The Cutter, a laser mining tool, is surprisingly effective as one of the best early game weapons in Starfield, along with any found rifle with decent stats.
Venturing into the vast cosmos of Starfield, you quickly realize proper firepower is vital. Figuring out which tools get you through those initial skirmishes can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.
Knowing which weapons pack the most punch early on makes your initial game hours significantly easier. So which options reign supreme at the start when resources are limited? That’s the question on many new explorers’ minds regarding the Starfield best early game weapons.
Starfield Best Early Game Weapons
Getting a good start in Starfield means having the right gear, and that includes your weapons. You’ll be facing off against pirates, angry wildlife, and even some robots, so having a reliable gun is super important. But with so many options, figuring out which guns are the best early on can be tricky. This guide will walk you through some of the top weapons you can get your hands on in the beginning of Starfield, helping you become a space-faring hero in no time!
Understanding Weapon Types in Starfield
Before we dive into specific weapons, it’s good to know about the different kinds you’ll come across in Starfield. Knowing these weapon types will help you pick a gun that fits your play style.
Ballistic Weapons
These weapons shoot regular bullets. They’re great for dealing consistent damage and you’ll find ammo for them quite easily. Think of them like the standard guns you’d see in other games. They’re dependable and a good starting point for any player. They have good stopping power, meaning that they can stagger your enemies as you fire, which can give you an advantage in combat. Ballistic weapons often come in the forms of pistols, rifles, and shotguns, offering a variety of options for different combat ranges and preferences.
Laser Weapons
Laser guns use energy to zap your enemies. They can be really powerful, especially against robots and other energy-based creatures. They tend to have high accuracy and don’t use traditional bullets, so you’ll need to find energy cells to keep them firing. Laser weapons are excellent for those who enjoy a precise, high-tech feel and are very effective against certain enemy types. They typically come in the form of pistols and rifles.
Particle Beam Weapons
These are like laser weapons on steroids! They fire super-charged beams of energy that can tear through enemies quickly. However, they often have a slower fire rate or require more energy to shoot. These are powerful tools for more advanced players who need a punchy weapon. Particle beams are often considered higher-tier weaponry and are frequently found in the hands of advanced adversaries or at specialized shops.
Melee Weapons
While not as popular in a sci-fi setting, don’t count them out. You can also find melee weapons like knives, axes, and even swords. These are great for close-range fights but not recommended for a primary method of combat unless you are building your character for melee combat. Often considered backup options, they can come in handy when ammunition is scarce or when facing enemies at very close quarters.
Top Early Game Weapon Choices
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some of the best weapons you can find in Starfield early on, and where you might find them:
The Old Earth Hunting Rifle
This is one of the first, solid ballistic rifles you’ll find in the game. It’s a single-shot rifle that packs a punch. It’s very good at mid to long-range combat, which can help you take out enemies before they get too close. It’s relatively easy to find, often appearing in chests and carried by enemies in the early game. Its high damage output makes it very valuable during the early parts of the game. Plus, because it uses standard ballistic ammo, it’s pretty easy to keep stocked.
Why is it good?
- Good damage per shot.
- Effective at medium and long distances.
- Reliable and relatively common.
The Cutter
The Cutter might not look like a traditional weapon, but it’s very useful in the early parts of the game. It’s technically a mining laser, but it can cut down enemies and even break open locked doors if you know what you’re doing. You get one of these very early in the game, and it is great because it doesn’t use ammunition, instead it uses laser energy. The Cutter is a great option if you are low on bullets or want to save resources for your other weapons. If you are in a location where there is a lot of natural cover, it can also be an interesting stealth option, as it is silent. And the best part? It’s got unlimited ammo! This makes it perfect for those long stretches where resources are sparse.
Why is it good?
- Unlimited ammo.
- Can be used to break open locked doors.
- Good for situations where resources are low.
Eon Pistol
This is a solid starting energy weapon. The Eon Pistol is an excellent all-around gun. It’s a reliable weapon for dealing moderate damage at mid-range. Since it is a laser weapon, it has a high degree of accuracy and can work effectively in many different combat scenarios. It uses energy cells as ammunition, which are pretty common early in the game. Keep an eye out for this pistol in the hands of enemies or at vendors to add it to your arsenal. It’s a versatile choice for players who prefer energy-based weapons.
