thing. High damage, high consistency, no fluff.
Firefly
The Firefly is one of those weapons you can rely on in nearly every situation. It has that perfect balance between accuracy and damage output. It’s lightweight, too, which makes it excellent for mobile builds. I’ve used it for clearing nests, PvP flanking, and even soloing strongholds; it performs across the board. It’s a workhorse weapon.
Thunderclap
This one’s built for explosive engagements. Thunderclap delivers bursts of high damage that can tear through enemy armor fast. I like pairing it with stun effects or elemental gear to capitalize on its power. It’s a bit heavier than some of the others, but the payoff is worth it especially when you need a quick kill under pressure.
Wasp Sting
Fast, sharp, and annoying for your enemies. Wasp Sting thrives on speed and rapid engagements. It’s best in the hands of someone who’s constantly moving. I found it perfect for PvP skirmishes and ambush tactics. It doesn’t have the biggest damage per shot, but when you combine its fire rate and debuff potential, it becomes deadly in a hurry.
Pulse Rifle
This one’s futuristic in both look and feel. The Pulse Rifle shines in burst combat; it fires in rhythmic bursts that are surprisingly easy to control. It’s perfect if you like mid-range combat and need something stable and consistent. I’ve modded it to boost accuracy, and it quickly became one of my most reliable weapons during long missions.
Mercury
Mercury plays differently; it’s a tactical pick. Think debuffs, elemental effects, and tricky mechanics. It doesn’t do the highest raw damage, but it enables combos and status effects that can change the flow of battle. I love using it in squad runs to weaken enemies before my teammates finish them off. If you like to play smart rather than just hit hard, Mercury delivers.
Continue Reading: Once Human Tier List | Top Combat & Utility Deviants Ranked
A-Tier Weapons (Strong And Reliable)
MPS7 Outer Space: SMG Excellence
This SMG is an absolute menace in close quarters. The rate of fire is insane like, blink-and-the-enemy-is-dead kind of insane. It’s especially good if you like hit-and-run tactics or rely on mobility. I used it in urban-style PvP zones and it shredded through enemy players before they could even aim. Not great for long range, obviously, but indoors? Unmatched.
DE.50 Wildfire
If you’re into heavy-hitting sidearms, the Wildfire is your weapon. It feels like carrying a pocket-sized cannon. One or two shots are often all it takes to finish an enemy, especially if you land headshots. I paired it with a fast reload mod and used it as a finisher when my primary ran dry it never let me down. Think of it as a mini hand-held boss killer.
KVD Boom Boom
The name fits. This launcher-style weapon is all about splash damage and crowd control. It’s not elegant, but it doesn’t need to be. I bring it out when I’m overwhelmed or facing clustered enemies. One well-placed shot clears a path. It’s not something I carry all the time, but when I do, it saves my life more often than not.
Stormbreaker
Stormbreaker is great for players who like to play aggressively but stay in control. It’s fast, reactive, and very stable. What I like most is its adaptability; you can take it into almost any fight and it’ll hold its own. I’ve used it in nests, invasions, and even PvP arenas with solid results. It’s a weapon that lets you stay fluid and flexible.
Inferno
Inferno is all about area denial and sustained elemental damage. It shines when you want to control the battlefield burn zones, choke points, or swarm situations. I’ve seen enemies hesitate to push just because Inferno was laying down fire. It’s not about burst damage; it’s about keeping pressure on the enemy and forcing mistakes.
Venomous Fang
If you like poison builds or DoT (damage over time) playstyles, this weapon is your dream. The Venomous Fang stacks toxin damage that wears enemies down fast. It’s especially nasty in PvP; players panic when their health ticks away even after taking cover. I like combining it with traps or mobility gear to keep the pressure on while I stay on the move.
Iron Fist
This one’s for melee lovers. The Iron Fist hits hard and has great stagger potential. I didn’t expect to enjoy a fist weapon in a gun-heavy game, but this thing punches like a truck. It’s best in stealth builds or against isolated targets. I use it when I want to play up close and personal, and let me tell you, finishing enemies this way is very satisfying.
Specter
The Specter feels like a ghost’s rifle, quiet, precise, and deadly. It’s lightweight, with very low recoil, and it rewards smart, controlled shooting. I found it incredibly useful for stealth runs and PvE missions that required precision over raw power. It’s not flashy, but in the right hands, it’s lethal.
Razor Edge
This one’s a hybrid part-blade, part-rifle, depending on how you mod it. It’s built for players who like close-to-mid-range combat with style. I’ve used it to dance around enemies, slashing and shooting in quick succession. It’s flashy, sure, but it’s also surprisingly effective once you learn its rhythm.
