https://youtu.be/aaa_9-pp2zs
NOTES: Rapid-fire dual pistols. Although fairly effective, they've not really proven special enough to use in place of the many more powerful weapons available in the game.

PERKS: Typical perks include Double Aim, where kills briefly reduce deviation; and Mastery, where kills gain stacking critical damage.

https://youtu.be/m1dUDIuDZeg
NOTES: I filed this under "Pistols" because the weapons are more like revolvers that fire in a shotgun-like fashion; not so much shotguns that fire like revolvers.

Although this weapon is super powerful for a few shots, the tiny magsize (6) and low ammo maximum (24) imho make it unsuitable for long battle stretches. It's more of a nice "spamming" weapon if you're in a jam or need to make quick work of a group, then be ready to switch to a more traditional primary weapon.
https://youtu.be/p5RZPFj94D4
NOTES: This pistol is in the Riotguard's 3rd Weapons Kit. It does plenty of damage against Shielding but does NO damage against armor.
https://youtu.be/L4dlsozZGrA

NOTES: I believe this is a starter weapon that appears on the ground at the start of a run when using any of the recon classes, or maybe it's one of them. I'll update these notes when I'm sure.
NOTES: Useful 3-round burst pistol - available as starter sidearm for Demolisher class - that comes with tons of ammo (300 rounds).

However, a common perk switches this to fully auto after 75 kills, so beware of how quickly this chews up rounds once changed to fully automatic.


NOTES: I believe this pair is an available class-starter fusion weapon for one of the Chrono-type classes. Since it's not a class sidearm per se, you can drop it for something else. As of June 2025 build, the pistol commonly drops as loot and is often in shops during a run.

NOTES: You're stuck with a class sidearm, which means you can't drop it nor replace it with a different weapon. Ideally, it should be a weapon you always have ammo for in a pinch; however, some sidearms have tiny magazines and/or rapid firing rates, which makes them more prone to running out of ammo.
https://youtu.be/C2nNnrs86jk
NOTES: A carryover from the first Synthetik, this fast-firing, wide-spray pistol uses buckshot. If you spam the firing button, it's effective against crowds and surprisingly effective against armor.

You get a nice movement speed buff when equipping this sidearm.
https://youtu.be/IuIDZSvbzsU

NOTES: Burst-fire class sidearm that's efffective, but if you spam-fire it too often, you'll run out of ammo earlier than you might expect for a sidearm. Watch for ammo regeneration upgrades.
https://youtu.be/9BRAQO7Cx9M
NOTES: This powerful pistol has a booming, Dirty Harry Magnum .44-volume sound that might hurt your ears if you crank up the sound too much. :-)
NOTES: Powerful pistol with the highest armor penetration rating - 40 - among sidearms.
https://youtu.be/Jcs4Milm4d4
HOT TIP: Slot at least one weapon upgrade that increases magazine capacity by a substantial percentage, because its 7-round magazine requires frequent reloading.

NOTES: Precise, powerful class sidearm, with low recoil so it doesn't shake your screen like an earthquake simulator. :-)

PERKS: Higher Power Helium Laser, which weights recoil and deviation towards the center and offers extreme accuracy while moving.
NOTES: Exclusive to the Commando class, this big-bore revolver does good damage against shields and has some punch against armor.

This has a much faster firing rate and holds 3 more rounds than Patrol Revolver, but lacks the latter's high (30) armor penetration rating.
https://youtu.be/P8EzZtJxIEU
NOTES: Precise and reliable, if unspectacular, the P20 Compact fires and reloads quickly but doesn't have any particularly special power/punch.

https://youtu.be/gBITthPKX8s
NOTES: This 6-shot revolver is powerful against armor, but is inaccurate and not so hot on energy shielding and not the right choice if you have an itchy trigger finger that likes to spam pistol shots -- Coil Pistol is better for that in my experience. :-)
https://youtu.be/kJynUEe-KlE
NOTES: Not my favorite class sidearm, because it chews ammo too rapidly to the point it's often empty, which is not good for a class sidearm.
https://youtu.be/PlKpbaLjAAk
NOTES: Solid burst-fire pistol that generates heat fairly rapidly. Look for weapon upgrades that improve cooling and vent and/or reduce heat buildup.
NOTES: Equipped with a silencer, this pistol reloads quickly and fires as fast as you can tap your mouse or controller button; however, it doesn't have much power or punch.

This section covers class sidearms that *don't* use conventional bullets as ammo, including acid, fusion, ion and laser weapons.
https://youtu.be/DAiaRSvEW-o
NOTES: Powerful damage-over-time weapon that whittles the health from heavily armored targets and even bosses (possibly a bug) quickly. Small magazine means frequent reloading, so watch for weapon upgrades to increase magazine size and efficiency and add automatic ammo regeneration.

HOT TIP: On early levels, if you find you're often running out of ammo quickly, Acid Pistol's ability to do tremendous damage-over-time can be a lifesaver because it means you can be very efficient with even just a little bit of ammo.
https://youtu.be/w35FVRMBdnU
NOTES: Accurate and effective against armored targets, but overheats quickly for a pistol. You'll want to install an upgrade that enables the pistol to ventilate heat or reduces heat generation.
https://youtu.be/mXIVeGpHeCQ
NOTES: Very cool semi-automatic pistol with Shock Bullets and very high ammo capacity.

I consider it a Winner for Recon Sniper class. :)
https://youtu.be/fMx76cjS-zQ

NOTES: Powerful pistol that's strong against armor but hindered by a tiny 2-round magazine. Basically, don't miss and be prepared to load often! :-) Upgrades that improve ammo efficiency or print/replenish ammo can help, but upgrades that increase magazine size by X% don't help much on a 2-round magazine.

https://youtu.be/W550r8XEIb0
NOTES: High damage, continuous beam weapon. It has its merits, but I like to keep moving. Between that and enemies usually moving, it's tough to keep this weapon's beam on a target or targets.

