Looking for the best Fortnite weapons to use? We've got you covered. Chapter 5 Season 1 has plenty of weaponry, and finding the meta can make all the difference in this battle royale.
Did the latest Enforcer AR become popular? Is there any difference in meta between zero build and classic battle royale? We've got answers to all these questions!
Before we look at the best Fortnite weapons, check out when Chapter 5 Season 2 starts, and the LEGO Fortnite weapons list.
What are the best Fortnite weapons in Chapter 5 Season 1?
These are the best weapons in Fortnite Chapter 5: Season 1. Use them and dominate in zero build and classic game mode.
Ballistic Shield
click to enlarge
+ 5| Damage | Damage per Second | Fire Rate | Magazine Size | Reload Time | Critical Hit Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (Pistol) / 50 (Shield) | 118.8 | 6.6 | 15 | 1.8 | 2x |
The Ballistic Shield can block virtually all incoming bullet damage, giving even the most unskilled players a significant advantage in the gunfight. The Shield bash attack allows you to drop enemies from slopes and make fun of them with "Take L". The Ballistic Shield has no direct counters, except for explosives that can deal significant damage around or through the shield.
Frenzy Auto Shotgun
click to enlarge + 5| Damage / DPS | Fire Rate | Magazine Size | Reload Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 61 / 152.5 | 2.5 | 8 | 5.17s |
| Legendary | 75 / 187.5 | 2.5 | 8 | 4.23s |
The Frenzy Auto Shotgun is an overpowered weapon that must be removed from the game. Playing with theAuto Shotgun transforms Fortnite into the deluxe cookie-clicker, in which your mission is to get close to the enemy and hold your left mouse button. At higher ranks, you are likely to die 9 out of 10 times from this weapon.
Striker Assault Rifle
click to enlarge + 5| Damage / DPS | Fire Rate | Magazine Size | Reload Time | Critical Hit Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 23 / 186.3 | 8.1 | 25 | 3.52s | 1.5x |
| Legendary | 28 / 226.8 | 8.1 | 25 | 2.88s | 1.5x |
The Striker AR is a fully automatic assault rifle that performs well at close, medium, and even long range. The AR has less recoil than some other powerful ARs from previous seasons, making it suitable even for casual players. However, it might not be the absolute OP option like Auto Shotgun and Ballistic Shield.
Reaper Sniper Rifle
click to enlarge + 5| Damage / DPS | Fire Rate | Magazine Size | Reload Time | Critical Hit Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 105 / 55.65 | 0.53 | 3 | 3.68s | 2.5x |
| Legendary | 121 / 64.13 | 0.53 | 3 | 3.15s | 2.5x |
The Reaper Sniper Rifle is the only sniper rifle in Chapter 5: Season 1. It boasts high damage and is capable of eliminating foes with a single headshot at any range. However, some players may find it challenging to use due to its skill requirements, limitations in close-quarters combat, and reliance on ammo.
Nemesis Assault Rifle
click to enlarge + 5| Damage / DPS | Fire Rate | Magazine Size | Reload Time | Critical Hit Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 29 / 145 | 5 | 28 | 2.75 | 1.5x |
| Legendary | 35 / 175 | 5 | 28 | 2.25 | 1.5x |
If you find controlling the Striker AR recoil challenging, the Nemesis assault rifle is a decent counterpart. With a slower fire rate than most ARs, it encourages players to aim precisely into enemies’ heads. This can be great for skilled players.
There you have it! That's all there is to know about the best Fortnite weapons in the current season. For more, check out our guides showcasing where to find and how to use the Lock-On pistol and what are hot spots in Fortnite.