Metro Exodus doesn’t hold your hand when it comes to combat—survival hinges on smart decisions, well-maintained gear, and the right weapon for the job. While many of the tools you’ll use are dictated by narrative moments, this list focuses on the guns you get to choose, and which ones offer the most power, efficiency, and adaptability.

Here are the 7 best weapons in Metro Exodus, ranked based on ammo cost, availability, upgrades, and overall effectiveness.

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7. Valve – The Heavy-Hitting Sniper

The Valve is a devastating sniper rifle introduced later in the game (usually around the Caspian level). With high damage output and incredible range, it’s the only sniper option in the base game and deals more base damage than most rifles, only beaten out in power by the fully upgraded Ashot.

Why it’s good:

• Massive damage.
• Great for long-range engagement.

Drawbacks:

• Expensive ammo: 5 metal and 1 chemical per round.
• Very slow rate of fire and small magazine (starts at 1).
• Acquired late, when you may already have surplus ammo for other guns.

The Valve is excellent for players who enjoy precision and high-risk/high-reward gameplay, but it demands discipline and clean shots.

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6. Kalash – The Classic Assault Rifle

Returning from earlier Metro titles, the Kalash remains a solid all-around option, especially early in the game. Found in Moscow and easily re-obtained in Volga, it’s an automatic rifle that can be heavily upgraded with better barrels, mags, and scopes.

Why it’s good:

• Fully upgradable with suppressor support.
• Good magazine size.
• Available early in the game.

Drawbacks:

• Prone to jamming when dirty.
• Moderate base stats.

The Kalash is especially effective if you maintain it well, but its tendency to jam in long firefights can be frustrating. A versatile choice, especially early-to-mid game.

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5. Revolver – The Reliable Sidearm

One of the most customizable and surprisingly powerful weapons in the game, the Revolver is far more versatile in Exodus thanks to the new upgrade system.

Why it’s good:

• Can be equipped with a suppressor, 8-round cylinder, and rifle stock.
• Reliable even when dirty.
• High damage and accuracy with upgrades.

Drawbacks:

• Lower fire rate than SMGs.
• Limited ammo type (pistol).

Between its damage output and stability—even in poor condition—the Revolver proves itself as more than just a sidearm. A fantastic early weapon that can last you the whole game.

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4. Helsing – The Crossbow of Death

The reinvented Helsing trades its pneumatic spear gun identity for a silent crossbow setup in Exodus. It’s deadly quiet and capable of retrieving bolts, making it a resource-saver.

Why it’s good:

• Fires reusable bolts.
• Upgrades enable explosive and high-damage arrows.
• Quiet and efficient.

Drawbacks:

• Starts as a single-shot weapon.
• Acquired later (Taiga level).

With upgrades, the Helsing becomes an absolute monster capable of killing enemies silently and economically. It shines in late-game stealth runs.

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3. Ashot – The Power Shotgun

The Ashot is a single or double-barrel shotgun that deals brutal damage up close. Despite limited capacity, it can be modded for impressive stopping power.

Why it’s good:

• Highest damage output in the game (fully upgraded).
• Quick reloads.
• Available early in Volga.

Drawbacks:

• Very low magazine size.
• Poor accuracy and range.

The Ashot is perfect for fans of the Duplet from Metro 2033 Redux. It’s compact, loud, and lethal—especially with the long-barrel upgrades. If you favor a heavy-hitting backup weapon, this is it.

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2. Bulldog – The Elite Rifle

Replacing the Kalash 2012 from earlier games, the Bulldog is a mid-to-late-game rifle found around the Caspian level (usually en route to the lighthouse).

Why it’s good:

• High damage and accuracy.
• Aims down sights and handles better than Gatling.
• Lower fire rate = ammo efficiency.

Drawbacks:

• Slower rate of fire.
• Technically harder to maintain, though this rarely affects gameplay.

The Bulldog strikes a balance between power and control. If you’re precise and value ammo efficiency, it becomes the best full-auto weapon in the game.

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1. Tikhar – The Ultimate Survival Weapon

The Tikhar pneumatic rifle is not just a returning fan favorite—it’s your best companion from early game to the final credits. It uses steel ball bearings as ammo (crafted cheaply with just metal), making it the most sustainable weapon in the game.

Why it’s the best:

• Silent.
• Ammo can be crafted in the field.
• High damage with upgrades.
• Turns into a railgun late-game.

Drawbacks:

• Needs frequent pumping for pressure.

You get the Tikhar in Volga, and from then on it becomes a go-to tool for stealth, exploration, and resource conservation. By the final level, with the custom railgun attachment, it becomes a true powerhouse—essentially a hybrid between the Helsing and the Hellbreath from past games.

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Final Thoughts

These rankings are subjective and tied to how you prefer to play. Whether you like to sneak through the shadows or blast your way through mutants, there’s a weapon here that fits your style. That said, if you want reliability, silence, and consistent performance from start to finish—the Tikhar is unmatched.

Experiment, mix things up, and above all, keep your guns clean. You’ll be glad you did when the darkness starts crawling.

Happy hunting out there.