There are a variety of weapons in Saints Row, and each has upgrades to increase their potency. Each also has a Signature Ability (which has its own unlock requirements) for causing further mayhem. Along with buying them from the Friendly Fire stores, weapons are earned from completing missions.
When upgrading a weapon, remember that it requires money and a specific level. Upgrades can get expensive in the long run, so experiment with each weapon initially and find one you like. Of course, if you’re looking for some of the best weapon, then there are a few choices. There are seven weapon types – melee weapons, pistols, SMGs, shotguns, big guns, rifles and special weapons.
Melee isn’t always the best option in gun fights, so the selection of viable weapons can be limited. Nevertheless, the Axe (costing $100) is a decent option in a scuffle. Along with dealing damage and inflicting Bleed, the Signature Ability “Bloodsucker” restores a small amount of health with every hit. If you prefer to send enemies flying, then the Sledgehammer ($100) and Smelterville Slugger ($100), each possessing the Signature Ability “Swing Away!”, may be worth a look.
For pistols, you’ll start with the KA-1 Kobra, which is decent and has the Signature “Ability High.” This reloads the weapon if you headshot an enemy with the last few rounds. A potent choice is the Idol Lite ($300), which has insane reload speed and becomes fully automatic with the “Trigger Happy” Signature Ability. Dual wield these for maximum effect. If you favor something slower that hits hard, the Handcannon .44 ($600) is the best choice, dealing absurd damage. It can also deal area-of-effect damage and push targets back with the “Magnum Rounds” Signature Ability.
For SMGs, there are only four choices, but the 1921 Johnson SMG is probably the best. It does exceptional damage despite its accuracy, and its Signature Ability “Armor-Piercing Rounds” will tear down Tough foes in a hurry. Dual wield the weapon to shred just about any crowd of enemies. Best of all, it costs only $5000.
The K-8 Krukov AR is a good assault rifle for $10,000 whose Signature Ability “Johnny Fuse” will reduce the cooldown on Takedowns the longer your kill streak lasts. The MDI-77 Auto Rifle is also worth a look for its range, and its Signature Ability “Swarm Tracers” has a chance to fire a homing projectile for additional damage and accuracy. It’s unlocked from completing the “Choplifting Side Hustle” in Badland North. The MDI-85 Carbine is worth it for the damage, even if the fire rate is low. It also deals more damage as you gain more Flow thanks to its “Flow State” Signature Ability. You can get it from completing the “Choplifting Side Hustle” in Rojas Desert North.
Want to unleash rockets on an enemy? The AT Rocket Launcher is worth picking up, especially since its Signature Ability “Guiding Eye” lets you control the rocket’s flight path. Complete the story mission “High Noon” to earn it. El Lanzador is a heavy slug-thrower with its Signature Ability “Major Impact” unleashing shockwaves with each hit that disrupt nearby foes. If that sounds like something for the Cabal Valus in you, then complete the “Choplifting Side Hustle” in El Dorado.
In terms of Special Weapons, the TOGO-13 Sniper Rifle is worth a look. Unlocked from completing the story mission “Drawing Heat”, its fire rate and max ammo are low, but the damage is obscene, and its Signature Ability “Bonus Round” adds ammo to reserves with headshots (which also deal more damage). The MDI-68 Focus Rifle is also pretty good, firing a beam that can cut through foes. “Repulsor Beam”, the Signature Ability, also pushes enemies and vehicles back with more force. You can get it from completing the story mission “Non-Compete Clause.”
Finally, when it comes to shotguns, the Police Shotgun is a no-nonsense option for $400 with its Signature Ability “Flechette Shells” dealing extra bleeding damage on shots. If you want something more fast-firing, albeit, with lower damage, the AS3 Ultimax Shotgun may be ideal. Costing $4000, its Full Battle Rattle” Signature Ability allows for fully automatic fire.
Saints Row is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Google Stadia. For other tips, like how to earn XP and level up fast, head here. You can also read our official review here and learn more about the best skills here.