Top 15 Overpowered Multiplayer Weapons in Video Games

Certain weapons in multiplayer games have a huge impact, completely altering how players approach the game. They dictate the speed of matches, influence weapon choices, and often require developers to quickly adjust the game to maintain balance. Here’s a look at fifteen weapons that were particularly notorious for their power, how they defined the gameplay, or their innovative design.

AWP in ‘Counter-Strike’

This sniper rifle is a staple in multiplayer matches because it can instantly eliminate opponents with a hit to the chest or head. While expensive, skilled teams prioritize acquiring it, building their resources around its power. Valve has consistently maintained its core functionality over time, improving how it handles movement and quick-scoping. Controlling the map often comes down to dominating key sightlines with the AWP and using abilities to defend against it.

Akimbo Model 1887 in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’

When these shotguns were first released, they could eliminate enemies at surprisingly long distances. Players quickly unlocked the ability to dual-wield them, making aggressive, close-range combat common on many maps. The developers, Infinity Ward, reduced their range and power based on player feedback. For a short time, these shotguns dominated matches and influenced how players chose perks and equipment.

UMP45 in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’

This submachine gun was consistently effective at both close and medium ranges because it dealt high damage and had very little recoil. It performed well even when equipped with a silencer, making it popular for stealth-focused playstyles. The game’s flexible design allowed it to be used successfully for aggressive rushing and more balanced firefights. Players often chose this weapon when trying out new perks or killstreaks, as it was a dependable all-around option.

M16 in ‘Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’

The weapon’s rapid fire allowed experienced players to quickly win close-range fights with just one burst. Its recoil was easy to control, making open areas dangerous to traverse. Initially, Infinity Ward balanced the weapon well, leading to its frequent use in competitive matches. It rewarded precise aiming and penalized players who ran carelessly from cover.

FAMAS in ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’

This rifle was a popular choice in public matches because it fired rapidly and eliminated enemies quickly. Simple attachments like a red dot sight and extended magazines improved its performance without any drawbacks. While Treyarch added more rifle options later on, many players continued to favor the FAMAS. It was particularly strong on medium-sized maps where taking advantage of good vantage points and headshots was key.

DMR 14 in ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’

This rifle quickly became a favorite on big maps due to its clear sightlines and ease of use. Its low recoil and increased headshot damage allowed players to quickly eliminate enemies hiding behind cover. However, developers at Raven and Treyarch realized it was too powerful when combined with the Agency Suppressor, so they adjusted its balance. For a while, this rifle heavily influenced team strategies, and players often equipped vehicles and smoke grenades just to counter it.

Magnum Pistol in ‘Halo: Combat Evolved’

This pistol played more like a small sniper rifle, dealing significant damage with accurate shots. Skilled players could quickly win fights with just three headshots, making aiming and strategic positioning crucial. It was a key part of early competitive playlists, and players mastered map awareness by practicing quick pistol fights. Ultimately, it established the standard for how future games began – with a focus on precision and fast starts.

Battle Rifle in ‘Halo 2’

The three-round burst rifle offered consistent recoil and made it easy to stay on target while aiming with a controller. It became central to how matches began, with teams prioritizing map control and coordinated fire. Bungie designed the game so that strong positions and enemy spawn points influenced how teams moved and used the burst rifle. The weapon also encouraged skilled movement techniques like strafing and quick peeks around corners, especially on arena maps.

Gjallarhorn in ‘Destiny’

Wolfpack Rounds were incredibly powerful rockets that excelled at quickly defeating powerful enemies and large groups. In online play, a single shot could dominate an entire area. While Bungie adjusted it later, the launcher remained famous for its strength. Players frequently conserved their special ammo just to use this rocket launcher in challenging situations.

Thorn in ‘Destiny’

Previously, attacks that dealt damage over time affected how players fought in duels, forcing them to be mindful of ongoing damage. Perks that worked well together encouraged aggressive, fast-paced battles. To make things less frustrating, Bungie adjusted how these abilities were earned and how powerful they were. This encouraged players to pay attention to both their radar and their opponent’s health during fights.

Infinity Blade in ‘Fortnite’

This powerful close-combat item offered a great combination of speed, staying power, and high damage in standard game modes. It allowed players to quickly destroy structures and close the distance between themselves and opponents, often before anyone could react. After competitive tournaments revealed it was too strong and disrupted the balance between building and shooting, Epic Games removed it from the game. Despite its brief availability, it still impacts how Epic tests new, powerful items.

Wingman with Skullpiercer in ‘Apex Legends’

This pistol was incredibly effective at quickly eliminating enemies thanks to its high headshot damage and reliable handling. It was also surprisingly accurate when fired from the hip, making it dangerous even at longer distances. Over time, the developers at Respawn Entertainment made changes to how often it appeared in matches and adjusted its overall damage. These changes meant players had to time their attacks carefully and learn to control the weapon’s recoil to be successful.

AWM in ‘PUBG: Battlegrounds’

This sniper rifle, available only as a crate drop, is incredibly powerful and accurate at long distances. Because its special ammunition is limited, it’s a rare and highly sought-after weapon. The PUBG Studios team maintains its rarity by carefully controlling how often it appears and how quickly the safe zone shrinks. Teams that find this sniper rifle instantly gain a significant advantage in open areas and when attacking buildings.

M16A3 in ‘Battlefield 3’

Its rapid fire rate and manageable recoil made this weapon popular on a variety of maps. When combined with extended magazines and foregrips, it excelled in medium-range combat. Thanks to the game’s class system, it was a natural fit for Assault players, especially with its team healing capabilities. Developers often used it as a standard for evaluating changes to weapon recoil and network performance.

Farsight XR-20 in ‘Perfect Dark’

In multiplayer, this rifle had a special ability: it could lock onto targets and fire through walls. Knowing the maps wasn’t always enough to stay safe, as seemingly secure spots could be penetrated. The game developers offered options to turn off or restrict this ability because it was so powerful. When active, it drastically altered how teams moved around and defended key areas.

Let us know your favorite weapons in the comments, and tell us which ones gave you the most trouble when playing with others!

2025-10-15 03:15