MARCH 2024 NOTE: In the current S2 build, the Industrial Breaching Cutter produces a wider beam that does way MORE damage than before; however, the beam RANGE is now much SHORTER.

I'll eventually post an updated video clip that more accurately reflects how this weapon works in the current S2 game build.
https://youtu.be/3jMR12ChaMw

NOTES: This rapid-fire nailgun weapon, which prints its own ammo, has its fans, but I tend to not want to use it, and it has an annoying habit of showing up in a crate on almost every run for me. Naturally. :-)

MARCH 2024 NOTES: Wow, devs have REALLY beefed up the nailgun weapon. Although I still feel it's an acquired taste, it's a very effective weapon that you could use right up through the end boss on a run now. :-)

Eventually I'll post an updated Kaida Nailgun gameplay video that more accurately portrays how the weapon works now.

https://youtu.be/xMUQh896-ys
NOTES: Although I'm categorizing this re-purposed trio-laser cutter as a construction weapon, it's described as a laser "light machine gun." It reminds me of the pulse laser weapons in the 1984 The Terminator movie. :)

I've found this weapon very effective, and it's often one I'll use through the end of an S2 run.

NOTES: I'm just not a fan of one-shot weapons that require reloading after every shot. Your mileage may vary. :)

PERKS: Standard perk appears to be Heartpiercer, which gains stacking damage on weakpoint kills.

JULY 2025 UPDATED SCREENSHOT: While playing co-op with Green Mario today, he kindly dropped this crossbow on the floor so I could at least get a fresh screenshot of the weapon's information panel. :)
NOTES: When your Machine Hunter reaches L20, the Custom Crafted Kit weapon kit that includes this auto-crossbow with powerful explosive-tipped bolts becomes available.

This weapon is ALSO available sometimes at weapons shops during a game, so any class may get a chance to use it.

NOTE that the explosive bolt takes a second to detonate. It generally won't eliminate enemies in one shot, but you may want to let the bolt detonate before you attack the same target again, rather than spam your precious bolts. :)

This crossbow has a 6-bolt magazine, so you can fire 6 shots in a row, one with each button press, before needing to reload. Although the other crossbow does armor damage and much higher overall damage, that one requires reloading after every shot.

Although these HE bolts do good damage and are effective against shields, they do zero armor penetration.

PERKS: Common perks include Hit and Run, where weapon hits allow evading briefly with increased speed; and Fast Reload, resulting in quicker weapon reloading while ejecting grants speed.
https://youtu.be/wP2rUmii2DQ?si=aN0zKX6SJn9s421h

NOTES: Shockingly, a crossbow-type weapon that's actually fun and effective because of its 12-bolt magazine and automatic-firing, along with effectiveness against both armor and shielding.

Main drawback may that this seems to appear mainly in specially marked weapon crates pretty late in a run. I usually have seen it in crates in Arctic Base levels. By that point in a run, you've usually got a couple fully upgraded weapons you're already committed to. I went ahead and took the Devoted Boltcaster recently at that point just to be able to get some gameplay footage of it in action, but generally you wouldn't switch weapons that late because you wouldn't get to upgrade it much - if at all - before the Armageddon Chamber levels start.

PERKS: Typically includes Silver Peg, in which the first shot fires a piercing bolt that can stick 2+ enemies in a line together. Examples of other perks for Devoted Boltcaster include Armor Piercer, offering increased damage to armored and penetration; and Low Caliber, which offers increased accuracy at the cost of damage.

https://youtu.be/5Z866x3BUIc

HOT TIP: Seek weapon upgrades that increase magazine capacity, total ammo capacity and ammo regeneration -- those aspects are about the only things that limit Battle Hymn.

NOTES: Battle Hymn is an incredibly powerful laser shotgun that lets you blast all your laser "shells" away in a near simultaneous barrage with one firing button press. This weapon can clear out entire rooms and lay waste to some bosses so fast as to make the boss battle a joke. However, as you might guess, it EATS shotgun shell ammo like Pac-Man eats pellets.

PERKS: Typical perks include Fighting the World (no explanation); Running Hot, which gains fire-rate for the weapon, depending on heat level; and Doubleshot, which has a high chance to fire an additional shot.
NOTES: A full-auto lightning shotgun. Relatively small magazine - despite the drum magazine - for an automatic weapon.

I haven't found this very different type of shotgun to be very effective.

PERKS: Battery Feedback, which enables Ability usage to charge lightning shots while also regaining 50 Android shield.

Other common perks include Scrapper, which means your android can find plating on kills.
https://youtu.be/2kG9HRa3YmA
NOTES: Found this triple-barrel shotgun at one of the last shops in the snow levels during a run. Triple barrel shotgun with a tricky (thin) reload mark on the reload meter.

As of March 2024, when I've used this weapon, I've been completely underwhelmed by it. Your mileage may vary, and perhaps you just have to get a "good" variant of this to be effective, but for a triple-barrel shotgun, it just didn't seem to be effective.

PERKS:
Rifled Third Barrel, which fires a tight grouping on the last shot; and Frenzy, which briefly grants movement speed buff upon kills.

https://youtu.be/DwS4ZaIIqlQ

NOTES: Newer shotgun that fires a precise radioactive canister shot that explodes into a damaging radiation cloud that lingers several seconds.

It's both super effective and highly prone to FRIENDLY FIRE - use caution if using this in close quarters combat or in online co-op.

JULY 2025 NOTE: Found this in a crate on a run somewhat late, and found the weapon does NOT seem to cause the friendly fire it once did. I've also updated the weapon information screenshot as I was using one that was years old.

