In Far Cry 5, nothing defines your experience more than your arsenal. A powerful weapon can be the difference between barely surviving a firefight and storming enemy outposts like an unstoppable force. But with so many guns to choose from — some locked behind resistance progression, others available right away — it’s crucial to know where to spend your early-game money. Let’s dive into the best weapons you should prioritize buying as soon as possible.

AK-M (White Tail or Warrior Versions) — The Early-Game Powerhouse

Right from the moment you gain access to a shop, you can see all available weapons. While many are locked until you reach higher resistance levels or defeat one of the Seed family bosses, a select few gems are available early if you have enough cash. The AK-M, particularly the White Tail or Warrior versions, is hands-down one of the best buys.

These variants share identical stats and cost, offering an unmatched balance of firepower, accuracy, and stability. When you first equip it, you’ll feel the difference instantly. Enemies drop fast — headshots are clean, and even a few chest shots will do the job. It’s incredibly reliable for both mid-range and close-quarters combat. You can slap on a reflex sight for quick aiming and an extended magazine so you’re rarely reloading in the middle of a skirmish.

To make the most out of the AK-M, pair it with the Rifle Mastery and Rifle Ammo Bag perks. These upgrades enhance its reload speed, reduce sway, and increase your ammo capacity, letting you lean fully into its strengths. This is the type of weapon you’ll likely carry with you well into the late game.

SPAS-12 Flameout — Devastating at Close Range

The SPAS-12 is a beast of a shotgun, and while the base version is locked behind Resistance Level 6, the Flameout variant is available much sooner if you’ve saved up enough money. This version comes with all the SPAS-12 power — high damage, wide spread, and strong range — but with better aesthetics and quicker availability.

It absolutely melts enemies in close quarters and can even take down foes at mid-range with ease, something not many shotguns can boast. Equip a suppressor and you’ll not only keep the element of surprise but also enjoy improved handling. The SPAS-12 Flameout pairs beautifully with health perks like Health Boost 1 & 2, turning you into a walking tank capable of wiping out camps with ease.

Having both the AK-M and SPAS-12 Flameout in your loadout covers all your combat bases — precision at range and raw stopping power up close.

Colt M249 (Machine Gun) — The Late-Early Game Wrecking Ball

Once you’ve gotten comfortable and earned some decent perks, the M249 machine gun becomes a fantastic third weapon. While it’s a bit heavy and has a longer reload time, the incredible rate of fire and raw damage make it feel like a minigun with legs.

The M249 is great for wiping out groups of enemies or defending against waves. It’s not as balanced as the AK-M, which is why it’s better suited as a secondary or situational weapon. But when you need to go loud and lay waste to everything in front of you, nothing does it better. Just make sure you’ve got a decent ammo reserve and perhaps an upgraded ammo bag before committing.

Avoid Buying Snipers Early — A Free One Is Coming

Snipers can be appealing for players who prefer stealth or long-range precision, but hold off on buying one early in the game. After defeating Jacob Seed, you’ll unlock Jacob’s Rifle — a high-powered, free sniper rifle that performs as well (if not better) than many purchasable options like the D50 or SA-50.

So save your money and skip the early sniper purchases — invest instead in rifles or shotguns until that free sniper lands in your inventory.

Loadout Strategy: How to Use Them Together

To take full advantage of this trio — the AK-M, SPAS-12 Flameout, and M249 — you’ll need the Additional Holsterperk. This allows you to carry multiple primary weapons at once, giving you flexibility to adapt to any combat situation. Swap seamlessly between long-range engagement, close-quarters takedowns, and suppressive fire.

Here’s a suggested early-game progression:

1. Save your money early — Don’t waste cash on weaker guns.
2. Buy the AK-M — Immediately boost your combat effectiveness.
3. Unlock the SPAS-12 Flameout — Dominate at close range.
4. Grab the Additional Holster perk — Start dual-wielding primaries.
5. Later, add the M249 — For sheer firepower when you need it.
6. Hold off on sniper purchases — Jacob’s Rifle is on the way.

Final Thoughts

Weapon choice in Far Cry 5 can drastically shape your experience, especially in the early hours when resources are tight. By focusing on these powerful, versatile options, you’ll have a clear advantage in firefights and open up more tactical possibilities. Invest smart, aim straight, and bring Hope County to its knees.