At release, there are exactly 22 weapons to choose from in Battlefield 2042. MeinMMO presents them all to you. We also tell you the most important advantages and disadvantages of each weapon and briefly explain how to use them best.
We present all 22 weapons that you can play in Battlefield 2042. We also mention the key advantages and disadvantages of the weapons. Additionally, we provide a brief assessment of the optimal use of each weapon. Another 55 weapons are available to you in Battlefield Portal.
Secondary Weapon
G57
Description: “Compact, lightweight, and reliable Austrian pistol.”
Features: Light, Aggressive, minimal range
Unlocked at: Rank 1
How do I use this weapon? The G57 is an emergency weapon. It serves as a good backup when you need to reload your primary weapon – or when you run out of ammunition.
It is not particularly strong but reliable. If you think about changing the fire mode of the G57 before a close combat situation, you can quickly inflict good damage through burst fire.
MP28
Description: “The MP28 transforms the 9mm pistol M28 into a stable and precise carbine.”
Features: Precise, reduced range
Unlocked at: Rank 17
How do I use this weapon? The MP28 is a good choice if you have a primary weapon that is only effective in close combat. The MP28 may not replace a DMR, but it can shoot accurately at opponents at medium ranges.
The damage is not brilliant, but good enough to reliably kill an opponent.
M44
Description: “The M44 was originally developed for large game hunting and has enough penetration power to take down even the most dangerous predators.”
Features: Manual, High-Power
Unlocked at: Rank 29
How do I use this weapon? The M44 is not a weapon you should use in frantic moments. It should be used less to compensate for a shortage of ammunition in your primary weapon.
Instead, the M44 shines when you can hit enemy heads very precisely – even at surprisingly high distances, you will only need one shot for the kill.
Submachine Guns (SMG)
PBX-45
Description: “The PBX-45 was developed by the private sector for potential foreign military and NGO clients and offers a powerful .45 ACP alternative to lighter SMGs. The delayed recoil reduces the barrel’s rise.”
Features: Versatile, Controllable, Short Range
Unlocked at: Rank 1
How do I use this weapon? The PBX-45 is never a bad choice. It may not excel in anything special but is also not really bad in any way.
The weapon is effective at almost all distances and can be well controlled despite quite high recoil. Many attachments make the weapon even more flexible.
PP-29
Description: “A submachine gun designed for 9mm Makarov pistol ammunition with a unique snail magazine holding 53 rounds, which also serves as a grip.”
Features: High capacity, Reduced range
Unlocked at: Rank 18
How do I use this weapon? At first, the PP-29 was the best and most popular weapon in the game. After an update, there are better alternatives. In Battlefield 2042, it is still among the most popular and best weapons.
Despite the nerf, the PP-29 remains a strong weapon. Its large magazine and fast handling are its greatest strengths. It can easily kill an entire squad at medium distances without needing to be reloaded.
MP9
Description: “The Swiss MP9 is a compact SMG for short ranges, fed by an extended 30-round magazine for 9mm rounds.”
Features: Controllable, Lightweight
Unlocked at: Rank 36
How do I use this weapon? The MP9 is a monster in close combat and very fun to play. With short bursts of fire, however, the weapon is also to be taken seriously at medium range.
Because the MP9 only has 20 rounds in the standard magazine, chaotic close combat quickly becomes a problem. The MP9 can get even better with attachments. In particular, the 50-round magazine makes the weapon significantly stronger.
K30
Description: “Unique recoil system that directs the force downwards, compensating for the rise of the barrel, which increases the accuracy of sustained fire compared to other SMGs.”
Features: Aggressive, extreme rate of fire, minimal range
Unlocked at: Rank 53
How do I use this weapon? The K30 is an extreme version of the MP9. All strengths and weaknesses of the Swiss MP also apply to this weapon, but in an even stronger form.
Therefore, it also holds true: Great in close combat, poor for everything else. Since close combat is the exception rather than the rule in Battlefield 2042, the weapon has only a small niche, but it dominates that niche effortlessly.
Assault Rifles
M5A3
Description: “The M5A3 has been the standard rifle of the US military since 2034 and fires semi- or fully automatic various types of ammunition.”
Features: Versatile, Controllable, Medium Range
Unlocked at: Rank 1
How do I use this weapon? A look at the values of the M5A3 reveals what lies behind the weapon: It has 50 out of 100 points in all categories by default. Even the rate of fire and magazine size are average.
