Best GTA 5 Online Weapons by Class

Looking to dominate every gunfight in GTA 5 Online? Then you’ll need the right loadout for every situation. From powerful assault rifles to deadly sniper rifles and explosive launchers, the game offers a massive arsenal to choose from. But not every weapon is worth your hard-earned cash or ammo. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best weapons in GTA 5 Online across all classes, including pistols, SMGs, shotguns, snipers, and heavy weapons. Whether you’re taking on rival players in PVP or clearing out enemies in missions, these top-tier guns will give you the upper hand every time.

#1: Advanced Rifle

Price: $14,250 (GTA Online) / $3,500 (GTA 5)
Weapon Class: Assault Rifle
Unlocked After: Rank 70 (GTA Online) / The Big Score (GTA 5)
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)

When it comes to raw power and versatility, the Advanced Rifle stands tall as one of the best assault rifles in GTA 5 and GTA Online. It combines a fast fire rate with solid accuracy, making it perfect for close and mid-range fights. Once you reach rank 70, this weapon becomes available and is surprisingly affordable compared to its performance. Whether you’re clearing out NPCs or trading bullets with other players in Online mode, the Advanced Rifle’s balance of speed and damage makes it a must-have for any serious player looking to dominate the streets of Los Santos.

#2: Marksman Pistol

Price: $4,350 (GTA Online / GTA 5 Enhanced)
Weapon Class: Handgun
Unlocked After: Rank 1 (GTA Online) / Mr. Richards (GTA 5 Enhanced)
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)

The Marksman Pistol is one of the most unique handguns in GTA 5 Online, packing an insane punch despite its single-shot limitation. This compact weapon can drop heavily armored enemies with just one well-placed bullet, making it a favorite among skilled shooters who value precision over volume. While the slow reload speed can be punishing in chaotic firefights, its raw stopping power more than makes up for it. If you prefer something more automatic for drive-bys, the AP Pistol is the smarter pick—but for sheer impact and style, the Marksman Pistol hits harder than anything else in its class.

#3: Minigun

Price: $50,000 (GTA Online) / $15,000 (GTA 5)
Weapon Class: Heavy Weapon
Unlocked After: Rank 120 (GTA Online) / The Paleto Score (GTA 5)
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)

If absolute destruction is your goal, nothing comes close to the Minigun in GTA 5 and GTA Online. This beast of a weapon fires an endless stream of bullets capable of shredding vehicles, enemies, and entire lobbies in seconds. With a massive ammo capacity of up to 9999 rounds, you can unleash pure chaos without worrying about reloads. It’s a late-game unlock at rank 120, but every second spent grinding for it is worth it once you experience its raw firepower. Whether you’re defending against waves of enemies or asserting dominance in free roam, the Minigun guarantees that nothing survives your path of destruction.

#4: Assault SMG

Price: $12,550 (GTA Online) / Free (GTA 5)
Weapon Class: Machine Gun
Unlocked After: Rank 29 (GTA Online) / Social Club Sign-Up (GTA 5)
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)

The Assault SMG is one of the most reliable early-to-mid-game weapons in GTA 5 and GTA Online. Players who link their Rockstar Social Club account can claim it for free, making it a no-brainer pickup for beginners. It’s fast, accurate, and handles beautifully in both close-quarters and mid-range combat. While it doesn’t have the highest fire rate compared to the Micro SMG or Combat PDW, its balance of control, damage, and mobility makes it one of the most versatile weapons in its class. Whether you’re grinding missions or fighting off rival players, the Assault SMG delivers steady performance without breaking the bank.

#5: Heavy Sniper

Price: $38,150 (GTA Online) / $9,500 (GTA 5)**
Weapon Class: Sniper Rifle**
Unlocked After: Rank 90 (GTA Online) / Three’s Company (GTA 5)**
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)**

When it comes to pure stopping power, the Heavy Sniper stands unrivaled in GTA 5 and GTA Online. This beast is built for long-range dominance, capable of dropping enemies, vehicles, and even aircraft with just a few well-placed shots. Its high damage output and extreme range make it a must-have weapon for PvP battles or high-stakes missions. Despite its intimidating stats, the Heavy Sniper is surprisingly affordable, making it one of the best value-for-money guns in the game. Once you unlock it, you won’t need another sniper — this powerhouse handles every target from miles away with ruthless efficiency.

#6: Assault Shotgun

Price: $10,000 (GTA Online) / $1,500 (GTA 5)**
Weapon Class: Shotgun
Unlocked After: Rank 37 (GTA Online) / Blitz Play (GTA 5)**
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)**

For players who thrive in close-range fights, the Assault Shotgun is hands down one of the best weapons you can carry in GTA 5 and GTA Online. This automatic shotgun combines the raw power of traditional pump-actions with the speed and control of a machine gun, making it perfect for clearing rooms or dominating tight spaces. Its rapid rate of fire and strong damage output ensure that enemies barely have a chance to react. While it unlocks at rank 37, it’s well worth the grind — this weapon absolutely melts opponents in PvP and PvE situations alike. If you love getting up close and personal, the Assault Shotgun will quickly become your go-to weapon.

#7: Sticky Bombs

Price: $600 (GTA Online) / $400 (GTA 5)**
Weapon Class: Throwable
Unlocked After: Rank 19 (GTA Online) / Friends Reunited (GTA 5)**
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)**

Few weapons in GTA 5 Online are as fun and chaotic as Sticky Bombs. These remote-detonated explosives give players full control over when the blast happens, making them perfect for ambushes, car chases, or clearing out groups of enemies. Introduced back in GTA 4’s Ballad of Gay Tony DLC, Sticky Bombs quickly became a fan favorite thanks to their versatility and explosive power. Whether you’re blowing up enemy vehicles mid-pursuit or setting traps around objectives, these bombs always deliver high-impact results. While grenades and Molotovs are great for quick destruction, Sticky Bombs give you that tactical edge — and a whole lot more fun.

#8: Machete

Price: $8,900 (GTA Online / GTA 5)**
Weapon Class: Melee
Unlocked After: Nervous Ron (GTA 5 Enhanced Edition)**
Where to Get: Ammu-Nation, Agency Armory, or Gun Van (GTA Online)**

The Machete is a brutal throwback to the classic Vice City days, offering raw, close-range carnage for players who like to get their hands dirty. This deadly melee weapon is as stylish as it is savage, perfect for silent kills or chaotic brawls in GTA 5 Online. Once you complete the Nervous Ron mission, you’ll unlock this iconic blade, ready to carve through enemies with ease. While melee combat isn’t always the first choice in a game filled with firearms, the Machete stands out for its sheer intimidation factor and satisfying impact. Whether you’re roleplaying a street enforcer or going full old-school gangster, this weapon adds an extra layer of menace to your loadout — and looks good doing it.

Conclusion

And that wraps up our list of the best weapons in GTA 5 Online by class. Whether you prefer spraying bullets with an assault rifle, blowing things up with sticky bombs, or slicing through enemies with a machete, there’s a perfect weapon for every playstyle. Each gun and melee weapon on this list offers something unique — from raw firepower to tactical versatility — helping you dominate missions, heists, and PvP battles alike. So, stock up on ammo, head to Ammu-Nation, and arm yourself with the right tools to rule Los Santos like a true pro.