Summary
After initially releasing in early access all the way back in 2018, the PvPvE survival-crafting gameSCUMhas finally launched in its 1.0 version. The full release brings overhauled visuals, new NPCs and AI, a reworked map, and a host of other features.SCUM’s hardcore survival focus can be a bit intimidating for new players, but the game has never been more inviting for those looking tojump in for the first time.
There are many weapon options inSCUM, from crafted melee weapons and improvised guns all the way to high-grade military equipment. Some weapons can be hard to find, others can be easily accessed or crafted, and each has its own stats for damage, accuracy, rate of fire, and more. Even different melee weapons have different attack speeds.
Players will need to take into account the weapons' strengths when selecting what to use, as some weapons are suited for long-range or close-range combat, while others have more versatility. Then, there are ammo types to consider, as having easily available ammo makes a weapon much more viable to use for general gameplay. With all these factors in mind, these are the best weapons inSCUM.
10Metal Sword
One-Handed Melee Option
When playersstart out inSCUM, they’re going to need to craft their basic weapons. A weapon being craftable can be a big advantage, as relying on a lucky drop can be hit or miss. The metal sword is a solid craftable option for a one-handed weapon, with decent attack speed and bladed damage.
This can be a handy weapon for taking out puppets quietly, as it’s fast enough to attack and still move out of the way of any incoming hits. The crafting requirements are relatively low, so it’s easy to keep a metal sword on hand once players have a toolbox.
9Katana
Two-Handed Melee Option
The Katana is a superior option for a two-handed melee weapon, although players can only buy or loot these swords. While the two-handed weapon swings slower than a one-handed sword, the damage can easily take out normal puppets fast. The weapon deals bladed damage, so it can be resisted by a stab vest or armor, but outside those cases it’s one of the best melee weapons available.
8Improvised Shotgun
Powerful And Easy To Craft
Since guns are one of the rarer loot types (outside of specific locations like bunkers) inSCUM,guns that can be crafted shouldn’t be ignored. The recipe for the improvised shotgun is shockingly easy to put together, and easily accessible for afresh character.
As players would expect from a shotgun, the damage is solid from close range, but relatively useless at mid to long ranges unless players use slug cartridges.
7SVD Sniper Rifle
Long Range Engagement
The SVD is a popular option for a sniper rifle inSCUM, as it’s relatively obtainable compared to some of the moreadvanced military options. It still kills with headshot, and can be fitted with a variety of attachments and adjustable sights.
It’s semi-automatic, making the weapon much more usable than the bolt-action options, and while it does cost 24,000 to buy, it’s more realistically accessible (and easier to obtain ammo for) than the anti-material sniper.
6Improvised 40mm Grenade Launcher
Fire In The Hole
Explosive weapons like grenade launchers and rocket launchers can be very difficult to obtain inSCUM, so having the improvised grenade launcher as a craftable option can come in very handy. It doesn’t have the easiest recipe, and players will need to be some way into theirbase-building/ crafting loop to realistically make one, but it’s still probably going to be new players' easiest way of guaranteeing an explosive combat option.
5AS-VAL Suppressed Assault Rifle
Close Quarters Combat
This integrally suppressed assault rifle isn’t great for open combat, as the low-velocity bullets have sharp damage drop-off, but it’s one of the best options for players who want tosneak into a large bunkerand take out puppets quietly. At close-quarters, the high fire rate will mow down enemies quickly, without alerting the whole area to a player’s location.
4SDASS 12M Shotgun
High-Powered Shotgun
Shotguns can be great for close-quarters combat if the player doesn’t mind getting loud, and the SDASS 12M is one of the best options. The weapon can be obtained from armory traders and is relatively affordable at 8,000. Unlike the simple improvised shotgun, this weapon can have a suppressor, red dot sight, or flashlight, among a few other attachments.
3M16A4 Assault Rifle
Combat Ready
There are a lot of options forassault rifles inSCUM, but the M16A4 sits in the sweet spot of being relatively common, reliable, and without any compromise on damage. The weapon features a full rail and can take a variety of scope and suppressor attachments, making its effective combat range adjustable. The weapon can be purchased from an armory trader for 11,200.
2Judge 44 Pistol
The Judge
The Judge 44 packs a lot of punch for a handgun, and this six-shot revolver is one of the best sidearms in the game. The Judge can be fitted with a reflex sight or red dot sight for increased accuracy, making it a powerful weapon for mid-range engagement. The weapon can be purchased from an armory trader for a relatively modest 2,400.
1MK18 Carbine Rifle
Accurate And Powerful
Combining accuracy and power, the MK18 Carbine assault rifle excels at both mid-range and extended-range engagements. The weapon can have a variety of scope and suppressor attachments to further customize its effectiveness at different ranges.
It’s a rare find when it comes to looting these weapons, usually limited tobunkers or military bases, but they can be purchased from an armory trader for 12,800.
