In Fortnite’s fast-paced and ever-evolving environment, having the right weapons can be the difference between victory and defeat. As the game constantly updates, adding, vaulting, and unvaulting various items and weapons, it’s essential to stay on top of the most effective tools in the current season. This tier list breaks down the best weapons in Fortnite Chapter 5, Season 4, helping players gear up for their next Victory Royale. It also includes information on Fortnite Reload, a special mode with a different loot pool, so you can plan your loadouts accordingly.

Please note that this guide focuses on the Battle Royale mode, meaning the stats and recommendations here won’t necessarily apply to Fortnite’s Save the World mode.

The Best Weapons in Chapter 5, Season 4

There are 22 weapons available in Fortnite’s current season. You can still modify weapons using Weapon Mod Benches, with each weapon’s rarity affecting how many mods it can carry. An Uncommon weapon will have one mod attached, Rare will have two, Epic will have three, and Legendary will come with four mods. Keep in mind that not all mods work with every weapon, so choose wisely and remove incompatible mods at Weapon Mod Stations.

Here’s the tier list for the best weapons in Chapter 5, Season 4, excluding utility items that don’t deal damage.

SS-Tier Weapons

Captain America’s Shield (Epic)
Captain America’s Shield stands alone as one of the best weapons this season, especially for close-to-mid-range combat. It’s not only fun and effective but also a nightmare for opponents trying to counter repeated shield throws. In addition to its offensive capabilities, the shield can block attacks and destroy structures. This versatile weapon is a must-have in your loadout.

Gwenpool’s Dual Micro SMGs (Mythic)
These Dual Micro SMGs are a deadly combination of speed and cuteness, making them a top-tier choice for close-range combat. If you can afford them, they are a must-buy from Gwenpool, as they can easily tear through opponents. For those serious about winning, these SMGs should be a priority.

S-Tier Weapons

Dual Micro SMGs (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary)
The standard Dual Micro SMGs are a fantastic option for those who enjoy SMGs. With their rapid fire rate, they’re perfect for close-range combat, making it difficult for opponents to stand their ground.

Hyper SMG (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary)
The Hyper SMG boasts an incredibly high fire rate, but it does have significant vertical recoil. However, adding a recoil-reducing mod transforms it into one of the best short-range weapons in the game. With additional mods, it becomes even more powerful and capable of holding its own at medium range.

Doctor Doom’s Arcane Gauntlets (Mythic)
These gauntlets shoot magical projectiles that are effective at both short and medium ranges. With unlimited ammo, they’re a solid choice for sustained combat. The only downside is that you’ll need to defeat Doctor Doom to acquire them. They might lose some appeal if you already have Captain America’s Shield, but they’re still an excellent weapon.

War Machine’s Auto Turret (Epic)
A passive yet powerful weapon, War Machine’s Auto Turret automatically targets and fires at enemies within its range. It’s a handy tool for increasing your damage output while also spotting enemy locations. Although it can reveal your position, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most players, making it a great choice for bolstering your loadout.

War Machine’s Arsenal (Epic)
War Machine’s Arsenal is effective at almost any range, making it a versatile weapon for various combat scenarios. Pair it with the Auto Turret and Hover Jets, and you’ll essentially become a one-person army. Even without these additions, it’s fantastic for dealing damage and destroying structures.

Doctor Doom’s Monarch Pistol (Mythic)
This upgraded version of the Monarch Pistol excels at medium-range combat. If you enjoy using the regular Monarch Pistol, this souped-up version is even more effective, making it a top pick for mid-range skirmishes.

A-Tier Weapons

Monarch Pistol (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary)
The standard Monarch Pistol is a fully automatic weapon similar to the Pulse Rifle, making it a solid option for medium-range encounters. While it may not be the flashiest weapon in your arsenal, its reliability and ease of use make it a strong contender in most situations.