PERKS: Typical perks include Radioactive Payload, so that weapons hits apply stacking radiation; and Fast Reload for quicker weapon reloading, with ejecting granding (firing?) speed.
https://youtu.be/6uLM4lZLKZ0
NOTES: "Single-shot reload" means you do NOT have to fully reload the shotgun before firing it again, very helpful in the middle of a firefight. So even though your character will be in animation of reloading shotgun shells one-by-one, you can simply start firing as long as you've reloaded at least one shell -- you don't need to wait for the "full reload" process to complete.

PERKS: Point Blank, so that hits at point blank range stun and deal 200 bonus damage; and Armor Avoidance, which increases armor penetration and damaged to armored enemies.
https://youtu.be/zi__987BW3U

https://youtu.be/r8CSl9FRxnQ
NOTES: Powerful, short-range double-barrel shotgun that requires frequent reloading, although it does at least reload quickly.

Road Warrior is great on boss enemies, turrets and elite enemies because you can do tremendous damage with just a few shots; however, the limited ammo capacity means ammo is precious, and you can't afford to waste shots with this weapon.

PERKS: Big Game Hunter means Elite kills stack up and the ammo cap; and Backhand results in Active reloading increasing damage for 2 seconds.
https://youtu.be/U1F3pfEO8MA
NOTES: Powerful "lightning shotgun," but the tiny 3-round magazine means you're constantly loading. Might be viable alongside a weapon with a much larger magazine. :)

PERKS: Typically includes Surge Deflector, which purges off any negative effects on damage taken and reloads 5 ammo; and Free Charge, resulting in items gaining a 25% chance to not use a charge.
NOTES: Slightly different riff on the Police Shorty shotgun.

PERKS: Second Impact, which means hits can cause an additional damaging and stunning shockwave.
https://youtu.be/oih_CF-8Z7U
PERKS: Strobe Light; and Nail Shot, which fires additional nails when ready.

This guide's Shotguns section grew so long, that I hit some unstated "characters cap per game guide section," which meant I could add no further notes to entries in the Shotgun section.

My somewhat clumsy workaround is to spinoff the three "Coil" shotguns into their own Coil Shotguns category. This is simply to allow me to keep adding some notes to the main Shotguns section.

PERKS: Coil Superchange, providing a 7% chance to fire a supercharged shot and stack up damage; and Double Misfire, a 15% chance to fire an additional shot.
NOTES: This rapid-fire coil shotgun is only available (I believe?) in the Breacher's Economic Stimulus class weapon kit, which is available once you advance the Breacher class to Level 20.

PERKS: Standard variant includes Coil Chage-Up, which charges up, increasing damage every second, reduced on shots

PERKS: Typical perks include Coil Charge-up, which increases damage every second, reduced on shots.

(formerly 'Tokko' fusion carbine)
https://youtu.be/evPGiQM7hG0
HOT TIP: Choose weapon upgrades that improve cooling and/or ventilate heat to alleviate the fusion carbine's tendency to quickly overheat and cause self-damage to your character.

NOTES: I finally got to try this fast-firing fusion assault rifle, which is so-so against heavy armor but pretty much spectacular and accurate against everything else. If upgraded, it can also eviscerate the annoying jet fighter and VTOL aircraft bosses. Keep it for those, if nothing else, if you're lucky enough to run into this. :) Do note it generates heat quickly, so watch for upgrades that improve cooling and that reduce and/or ventilate heat.
https://youtu.be/EPoVQh02cD4?si=SAbBfeVOZTirr3KG

NOTES: This fusion carbine is included in the Chrono Interceptor class' first weapon kit AND as of the June 2025 build it's relatively, commonly available at weapon shops or as a weapon loot drop in Synthetik 2 regardless of which class you're playing as.

The "Seeker" in the title means the fusion shots can curve to a certain expect and guide towards enemies you're shooting at.

This carbine has solid punch, extremely long range and is very precise. Has become a personal favorite of mine. :)

PERKS: Typically includes Temporal Link, so that Mobility usage engages a super burst mode for 1 second; and Attachment Link, which gives attachments stronger effects. Have seen a Fission Perk that adds some Fission rounds to attacks.
https://youtu.be/OXwrBoOMB6I

HOT TIP: To improve accuracy, choose weapon upgrades that reduce recoil and deviation to reduce this carbine's tendency to shake all over.

NOTES: Recently added rapid-fire weapon that bucks like a bronco and shakes your computer monitor screen like, well, Nuclear Throne. Watch for weapon upgrades that reduce weapon deviation and/or recoil to try to make this powerful but wildly inaccurate weapon more useful.

PERKS: Typical perks include Stimulus, which heals for 200 when taking damage, though taking too much stimulus grants Cracked Out (don't asked me what Cracked Out does); and Full Grain that offers a powerful critical strike chance at the cost of lower speed.

https://youtu.be/VjpoRASNdmQ
NOTES: On March 22, 2024, I finally was able to buy this at a weapons shop in a snow base level, late in a run.

Its main feature is it "sprays" laser shot when you're low on ammo. Note that the magazine capacity on 0146 is pretty modest, and its reloading is fairly sluggish. So I think upgrades via attachments or upgrade consoles that increase Magazine Capacity and Reloading Speed would be good choices for 0146.

Although pretty effective against shields, it doesn't have much of an armor penetration rating. So when the final red levels throw armor-plated Ball Defenders at you, you might be better off using a weapon and/or item attack that has good armor penetration.

https://youtu.be/C8tdXh4dRg8
HOT TIP: To improve accuracy, choose weapon upgrades that reduce recoil and deviation to alleviate this rifle's tendency to shake like an earthquake. :-)

NOTES: Loud and shaky, this high-explosive rounds rifle can be devastating if you can control it, but in my experience it's like riding some rabid bronco. I can't target with it well enough to be effective, and I think launcher-type weapons are a better bet if you want to splatter explosives around in the game.