B-Tier Weapons (Decent But Situational)
KVD Icebreaker
The Icebreaker looks powerful on paper, especially with its frost damage, but in practice, it's inconsistent. The elemental slowdown is nice, especially in PvE, but its base damage and rate of fire leave something to be desired. It’s great for crowd control or slowing elite enemies, but don’t expect to dominate in PvP. I used it mainly when exploring colder biomes, where its frost synergy made more sense.
Compound Bow
The Compound Bow has its niche, especially for players who enjoy stealth gameplay or prefer silent kills. Its charge mechanic adds tension to every shot; you have to time it right, or it’s wasted. It excels in PvE scouting missions or when you’re trying to avoid attention. I loved using it in early progression when ammo was scarce. But as enemies get tankier and faster, the bow becomes harder to justify over faster, more forgiving weapons. Still, if you enjoy precision and patience, it has value.
Reaver
The Reaver is one of those weapons that feels great at first but falls off hard later. It has good burst potential and feels satisfying to fire, but its recoil and spread become more problematic as you face tougher enemies. It’s decent in mid-range fights and looks intimidating, but that’s about where the advantages end. I found myself swapping it out once I unlocked more stable assault rifles or energy weapons. It's a transitional weapon more than anything else.
Emberlight
Emberlight offers splash damage with a fire-based twist, making it effective against groups of weaker enemies. Its AoE potential is strong, especially in PvE zones where enemies swarm in packs. The downside is its slow projectile speed and long reload time. You have to plan your shots, and that’s not always easy when enemies are fast and aggressive. I used Emberlight as a secondary weapon during base defense missions, where its fire area denial proved helpful. Outside of that, it’s too clunky for general use.
Frostbite
Much like the Icebreaker, Frostbite leans into elemental gameplay but with a focus on slowing rather than outright killing. It's more utility than raw DPS. I used it to kite larger enemies or bosses in co-op, giving teammates breathing room. In solo play, though, it struggles unless you’re running a very specific build. It's not a weapon you’d bring to every fight, but when the situation calls for slowing enemies down, Frostbite performs its job well.
Daggerclaw
The Daggerclaw is an unusual melee weapon that plays fast and loose. It's incredibly quick, making it perfect for light stealth builds. The problem? It lacks the raw stopping power you’d want in face-to-face brawls. I found it most effective when sneaking through enemy camps or finishing off low-health enemies. In open combat, it just can’t trade hits well. Still, if you’re a speed-first player who values agility over brute force, Daggerclaw is a fun option.
Cyclone
Cyclone is all about firing speed and overwhelming your target with bullets but it burns through ammo like crazy. Its DPS is decent, but it’s hard to control, and accuracy suffers the longer you hold the trigger. I liked using it in tight corridors or on rush builds, but it’s not very resource-efficient for longer fights. Against solo targets or in open terrain, you’re better off with something more focused. Think of Cyclone as the chaotic pick for players who like to spray and pray.
Warhawk
The Warhawk has solid stats, but nothing about it stands out. It’s a jack-of-all-trades weapon reasonable damage, okay accuracy, fair mobility. It’s the kind of gun I kept around in case of emergencies but never really relied on for high-pressure missions. It’s a decent starter weapon or a good backup if your main gets destroyed mid-fight. The Warhawk won’t carry you to endgame glory, but it won’t fail you either.
C-Tier Weapons (Niche Or Underperforming)
Blight Spitter
The Blight Spitter sounds menacing, but it underdelivers in both DPS and utility. It relies on toxic damage over time, which can be useful in theory but in practice, enemies move too fast, or you’re forced to switch weapons before it has any real effect. I tried using this in early PvE runs, hoping it would weaken mobs before closing in. Unfortunately, its slow buildup and mediocre impact made it more of a burden than a help. It’s highly situational and not reliable in high-pressure combat.
Chain Gun
The Chain Gun is flashy and fun but suffers from clunky mechanics. It takes time to spin up before firing, and during that delay, you’re often taking damage. It can deal heavy damage if you commit to it fully, but the lack of mobility and long reload time make it a risky choice in both PvP and PvE. It shines in specific base defense scenarios but is impractical for everyday encounters. I consider it a novelty weapon more than a serious pick.
Arcflash
Arcflash is an energy-based weapon with electric effects, but its damage scaling is poor. It’s meant to stun or interrupt enemies, but the effect doesn’t last long enough to matter. I tried it in a co-op setting, hoping to play a supportive role, but it failed to add consistent value. While visually impressive, its underwhelming damage and high energy consumption make it fall behind quickly. Good for experimentation not for real survival.
