Best Weapons for Beginners in Rivals
The easiest Rivals weapons to learn: free Assault Rifle, Shotgun, Uzi, Knife, and Fists — a zero-to-low Key starter kit.
Best Weapons for Beginners in Rivals
New to Rivals? You do not need Contraband guns to win. The free and cheap weapons carry hard once you learn aim and movement. This guide picks the most beginner-friendly verified weapons and a starter loadout.
Start With the Free Assault Rifle
The Assault Rifle is free, 12 body / 15 crit, 20 mag, and works at every range. It is the single best gun to learn the game on because missing costs you nothing and it covers all distances.
Every new player should read how to play Rivals and spend their first sessions on this gun.
Cheap Secondaries and Melee
The Uzi (20 Keys) and Revolver (25 Keys) are cheap, reliable secondaries. For melee, the Knife (20 Keys) gives a backstab instakill for finishers, while Fists are free and grant a double jump for mobility.
You can build a full kit for under 50 Keys, earned in a session or two from tasks.
A Zero-Fuss Starter Loadout
Assault Rifle + Uzi + Knife + (save for Permafrost later). This kit has range, close defense, and a finisher, with no glaring weakness.
When you have Keys, add a utility like RPG (25 Keys) or work toward Permafrost. The loadout builder guide explains each choice.
Weapons to Avoid Early
Skip the Sniper until your aim is consistent — the 4 mag punishes misses. Skip the Minigun and Flamethrower until you can control spread and position. Skip the Crossbow until you enjoy slow, skill shots.
These are strong but unforgiving; learn the basics first with the rivals aim guide.
Earn Your First Keys
Complete the tasks and contracts the game hands you; they award Keys you spend in the Shop. See how to get keys for the fastest routes, and grab free Keys from codes on the rivals codes page.
Do not buy random guns — save for one weapon that fits your style.
Practice Before Ranked
Use the shooting range and unranked matches to learn recoil, slides, and crosshair placement. The rivals movement guide and crosshair settings guides turn a starter kit into a winning one.
Once you can win with the free Assault Rifle, every pricier gun only adds options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best starter weapon in Rivals?
The free Assault Rifle. It works at every range, has a 20-round mag, and costs zero Keys, making it the safest gun to learn on.
What loadout should a beginner use?
Assault Rifle + Uzi + Knife, then save for a utility like RPG or Permafrost. It covers all ranges with almost no Key cost.
Should beginners use the Sniper?
Not at first. The Sniper has only 4 rounds and punishes misses. Learn aim with the Assault Rifle first, then try the Sniper.
How do beginners get Keys fast?
Complete tasks and contracts for Keys, and redeem free codes from the rivals codes page. See how to get keys for the fastest methods.
More Rivals Wiki Pages
Related Guides
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.
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.