Although Back 4 Blood's core gameplay feels very similar to the Left 4 Dead series, developers did a good job in adding in details and special abilities to give the game more depth. Choosing the right Cleaner abilities or cards is vital to surviving the hardest difficulties found in the replayable campaign, and players will need to get a good grip on team composition and "builds" if they want to truly excel.
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This is especially true for weapons, as they come packed with an array of available upgrades scattered throughout each level. Each firearm has its own ups-and-downs but some guns stand out among the pack when it comes to firepower, range, damage, and overall usefulness at higher difficulty levels. Here's a look at some of the best weapons in Back 4 Blood in terms of stats and useability.
M249 Light Machine Gun
Although there are only two LMGs currently available in Back 4 Blood, one of them is a bit better than the other. The M249 has impressive stats in both Firepower and Range but it truly shines with its massive 80 round clip size. Thanks to the array of hazards and horde-calling Ridden present in Back 4 Blood, players will find themselves fighting through waves of zombies often. Those that can keep their cool with this LMG's recoil and resist the urge to go full "Rambo Mode" will find themselves downing towns of infected without reloading nearly as often.
M16 Assault Rifle
There are a small handful of assault rifles to choose from in Back 4 Blood, with the AK47 packing the biggest punch in terms of firepower. But those that are looking for a better gun overall, specifically at higher difficulties, should opt for the M16. Standing as the only current assault rifle with a 3-round-burst firing method, The M16 has slightly less firepower but makes up for it with a much-increased accuracy compared to the other automatic rifles available. The 3-round-burst will help keep recoil at a minimum, and with the appropriate upgrades, this weapon becomes an absolute laser, making it perfect for hitting headshots at mid-to-long-range.
Ranch Rifle Semi-Automatic
Currently, there is only one semi-automatic long-rifle available in Back 4 Blood. The Ranch Rifle is classified as an Assault Rifle and it sits somewhere between a fully automatic weapon and a sniper rifle, boasting less firepower than its long-range counterparts but with a higher rate of fire, increased mobility, and a larger clip size. It's semi-automatic nature means players will be pulling the trigger for each shot, but the effort is rewarded with increased accuracy and the best firepower of any "assault rifle" currently available. With the right upgrades, the Ranch Rifle is one of the best weapons on the slate for headshot-happy Cleaners.
AA12 Shotgun
A shotgun can be incredibly powerful in Back 4 Blood since it's inevitable that players will be thrown into close-quarters combat from time to time. Some areas in the campaign feel downright claustrophobic and a summoned horde can quickly overwhelm Cleaners in tight spaces. The clearing power of the shotgun is matched only by melee weapons at close range, making it a valuable tool during certain levels and events. Although the other shotguns available have better firepower and range than the AA12, they have to be reloaded one shell at a time. The AA12's superior drum magazine helps players reload faster so they can clear out enemies quickly.
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Barret M95 Sniper Rifle
Those that are looking to dish out as much power as possible at a long range will definitely want to get their hands on a Barret M95 Sniper Rifle. It features the highest firepower of any weapon currently in the game and its superior range means Cleaners can clear out hordes of the undead without having to be anywhere near their gnashing teeth. Paired with a character like Jim (who receives a stacking damage buff so long as he doesn't take damage himself), the Barret M95 can make quick work of special infected and bosses.
UMP45 Submachine Gun
It's important to keep moving in Back 4 Blood, as it's easy to be overrun by the horde or forced into corners by special Ridden. Those that are looking for a faster, run-and-gun combat style but prefer more range than the close-quarters shotgun can snag the UMP45 Submachine Gun. This fast-firing, powerful weapon offers increased mobility and is incredibly accurate thanks to its low recoil. The only downside is its low clip size, which has players reloading often. Paired with a fast-mag upgrade, the UMP45 has great firepower, solid range, and will allow Cleaners to keep their feet moving during horde attacks.
Desert Eagle Sidearm
There are an abundance of sidearm choices in Back 4 Blood, and it's always good for Cleaners to pick a sidearm that helps cover up some of the weaknesses of their main weapon choice. That said, it's hard to ignore the Desert Eagle thanks to its impressive Firepower. It's a little wonky to control, but those that can get used to its increased recoil (and keep themselves from firing too quickly to better control it), will be rewarded with a powerhouse that's capable of tearing through infected. It's a great weapon for players that favor swapping weapons often over reloading.
Hatchet Melee Weapon
There are only four different melee weapons currently present in Back 4 Blood and each of them uses a different "attack pattern." In terms of all-around-best choice, the Hatchet stands out among the pack. It has less firepower than its large counterpart, the Fire Axe, but offers increased mobility, uses less stamina per swing, and still packs a pretty big punch. It uses an overhead swing to attack enemies, making it perfect for "melee headshots." Players that can get in a rhythm with the Hatchet and quickly clear out groups of Ridden without the need for ammo.
Back 4 Blood is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.