Brotato is a top-down auto-shooter roguelike where a potato-shaped alien defends against waves of enemies using up to 6 weapons simultaneously. Runs last 20 waves (~25 minutes) with a shop between each wave for weapons, items, and stat upgrades. The stat-stacking system is wildly satisfying — by wave 15, your character might have +300% ranged damage with six SMGs firing simultaneously, filling the screen with projectiles. 40+ unlockable characters each have unique starting stats and restrictions that fundamentally change strategy. At $5, it's one of the best value propositions in gaming.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMG | S | Well Rounded | A rapid-fire ranged weapon with moderate damage and high fire rate. |
| Shuriken | A | Well Rounded | A thrown weapon that pierces enemies and returns like a boomerang. |
| Lightning Shiv | A | Mage | A melee weapon that chains lightning to nearby enemies on hit. |
| Flaming Brass Knuckles | B | Brawler | Melee weapon that applies burn on hit. |
| Laser Gun | B | Crazy | A continuous beam weapon that pierces through all enemies in a line. |
S-Tier: SMG
A rapid-fire ranged weapon with moderate damage and high fire rate. Six SMGs with ranged damage stacking fills the screen with bullets. The SMG's fire rate synergizes with lifesteal (more hits = more healing) and on-hit effects.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Well Rounded |
| Key Mechanic | 6-weapon slots |
| Recommended Build | Well Rounded |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using SMG: Pairs naturally with Well Rounded thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Shuriken
A thrown weapon that pierces enemies and returns like a boomerang. Shurikens hit enemies twice (going and returning), doubling on-hit effects. Six shurikens create a web of piercing projectiles that clear dense groups.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Well Rounded |
| Key Mechanic | stat stacking |
| Recommended Build | Brawler |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Shuriken: Pairs naturally with Brawler thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Lightning Shiv
A melee weapon that chains lightning to nearby enemies on hit. The chain lightning effect benefits from both melee and elemental damage bonuses. Six Lightning Shivs create an AoE lightning storm around you.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Mage |
| Key Mechanic | wave survival |
| Recommended Build | Crazy |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Lightning Shiv: Pairs naturally with Crazy thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Flaming Brass Knuckles
Melee weapon that applies burn on hit. Fast attack speed means rapid burn stack application. Combined with melee damage and elemental damage bonuses, each punch deals massive fire DoT.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Brawler |
| Key Mechanic | shop economy |
| Recommended Build | Lucky |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Flaming Brass Knuckles: Pairs naturally with Lucky thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Laser Gun
A continuous beam weapon that pierces through all enemies in a line. The laser gun hits everything in its path, making it excellent against dense waves. Stack ranged damage and attack speed for maximum beam DPS.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Crazy |
| Key Mechanic | character unlocks |
| Recommended Build | Mage |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Laser Gun: Pairs naturally with Mage thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Wave Arena
- Shuriken → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Lightning Shiv → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- SMG → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Stack one damage type (ranged, melee, or elemental) with matching weapons. A +300% ranged damage build with 6 ranged weapons vastly outdamages a mixed +100% melee/+100% ranged build.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Brotato Guides
- Brotato Brotato Overview
- Brotato Best Builds
- Brotato Tier List
- Brotato Walkthrough
- Brotato Beginner's Guide
- Brotato Tips & Tricks
- Brotato Combat Guide
- Brotato Boss Guide
- Brotato Maps & Locations
- Brotato Crafting Guide
- Brotato Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Brotato, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Weapons Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Weapons Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Weapons Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