PERKS: Pressure Chamber; and Grenade Packed, so it can fire one extra projectile, which also affects any grenades.
https://youtu.be/pGDyzGMImNQ?si=1eciy8_UvcONJf4A
NOTES: This hard-hitting AR is hamstrung by relatively small magazine and total ammo capacity. Expect to invest in upgrades to magazine capacity, total ammo capacity and perhaps adding ammo regeneration to make it more viable as a weapon on a long run.

If those aren't available due to RNG, you might consider recoil- and deviation-reduction upgrades to improve AMD-65's accuracy and maybe help you need fewer bullets. It bucks like a bronco. :)

PERKS: Pull-Down enables regain of control after continued fire; and Stagger causes hits to stagger the target, slowing movement and attacks.
NOTES: G11's key feature is that Perfect Reload auto-switches it to full-auto with the remainder of the loaded magazine.

This AR also has very generous total ammo capacity.
NOTES: LR300's extremely effective against shields.

Oddly enough, although it's included in a Heavy Gunner class weapon kit, it might be more useful for a Commando in terms of its perk reducing mobility ability cool-downs (Dash, in Commando's case).

PERKS: Standard model includes Advance, where kills reduce mobility ability cool-downs.

NOTES: This one-trick pony uses armor-piercing rounds and Machine Break and Armor Piercer weapon perks to do tremendous damage against armored enemies but very little against shielding.

PERKS: Perks include Machine Break, 15% chance on weakpoint hits to break enemy inernals; and Armor Piercer, increased damage to armored enemies and penetration.

NOTES: Although the fusion missiles fired by this AR's grenade launcher are useful, the rifle just isn't as powerful as it sounds like it would be.
https://youtu.be/VhUZQhZFjMs

NOTES: (June 2022) PCR "Tokko" no longer seems to overheat as quickly as it did in the S2 builds last year (2021). Its unique feature is an integrated rubber grenade launcher that periodically fires rubber grenades as you shoot. If you stick with the weapon, you'll unlock some nice perks for the auto-grenade launcher.
https://youtu.be/uLHCXGs7j5o
NOTES: Although fun to watch in action with its colorful, long red laser bolts, this weapon overheats quickly and doesn't damage heavy armor much. Look for upgrades to reduce and/or ventilate heat.

On occasion, the laser bolts will bounce off walls and - if you're patient - you can use this to fire at enemies around corners. :-)

NOTES: Powerful, semi-automatic assault rifle.

PERKS: Twin Hammer so that hitting a weakpoint gives the next bullet high weakpoint damage and lifesteal; and Armor Piercer, resulting in increased damage to armored enemies and penetration.

https://youtu.be/BIr2rXU6HcE
NOTES:Mass damage AOE airburst rifle considered more effective than groups than single targets. I've found it surprisingly accurate.

Important to note it has ZERO armor piercing ability; however, presumably as a specifically anti-aircraft rifle, it should be effective against aerial bosses, such as the Jet Fighter and the later VTOL aircraft on the oil rig. I'm not sure I ever got to test that theory though. :)

VIDEO NOTE: As of July 2025, the video for this entry is 3 years old and the animation for the flak explosions is out-of-date. I'll try to get an updated video posted here eventually.

PERKS: Heavy Anti-Air shot, which fires a powerful cluster of flak ammunition on the first shot; and Fast Reload, for quicker weapon reloading. Ejecting grants speed (movement, I think?).

https://youtu.be/5Wf_9AqEe0U

HOT TIP: Choose weapon upgrades that increase magazine size or offer bullet regeneration to help get around HS-50's tiny 4-round magazine limitation.

NOTES: The Machine Hunter class' (formerly Anti-Material Recon) semiautomatic starter weapon in its first Weapon Kit choice is awesome against heavy armor and effective against shielding to some extent, but has only a 4-round magazine. You'll likely prefer to use a rapid-fire weapon alongside this, so you can save the HS-50's ammo for heavily armored enemies.

https://youtu.be/2gaxI22EruA?si=vb0EzsZDsXWXTs_H

NOTES: This extremely powerful, extremely rare, semi-automatic rifle is only available in a cursed variant.

Beyond the curse aspect, its toughest drawback is its 2-round capacity, which of course means you have to constantly reload it.

PERKS: Nemesis Prototype's Perks typically include Soulripper Sabot, pierceing projectiles that gain powerful life-steal and damage; Heat Vent; and Unstable ammo, which increases damage at the cost of bullets having a chance to deviate off-target.

https://youtu.be/QhyCVr1-Dnw
NOTES: Reverence is an old-fashioned, lever-action rifle that's very accurate and powerful.

Although solid against both armor and shielding, it only holds 3 rounds at a time, so it requires frequent reloading.

GUIDE NOTE: My video's at least a couple years old and very out of date UI and graphics in it. I'll try to upload a NEW video soon that reflects the U15 build of S2.

(June 11, 2023 UPDATE) After finally putting some time with Reverence on a run, it's pretty awesome in a couple of ways -- the weapon has very little recoil, and the aim is extremely forgiving because of its very large crosshair circle (at least when using keyboard/mouse).

https://youtu.be/uAUtJZ6gcdw
NOTES: Powerful and precise anti-material rifle that's effect against both armored and shielded targets. I've run into this at weapon shops on occasion for around 1200 credits. It has a very distinctive sound. :-)

MAY 2023 update -- I very rarely run into this rifle, and when I do, it's very late in a run.
NOTES: One major caveat for this fabulous rifle -- you CAN'T fire this while moving. Instead, if you pause a second while equipping it, your character will adopt a crouching animation, and you can only fire while stationary like that.

