The Outer Worlds is filled with unique weapons, each with distinct abilities and mods that set them apart from their standard counterparts. In this guide, we’ll explore the five most powerful unique weapons across different categories—one-handed melee, two-handed melee, pistols, rifles, and heavy weapons—based on their damage per second (DPS) at their base level. We’ll also cover where to find each weapon to help you gear up effectively.

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1. Soft Speaker (One-Handed Melee)

• Type: Telescoping Staff
• Base DPS: 193 (Level 18)
• Damage Type: Physical
• Unique Mod: Soft Speaker Mod (-90% firing noise, +10 Intimidate)

Overview: The Soft Speaker is ideal for stealth players who prefer melee combat. Its noise suppression allows you to take out enemies quietly, making it a valuable tool for stealth-based builds.

Location:

• Found on Monarch during the Canaan’s Cradle quest.
• Align MSI and the Iconoclasts peacefully, or side with MSI to obtain it.

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2. Ionized Paper Knife (Two-Handed Melee)

• Type: Plasma Cutter
• Base DPS: 392 (Level 20)
• Damage Type: Plasma
• Unique Mod: Speed Grip (+15% attack speed)

Overview: This weapon excels against flesh-based enemies, dealing significant plasma burn damage. The speed grip mod further increases its attack speed, making it lethal in close-quarters combat.

Location:

• Found in Byzantium’s maintenance tunnels near the Parcel Service.

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3. Salvager’s Helper (Pistol)

• Type: Light Pistol
• Base DPS: 480 (Level 10)
• Damage Type: Corrosion
• Unique Mod: Mag to Melt (Corrosion Damage)

Overview: Ideal for dealing with armored enemies and auto-mechanicals due to its corrosion damage. The burst fire mode enhances its damage output significantly.

Location:

• Sold by Gladys on the Groundbreaker’s promenade.
• Completing tasks for the Groundbreaker can reduce its price.

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4. Finn’s Force (Rifle)

• Type: Light Assault Rifle
• Base DPS: 630 (Level 26)
• Damage Type: N-Ray
• Unique Mods: Funtimes Barrel (+25% crit damage) and Mag to Ray (N-Ray Damage)

Overview: This weapon’s N-Ray damage is perfect for spreading DOT (damage over time) in crowded areas. However, it requires careful positioning to avoid self-inflicted N-Ray damage.

Location:

• Found in Phineas’s Lab late-game, just before the point of no return.

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5. The Good Word (Heavy Weapon)

• Type: Light Machine Gun
• Base DPS: 700+ (Level 18)
• Damage Type: Physical
• Unique Trait: Massive 150-round magazine

Overview: The Good Word’s high magazine capacity makes it ideal for sustained firefights. Its physical damage is effective against a variety of enemy types.

Location:

• Reward for siding with the Iconoclasts during the Canaan’s Cradle quest on Monarch.

Alternative:

• Siding with MSI rewards the MSI Saltuna Seer, a unique flamethrower.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right unique weapon depends on your build and playstyle. Stealth players will find the Soft Speaker invaluable, while those who favor ranged combat might lean towards Finn’s Force or the Good Word. By securing these weapons early, you can maximize your damage output and ease your way through Halcyon’s toughest challenges.

Make sure to explore thoroughly and keep an eye out for these powerful tools to dominate your enemies in The Outer Worlds.