Starfield is Bethesda's space RPG with over 1,000 explorable planets across 100+ star systems. The game's strongest elements are its ship-building system (where you can design custom vessels from modular parts), its faction questlines (Crimson Fleet pirates, UC Vanguard military, Freestar Rangers), and the New Game Plus system that's actually story-relevant rather than just a difficulty reset. Ground combat is competent with satisfying gunplay and a robust skill system. The Shattered Space expansion adds a handcrafted open world that addresses the procedural content concerns from launch.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magshear | S | Stealth Build | An electromagnetic rifle that fires metal shards at extreme velocity. |
| Hard Target | A | Stealth Build | A powerful sniper rifle with the highest per-shot damage among non-unique weapons. |
| Keelhauler | A | Gunslinger | A unique legendary pistol found during the Crimson Fleet questline. |
| Old Earth Assault Rifle | B | Gunslinger | A reliable ballistic rifle with good damage, range, and common ammo. |
| Revenant | B | Gunslinger | A unique legendary rifle with rapid fire rate and ammo-efficient legendary effects. |
S-Tier: Magshear
An electromagnetic rifle that fires metal shards at extreme velocity. High damage, good range, and satisfying sound design. Found in mid-game vendors and as drops. The Magshear is one of the best general-purpose weapons that stays relevant throughout the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Stealth Build |
| Key Mechanic | shipbuilding |
| Recommended Build | Stealth Build |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Magshear: Pairs naturally with Stealth Build thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Hard Target
A powerful sniper rifle with the highest per-shot damage among non-unique weapons. Ideal for stealth builds where the first shot needs to kill. Suppressed with a long scope, it eliminates enemies at extreme range without alerting others.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Stealth Build |
| Key Mechanic | outpost system |
| Recommended Build | Gunslinger |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Hard Target: Pairs naturally with Gunslinger thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Keelhauler
A unique legendary pistol found during the Crimson Fleet questline. It has multiple legendary effects (extra damage, stagger chance) making it one of the best weapons in the game regardless of build. Quest reward from siding with or betraying the Crimson Fleet.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Gunslinger |
| Key Mechanic | NG+ system |
| Recommended Build | Melee |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Keelhauler: Pairs naturally with Melee thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Old Earth Assault Rifle
A reliable ballistic rifle with good damage, range, and common ammo. Modifiable with scopes, barrels, and magazines. The OEAR is the AK-47 of Starfield — not flashy but consistently effective. Available early from vendors.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Gunslinger |
| Key Mechanic | research projects |
| Recommended Build | Pilot Build |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Old Earth Assault Rifle: Pairs naturally with Pilot Build thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Revenant
A unique legendary rifle with rapid fire rate and ammo-efficient legendary effects. Found as a random legendary drop — check weapon vendors regularly. When it appears with good legendary mods, it outperforms most other rifles in sustained DPS.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Gunslinger |
| Key Mechanic | companion affinity |
| Recommended Build | Science Explorer |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Revenant: Pairs naturally with Science Explorer thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear New Atlantis
- Hard Target → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Keelhauler → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Magshear → 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.
- The Mantis questline (triggered by finding the 'Secret Outpost!' note on a Spacer body) gives you the Razorleaf ship and Mantis spacesuit FOR FREE early in the game. It's the best early-game quest to complete.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Starfield Guides
- Starfield Starfield Overview
- Starfield Best Builds
- Starfield Tier List
- Starfield Walkthrough
- Starfield Beginner's Guide
- Starfield Tips & Tricks
- Starfield Combat Guide
- Starfield Boss Guide
- Starfield Maps & Locations
- Starfield Crafting Guide
- Starfield Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Starfield, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
