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The Ultimate Rifle Guide: Finding the Best in Starfield

Figuring out the best rifle in Starfield is a multifaceted question. It depends entirely on your play style, your preferred combat range, and the enemies you’re facing. However, if forced to pick one rifle that shines in the most situations, it would be The Revenant. Boasting a high fire rate, decent damage, and the potential for a massive magazine with the right legendary effects, it can shred through enemies with ease. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of rifles in Starfield and explore what makes them so effective.

Understanding Rifles in Starfield

Rifles occupy a sweet spot in Starfield’s arsenal. They offer a solid balance between damage, range, and rate of fire, making them versatile weapons for almost any encounter. While a shotgun might be devastating at close range and a sniper rifle excels at long distances, a rifle provides a reliable middle ground, capable of handling most threats effectively. They’re your go-to when you need something that is always ready to get the job done.

Ballistic vs. Energy Rifles

Starfield offers two primary types of rifles: ballistic and energy. Ballistic rifles use physical projectiles, and are often effective against armored opponents due to their ability to inflict physical damage. Energy rifles, like laser and particle beam weapons, deal energy damage. While powerful, they may be less effective against enemies with high energy resistance. The decision of which to use often comes down to the enemy you’re facing.

Unique Rifles: The Cream of the Crop

Beyond the standard rifle models, Starfield features a host of unique weapons, each with a predetermined set of modifications and weapon effects. These unique rifles are often the best in their class, offering powerful combinations of damage types, status effects, and handling characteristics. Finding these rifles can be a game-changer, and they often come with intriguing backstories or are tied to specific quests.

Top Contenders for the Best Rifle

While The Revenant is a solid pick, several other rifles deserve consideration for the title of “best.” Here’s a look at some of the strongest contenders:

The Revenant: As mentioned, its high fire rate and potential for a huge magazine size make it a beast in combat. A legendary version with the “lacerating” effect (randomly applying bleed) elevates it even further.
Unmitigated Violence: This laser rifle boasts high energy damage, excellent range, and a respectable fire rate. It’s perfect for melting through enemies, especially those weak to energy damage.
Eternity’s Gate: This powerful particle beam rifle combines laser and ballistic damage. With solid accuracy and range, it’s a versatile option for taking down a variety of enemies.
Va’ruun Inflictor: Another notable particle beam rifle, the Va’ruun Inflictor excels in accuracy and range. Its balanced damage output makes it a reliable choice for various combat scenarios.
Avatar: Is arguably the best ballistic weapon, coming with the option of seven mod slots to completely change the weapon to your needs.
Justifier: This is a powerful rifle that can be very useful early in the game.

Finding Your Perfect Rifle

Ultimately, the best rifle for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when choosing a rifle:

Play Style: Do you prefer a high rate of fire to quickly dispatch enemies, or do you prefer a more deliberate, accurate approach?
Damage Type: Are you facing primarily armored enemies or those vulnerable to energy damage?
Weapon Effects: Do you value status effects like bleed, fire, or poison?
Modding Options: Do you want a rifle that you can heavily customize to suit your specific needs?

Experiment with different rifles, try out various modifications, and see what works best for you.

FAQs About Rifles in Starfield

Here are some frequently asked questions about rifles in Starfield, helping you make informed decisions about your weapon choices:

What is the most accurate rifle in Starfield? The Va’ruun Inflictor is known for its excellent accuracy, making it a great choice for hitting targets at medium to long ranges.
What is the highest damage sniper rifle in Starfield? The Magsniper is often considered the best sniper rifle due to its high base damage and accuracy.
Are rifles good in Starfield? Absolutely! Rifles are a versatile and reliable weapon choice, suitable for a wide range of combat situations.
Where can I find unique rifles in Starfield? Unique rifles can be found in various locations, including quest rewards, hidden caches, and sold by specific vendors. Keep an eye out for these rare finds.
Can I craft rifles in Starfield? No, you cannot craft rifles in Starfield. You can only acquire them through looting, purchasing, or quest rewards.
What are the best modifications for rifles in Starfield? The best modifications depend on your play style, but some popular choices include scopes for increased accuracy, muzzles for reduced recoil, and magazines for increased capacity.
What are the different ammo types for rifles in Starfield? Rifles use various ammo types, including standard rounds, armor-piercing rounds, and explosive rounds. Choose the ammo type that best suits the enemy you’re facing.
How do I improve my rifle skills in Starfield? You can improve your rifle skills by investing in the “Rifle Certification” skill in the Combat skill tree.
What is the best early-game rifle in Starfield? The N67 Smartgun is a solid choice for an early game weapon.
What is the most powerful ballistic rifle in Starfield? Arguably the Avatar which comes with a potential seven mods to completely change the weapon to your needs.
Are there non-lethal rifle options in Starfield? Yes, some rifles can be equipped with non-lethal modifications, allowing you to subdue enemies without killing them.
What should I sell in Starfield to make money for rifles? Common resources, materials, and food items are good candidates for selling. You can also hunt alien creatures for organic resources to sell for a profit.
What is the best energy rifle in Starfield? The Unmitigated Violence is a powerful laser rifle, with some preferring the Eternity’s Gate.
What are some good alternatives to rifles in Starfield? Shotguns excel at close range, sniper rifles are ideal for long-range engagements, and pistols offer a lightweight option for backup.
Where can I learn more about Starfield weapon mechanics and strategies? You can find a wealth of information on fan forums, wikis, and YouTube channels dedicated to Starfield. You can also explore research on learning and skill development through gaming at the Games Learning Society, helping you understand how games like Starfield enhance cognitive skills. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource.

Ultimately, finding the best rifle in Starfield is a journey of experimentation and discovery. By understanding the different types of rifles, their strengths and weaknesses, and the available modifications, you can find the perfect weapon to suit your play style and conquer the Settled Systems. So, grab your rifle, head out into the galaxy, and start blasting!

What is the best rifle in Starfield?