The description says you can only use the weapon "while standing." I think it's more precise to say you can't fire it while moving. :)

BOSS BATTLE NOTES: I do NOT recommend KSVK for most boss battles -- on most you have to run for your life the entire boss battle, and you simply WON'T have time to stand still, which is REQUIRED to fire this rifle. So consider either ditching this for an ensuing boss battle, or simply use your other weapons instead.

PERKS: Typical perks include Siege Mode, meaning it can only be fired while standing, which activates Siege mode; and Radioactive Payload, so weapon hits apply stacking radiation.

https://youtu.be/Ok2bSjwwmUs
NOTES: Solid starter weapon for the Recon Sniper class, but I'd recommend grabbing the more precise and the much more powerful against armor GM6 Lynx listed above if you get a chance. :) The Nightowl's silencer may make it more useful if you like to be stealthy.
https://youtu.be/kDS3LSCll6c
https://youtu.be/ovZyCZ4WlrE

NOTES: A solid, semi-automatic, anti-armor rifle.

I've lumped it in with sniper rifles because it has a scope.
https://youtu.be/XH4oaJsE91U
NOTES: Incredible HE-rounds-firing sniper rifle that you'll usually only find in the special weapon crates with the flashing lights on them or perhaps at a weapons vendor store.

I put this under Sniper Rifles because it has a scope on it, but really it's effective at any range.

JULY 2025 UPDATE: Ran into this weapon on Recon run. It didn't feel very effective. I guess the one I used back in 2023 or 2024 must've been a better variant. I at least got a new weapon information screenshot for this entry. :)

PERKS: Typically includes Recoil Impulse Inverter, where firing instantly after mobility usage adds to its speed (firing speed?); and Fast Reload, providing quicker weapon reloading and ejecting granting speed.
https://youtu.be/Xzb6g_M4_-E

NOTES: Powerful ion rifle that's very effective against armor. Like the X1500 Ion Rail Accelerator, the X1000 Heavy Rifle requires pre-charging before firing.

Moved this over to "Sniper Rifles" because the new info panel labels in-game indicate this is a "marksman rifle."

https://youtu.be/JokVinOcMBs?si=YVSO7yf6aTGREo6S

NOTES: This powerful, Fusion burst rifle is very effective against shielded enemies and also strong against heavily armored targets.

And against anything, really, but given the 40-ammo reserve limitation, it's advisable to save this weapon for the toughest enemies you encounter. Even if I was spamming it like mad in the demonstration video clip above. :-)

VIDEO NOTE: Noticed my video clip for this weapon no longer works. I'm investigating what's going on and have REMOVED the video clip from this PXR Fusion Rail entry until I can fix the video or upload a new one. Actually, on July 17, 2025, I finally ran into this late in a Breacher run, so I'll just a post a new video for this entry.

PERKS: Typical perks include Eraser, where ejection cause an anomaly, dealing shield damage and stunning in the area; Fusion Outburst, which fires a small blast of multiple fusion projectiles when ready (I think this is randomly fired off then?); and Attachment Link, which causes attachments to have stronger effects.
https://youtu.be/0Op0aysu7e0?si=sDUW0m22DdLvTOtE
NOTES: Powerful ion rifle - especially against armor - with a charge-time before shooting, small clip (4 shots) and ammo maximum (24) and long reloadng time. it's probably overpowered, can fire through multiple lined-up targets, and can demolish some of the tougher bosses and enemies in a few shots. It also takes forever and ever and ever to reload - look to remedy that when you can upgrade it. :)

Most likely a keeper, maybe a good choice alongside more of a rapid fire or shotgun type weapon for dealing with crowds.

PERKS: Typically includes Piercer, where hitting 2 enemies with 1 shot grants speed and reloads 1 shot, and can pierce walls; Quick Swap, which provides quicker weapon reloading, and grants speed upon ejecting; and Quad Shot, an 8% chance for a quad shot.

JULY 2025 UPDATE: Just uploaded a NEW video of this weapon in action, reflecting the Current U15 Grand Operations build of Synthetik 2.

https://youtu.be/EyqP0BmRoxA

NOTES: Akita Fusion is a tremendous, burst-fire fusion SMG that you're most likely to encounter late in a run, like in the snow levels.

This weapon has a fairly generous, 32-fusion round drum magazine.

JULY 2025 NOTES: I dunno what was changed about Akita Fusion, but it does NOT feel as powerful as it used to be, and it's no longer one of my favorite weapons. If you're into fusion weapons, I'd recommend the burst-fire Squad-9 'Seeker' Carbine instead.

PERKS: Booster Turbine, so that kills reduce all class ability cooldowns by 1 second; and Collector, in which kills increase maximum shield by 2, bound to the weapon.
NOTES: This recently added SMG has a very high rate of fire but overheats quickly and has some strange side effects when it overheats.

PERKS: Typical perks include Recirculation, which transforms shells and plating fragments into ammunition at the cost of ammo sometimes exploding under high heat; Stabilized, which provides high weapon stability while moving; and sometimes Low Caliber, greatly increasing accuracy at the cost of damage.
https://youtu.be/eOAwSN2IOCU
NOTES: Essentially an incendiary version of a suppressed MP-5.
https://youtu.be/CHR94JCLsmc

NOTES: This popular weapon has an extremely high rate of fire and modest range. It's super effective if you're keen on "running and running" and nailing enemies at close-medium range. It chews through it's 22- round magazine quickly, so you may want to pick an upgrade that improves ammo efficiency and/or increases magazine capacity.

