The Payday franchise is known for its great variety and the fun weapons available to play with. Payday 3 is no exception and brings us more of what we loved in the previous title but with updated graphics and sound design.
Guns in Payday 3 do not disappoint in their design and are incredibly satisfying to use. This article will list all the best weapons per class in Payday 3 so you can decide which one is for you. Stick with us, grab your mask, and get ready to find the weapon that will make your enemies kneel before you in Payday 3!
All Weapons in Payday 3 and How to Unlock Them
There are currently seven weapon types in Payday 3, and while none of them is better than the others, certain types will adapt better to specific playstyles. It is up to you to find the best gun to suit your needs.
Unlocking Each Weapon in Payday 3
Here, we will list all the guns available currently in Payday 3 and when you can unlock them in game. Keep scrolling or use the links above to jump to the section for each weapon type to view the tier list for those guns in Payday 3.
- CAR – 4 Assault Rifle – Unlocked Immediately
- Signature 40 – Pistol – Unlocked Immediately
- Marcom Mabma MGL – Overkill – Unlocked Immediately
- Reinfield 880 – Shotgun – Unlocked at Lvl. 2
- Northwest B-9 – Assault Rifle – Unlocked at Lvl. 2
- J&M Castigo 44 – Revolver – Unlocked at Lvl. 10
- FIK PC9 – Sub-machine gun – Unlocked at Lvl. 19
- SA A144 – Marksman – Unlocked at Lvl. 21
- STRYK – Pistol – Unlocked at Lvl. 25
- ZIV Commando – Sub-machine gun- Unlocked at Lvl. 29
- KU-59 – Assault Rifle – Unlocked at Lvl.35
- SP Model 11 – Pistol – Unlocked at Lvl. 38
- HET-5 Red Fox – Overkill – Unlocked at Lvl. 40
- Mosconi 12 Classic – Shotgun – Unlocked at Lvl. 43
- Reinfield 900S – Marksman – Unlocked at Lvl. 53
- Signature 403 – Pistol – Unlocked at Lvl. 59
- SG Compact-7 – Sub-machine gun – Unlocked at Lvl. 65
- Sforza Bizon – Revolver – Unlocked at Lvl. 70
- VF-7S – Assault Rifle- Unlocked at Lvl. 77
Assault Rifles
These are the most balanced weapons overall, with a nice balance between firepower, range, rate of fire, and accuracy. Assault rifles are the standard weapon class; you can never go wrong with them.
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CAR-4
The CAR-4 is not only the base assault rifle in Payday 3, but if you are an austere man or woman, this is everything you need to get the job done. This weapon has the most balanced stats overall in the game and won’t let you down in any situation. It’s particularly amazing in a full-auto, guns-blazing, loud build in Payday 3.
Northwest B-9
The Northwest B-9 is a lightweight assault rifle with excellent recoil, stability, and handling with slightly lower damage than the CAR-4. The lower damage gets compensated by the decent rate of fire this gun offers.
A-Tier Assault Rifle Weapons in Payday 3
KU-59
The KU-59 is a robust mid-tier assault rifle in Payday 3, providing reliable power, but its lower rate of fire and moderate recoil make it less versatile in high-pressure situations. Players should note that this weapon is not immediately available, requiring you to reach level 35 in your player progression before you can unlock and wield the KU-59 on your heists.
VF-7S
The VF-7S occupies a mid-tier position in the assortment of assault rifles in Payday 3 due to its commendable robustness countered by a slightly slower reload speed. While it boasts superior damage and range compared to some other rifles, its slower handling and lesser rate of fire may put players at a disadvantage in rapid-fire, high-intensity combat situations.
This is a good choice for players who want a highly customized build in Payday 3 that balances long-range firepower but is more versatile than focused sniper builds.
Pistols
Pistols are the standard side arms, and while they are known for being an emergency weapon in most first-person shooters, here in Payday 3, sidearms take a significant role, especially during stealth runs. Payday 3 is very punishing with ammo, so having a decent pistol is critical in a game like this.
