The Outer Worlds is Obsidian Entertainment's first-person RPG set in a corporate-controlled space colony where megacorporations own everything — including you. The game channels the spirit of Fallout: New Vegas with branching quests, meaningful faction choices, and dark humor. Combat uses Tactical Time Dilation (slow-motion targeting) combined with companion abilities. The flaw system uniquely offers permanent character debuffs in exchange for perk points, creating an interesting risk-reward system. Two DLC expansions (Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos) add substantial content.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prismatic Hammer | S | Science builds, melee combat, most fun weapon | Science Weapon melee hammer that deals random elemental damage (plasma, shock, corrosion, N-ray) with each hit. |
| Mandibular Rearranger | A | Science builds, debuff playstyle, humor value | Science Weapon handgun that shrinks enemies' heads, reducing their stats. |
| Dead Eye Assault Rifle | A | Stealth builds, TTD headshot builds, long-range combat | A unique long gun with excellent accuracy and damage. |
| Shrink Ray | B | Science builds, large enemy encounters, crowd control | Science Weapon that literally shrinks enemies, reducing their damage and making them easier to kill. |
| Ultimatum | B | Heavy Gunner builds, boss fights, maximum firepower | A unique heavy machine gun with the highest sustained DPS of any conventional weapon. |
S-Tier: Prismatic Hammer
Science Weapon melee hammer that deals random elemental damage (plasma, shock, corrosion, N-ray) with each hit. With maxed Science skill, it one-shots most enemies on any difficulty. Found during the Weapons from the Void quest.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Science builds, melee combat, most fun weapon |
| Key Mechanic | flaw system |
| Recommended Build | Diplomat |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Prismatic Hammer: Pairs naturally with Diplomat thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Mandibular Rearranger
Science Weapon handgun that shrinks enemies' heads, reducing their stats. Hilarious visual effect and genuinely powerful debuff. Science skill increases the debuff potency. Found in a locked room on Groundbreaker.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Science builds, debuff playstyle, humor value |
| Key Mechanic | companion abilities |
| Recommended Build | Stealth Assassin |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Mandibular Rearranger: Pairs naturally with Stealth Assassin thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Dead Eye Assault Rifle
A unique long gun with excellent accuracy and damage. Its scope makes it ideal for TTD headshots. Can be suppressed for stealth builds. Found in the Groundbreaker primal nest or purchased from specific vendors.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Stealth builds, TTD headshot builds, long-range combat |
| Key Mechanic | tactical time dilation |
| Recommended Build | Heavy Gunner |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Dead Eye Assault Rifle: Pairs naturally with Heavy Gunner thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Shrink Ray
Science Weapon that literally shrinks enemies, reducing their damage and making them easier to kill. Most effective against large enemies and automechanicals. Science skill increases the shrink effect. Found during a quest on Phineas's lab.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Science builds, large enemy encounters, crowd control |
| Key Mechanic | reputation system |
| Recommended Build | Science Weapons Build |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Shrink Ray: Pairs naturally with Science Weapons Build thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Ultimatum
A unique heavy machine gun with the highest sustained DPS of any conventional weapon. Chews through ammo but melts everything including endgame bosses. Found in SubLight faction quests or purchased at high reputation.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Heavy Gunner builds, boss fights, maximum firepower |
| Key Mechanic | skill specialization |
| Recommended Build | Lone Wolf |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Ultimatum: Pairs naturally with Lone Wolf thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Edgewater (Terra 2)
- Mandibular Rearranger → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Dead Eye Assault Rifle → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Prismatic Hammer → 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.
- Accept the Robophobia flaw if offered — you rarely fight automechanicals enough for the debuff to matter, but the free perk point is valuable
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More The Outer Worlds Guides
- The Outer Worlds The Outer Worlds Overview
- The Outer Worlds Best Builds
- The Outer Worlds Tier List
- The Outer Worlds Walkthrough
- The Outer Worlds Beginner's Guide
- The Outer Worlds Tips & Tricks
- The Outer Worlds Combat Guide
- The Outer Worlds Boss Guide
- The Outer Worlds Maps & Locations
- The Outer Worlds Crafting Guide
- The Outer Worlds Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy The Outer Worlds, 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
