- Runaways best weapons include the Axe, Machete, Minigun, and Grenade Launcher.
- Best budget melee pick: Use the Bat early, then upgrade to the Machete.
- Best ranged progression: Move from the Pistol or MAC toward the M4, AK, or Minigun.
- Best explosive choices: Select the Grenade Launcher for area damage or RPG-7 for targets.
- Buying location: Visit the Weapons Dealer at the spawn lobby before starting a run.
Runaways Best Weapons Ranked for 2026
Runaways best weapons depend on your budget, combat distance, ammo supply, and whether you are playing alone or with other players. The current weapon rankings place the Axe, Machete, Minigun, and Grenade Launcher in S Tier because they offer exceptional damage, strong efficiency, or valuable combat utility.
The Axe is the strongest melee choice by listed damage, dealing 40 damage for $2,000. The Machete is a more affordable high-damage alternative at 21 damage for $1,700. For ranged combat, the Minigun offers the highest sustained DPS, while the Grenade Launcher provides efficient explosive area damage.
Video Highlights:
- Recommended starter weapons for new players
- Scout and Smuggler class suggestions
- Vehicle, fuel, looting, and escape advice
- Basic strategies for earning money during runs
| Weapon | Category | Listed damage or role | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axe | Melee | 40 damage | $2,000 | S Tier |
| Machete | Melee | 21 damage | $1,700 | S Tier |
| Minigun | Gun | Highest sustained DPS | $20,000 | S Tier |
| Grenade Launcher | Special | Efficient explosive AoE | $10,000 | S Tier |
| RPG-7 | Special | Strong single-target explosive damage | $9,000 | A Tier |
| M4 | Gun | Reliable mid-range Light ammo option | $5,000 | A Tier |
Axe
- Highest melee damage
- Strong cost efficiency
- Best close-range upgrade
Machete
- Affordable high damage
- Excellent early investment
- Easier to reach than the Axe
Minigun
- Highest sustained gun DPS
- Powerful in extended fights
- Requires a large bankroll
Grenade Launcher
- Strong area damage
- Good Special-category value
- Useful against clustered threats
For most players, the Machete is the best first serious upgrade. It costs less than the Axe while still delivering high melee damage, leaving more money for ammo, healing, or fuel.
Weapon Tier List and Value Breakdown
The tier ranking below evaluates raw damage, cost-to-damage efficiency, ammo type, range, and practical combat usefulness. A weapon can be affordable without being efficient, so price alone should not determine your purchase.
The Bat is an important early-game exception. At $500 and 16 damage, it is a practical first weapon when cash is limited. The Pan costs $1,000 and deals 18 damage, making it a reasonable stepping stone before the Machete or Axe becomes available.
| Tier | Weapons | Best use | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Axe, Machete, Minigun, Grenade Launcher | Maximum damage or efficiency | Some picks require significant cash |
| A | Mace, RPG-7, Sniper, Flamethrower, M4 | Strong specialized combat roles | Ammo, range, or price limits flexibility |
| B | AK, Pan, Bat, Shotgun, MAC | Budget progression and role coverage | Usually outperformed by higher-tier options |
| C | Sawed-Off, Revolver, Baton, Knuckles | Situational or niche use | Poor value compared with alternatives |
| D | Pistol, Crowbar | Temporary starting equipment | Weak return for the purchase cost |
S-Tier Choices
- Axe: The highest-damage melee weapon listed, with an unusually strong cost-to-damage ratio.
- Machete: The best lower-cost melee weapon for players building toward premium gear.
- Minigun: The leading sustained-DPS gun, but its $20,000 cost makes it a late progression purchase.
- Grenade Launcher: The most cost-effective Special weapon for explosive area damage.
A-Tier Choices
- Mace: Deals 22 damage for $2,500 and is a strong alternative when the Axe is unavailable.
- RPG-7: Costs $9,000 and focuses on high-threat, single-target explosive damage.
- Sniper: A long-range Heavy-ammo option with strong per-shot impact.
- Flamethrower: Provides sustained damage over time across close-to-mid range.
- M4: A dependable mid-range Light-ammo gun at $5,000.
The Baton, Knuckles, Pistol, and Crowbar are ranked below stronger alternatives because their listed damage or efficiency does not justify their cost. Buy them only as temporary equipment when your options are limited.
Budget Weapon Progression and Loadout Upgrades
A practical loadout should improve your ability to survive, earn cash, and escape with loot. New players should avoid spending their first earnings on an expensive weapon before securing enough money for ammunition, healing, and vehicle fuel.
The Pistol can help a new player deal with police pressure, but it is best treated as a temporary ranged option. The Bat provides better early affordability, while the MAC gives a budget Light-ammo firearm for players who prefer ranged combat.
| Progression stage | Recommended weapon | Cost | Upgrade goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter melee | Bat | $500 | Build initial cash safely |
| Starter ranged | Pistol | $1,500 | Gain basic firearm access |
| Early melee upgrade | Pan | $1,000 | Improve damage without a major investment |
| Mid-range firearm | MAC | $2,000 | Move into Light-ammo ranged combat |
| Strong melee upgrade | Machete | $1,700 | Obtain efficient high melee damage |
| Premium melee | Axe | $2,000 | Reach the strongest listed melee option |
| Advanced firearm | M4 | $5,000 | Improve reliable mid-range performance |
| Endgame gun | Minigun | $20,000 | Maximize sustained ranged DPS |
Recommended Loadouts
Low-budget solo loadout
- Bat for affordable close-range defense
- Pistol only when a firearm is necessary
- Keep extra money available for fuel and healing
- Focus on quick loot routes rather than prolonged fights
Balanced progression loadout
- Machete for efficient melee damage
- M4 for consistent mid-range pressure
- Light ammo management for extended encounters
- A vehicle for carrying loot and creating escape distance
Explosive combat loadout
- Grenade Launcher for groups and area denial
- RPG-7 for high-threat individual targets
- Extra attention to positioning and ammunition
- Avoid wasting explosive shots on low-value encounters
Start with affordability, then improve combat efficiency. A Bat or Pan can fund a Machete, and the Machete can help you reach the Axe, M4, or specialized Special weapons without draining your entire run budget.