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SP Model 11
If you are looking for a pistol to assist you in your stealth runs that carries excellent firepower, the SP Model 11 is one of the best sidearms for this in Payday 3. The SP Model 11 is, hands-down, the most powerful pistol in the game and is excellent for both stealth builds in Payday 3 and loud runs in this game. For this reason, it ranked at the top of our pistol weapon tier list in Payday 3.
Signature 403
The Signature 403 is a top pistol on our Payday 3 guns tier list, standing out for its superior accuracy and damage. Its excellent precision makes it a preferred choice for pistol experts in the game Moreover, it provides reliable firepower for those with sharpshooter game skills.
A-Tier Pistols in Payday 3
Signature 40
While the Signature 40 is the most basic pistol in the game, it offers everything you need for a perfect stealth run. This pistol has enough damage, recoil control, and fire rate to deal with the essential guards when trying to be sneaky in Payday 3. While it is not significant in loud runs, you can’t go wrong with the Signature 40.
Stryk 7
The Stryk 7 is a worthy consideration for players seeking a solid sidearm in Payday 3, boasting a commendable balance of firepower and handling. However, it’s worth noting that while it’s a reliable weapon, there are superior alternatives for most scenarios, making it a better choice as a secondary weapon rather than the centerpiece of a dedicated pistol build.
Shotguns
Shotguns are the best weapons for those who want heavy firepower at close quarters. They are devastating at really close range and will make you a formidable player, but will make you struggle at longer ranges. For more advice on how to run the perfect shotgun build in Payday 3, check out our recommended loadout and tips.
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Reinfield 880
The Reinfeld 880 is one of the most potent shotguns in Payday 3 that will melt enemies at close ranges. While this shotgun has a meager rate of fire, in the right hands and with a bit of patience, it can become your best friend when dealing with heavy enemies in close-quarters combat.
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Mosconi 12 Classic
While you do have to reach a level to unlock this solid shotgun in Payday 3, it doesn’t rank at the top of our tier list because it is less versatile than the Reinfeild 880. The high damage output of this weapon is impressive. However, the slower pump-action of this weapon means that players must be more accurate and conserve more.
Thus, players looking to build a great shotgun build in Payday 3 may want to consider it more depending on their skill level, but casual players may want to stay away.
Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs)
Sub-machine guns, just like shotguns, are good, close to medium-range weapons that usually have an excellent fire rate in exchange for lousy recoil. If you are not really into shotguns and are more into accuracy through volume at a medium to close range, then sub-machine guns are the way to go. For a great Payday 3 SMG build, check out our linked article.
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Though it may be controversial, we believe that SMGs just aren’t that OP right now in Payday 3. As a result, we don’t have any SMGs listed on our Payday 3 guns and weapons tier list. The reason is they run low on ammo too quickly and don’t fare well against enemies at range or who are wearing significant armor.
SMGs fill a niche in this game and aren’t well-suited as all-around powerful and capable weapons during your in-game heist.
Related: Is Payday 3 Cross-Platform?
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FIK PC9
The FUJ PC9 is a sturdy sub-machine gun with assault rifle features that improve the range compared to other weapons. Not only does this gun offer a heavy rate of fire, but it also has more than decent recoil control, stability, and handling.
ZIV Commando
If you are looking for a sub-machine gun that will bring a rain of bullets to your enemies, stop looking because the ZIV Commando is the only gun you need. Compared to the FIK PC9, the ZIV Commando has less recoil control and damage but one of the nastiest fire rates in Payday 3.
Marksman
Marksman rifles are what you want to equip if you love one-shot kills and have good aiming skills. They thrive at medium to long-range and will one tap most enemies in Payday 3. For insights into how to run the best Payday 3 sniper build, check out our companion guide.
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SA A144
The SA A144 has everything from severe damage to precision, recoil control, and accuracy. This marksman rifle can be a deadly weapon for players with excellent aiming skills, as you only need one shot to the head to neutralize your enemies.
While the other weapons in this class are great, the SA A144 can be unlocked very early in the game. Moreover, to be honest, this top-tier list weapon is all you need if you prefer to fight at range in this game.
