Assault Rifle Guide (Rivals)
The free Rivals Assault Rifle: 12 body / 15 crit, 20 mag, why it is the best starter and how to use it at every rank.
Assault Rifle Guide (Rivals)
The Assault Rifle is the free starter primary in Rivals: 12 damage body / 15 crit, with a 20-round mag. It is the most balanced gun in the game and the reason new players can compete immediately. This guide covers why it stays relevant at every rank.
Stats and Why They Matter
Twelve body and 15 crit damage is modest per shot, but the 20-round mag and free cost make the Assault Rifle the safest primary to learn on. You can miss, reposition, and keep firing without spending a single Key.
At higher ranks the raw numbers fall behind Contraband guns, but the Assault Rifle's versatility keeps it in B Tier for most players.
Best Roles for the Assault Rifle
The Assault Rifle works at close, mid, and even long range if you control bursts. It is the default for learning the rivals aim guide and for the best weapons for beginners shortlist.
Because it covers every range, it pairs with any secondary and any melee, which is why so many kits start here.
Building an Assault Rifle Loadout
A standard kit: Assault Rifle primary, Uzi or Revolver secondary, Knife or Katana melee, Permafrost or RPG utility. That is a balanced four slots with no glaring weakness — exactly what the best-loadout tier list recommends for new players.
As you earn Keys, swap the primary for a Sniper or Minigun without changing the rest of the kit.
Maps for the Assault Rifle
Strong on every map because of its range coverage. Best on Construction and Crossroads where mid-range fights are common; still fine on Onyx if you play corners.
See the rivals maps tier list for map-by-map notes, but the Assault Rifle is never a bad pick.
Assault Rifle Aim Tips
Burst at range, spray up close, and pre-aim corners. The 20-round mag forgives missed shots, so focus on crosshair placement from the rivals crosshair settings guide.
Once your accuracy is solid, the Assault Rifle can out-trade pricier guns purely on consistency.
When to Upgrade
Move to the Sniper if you love range, the Minigun if you love holding angles, or the Shotgun if you rush. The Assault Rifle is your baseline — upgrade only when a specific style clicks.
The rivals-update-22 guide will note any balance changes that affect the Assault Rifle when Update 22 ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much damage does the Rivals Assault Rifle do?
The Assault Rifle deals 12 damage to the body and 15 crit, with a 20-round mag. It is free and the best all-rounder in the game.
Is the Assault Rifle good for ranked?
Yes. Its range coverage and zero cost make it a safe ranked pick, especially while you learn aim and movement.
What should I upgrade to from the Assault Rifle?
The Sniper for range, Minigun for angle control, or Shotgun for rushing — depending on your style. See the weapon tier list for the full ranking.
Does the Assault Rifle cost Keys?
No. The Assault Rifle is free, which is why it is the recommended starter in our how to play Rivals guide.
More Rivals Wiki Pages
Related Guides
Best Loadout Tier List in Rivals
Full 4-slot Rivals loadouts ranked S–D for 1v1, 2v2, and 5v5, built only from verified weapons.
Best Melee Weapons in Rivals (Ranked)
Rivals melee weapons ranked: Knife, Katana, Gunblade, Daggers, Scythe, and Fists — verified costs, backstab, and hitscan deflection.
Best Primary Weapons in Rivals (Tier List + Stats)
Ranked primary weapons in Rivals: Assault Rifle, Sniper, Shotgun, Burst Rifle, Minigun, Bow, RPG, and more, with verified costs and roles.
Best Secondary Weapons in Rivals (Ranked)
Rivals secondary weapons ranked: Uzi, Energy Pistols, Revolver, and Slingshot — roles, costs, and which primary they pair with.