Days Gone: The Ultimate Assault Rifle Showdown – Finding Your Horde-Slaying Champion

So, you’re staring down a horde in Days Gone, and you need to know: what’s the best assault rifle to bring the Freaker apocalypse crashing down? The short answer is: it depends. But if you’re twisting my arm, I’d say the Chicago Chopper is arguably the best overall assault weapon for end-game hordes, due to its sheer firepower. However, the early- to mid-game offers different demands. Let’s dive into the details, breaking down the contenders, their strengths, weaknesses, and how to choose the right one for your playstyle.

Assault Rifle Arsenal: A Deep Dive

Days Gone provides a selection of assault rifles tailored to various stages of the game and combat scenarios. Understanding each weapon’s nuances is critical for survival. Factors like damage output, rate of fire, magazine size, accuracy, and availability all play a role in determining its effectiveness.

Early Game Contenders

In the initial hours, you won’t have access to the powerhouses. Look to weapons that are readily available and reliable.

• MWS (Military Weapon System): The MWS is a solid, all-around rifle that you can obtain relatively early. It offers a good balance of accuracy, damage, and rate of fire. It’s effective against smaller groups of Freakers and works well for picking off individual enemies. Consider this a solid foundation for your arsenal.

Mid-Game Options

As you progress, you’ll unlock access to better weapons, often through camp merchants.

• IDF PUP: The IDF-PUP is a fantastic bullpup rifle with excellent accuracy and a manageable rate of fire. Its accuracy makes it viable for longer-range engagements, offering versatility that other rifles might lack.
• SWAT 10: With a faster fire rate, the SWAT 10 is well-rounded and can be an effective option for taking down hordes, particularly if you can’t find a Chicago Chopper.

Late-Game Powerhouses

These are the rifles you’ll be drooling over, saved for the most intense horde encounters.

• Chicago Chopper: This is the holy grail of Days Gone assault rifles, and the generally accepted best overall, especially for hordes. Modeled after the Thompson submachine gun, it boasts an insane rate of fire and a large magazine. While it chews through ammo like crazy, its ability to mow down hordes is unparalleled. If you can control the recoil (which takes practice), it’s an absolute beast.
• PPSH-41: With a massive drum magazine and high rate of fire, the PPSH-41 is a strong alternative to the Chicago Chopper. Though some prefer the Chicago Chopper, many players find the PPSH-41 to be the best assault rifle in the game.
• PDW (Personal Defense Weapon): A compact and controllable option with good accuracy and a decent rate of fire. While it doesn’t have the raw power of the Chicago Chopper, its accuracy makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer controlled bursts and headshots.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Assault Rifle

Don’t just blindly grab the “best” weapon. Think about these aspects:

• Playstyle: Do you prefer controlled shots or spraying and praying? Accurate rifles like the IDF PUP suit methodical players, while the Chicago Chopper rewards aggressive tactics.
• Ammo Availability: A high-powered rifle is useless if you’re constantly running dry. Consider the abundance of ammo for each weapon and whether you can reliably craft it.
• Combat Scenario: Are you facing a single Breaker or a swarm of Swarmers? The Chicago Chopper excels against hordes, while a more accurate rifle might be better for dealing with individual threats at range.
• Upgrades: Some rifles benefit significantly from upgrades, such as larger magazines or improved accuracy. Factor in the cost and availability of these upgrades when making your decision.

Beyond the Assault Rifle: Complementary Weapons

An assault rifle is only one piece of the puzzle. Don’t forget about your other weapons and tools:

• Sidearm: A reliable sidearm like the SMP9 is crucial for quickly dispatching individual enemies or finishing off Freakers that get too close.
• Special Weapon: Machine guns like the MG45 and RPD are devastating against hordes, providing unparalleled firepower when you need it most.
• Throwables: Molotovs, grenades, and attractor bombs are essential for crowd control and setting up ambushes.
• Melee Weapon: When things get really hairy, a durable melee weapon like the Superior Metal Axe can buy you precious time to reload or escape.

Mastering Horde Combat: Tips and Tricks

No matter which assault rifle you choose, mastering a few key tactics will dramatically improve your odds of survival:

• Planning: Scout the area, identify choke points, and set up traps before engaging a horde.
• Kiting: Keep moving! Use your superior speed and agility to stay one step ahead of the horde.
• Environmental Exploitation: Use the environment to your advantage. Funnel Freakers through narrow passages, collapse structures on them, and utilize explosive barrels.
• Resource Management: Conserve ammo and throwables whenever possible. Loot every body and scavenge every building.
• Prioritization: Focus on eliminating the most dangerous Freakers first, such as Breakers and Reachers.

FAQ: Answering Your Days Gone Assault Rifle Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Days Gone weaponry:

1. What is the best early-game assault rifle in Days Gone?

The MWS is your best bet early on. It’s a well-rounded rifle that offers a good balance of damage, accuracy, and rate of fire. It’s obtainable relatively early in the game.

2. Is the IDF PUP a good assault rifle?

Absolutely! The IDF PUP is a fantastic choice, especially in mid-game. Its accuracy makes it versatile, allowing you to engage enemies at longer ranges.

3. How do I get the Chicago Chopper?

The Chicago Chopper can be purchased from the merchant at Wizard Island Camp once you reach a certain trust level. This is typically a late-game weapon.

4. Is the Chicago Chopper worth the price?

Yes, definitely. The Chicago Chopper is worth every credit, especially if you plan on tackling hordes. Its rate of fire and magazine size make it a horde-slaying machine.

5. What is the best sidearm to pair with an assault rifle?

The SMP9 is a popular choice for a sidearm. It’s reliable and effective for quickly dispatching individual enemies or finishing off Freakers that get too close.

6. Are there any silenced assault rifles in Days Gone?

No assault rifles come with a built-in suppressor. The Rock Chuck is a great silenced option but is a sniper rifle, not an assault rifle.

7. What is the best special weapon for horde clearing?

Machine guns like the MG45 and RPD are excellent special weapons for horde clearing due to their large ammo capacity and high rate of fire.

8. Is the auto shotgun good for fighting hordes?

While shotguns have their place, the auto shotgun isn’t ideal for hordes due to its wide spread and frequent reloads, especially in open areas.

9. How do I unlock new weapons in Days Gone?

You can unlock new weapons by purchasing them from merchants at encampments (Hot Springs, Iron Mike’s, Wizard Island), completing missions, or through story progression.

10. What is the best melee weapon for close encounters?

The Superior Metal Axe is widely considered the best melee weapon in the game due to its balance of damage and durability.

11. Should I try to take on hordes early in the game?

It’s generally best to avoid hordes early on until you have better weapons, skills, and throwables. Focus on leveling up and gathering resources first.

12. Do hordes respawn in Days Gone?

Yes, hordes do respawn. Once you’ve cleared a horde, it will eventually return, so be prepared to face them again.

13. What is New Game Plus in Days Gone?

New Game Plus allows you to start the game again with all your unlocked weapons, skills, bike upgrades, and collectibles, providing a significant advantage.

14. What’s the hardest Freaker type to fight?

Breakers are among the most challenging Freakers to fight. They are hulking, powerful, and take a lot of damage to bring down.

15. What is the reward for killing all the hordes in Days Gone?

Killing all the hordes unlocks new weapon unlocks at the camps and a new bike skin.

Days Gone is not just a game about surviving; it’s about adapting and conquering. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each assault rifle and tailoring your loadout to your playstyle will give you the edge you need to thrive in the zombie-ridden wilds of Oregon. And remember, knowledge is power. Continue learning, and consider diving into the research and community at Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where the intersection of games and education is explored. Happy Freaker hunting!