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Reinfield 900S
The Reinfield 900S, while a solid entry on our tier list, may not be the first choice for all players due to its slower bolt-action mechanism. In the rapid combat environments of Payday 3, this can often lead to a suboptimal rate of fire, potentially leaving the player vulnerable between shots.
As such, it is usually preferred by experienced players with high accuracy who can make every shot count. Most players should opt for the more versatile and forgiving SA A144 with its semi-automatic rate of fire in the game Payday 3.
Revolver
While there are only two guns in this category, it’s excellent if you crave wild firepower by your side. This weapon type is perfect for intense encounters, as suppressors cannot be equipped. Get ready for some serious action if you opt for a revolver for your main weapon.
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J&M Castigo 44
If you are looking for precision and incredible firepower to carry in your jeans pocket, then do yourself a favor and try this fantastic revolver. This revolver offers excellent damage and can be a great option in emergencies where you must rely on your sidearm and deal with heavy enemies.
Sforza Bison
The Sforza Bison captures the essence of thrill and excitement in Payday 3, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a challenging yet satisfying gameplay experience. Its high recoil and accuracy make for a more realistic handling experience that tests the skill and precision of players.
Despite its lower handling compared to other pistols, the Sforza Bison’s distinctive charm lies in its fun factor, distinguishing it as a top contender in our Payday 3 guns and weapons tier list.
Overkill
Overkill weapons are guns that you must charge by getting kills in Payday 3. Once the Overkill bar is charged, you can request one of these weapons to drop at a random map location. These weapons are potent but have minimal ammo that pickups or drops cannot refill.
They are tons of fun and can get you out of a tight spot. It’s hard to say either of these currently available Overkill weapons in Payday 3 aren’t worth the top spot on our guns tier list. It’s really only their limited availability in-game that prevents players from maximizing their use.
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HET-5 Red Fox
The HET-5 Red Fox is the perfect middle finger for your enemies in this game. This massive sniper is an anti-material rifle that will one-shot any enemy in this game and penetrate through shields. The HET-5 Red Fox is hands-down one of the most satisfying overkill weapons and Payday 3, and you won’t regret wielding this beast.
Marcom Mabma MGL
The Marcom Mamba MGL grenade launcher is a top-tier weapon in Payday 3, and not just for its sheer power. Its ability to hold six rounds, combined with its immediate availability at the start of the game without the need for unlocking, makes it a preferred choice for players seeking to tackle crowds of enemies in tight spaces.
Beyond practicality, the Marcom Mamba MGL offers a thrill like no other, injecting a sense of fun and excitement into the gameplay that makes every heist a memorable adventure.
Final Thoughts on Our Tier List and What Makes the Best Guns and Other Weapons in Payday 3
In wrapping up our discussion on Payday 3 weaponry, it’s clear that the best guns aren’t simply the most powerful or the ones with the highest rate of fire. Instead, versatility plays a key role in determining a weapon’s usefulness. The ability to adapt to various combat situations, particularly in the game’s fast-paced combat environment, is critical.
Weapons like the SA A144 Marksman rifle and the CAR-4 AR are notable examples of top-tier weapons that offer this adaptability. They provide effectiveness at different ranges and against armored opponents, making them comfortable and useful weapons in the game Payday 3.
Higher Level Unlocks Aren’t Necessarily Better
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the level at which a weapon unlocks doesn’t necessarily correlate with its power or utility. Higher unlocks often introduce more specialized, niche weapons that cater to specific builds. These may not be universally powerful, but they can offer a unique edge for higher-level players who tailor their approach to heists accordingly.
Ultimately, the best weapons in Payday 3 are those that align with your gameplay style and tactical approach while making the game lots of fun to play. Whether you thrive on stealth, precision, or sheer firepower, there’s a top-tier weapon ready to make your Payday 3 heist a success.
If you’ve enjoyed our weapons guide, check out our beginners tips and tricks to get better at Payday 3. It’s full of 14 great tips and other insights to help you do well in your next hiest.