But that is not a disadvantage: The M5A3 is never the best weapon, but it is a good choice in most situations. Because situations in Battlefield 2042 can change rapidly, you are always well-equipped with the M5A3. The attachments help as well.
AK-24
Description: “Lives up to all praise for Russian assault rifles. Fires 5.45×39 mm caliber with three fire modes and a 30-round magazine.”
Features: High-Power, Medium Range
Unlocked at: Rank 11
How do I use this weapon? For us, the AK-24 is currently the best weapon in the game. It is comparable to the M5A3, trading slightly more damage and range for a significantly higher recoil.
This is an advantage at shorter and medium ranges, but it can quickly become a significant disadvantage.
SFAR-M GL
Description: “Developed for SOCOM. Fires standard NATO ammunition in caliber 7.62 mm. Supports semi-automatic and fully automatic. The standard grenade launcher EGLM 40 mm can deal considerable damage to various targets.”
Features: High-Power, Destruction, Heavy
Unlocked at: Rank 27
How do I use this weapon? The SFAR-M GL has the highest firepower among all assault rifles. However, the standard TTK with the weapon is very long despite high damage. This is due to the slow fire rate.
Together with the small magazine, the weapon leaves a lot to be desired – despite its strong grenade launcher. Attachments noticeably improve the weapon. If you can get through the difficult start with the weapon, you will be rewarded with a strong weapon.
AC-42
Description: “The AC-42 is a next-generation Russian assault rifle and uses an unusual bullpup design to be compact without sacrificing barrel length or precision.”
Features: Burst fire, Extreme rate of fire
Unlocked at: Rank 40
How do I use this weapon? A look at the numbers shows: No value of the AC-42 is below average. The rate of fire is the largest outlier upwards: The weapon fires twice as fast as the SFAR-M. These numbers are offset by the fact that the AC-42 cannot fire in full automatic mode.
The TTK of the AC-42 is also frighteningly fast: A 3-shot burst can kill an opponent at closer range – with 30 rounds in the magazine, that’s potentially 10 dead opponents without reloading.
LMG
LCMG
Description: “The LCMG goes back to US Special Forces in the Vietnam War – its lightweight design and Constant-Recoil system provide unparalleled control. An ideal weapon for fire support during troop assaults.”
Features: Versatile, Sustained Fire
Unlocked at: Rank 3
How do I use this weapon? The first of currently two LMGs in the game behaves exactly as one would expect a standard LMG to behave.
Much ammunition is balanced by the heaviness of all animations. This way, you don’t have to place so much value on perfect precision and can put pressure on enemies with sustained fire.
Fans of this type of weapon will enjoy the LCMG.
PKP-BP
Description: “Historic Russian LMG. Effective fire support in 7.62x54mm caliber with belt feed at a lethal fire rate of 800 rounds per minute.”
Features: Aggressive, Heavy, High Capacity
Unlocked at: Rank 32
How do I use this weapon? The PKP-BP provides a significantly lower TTK compared to the LCMG due to higher damage and faster rate of fire. However, it plays even heavier.
The PKP-BP is also significantly less precise than the other LMG. Aggressive LMG players will have a lot of fun with this weapon.
Semi-Automatic
DM7
Description: “Precision over rate of fire. The DM7 can be configured for nearly any mission with its extended 40cm barrel and flexible attachment system SOCOM RIS II. Prioritize targets that exceed your precision and range.”
Features: Versatile, High Distance
Unlocked at: Rank 1
How do I use this weapon? For us, the DM7 is the currently best weapon in the game. This weapon can be used easily in most situations of the game, but it excels particularly at medium distances.
With the DM7, you don’t have to stand still and camp; it is suitable both defensively and offensively.
But you should avoid close combat whenever possible. Try to stay at the back of an advancing squad and apply pressure to enemies from there.
SVK
Description: “The Russian SVK was heavily influenced by Western counterparts and is a gas-operated short-stroke DMR with a maximum effective range of 1,500 m.”
Features: Heavy, High-Power, Long Range
Unlocked at: Rank 14
How do I use this weapon? The SVK is among the currently 3 best weapons. And that, even though it has basically only one true strength. But it’s worth noting: It does the same damage on body shots as a sniper rifle. Its handling and fire rate, however, are significantly better compared to a sniper.
