What is the Best Weapon in GTA 5 Online 2023? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of the “best” weapon in GTA Online is complex, depending heavily on the situation, play style, and personal preference. However, if we were to crown a single weapon as the most consistently powerful and versatile in 2023, it would be a combination of two: the Special Carbine MK2, when talking about all-around use, and the Heavy Sniper MK II with Explosive Rounds for specific scenarios.

The Special Carbine MK2 stands out for its adaptability. Its high fire rate, decent damage, and impressive accuracy make it ideal for a wide array of combat encounters, from close-quarters brawls to medium-range engagements. Customizable with attachments like the Extended Clip and Heavy Barrel, this weapon transitions from good to great, ensuring a player is prepared for most combat situations.

However, for long-range dominance and dealing with heavily armored opponents, the Heavy Sniper MK II with Explosive Rounds is unparalleled. Its sheer stopping power and explosive damage make it a brutal force on the battlefield, capable of eliminating targets with precision and devastating impact. While not ideal for every scenario, it is crucial for taking down vehicles, helicopters, and those pesky, well-armored foes.

Therefore, the answer isn’t necessarily one weapon over another. The Special Carbine MK2 is the best for all-around versatility, while the Heavy Sniper MK II with Explosive Rounds is the go-to for long-range engagements and dealing with heavily armored targets.

Weapon Loadouts for Different Scenarios

Choosing the right weapon depends on the task at hand. Here are some recommended loadouts for different situations:

Player vs Player Gunfights

For head-on player versus player (PvP) combat, a balanced loadout is essential:

• Special Carbine (Drum Magazine): Provides excellent fire rate and decent damage, making it adaptable for most encounters.
• Combat MG Mk II: Offers superior stopping power and works well in mid-to-close range engagements.
• Heavy Sniper Mk II (Explosive Rounds): For countering vehicles and enemies that are taking cover or are at a long distance.
• Pump Shotgun Mk II (Explosive Rounds): Exceptional for close-quarters combat.
• Sticky Bomb: A great tool for ambushes, quick vehicle destruction, or flushing out campers.
• Mk II Heavy Revolver (Hollow Point Rounds): An extremely potent secondary weapon, especially with well-aimed shots.

General Purpose Loadout

For general missions and freeroam:

• Special Carbine MK2 (Extended Clip, Heavy Barrel): The go-to for most engagements.
• Heavy Sniper MK II (Standard Rounds): For picking off targets at long range and taking out the occasional vehicle.
• AP Pistol: An excellent secondary weapon with a high rate of fire.
• Combat Shotgun: Effective in tight situations.

Vehicle Combat

For combat situations involving vehicles:

• Heavy Sniper Mk II (Explosive Rounds): Excellent for destroying other vehicles and disabling air support.
• Sticky Bombs: Ideal for quick, easy vehicle destruction.
• Homing Launcher: Useful for taking down aircraft.
• Combat MG Mk II: Good for drive-bys or shooting other players from the driver seat.

Key Weapon Considerations

While the Special Carbine MK2 and Heavy Sniper Mk II are top-tier, other weapons have their merits:

• Pump Shotgun MKII (Explosive Rounds): Destructive and reliable in close-quarters.
• Combat MG MKII: Provides excellent stopping power for sustained fire.
• AP Pistol: Great for drive-bys and can be surprisingly effective in close-range combat.
• Sawed-Off Shotgun: For fast and devastating close range damage.
• Heavy Revolver MK II: A devastating weapon, capable of one-shotting opponents with well-aimed headshots.
• Unholy Hellbringer – Has high magazine capacity and decent damage, but its cost makes it not worth the value.
• Railgun: Expensive, but extremely effective against vehicles.
• Orbital Cannon: Extremely expensive and should be used as more of a novelty item that an effective weapon.

Choosing the Right Weapon

The “best” weapon ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. Consider these factors:

• Range: Do you prefer long-range sniping or close-quarters brawling?
• Fire Rate: Do you value a high rate of fire or powerful, slower shots?
• Accuracy: How important is accuracy to your gameplay?
• Ammo Type: Do you want standard rounds or explosive rounds?
• Cost: Are you willing to spend a lot of money on the most powerful weapons?

Why MK II Variants are Superior

MK II weapons are generally better than their base counterparts because they offer:

• Customization: A wide range of attachments allows you to tailor weapons to your specific needs.
• Increased Damage: Many MK II weapons have significantly higher damage output than their base versions.
• Improved Stats: Stats like range, accuracy, and fire rate are often upgraded with MK II variants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most expensive thing in GTA Online?

The Luxor Deluxe is the most expensive purchasable item, costing a staggering $10,000,000. While it lacks practical use, it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and bragging rights in the game.

2. Is GTA Online worth playing in 2023?

Absolutely! GTA Online remains popular in 2023 due to continuous updates and additions by Rockstar. Its dynamic world and variety of gameplay modes make it a very replayable game.

3. Is GTA 5 suitable for young players?

GTA V is rated for adults due to its mature themes, violence, and language. It is not suitable for players under the age of 18.

4. What is the strongest pistol in GTA Online?

The Heavy Pistol is considered one of the most powerful handguns, with a high damage rate and a good magazine capacity.

5. What is the weakest weapon in GTA?

Items like broken bottles, fists, snowballs, and flowers are among the weakest weapons, typically offering very little damage.

6. Is the Military Rifle a good weapon?

The Military Rifle has a slower fire rate than other assault rifles and is not considered a top-tier weapon, despite having more damage per shot.

7. What is the best weapon car in GTA 5?

The Oppressor Mark 2 is considered one of the most powerful weaponized vehicles in the game, thanks to its speed, maneuverability, and mounted missiles.

8. What are some secret weapons in GTA Online?

Some examples include the Baseball Bat, Combat Shotgun, Crowbar, Firework Launcher, and Molotovs.

9. What is the most profitable business in GTA V Online?

Nightclubs are considered one of the most profitable businesses. They are followed by The Agency, Warehouses (Special Cargo), Arcades, and Bunkers.

10. Is the Deluxo worth buying in GTA?

The Deluxo is a good vehicle for transportation and combat. It’s a must have for the general player. However, it is vulnerable to high damage attacks.

11. Is the Unholy Hellbringer worth buying?

The Unholy Hellbringer is quite expensive and isn’t worth its high price tag when compared to the other weapons in GTA Online.

12. Is the Tactical SMG a good weapon?

The Tactical SMG is a great weapon, with a good magazine size and fast reload time making it a viable alternative to the AP Pistol.

13. Is the Heavy Sniper MK II the best sniper in GTA?

Yes, with the Heavy Sniper Mk II’s superior accuracy and damage, it is widely considered the best sniper in the game, especially with explosive rounds.

14. Is the AP Pistol still viable in 2023?

The AP Pistol is still a reliable weapon for close combat, and drive-bys. However, it has been widely surpassed by the Tactical SMG and other MKII weapons.

15. What is the most damaging weapon in GTA?

The Sawed-Off Shotgun is known for its high damage output at very close range. The Heavy Sniper MKII with explosive rounds also does devastating damage at long range.

Conclusion

The “best” weapon in GTA Online is subjective and depends on the player’s style. However, the Special Carbine MK2 remains the most versatile option, and the Heavy Sniper MK II with Explosive Rounds is indispensable for long-range and heavy damage scenarios. By understanding weapon characteristics and adapting to different situations, you can dominate the streets of Los Santos in 2023.