How to Buy and Use Weapons During Runs
Weapons, ammunition, consumables, and healing items can be purchased before a run by speaking with the Weapons Dealer NPC in the spawn lobby. The dealer is positioned on the right side of the map, near the back of a white truck. This area is also where you can create or customize loadouts.
Visit the Weapons Dealer
Enter the spawn lobby and look to the right side of the map. Find the Weapons Dealer near the rear of the white truck before beginning your run.
Choose a Role-Appropriate Weapon
Select a melee weapon for low-cost damage, a gun for ranged pressure, or a Special weapon for explosive or sustained area effects.
Reserve Money for Supplies
Do not spend every credit on the weapon itself. Keep funds available for ammunition, healing, and vehicle fuel.
Loot Before Taking Unnecessary Fights
Search houses and other locations for valuables, then prioritize selling loot instead of remaining in a dangerous area.
Escape When Pressure Builds
Leave after collecting valuable loot, especially when police attention or hostile players begin closing in. A vehicle can shorten the route to safety, but fuel must be monitored.
| Situation | Preferred weapon | Recommended response |
|---|---|---|
| Limited starting cash | Bat or Pan | Loot quickly and avoid extended combat |
| Police pressure | Pistol, MAC, or M4 | Create distance and leave the area |
| Several nearby threats | Grenade Launcher | Use area damage when targets are grouped |
| Single high-threat target | RPG-7 or Sniper | Maintain distance and prioritize the target |
| Close-range emergency | Axe or Machete | Use high melee damage and reposition quickly |
| Long escape route | M4 or Minigun | Carry enough ammo and monitor vehicle fuel |
The associated Runaways weapon tier list and purchase guide lists the Weapons Dealer as the main pre-run shop for weapons, ammo, consumables, heals, and loadout customization. Use that information alongside your available cash rather than buying solely based on weapon appearance.
Weapon Progression Checklist:
- Purchase a Bat, Pan, or another affordable starter weapon
- Save toward the Machete or Axe for efficient melee damage
- Choose the M4, AK, or Minigun for ranged progression
- Carry enough money for ammo, healing, and vehicle fuel
- Sell loot and leave dangerous areas before losing the run
Fuel is a real constraint during looting routes. Refill before a long escape, and avoid driving aimlessly when your inventory is already carrying valuable loot.
Best Classes and Combat Advice
Weapon choice becomes more effective when it matches your class and team role. Scout is a strong recommendation for players who value stealth, while Smuggler supports the core looting identity of a run. Players working with a group can consider Medic because healing teammates adds practical team utility.
A Gang Member class is also recommended for players seeking a stronger combat-focused direction. The best choice depends on whether you are playing solo, prioritizing stealth, or coordinating with teammates.
| Playstyle | Suggested class | Weapon pairing | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo stealth | Scout | Machete or M4 | Supports quiet movement and flexible engagements |
| Loot-focused | Smuggler | Bat, Machete, or MAC | Keeps early spending focused on earning cash |
| Team support | Medic | M4 or Shotgun | Helps maintain team presence during dangerous encounters |
| Combat-focused | Gang Member | Axe, Minigun, or RPG-7 | Favors direct pressure and stronger combat tools |
| New player | Basic class | Bat or Pistol | Lets you learn routes before major purchases |
Use these combat principles to protect your earnings:
- Fight only when the reward justifies the risk. Valuable loot matters more than winning every encounter.
- Use melee weapons for close threats. The Axe and Machete are efficient when enemies are within reach.
- Use Light-ammo guns for consistency. The MAC, AK, and M4 support a clear upgrade path.
- Reserve explosive weapons for groups or priority targets. Grenades and rockets are more valuable when they solve a difficult encounter.
- Keep moving after alerts begin. Police attention and hostile players can quickly turn a profitable route into a loss.
- Sell loot regularly. Converting valuables into cash gives you more opportunities to upgrade your equipment.
For a dependable general-purpose route, use a Machete as your first major upgrade, move into the M4 when you need ranged consistency, and save the Minigun or Grenade Launcher for advanced runs.
Q: What is the best melee weapon in Runaways?
The Axe is the strongest listed melee weapon because it deals 40 damage for $2,000. The Machete is the best lower-cost alternative, dealing 21 damage for $1,700.
Q: What is the best gun in Runaways?
The Minigun has the highest sustained DPS among the listed guns, but it costs $20,000. For a more practical progression option, the M4 is a strong mid-range Light-ammo choice at $5,000.
Q: Is the Pistol worth buying in Runaways?
The Pistol is accessible and can help new players handle basic ranged threats, but it is ranked as a temporary option because stronger weapons offer better value as your budget improves.
Q: Where do you buy weapons in Runaways?
Speak with the Weapons Dealer in the spawn lobby. The NPC is on the right side of the map near the back of a white truck, and also provides ammo, healing, consumables, and loadout customization.