Stonecleaver
A large melee weapon that looks deadly, the Stonecleaver is held back by slow swing speed and poor hit detection. It has raw power, sure, but by the time you swing, faster enemies have already dodged or attacked. I wanted to like this for a tanky melee build, but it just couldn’t keep up with the pace of higher-tier fights. It’s only viable if you're running a full melee tank build, and even then, better options exist.
Blackthorn
The Blackthorn is another elemental-themed weapon that leans into poison or thorn effects. While the concept is cool, the actual performance is lackluster. The damage over time is too low to make a real difference in intense combat, and the fire rate is nothing special. It might find a place in quirky support builds, but you’d be hard-pressed to justify using this over any A or S-tier weapon. I kept it around more for style than effectiveness.
Echo Beam
Echo Beam tries to bring a sci-fi laser gun vibe into Once Human, but it fails to match the performance of more grounded weapons. The beam requires precise aiming and sustained damage to be effective, but even then, it doesn’t deliver enough value. Enemies can simply move out of the beam path, making it feel inconsistent and frustrating. I shelved this one quickly after testing it in a few raids, too unreliable for serious players.
D-Tier Weapons (Outclassed Or Ineffective)
Rust Rifle
The Rust Rifle is exactly what the name implies: rusty, unreliable, and weak. It’s one of the most basic weapons in the game, and while it might be useful in the tutorial zone or Day 1, it’s quickly replaced. Its accuracy is poor, its fire rate is slow, and the damage is barely worth the ammo. I only kept it until I found anything else.
Broken Fang
This melee weapon has extremely low durability and weak damage output. Its swing animation is clunky, and the hitbox often feels off. Even for stealth builds, it's not worth the trouble. I tried to make it work in an early melee experiment, but it broke down mid-fight and not just literally.
Scrap Pistol
The Scrap Pistol is another starting-zone weapon that doesn’t scale. Its tiny magazine size and poor accuracy make it more of a panic weapon than anything else. I used it in emergencies once or twice, but eventually stopped even carrying it as a backup.
Junker
Junker is a shotgun-type weapon that promises burst damage but ends up underdelivering. Its spread is wide and uncontrollable, meaning most of your shots miss unless you’re point-blank. There are far better shotguns that do what Junker tries to do, only better and faster.
Dull Blade
Melee fans might try out the Dull Blade early on, but there’s little reason to stick with it. It has low damage, slow swings, and doesn't synergize with any serious build. In a game where timing and DPS matter, this weapon falls flat.
Weakshot
Weakshot is more of a joke than a real weapon. It fires weak rounds slowly and inaccurately. I couldn’t find a single scenario where it performed better than a basic pistol. If you pick it up, it’s best used as vendor trash.
Weapon Selection By Playstyle In Once Human
Choosing the right weapon in Once Human depends heavily on your playstyle, whether you're getting into PvE missions, engaging in PvP combat, or aiming for a hybrid approach. This guide breaks down weapon performance across various gameplay scenarios and progression stages, helping you build the most effective loadout.
PvE Focused Builds (Best Weapons For PvE Content)
When playing PvE in Once Human, crowd control and sustained DPS matter more than burst damage. You’ll face waves of enemies, elite mobs, and bosses that require consistency and status effects to bring down.
- SOCR The Last Valor is currently dominating the PvE meta, especially with a Shrapnel build. It offers excellent area coverage, making it ideal for farming, dungeons, and raids.
- KVD Icebreaker complements The Last Valor well by freezing or slowing enemies, giving you better control over fast-moving mobs.
- For tough bosses or elite targets, the AWS.338 Bullseye offers pinpoint precision and massive single-target damage from long range.
As you progress into high-level zones, status damage like burn, freeze, and shock becomes even more valuable. These elemental effects have remained consistent across patches and are reliable for both damage and crowd control.
PvP Combat Specialists (Best PvP Weapons In Once Human)
PvP gameplay requires accuracy, mobility, and burst damage. You’re not fighting waves you’re fighting unpredictable humans who flank, retreat, and reposition quickly.
- Abyss Glance leads the PvP meta thanks to its armor penetration, fast fire rate, and devastating mid-range performance. If you can master its recoil, it becomes one of the deadliest weapons in PvP.
- The MPS7 Outer Space is ideal for close-range players who rely on movement. Its high mobility and tight spread make it perfect for pushing enemies or defending tight spaces.
- DE.50 Wildfire offers a tactical advantage with its burn effect, helping you secure kills even when enemies duck behind cover.
