Weapons ranked by how fast they clear islands. The Shotgun and Brass Knuckles lead — community-verified: a cheap early money trick beats grinding for an expensive gun.
S
S Tier · Core
The main carry through the campaign
Brass Knuckles Brass Knuckles
Melee bruiser
Best damage-per-cost in the starter kit. Community-verified early trick: buy Brass Knuckles ($58), upgrade once, then a Beer ($12), and 360° trick-kill every creature for double reward — skip other starter weapons and save for the shotgun.
Pairs with: money trick
Shotgun Shotgun
Burst damage
Most versatile against piranhas and mid-game bosses. Community consensus: strongest. Keep upgrading it — it carries you through the piranha island and the pufferfish fight.
Pairs with: piranha / mid bosses
A
A Tier · Strong
Great in specific phases
Knife Knife
Melee reaper
Cheap, fast melee reaper, great for early fish. The most worth-it opening weapon. Get close while the crab is stunned and land 4-6 hits, then back off — the stun lets you finish clean.
Pairs with: early crabs
Dynamite Dynamite
Area damage
Essential for clearing piranha swarms. Toss into the school for a one-shot clear, then eat grilled fish to heal mid-fight.
Pairs with: swarms / final island
B
B Tier · Situational
Usable, but not required
Pistol Pistol
Kiting
Moderate range, can pull mobs from shore. Reliable early ranged damage, but weak on later islands. Safe to skip if you're rushing the shotgun.
Pairs with: shore kiting
SMG SMG
Suppression
Fast fire rate good for small fish, but heavy recoil. Players report big recoil — fine for chipping, but lower burst than the shotgun. Situational.
Pairs with: small fish
🎯
Main route: Buy the Knife, go straight for the Shotgun. Open with the Knife to clear early crabs, then use the Brass Knuckles + Beer trick to make money fast. Skip the pistol entirely and make the upgraded Shotgun your main damage — it carries you through the piranha island and the pufferfish fight. Save dynamite for swarms and the final island.
Want to see each weapon in action? Back to the Beginner Guide for the full flow.