PERKS: Typical perks include Confiscator, which grants movement speed and +luck after engaging combat; Stabilized, offering high weapon stability while moving; and Optimized Magazine, which increases magazine size and reload speed.
https://youtu.be/lLWL8aqk4ic?si=HcFZV65NsNH5FJ18
NOTES: Although not the coolest SMG, the Taser aspect makes it somewhat useful, while the burst-fire aspect keeps ammo consumption rate reasonable. This SMG has a very fast reload time, beneficial because its base ammo capacity is so low - 20 - so you'll need to reload often.

PERKS: Exclusive perk is Seigo Taser, which enables shots to fire a stunning taser when ready, 2 charges. Also typically has Ammo Printer, providing slow passive ammo regeneration and also a passive to gain more from other ammo sources.

UPGRADE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Ammo Capacity increases
  
• Maybe Armor Penetration increase

https://youtu.be/PZTWTIntHC8
NOTES: With the best armor piercing rating among SMGs, this weapon will eviscerate tough armored targets. Its designed to fire more accurately as you fire it continously, but be prepared for its initial "spray and pray" tendency on the initial shots. :)

As a fan of "bullet hell" weapons and games,I love this SMG's sound effects and its anti-armor punch, so it's one of my favorite S2 weapons. :)
https://youtu.be/6k76M6BctSk
NOTES: Powerful laser SMG that is prone to overheating and chewing through its laser cell ammo quickly due to modest magazine capacity (32).

Look for weapon upgrades that improve cooling and/or disperse heat, as well as those that increase magazine size substantially. Faster reloading is also welcome due to how frequent you'll need to reload this weapon.

PERKS: Typical perks include SKull Implosion, where 2 weakpoint hits on the same target cause an implosion; and Skin Burner, which causes increased damage to enemy health.

NOTES: A low-capacity, high-caliber SMG that's effective against armored and shielded targets. Seek upgrades for ammo capacity, ammo regeneration, chance not to consume ammo.
https://youtu.be/Xn9wo0QR3zk?si=74p3Tbm1qT01MRbu
NOTES: Looking similar to the Two-Z SMG pair, this weapon's standard variant has ammo that offers a 10% chance to micro-stun. However, unlike Two-Z, this weapon offers no armor penetration in its standard variant. In addition, Storm 9MM Dual seems to have far LESS total ammo capacity than Two-Z.

Although Storm 9MM Dual is labeled as "pistols," it looks like the Two-Z weapon that's described as micro-SMGs. So I've put this in the SMGs section here, at least for now.
https://youtu.be/8VYoXCrTbvI
NOTES: Burst-fire fusion SMG, starter weapon for Chrono Trooper class.

This SMG works well with the Chrono Trooper's zippy teleportation ability for hit-and-run tactics, but like most SMGs it chews up ammo fast.

PERKS: Temporal Link, with Temporal ammo providing increased effect.
https://youtu.be/gm-yC4_Soms?si=SnIeOKWh03LlEPiM
NOTES: Powerful, rapid-fire dual Uzi types. However, they chew ammo like Pac-Man chews pellets, so watch for weapon upgrades that offer fast ammo regeneration of some sort to make this weapon duo more useful.

https://youtu.be/LblzfXJy9og
HOT TIP: More of a class tip - Heavy Gunner's Onslaught ability can regenerate ammo from ZERO ammo for any weapon, including the LG-3, but it does take a couple moments to do so.

NOTES: This is the starter weapon for the Heavy Gunner class, to use in conjunction with its Onslaught Class Core ability. Unlike with class sidearms, you may drop or replace a starter weapon with a different weapon.

As with all the machine guns, LG-3 bucks like a bronco and is very inaccurate (high deviation). If you want to improve its accuracy, watch for upgrades that reduce weapon deviation and recoil.

PERKS: Bulletstorm, where reaching 100 kills grants additional spare ammo and reload speed; and Armor Penetration tuning on the currently held weapon (I'm unsure if this extends to other weapons beyond LG-3 itself?)
https://youtu.be/TMLFie17vF0
NOTES: This rarely seen LMG seems to appear mostly on the snow levels.

It's supposed to be "suppressive," but I don't quite understand how to notice that in action. It has a pretty generous capacity of 58 rounds.
https://youtu.be/5rt4223AOno

NOTES: New weapon featuring high damage output, wide spread and a fairly small magazine size, though its modest firing rate ensures you won't deplete ammo too quickly.

Overheating crops up if you hold your trigger button down continuously for too long, so consider cooling attachments or upgrades if you get the opportunities.

One of my favorite weapons in the game. However, I rarely ever find it on a run. Most likely it'll appear late in a run (like in the snow levels) and often in a Cursed variant that's painful to your HP to use.

PERKS: Triple Barrel, firing 3 shots at once; Ammo Efficient, gaining more ammo and stronger ammo regeneration.
https://youtu.be/93k7zXkO_TM?si=My_Gw_gdGN-9Onow
NOTES: I finally got my Heavy Gunner class to unlock its 3rd Weapon Kit weapon that includes this twin-Gatling gun.

Although Twin Gatling is for sure effective and has extra ammo capacity (120), it has extremely challenging ammo-drawbacks (too many, imho):

• Twin Gatling DISABLES the Ammo Regeneration attribute of Heavy Gunner's Onslaught ability (!)
  
• The weapon can NOT replenish ammo from ammo crates (!).
  
• It can ONLY replenish ammo after you clear an ENTIRE level (!). So in a boss battle, you wouldn't even be able to replenish ammo in this weapon AT ALL.

All of that to me makes it un appealing compared to the the Heavy Gunner's LG-3 machine gun and LR 300 assault rifle available in the class' other two weapon kits.