You must therefore play exactly the playstyle the weapon requires from you; otherwise, it can be very frustrating very quickly. As long as you shoot patiently and stationary at your opponents, it is an absolute monster.
However, as soon as you want to play aggressively in any form, it will quickly let you down.
VCAR
Description: “Lightweight, portable carbine – it weighs only 3.8 pounds and measures 57 cm in total length with the stock folded. Ideal for covert operations with a suppressor.”
Features: Light, Short Range, Precise
Unlocked at: Rank 47
How do I use this weapon? The VCAR looks like an SMG, is listed as a DMR – and is neither fish nor fowl. This primary weapon is functionally and damage-wise comparable to the MP28 – a secondary weapon.
The VCAR does not justify its contradictory design as ‘close combat DMR’ in any way. Even the suppressors recommended by the game are only unlocked after approximately 200 kills. Play this weapon just as a joke or challenge.
Sniper Rifle
SWS-10
Description: “Finnish bolt-action sniper rifle with a lightweight aluminum frame and adjustable/folding stock.”
Features: Versatile, Long Range
Unlocked at: Rank 1
How do I use this weapon? The SWS-10 has significant weaknesses and fantastic strengths, but these are all to be expected from a sniper rifle.
The SWS-10 is, like all first weapons, an average weapon without major strengths or weaknesses for its weapon type.
Its comparatively high fire rate and the generous magazine for a sniper make it very beginner-friendly.
DXR-1
Description: “The DXR-1 is lightweight and compact, yet delivers deadly precision at ranges up to 800 m.
Features: Heavy, High-Power, Extreme Range
Unlocked at: Rank 24
How do I use this weapon? The game describes the weapon as both lightweight and heavy. The values show: This weapon is significantly heavier than the SWS-10.
These characteristics make the weapon less flexible, but it has become the current favorite among snipers.
The MP28 is a good secondary weapon with the DXR-1 since it can quickly and lethally follow up on unclean body shots.
NTW-50
Description: “South African large-caliber anti-material rifle for neutralizing engine blocks and gun positions. Can destroy dreams at ranges up to 1,500 m.”
Features: Anti-material, Extreme Weight, Destruction
Unlocked at: Rank 60
How do I use this weapon? The last weapon that you unlock in Battlefield 2042 is a blast. It can also kill with a body shot.
If you hit the weak points of a tank, you can even destroy it faster with the NWT-50 than with a rocket launcher (via redditt).
This power is balanced by a very slow handling – and by a very late unlocking of the weapon itself.
Utility
MCS-880
Description: “The tactical shotgun MCS-880 has been a staple of American arsenals for nearly a century. Aiming is optional.”
Features: Versatile, High-Power, Reduced Range
Unlocked at: Rank 1
How do I use this weapon? The MCS-880 is predictably useless at higher distances. However, this shotgun has much more range than one would expect from other games.
Extremely dominant in close combat. Unlockable weapon attachments, such as slug ammunition, increase effectiveness at range a bit.
GVT 45-70
Description: “Old school meets the combat requirements of the mid-21st century. With modern sights and extensions, the 6-shot GVT 45-70 is the dream of every border dweller.”
Features: Light, Aggressive, Precise
Unlocked at: Rank 21
How do I use this weapon? Don’t be misled: The GVT 45-70 is not a shotgun.
It is a modern version of the guns from the Wild West. Thus, it is essentially useless in close combat. Shooting at heads from a distance is very fun, but not necessarily extremely effective.
Fulfills all cowboy dreams, along with the M44.
12M Auto
Description: “Despite the strong resemblance of the Russian 12M Auto to the assault rifle family from which it originated, there are glaring differences. Load and secure, comrades.”
Features: Aggressive, Fully Automatic
Unlocked at: Rank 44
How do I use this weapon? The only fully automatic shotgun in the game is extremely dominant in close combat. Even at somewhat higher distances, it surprisingly still does damage but should not be used this way.
Good choice to eliminate attackers in Breakthrough on Orbital or Kaleidoscope in the elevator.
With the seasons and the battle pass, more weapons are set to arrive in the game after release. What they will be is currently still unknown.
These are all the weapons in Battlefield 2042 at a glance. Which weapon is your favorite and why? Which weapon do you absolutely want to unlock? And which attachments do you prefer to use? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comments.
However, you should currently be cautious with the weapon attachments, as many weapon attachments in Battlefield 2042 work differently than you think
