Welcome to Medici, freedom fighter! If you just jumped into Just Cause 3, whether thanks to a game sale or a Games with Gold freebie, you’re probably looking to cause as much chaos as quickly as possible. While the most powerful weapons and vehicles are often locked behind missions or DLC, there’s a solid arsenal available early on to help you dominate the battlefield. Here’s a guide to the best early-game weapons and vehicles you can get, complete with locations, tips, and commentary on why each one’s worth your time.
1. CS Navajo Attack Helicopter – Your First Must-Have
If you grab only one thing early on, let it be the CS Navajo attack helicopter. Found at Pona Sud (roughly North 41, East 37), this chopper is your early-game MVP. It boasts an impressive range, letting you fire at SAM sites and other enemy defenses from beyond their line of sight. You’ll be able to scout and attack installations while staying out of the danger zone. Sure, visibility from high up can be a bit of a challenge, but its sheer utility makes it a top priority. Pro tip: Use this helicopter to help you collect the rest of the gear in this guide.
2. Fire Leech RPG – Explosive Power Upgrade
Next up: the Fire Leech RPG, located in Cava Jamonos Nord (North 48, East 33). Don’t confuse it with Jamonos Sud—it’s the northern one you want. The area is hostile with heavy anti-air defenses, so it’s best to approach using your CS Navajo. Expect helicopters, tanks, and a ton of resistance. Use what you have—rocket launchers, hijackable tanks, even enemy choppers—to clear the area. Hack nearby SAM launchers for added help. Once you secure the RPG, it becomes a potent tool for taking out anything that moves.
3. Bavarium Tank – The Heavy Hitter
Found in Cava Montana, this tank is a powerhouse. It’s especially useful after clearing the Fire Leech RPG area, where armored support is invaluable. This isn’t your ordinary tank—it’s got a dual-barrel setup for faster reloading, a mounted machine gun, and a built-in shield activated via controller input (typically the left stick press). Watch out for a nearby train loaded with SAM sites, though—it can shred your helicopter if you get too close. Overall, the Bavarium Tank lets you steamroll through military bases with ease.
4. U-7 “D” Bomber Jet – A Skyward Wrecking Machine
Over at Vulture (North 47, East 36), you’ll find a large triple-runway military base. Hidden within is the U-7 D bomber jet, identifiable by its dual rear engines and twin tail fins. If you manage to infiltrate the middle-level hangars, you can snag this beast. It comes equipped with a bombing reticle, letting you perform precision bomb drops. With two full bombing runs possible before needing to reset, it’s a force to be reckoned with. The U-7 D also flies fast enough to outrun many SAM site lock-ons—just don’t climb vertically in the middle of a fight.
5. UPU-210 Grenade Launcher – Reliable Backup
Next is the UPU-210 grenade launcher, found in Espia Bassa (North 42, East 36.750). It’s not as game-changing as the RPG or bomber, but still handy in a pinch. You’ll need to destroy fuel tanks tucked beneath the base to fully clear the area. The launcher replaces your rocket slot and might offer more ammo per pickup depending on your gear. It’s not the flashiest weapon, but it’s solid.
6. CS7 Thunderhawk Fighter Jet – Fast, Furious, and Fun
Located at Griffin Base, not far from the starting area, the CS7 Thunderhawk is your go-to for speed and aggressive firepower. It launches missiles rapidly and can deal massive damage quickly. Unlike the U-7 D bomber, the Thunderhawk is fast enough to consistently dodge most SAM site fire. It doesn’t lock onto defensive structures like SAMs themselves, but for enemy vehicles, aircraft, and convoys, it’s devastating. With strafing and rapid fire, you’ll feel like an ace pilot in no time.
Bonus Tip: Capstone Hydra (If You Own the DLC)
Though not available to everyone, the Capstone Hydra missile launcher is sometimes included depending on the version of the game you bought. It’s part of a small DLC bundle with a sniper rifle and unlockable for around $1–2. If it’s in your loadout, it’s worth using—it provides quick, lock-on missile fire that’s easy to handle.
A Note on Coordinates and Community Confusion
Some earlier guides out there give incorrect coordinates—possibly due to map updates or regional versions of the game. The locations in this guide have been field-tested and confirmed. If you’re struggling to locate any of the gear, revisit the coordinates listed here, and double-check your region or map overlay settings.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t the absolute best weapons in the game—but they are the best you can get early on without jumping through DLC hoops or finishing major story missions. With this lineup, you’ll be better equipped to survive enemy onslaughts, flatten bases, and fly through Medici with fire and flair. Load up, get out there, and keep blowing stuff up. Viva la revolución!
My Gaming Tutorials 
Leave a comment