One "pro" though is that Twin Gatling has a much better rating against armored enemies. If you're going to use this, I recommend bringing a rapid-fire AR or SMG or even a 2nd machine gun to use either when TG runs out of ammo, or so that you can conserve the TG for tougher enemies.
https://youtu.be/wru7gaqsPl4
NOTES: Its unique attribute is becoming MORE accurate the longer you fire the weapon. It's strong against both armor and shields, with tremendous Weakpoint damage.

PERKS: Charge, in which ejection grants increased speed and full evasion for 2 seconds; and Fatal Opener, where entering combat grants heavy damage for 4 seconds.

https://youtu.be/0dctmJbzeYo
NOTES: Wildly inaccurate due to high recoil, if you intend to stick with this LMG, you'll want to look for weapon upgrades that reduce recoil and weapon deviation. It has good punch - it's just hard to spray and pray accurately with this weapon, so it's hard to justify keeping this when the game has so many more powerful and more accurate weapons.

AUGUST 2025 NOTES: After putting some time with this on a Heavy Gunner class run last night, the way this MG now works is it fires very slowly while you have the firing button pressed, and then gradually "builds momentum" in firing rate. This makes is rather frustrating to use, although it does NOT seem as wildly inaccurate as it felt back when I wrote my original notes on this weapon in I think 2022.

PERKS: Typically includes Spare Parts, where Upgrade Kits have a 45% chance to be recovered on use (dunno what this means?); and Aligned, for greatly reduced deviation.

https://youtu.be/bIVvUugKIps
NOTES: This launcher's powerful grenades bounce like super bouncy balls. It's best if you can hit a target with the launched grenade directly BEFORE the bouncing.

On some interior maps with lots of walls, you may be able to bounce a grenade off the wall behind the enemy, but it's very tricky to do.

Very low capacity of 12 grenades, so don't waste your limited supply.

POWER TIP: If you luck into the much more useful RG-4 quad-grenade launcher listed below, I would ditch this Ares GL for the RG-4 in a heartbeat. :)

PERKS: Ares Defense System, which regains android's shields upon reloading.

https://youtu.be/f41kVQjyjDk
HOT TIP/WARNING: Kago's tear gas clouds damage and slow YOUR character and most likely co-op players' characters, so use caution and AVOID the tear gas clouds. This can get confusing because some class' tear gas hand grenade abilities' gases don't damage friendlies.

Also, if you spam this tear gas in a crowded map, you won't be able to run back through the gas without damaging/slowing your character, which often proves fatal.

NOTES: On the rare occasions I encounter this, it's either in special crate with the flashing lights, or at the weapons vendor store console.

Listing as a grenade launcher because that's all this weapon can do -- but the tear gas does heavy damage against most units, so it's powerful. If you fire it *in front of* a group of enemies, you have a better chance of them going through it. And it could be useful in conjunction with abilities that provide knockback or that slow/down immobilize enemies so that they can't race towards you, out of the gas range.

The enemy AI is also smart enough sometimes to steer clear of the gas cloud, and you can sometimes use this weapon to "control" an area or re-route enemies briefly. I imagine this will become more useful when the online co-op is added.

NOTES: Riotguard's teargas weapon that launches AOE tear gas grenades that damage enemies in a wide area.

PERKS: Combo Play, which enables the class core ability to recharge 25% faster.
NOTES: Available in the second Riotguard Weapon Kit, this grenade launcher's shots provide nano-healing to friendly units, which makes it a near must-have for online co-op groups. :) The launcher can only hold one grenade at a time, so you must reload after every shot.

Note that it is also effective against enemies, particularly against shielding. It isn't efffective against armored enemies because it has a very low armor penetration rating.

It's rated as "zero damage," so I don't think it impacts enemy health if they walk through the gas cloud.
https://youtu.be/Ksiu9iglj2o
NOTES: In late May 2023, I finally tried this awesome new 4-round "non-rubber" grenade launcher, and it is FREAKING AWESOME. :) It fires arching grenades in groups of 4, which you can aim accurately near you, far away from you and in between.

This grenade is a KEEPER, and a definite BUY if you're fortunate enough to find it in a weapons shop during a run. :)

PERKS: Typically includes Prosit!, where taking a break in combat allows drinking from a boosting beverage; and Second Impact, which means hits can cause an additional damaging and stunning shockwave.
https://youtu.be/xgUJIgdsGys
NOTES: I believe the RGL Sympathizer replaced the more generic "Rubber Grenade Launcher" weapon. It still works about the same. My gameplay video dates back to last year and was of the Rubber Grenade Launcher in use.

HOT TIP: You can ricochet rubber grenades off walls to hit enemies around corners and obstacles without exposing your character to enemy fire; however, I find this requires wasting a lot of "test shots" to figure out the ricochet angle/aim.

NOTES: I find this weapon challenging to use effectively, though I think its iteration as of June 2022 is more effective than its earlier incarnations. I don't find much good opportunity bounce its grenades off walls, and it seems inaccurate as a "direct attack" weapon.


https://youtu.be/6Cs9opekwM8
HOT TIP/WARNINGS: DON'T try to fire this launcher over taller walls, because the electrical blast will bounce back and damage your character instead. Also, in the current June 2022 build, this launcher overheats quickly - be careful if spamming it.

NOTES: This launcher fires at a moderate range electrical balls in a high arch that can go over shorter walls and then provide a wide electrical blast radius on impact. This could prove useful on maze-like floors that have lots of shorter walls you can hide behind. Might be less useful in the more wide-open maps, like on the Missile Base level.

https://youtu.be/avRBeNjXhjE
HOT TIP: You can manually guide the Orion HVL's rocket by "steering" the cursor with your mouse, though if you're firing at close range, you probably won't have time to do so.

NOTES: Although the Demolisher's Rocketeer Kit contains this starter weapon, unlike its sidearm, you may drop it if you prefer to replace it later. Extremely long reloading time, so you'll generally want to reload it while behind cover.