Why is it good?
- Good damage output.
- Accurate and reliable.
- Uses common energy cells.
The Grendel
The Grendel is a fantastic early game ballistic rifle. It’s an automatic rifle, so you can spray enemies down with a lot of bullets quickly. It is most effective at close to medium ranges, so it will serve you well when you start to feel like you are getting overwhelmed by mobs of enemies. It uses 7.77mm rounds, which are common so it is easy to keep it supplied. It’s a bit more rare than the Old Earth Hunting Rifle, but it’s well worth looking for. You will find this one in loot crates and on enemies when you progress slightly into the main story.
Why is it good?
- Automatic fire is excellent against groups of enemies.
- Good damage per second.
- Uses common 7.77mm ammo
The Shotty
As you might be able to guess from the name, this is the early game’s shot gun, which is great for close quarters combat. It has very high damage at close ranges, but its effectiveness decreases at greater distances. The Shotty is great for clearing out rooms quickly and for finishing off enemies. It uses 12 gauge shells, which are more common than you might think. You can usually find this weapon or it’s ammunition at vendors, in containers, and on the bodies of enemies throughout the early game. This is a staple weapon for anyone who likes to take on their enemies face to face.
Why is it good?
- Amazing damage at close ranges.
- Effective for clearing rooms or fighting around corners.
- Uses common 12 gauge shells.
Where To Find These Weapons
Now that you know what to look for, here’s where you can often find these guns:
Looting Enemies
One of the most reliable ways to find good weapons in Starfield is to take them off the bodies of enemies. Many of the weapons listed above can be found on pirates and other enemies in the game’s starting areas. The Grendel and Shotty weapons will appear more often on human enemies, while the Eon pistol can often be found on enemy robots. Make sure to search all the bodies after a battle to maximize your chance of finding new guns and ammunition.
Containers and Crates
Keep an eye out for containers and crates as you explore. Weapons and ammo can be found in them. Look for tool boxes, weapon lockers, storage crates, and even luggage. These are good locations for finding a steady supply of gear. You can often find a new weapon in one of these during exploration.
Vendors
As you visit the various cities and settlements, check in with local merchants. They often have a rotating stock of weapons, armor, and ammunition. Vendors are a great source of weapons, especially if you know what to ask for, as you can buy a more specific weapon of your choosing with the money you get from completing quests and selling items to vendors.
Weapon Tables
As you explore some of the locations in Starfield, you will find rooms that have weapon tables, these are tables with a variety of weapons on them. These can offer great weapons with better modifiers that can really increase the effectiveness of your weapons. These weapons are not usually on a specific timer and can be found at any point in the early game, so it’s worth exploring the world and looking out for them.
Tips for Early Game Weapon Usage
Here are a few extra tips to make the most of your early game weapons:
- Conserve Ammo: Ammo is precious in the early game, so try to use melee when appropriate and use the Cutter where possible, and use headshots.
- Upgrade Your Skills: Certain skills, such as the Ballistics skill and the Laser skill, can improve the effectiveness of your weapons.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different weapons to see what feels best for you. Maybe you’re an automatic rifle type of person, or maybe a shotgun is more your speed!
- Mod Your Weapons: As you gain the required skills you can start to upgrade weapons at weapon mod benches to improve their stats.
In the vast universe of Starfield, starting out with the right equipment will make your space adventures much easier. These weapons will help you become more effective in combat, and these tips will help you use them to the best of your ability. Happy exploring and may your aim be true!
Top 10 Best Early Game Guns & Weapons in Starfield
Final Thoughts
In summary, for Starfield best early game weapons, focus on acquiring the Eon pistol for its power. The Novablast Disruptor is effective against robots early on.
You should also grab a decent rifle; the Grendel is a reliable option. Prioritizing these weapons will benefit you at the start.
These weapons provide a solid base. Find the ones that fit your playstyle.