In PvP, the focus is less on raw damage numbers and more on positioning, burst potential, and effect duration. Choose weapons that let you react fast and punish mistakes.
Hybrid Versatility (PvE And PvP Balanced Builds)
If you’re not exclusively PvE or PvP, a hybrid build ensures you can survive both enemy types. These builds are perfect for open-world exploration, alliance skirmishes, and general progression.
- Start with SOCR The Last Valor as your all-around weapon. It handles mobs and players with equal efficiency.
- Equip AWS.338 Bullseye for long-range threats, sniping players or elite mobs at distance.
- Carry the MPS7 Outer Space for close-range coverage, especially in urban areas or confined spaces.
This loadout provides flexibility across engagement ranges, which is key when you don’t know what’s around the next corner.
Early Game Vs. Endgame Weapon Progression
Best Starter Weapons (Early Game Picks)
In the early game, the goal is to find reliable and easy-to-upgrade weapons. Don't waste time chasing legendary gear until you’ve stabilized your resources.
- DE.50 Wildfire is one of the most effective early-game handguns. Its status damage and availability make it a go-to pick.
- SMGs and ARs like the base KVD series serve well during early quests and leveling. They offer balanced damage and are easy to craft or loot.
Avoid getting attached to early weapons; they’re stepping stones, not permanent solutions.
Transition Strategy (Mid-Game Planning)
One common mistake players make is holding onto mid-tier weapons for too long. As you progress, weapon enhancement resets for new base models. That means:
- When you find a higher-tier base weapon, you’ll need to restart the enhancement process.
- Materials used on older gear won’t transfer. So don’t over-invest in a weapon you're planning to replace.
- Focus on crafting and upgrading weapons with strong base stats and future potential.
Prioritize resource management over emotional attachment to gear.
Endgame Optimization (Maximizing DPS And Performance)
At the endgame, the focus shifts toward legendary weapons with perfect stat rolls and mods. Meta weapons like a fully enhanced Shrapnel build can reach 180K+ DPS, especially with near-perfect modifiers.
- Pick one primary weapon and invest deeply into it.
- Don’t spread enhancement resources across too many average weapons.
- Mods like damage boost, stability, and status effect amplification will take your builds to the highest level of performance.
An efficient enhancement strategy is key to dominating endgame raids, PvP zones, and world bosses.
People Also Ask
What's The Absolute Best Weapon In Once Human Right Now?
The SOCR The Last Valor currently dominates the meta for its versatility and shrapnel damage potential. However, the "best" weapon depends on your playstyle - the AWS.338 Bullseye might be better for sniper-focused players, while the Abyss Glance excels in PvP scenarios.
Should I Focus On Legendary Weapons From The Start?
No, legendary weapons require significant resources to obtain and upgrade. Start with accessible weapons like the DE.50 Wildfire and transition to legendaries once you have stable resource income and a better understanding of your preferred playstyle.
How Important Are Weapon Modifications Compared To Base Weapon Choice?
Both matter significantly. A well-modded epic weapon can outperform an unmodded legendary, but the legendary has higher potential when both are fully optimized. You should focus on getting good base weapons first, then invest in modifications.
Can I Succeed In PvP With PvE Weapons?
Some weapons like the SOCR The Last Valor work well in both modes, but dedicated PvP weapons like the Abyss Glance provide advantages in player combat. If you primarily play PvP, prioritize PvP-optimized weapons over pure PvE choices.
What's The Best Weapon Combination For Solo Players?
Solo players benefit from versatile weapon combinations. I recommend the SOCR The Last Valor as primary, AWS.338 Bullseye for long range, and the MPS7 Outer Space for close combat. This covers all engagement ranges and situations you'll face alone.
Final Thoughts
After hundreds of hours testing every weapon combination imaginable, I can tell you that weapon choice matters more than most players realize. The difference between struggling through content and dominating it often comes down to understanding which weapons excel in which situations.
Don't get caught up chasing every new weapon that drops. Focus on mastering a few excellent weapons rather than collecting everything. The SOCR, The Last Valor, AWS.338 Bullseye, and Abyss Glance represent the current pinnacle of weapon design learning these weapons thoroughly will serve you better than surface-level knowledge of dozens of options.
Jump to
Once Human Weapon Tier List For Smart Upgrades
Understanding The Weapon System In Once Human
S-Tier Weapons (Best For All Roles)
A-Tier Weapons (Strong And Reliable)
B-Tier Weapons (Decent But Situational)
C-Tier Weapons (Niche Or Underperforming)
D-Tier Weapons (Outclassed Or Ineffective)
Weapon Selection By Playstyle In Once Human
People Also Ask
Final Thoughts
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