Your crosshair is supposed to help "guide" the Orion HVL rocket to its destination. So, it won't go towards a particular enemy you aim at, you need to keep holding the crosshair to whever you want it to go. It hasn't done that for me, your mileage may vary. :)

CLASS-SPECIFIC TIP: The Rocketeer's Tank Hunter Focus Perk adds a second type of ammo, HVAP high velocity anti tank missiles.

On keyboard, use your "T" key to toggle between this unguided AT ammo and the Orion HVL launcher's default guided-missile ammo.
https://youtu.be/mYKjv4_QzHs
NOTES: This powerful launcher of guided missile salvos seems WAY overpowered and will quickly destroy just about everything in the game, including the toughest bosses. Could maybe be a bit of a liability on some cramped corridor levels such as on the Oil Rig or the latter portion of the Motherboard Chip levels.

Otherwise, you'll feel like some sort of omnipotent Duke Nukem sort whenever you use this weapon. :-)

Although this weapon can fire 4 missiles at a time, if you only have 1-3 ammo available, it will fire whatever you have left.

Otherwise, you'll feel like some sort of omnipotent Duke Nukem sort whenever you use this weapon. :-)

As of the June 2022 S2 build, I very rarely ever run into this weapon anymore. I think that's due to it falling into the "Legendary" weapon class category.
https://youtu.be/7CMIPSyQkCM
HOT TIP: To enable this to hold more than 1 RPG, choose a weapon upgrade that increases magazine capacity or the boss reward upgrade that adds +1 magazine capacity to ALL weapons. This makes RPG Deathstick far more useful.

NOTES: Powerful missile launcher. These go in a straight line, and are not guided. Super SLOW reloading time, so watch for upgrades that improve reloading speed.

PERKS: PERKS: Common perks include Homewrecker, which when ready, deals additional damage in a large area; and Area Saturator, which provides a higher ammo capacity (4) at lower damage.

https://youtu.be/GulyrNnb7qw
NOTES: This unconventional weapon launches nasty spinning sawblades that do high damage. Wonderful sound effect that sounds like a revving motorcycle engine. :)

MAY 2023 UPDATE: The "Spin to Win" perk means that when you hit an enemy with this weapon once, the sawblade keeps churning away INSIDE the enemy, eventually either eliminating the enemy altogether or doing a great deal of damage over time. :)

AUGUST 2025 UPDATE: I virtually never encounter this weapon in S2 at all. Not sure I've ever seen another player use it during co-op sessions.
(launches discs that bounce off walls)
https://youtu.be/uP2x2MBj9rA
NOTES: Usually, only found in the special weapons crates with the flashing lights, this bizarre weapon fires large red discs with red contrails that bounce and ricochet off walls in the environment. While it sounds great, in my experience, the discs often bounce off armored targets, doing no damage.

It has a high rating against weakpoint enemies, so you can take out weaker enemies with this peculiar weapon fast, but don't count on it against heavily armored and shielded enemies.

Although this is a Legendary class weapon, I don't find it all that legendary, so to speak. I did have a good run with one in July 2025, and may eventually post a video from that.

PERKS: Typical perks include Multi-Disc, where each shot increases extra shot chance, stacking up to 3 times; Laser Link, where laser items and weapon perks gain 35% power; and Critical, which provides a powerful critical strike chance at the cost of lower speed (not sure if this means weapon-firing speed?)

https://youtu.be/s8exyedw9aw
NOTES: Strong against armor, but I confess it's not so far my cup of tea. It holds exactly ONE harpoon spear, so you must constantly reload, and it takes forever to reload it.

Its highest level perk sounds like it might enable it to pass through multiple targets, but I've lacked the patience to use this weapon that long in S2.
https://youtu.be/DKI9uggHwxQ

HOT TIP: On levels with narrower hallways/confines, aim ML10 against walls and objects near enemies to damage them with explosive splash damage.

NOTES: Listing this under Grenade/Explosives Launchers because this "rifle" essentially hurls explosives in a bit of an arc.

I find it tricky to use at first, but it becomes more usable as you unlock upgrades on it. Works best for me if I blast it at a wall or object adjacent to an enemy/enemies, and let the arching explosives ricochet off into the enemy. Otherwise, the shots often fly over the enemies' heads.
https://youtu.be/9mGCO46TqKU?si=aRvOLodrSCb6MYcH
NOTES: Flamethrower weapon that does tremendous damage over time, and yet that still may not be fast-enough damage when playing at tougher S2 difficulty settings. That's despite this weapon having terrific stats against both armored and shielded enemies.

PERKS
R41 Threat Purger, which causes Terror level activation to grant critical chance for 20 seconds; and Ultracrit, which causes a greatly reduced critical chance but ensures that critical strikes deal extreme damage.
https://youtu.be/Iy0yFRrJrlE
NOTES: This sloppy, burning weapon does tremendous burning damage-over-time quickly to all manner of targets.

PERKS: Typical perks include Thirst, where kills have a 50% chance to instantly reload one shot; and Reckless, which provides a high critical chance at the cost of defense.
https://youtu.be/ZTyfCpivsKE

HOT TIP/WARNING: X1200 generates self-damaging levels of heat rapidly. So don't fire it continuously for a long period, and do seek weapon upgrades that improve cooling and ventilate heat.

NOTES: Categorizing this as a launcher because the weapon's description says it "launches" particles.I don't think this shows up in shops during a run. Most often I've found it in weapon crates in later areas like Arctic Base.

In burst form, this powerful weapon per its title oblierates enemies quickly, but just as quickly generates dangerous amounts of heat. If you intend to keep it,watch for weapon upgrades that improve cooling and/or ventilate heat when the weapon is reloaded.