Far Cry 3 offers a generous arsenal of tools to tear through Rook Island’s chaos, but some weapons stand above the rest—not just in stats, but in their timing, practicality, and sheer fun factor. This list breaks down the ten best guns in the game, weighing factors like accessibility on Island 1, raw power, stealth potential, and combat flexibility. Whether you’re just starting out or revisiting the jungle, here’s the gear you should be prioritizing.
#10 – SPAS-12 (Semi-Automatic Shotgun)
Not everyone’s a fan of shotguns in Far Cry 3, but if you’re going to pack one, the SPAS-12 is the top choice. Why? Semi-automatic fire. Most other shotguns in the game—like the Bull or 1887—are pump- or lever-action, giving the SPAS-12 a clear advantage in fast-paced situations. It unlocks for free after activating 13 radio towers, making it a late-Island 1 pickup that’s worth the investment.
#9 – Shadow (Signature Pistol)
This customized 1911 comes silenced and is arguably the most practical handgun in the game. While not as hard-hitting as the Cannon or D50, it balances damage and stealth nicely. If you’re someone who clears outposts before progressing the story, you can unlock the Shadow early by liberating 17 outposts on Island 1. Just make sure you’ve got $2,600 saved up when it unlocks.
#8 – ACE (Assault Rifle)
If you’re looking for raw stopping power in an assault rifle, the ACE is it. This beast boasts the highest damage of any assault rifle in the game. It’s fairly customizable and becomes free after activating 13 towers. The big downside? It can’t be suppressed. That makes it a poor choice for stealth missions but a total powerhouse once things go loud. A must-try for anyone leaning into heavy assault playstyles.
#7 – GL-94 (Grenade Launcher)
When it comes to explosive options, the GL-94 trades the RPG’s range for higher ammo capacity and rapid fire. It holds four grenades per reload and can carry more total ammo than the RPG. You can even carry both weapons simultaneously for independent explosive ammo pools. It’s unlocked after activating 8 towers and is great for crowd control or destroying vehicles.
#6 – AMR (Signature Sniper Rifle)
The AMR is brutal. Unlocked by collecting 20 relics (and $4,800), it fires explosive, armor-piercing rounds that can one-shot nearly any enemy or blow up a vehicle in two hits. The major downside is its complete lack of stealth—it can’t be suppressed, so you’ll alert every enemy in the area with one shot. That said, for sheer firepower, nothing compares.
#5 – Recurve Bow
Silent, deadly, and endlessly satisfying, the Recurve Bow is an early-game treasure. You can unlock it for free after deactivating just 3 radio towers. Arrows are retrievable, saving money, and you can craft fire or explosive variants for added utility. It’s not just a stealth tool—it’s versatile and surprisingly lethal. A must-have for creative or stealth-focused players.
#4 – Shredder (Signature SMG)
The only SMG you really need. The Shredder is a modified Vector .45 ACP with a suppressor and reflex sight, combining power, stealth, and control. It outperforms both the base Vector and BZ-19 in nearly every category. While the fixed optic isn’t ideal, the gun more than makes up for it with its killing efficiency. Collect 10 memory cards and $3,275 gets you one of the best close-to-mid-range weapons in the game.
#3 – Z93 (High-Powered Sniper Rifle)
The best sniper rifle for stealth-oriented players. The Z93 can be suppressed and still nearly matches the AMR’s power. While it can’t be reliably owned until Island 2—either looted from Privateers or unlocked by activating 15 towers—it remains the sniper of choice for surgical eliminations. It’s less showy than the AMR, but far more practical.
#2 – Ripper (Signature LMG)
The Ripper redefines what an LMG should be. This Signature MKG variant offers superior fire rate, low recoil, and a larger magazine. It’s unlocked after completing 6 Rakyat Trials and costs $4,200. You can potentially acquire it on Island 1, and it quickly renders other LMGs like the PKM or U100 obsolete. High power, high volume—this is your bullet hose of doom.
#1 – Bushman (Signature Assault Rifle)
The Bushman is everything you want in a main weapon: fully automatic, suppressed, high range, and well-balanced. It’s based on the P416 and includes a scope, extended mag, and suppressor. The only downside? It’s only available after reaching Island 2 and activating all 18 towers, plus a $3,800 price tag. Still, the payoff is huge—it’s likely the most reliable all-purpose weapon in the game and feels fantastic to use.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a stealth assassin, an all-out brawler, or a long-range marksman, Far Cry 3 has a weapon that fits your style. From the subtle silence of the Recurve Bow to the raw destruction of the AMR and Ripper, knowing what to unlock—and when—is key to mastering Rook Island. So plan ahead, stock up, and get ready to unleash chaos with the best tools the game has to offer.
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