Rockstar Games have been adding titles to the Grand Theft Auto series for decades. Their latest game, GTA V, will be turning 10 years old next year along with the ever-popular, GTA Online. With every new release and update comes more vehicles, characters, and of course, weapons, which are expected to improve as the franchise progresses.

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Many video games have authentic weapons and feature similar guns to other shooting games. The GTA series often takes influence from actual weaponry when designing and naming their firearms. Many of these fictional guns are based on real-life counterparts with similarities including appearance, recoil, and damage output all taken into account. Some GTA weapons are considered better due to their damage output while others are valued simply for their entertainment factor.

The Chainsaw Is One Of The Most Iconic Weapons

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Chainsaw

The Chainsaw is a unique weapon and one of the most iconic in the GTA franchise. The psychotic chainsaw is treated as a melee weapon and makes satisfying sound effects when equipped and in use. It lacks range, but it never fails to please players seeking revenge against clumsy NPCs.

The cumbersome weapon is featured in all games from the 3D universe except for Grand Theft Auto Advance and Grand Theft Auto III. Although it deals a brutal amount of damage, players are unable to run fast because of the weight, so chasing down unfortunate victims can get tedious.

The Explosive Shotgun Shoots Explosive Rounds

Explosive Shotgun from GTA IV - The Ballad of Gay Tony

One of the additional weapons in The Ballad of Gay Tony is the Explosive Shotgun. The low recoil automatic weapon looks and feels to be influenced by the AA-12, which is also featured in several games from the Call of Duty franchise. The firearm can be purchased from Armando Torres after playing through the first few missions.

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After completing "High Dive" and 30 Drug Wars, the Shotgun spawns in Luis' apartment. The powerful weapon has crushing damage and a steady consistent rate of fire to keep enemies at bay. With explosive ammunition, the Explosive Shotgun deals detrimental damage to vehicles and often kills on-foot targets with one shot.

The Katana Is Fast And Fierce

Katana from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The Japanese sword is a light melee weapon with a curved blade that inflicts high damage. It is featured in all the GTA games in the 3D universe besides GTA III. The Katana is fast, fierce, and one of the most lethal melee weapons seen in the GTA series.

Because of its long blade, the Katana has a decent range for a handheld weapon. It is a very cool sword and gamers are hoping it will one day make its way to the HD universe and give the knife a run for its money.

The Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher Instantly Destroys Vehicles

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher

The Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher featured in GTA: San Andreas locks on to the nearest moving target available. When a target is locked on, the crosshair will turn red and the next rocket will fly towards the desired vehicle. Any vehicle can be instantly destroyed if the catastrophic shot is successful.

The heavy weapon can also be used without locking onto a target. However, the player is unable to jump or sprint while carrying the weapon. The surface-to-air rocket launcher can be found at certain locations around Los Santos.

The Special Carbine Exceeds Expectations

Special Carbine from Grand Theft Auto V

The Special Carbine is a powerful machine gun featured in GTA V and is immediately available to new players in GTA Online. Although it doesn't have the highest damage output compared to other fully automatic weapons, its additional benefits and characteristics increase the Special Carbine's overall rating.

The Special Carbine has excellent accuracy against enemies at close range and long distances. This makes it easier to get headshots and quickly eliminate hostile opponents. It has a moderate fire rate and is one of the best weapons for damage per second. The Special Carbine is also easy enough to shoot single rounds if players are aiming at distant targets or want to conserve ammo. Even without any attachments, the weapon still exceeds expectations. It can also be improved at a Weapon Workshop.

The Minigun Has A Deadly Fire Rate

Franklin with a Minigun in GTA V

Since making its debut in GTA: Vice City, the Minigun has been featured in every game in the series. In GTA IV and the game's expansion packs, the Minigun is mounted onto the Annihilator and Buzzard helicopters. In other titles, it is possible to pick up the weapon and walk around to wreak havoc on your enemies.

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The recurring rotary machine gun can carry a high number of rounds and inflicts a great deal of damage. The Minigun also has a deadly fire rate at 3000 rounds per minute and is effective against most types of vehicles. Those in possession of this weapon are a force not to be reckoned with.

The AP Pistol Is Considered By Many To Be The Best Drive-By Weapon

AP Pistol stats from GTA V

Pistols are often overlooked in shooting games. In many cases, pistols are semi-automatic and deal low to moderate damage, but the accuracy tends to be high and players can usually carry an impressive amount of ammunition. Some pistols in the GTA series are like this, but the AP Pistol is too badass to ignore.

The AP Pistol is a powerful fully automatic weapon with high penetration. Its versatility factor is through the roof as it is both accurate and convenient. The low recoil weapon has large magazines which have a capacity of 36 rounds after purchasing extended clips. The AP Pistol can also be fired while in a car and is considered by many to be the best drive-by weapon in GTA V and GTA Online.

Sticky Bombs Are Ridiculously Fun

Sticky Bomb from GTA V

Sticky Bombs, first introduced in the GTA IV expansion pack, The Ballad of Gay Tony, provide endless hours of ridiculously fun entertainment. The remote-controlled weapon is based on the real-life explosive, C-4, which appears again in GTA V and GTA Online.

Throwing Sticky Bombs out of the car window at high speeds while aiming at helicopters and other law enforcement vehicles is a great pastime. After planting a series of Sticky Bombs, players can watch and wait from a distance for unsuspecting victims to fall into their trap. This weapon has several uses, all of which can be devastatingly delightful.

Heavy Sniper Mk II in GTA Online

The hardest-hitting sniper rifle in the GTA series is the Heavy Sniper. The long-distance weapon was introduced in GTA V and GTA Online and is a popular choice for those who prefer a stealth approach to armed combat.

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The effective firearm can be upgraded to the Heavy Sniper Mk II variant in a Weapon Workshop. This will increase the damage output and give players additional scope and tint options. When the weapon is armed with explosive rounds, the outcome is extremely devastating against NPCs, players, and vehicles alike.

The Stone Hatchet Is One Of The Most Sought-Out Melee Weapons

Stone Hatchet from GTA V on motorbike

The Stone Hatchet is one of the most sought-out melee weapons in the GTA series. It is exclusive to GTA Online and was added to the game during the After Hours update in 2018 to promote the release of Red Dead Redemption II. The hidden unlockable weapon is available after completing a series of missions.

Once obtained, players can use the rare melee weapon to activate Stone Hatchet Rampage mode after using it to make a kill. This ability refills players' health, reduces damage taken, and improves damage dealt and health regeneration speed. It can also be used while riding motorbikes for some hilarious executions.