10 Best Starfield Weapons & Where to Find Them

TL;DR

  • Acquire the Ashta Tamer grenade launcher early via the ‘Empty Nest’ quest for explosive area control
  • Experiment A-7 shotgun requires persuasion in ‘Entangled’ but delivers unmatched close-range damage
  • Sir Livingstone’s Pistol provides exceptional early-game power if you select the ‘Kid Stuff’ trait
  • Balance your loadout with complementary weapons covering different engagement ranges
  • Leverage weapon-specific mods and perks to maximize each firearm’s combat effectiveness

While Starfield’s expansive universe offers incredible exploration opportunities, its combat mechanics provide equally engaging gameplay that demands strategic weapon selection. Success in hostile encounters across settled systems requires more than basic firearms—it necessitates understanding each weapon’s unique strengths, acquisition methods, and optimal combat applications. This comprehensive guide examines the game’s most powerful armaments, detailing precise locations, tactical advantages, and advanced usage techniques that will transform your spacefaring combat effectiveness.

Through extensive field testing and analysis of damage outputs, we’ve identified the definitive weapon collection that delivers maximum performance across various combat scenarios. From explosive area denial tools to precision marksmanship weapons, each entry represents a game-changing addition to your arsenal.

Weapon Type: Rare Heavy Grenade Launcher
Ammo Used: 40MM XPL
Where to get: Found in a crate during the “Empty Nest” quest

The Ashta Tamer represents your earliest access to explosive superiority, obtainable during the “Empty Nest” storyline. This grenade dispersion system unleashes devastating area damage that excels against clustered enemies and defensive positions. Its wide blast radius makes it particularly effective in corridor combat and against groups of hostile creatures.

Strategic deployment requires understanding its limitations: the standard six-round capacity demands careful shot placement. Advanced users should prioritize targeting choke points and enemy spawn locations rather than individual targets. For maximum effectiveness, pair this launcher with a high-rate-of-fire secondary weapon to handle isolated threats between reloads.

Starfield Ashta Tamer Weapons

Pro Tip: The Ashta Tamer’s multiple variants offer different tactical advantages—seek versions with expanded magazines or incendiary effects for enhanced versatility.

Weapon Type: Rare Shotgun
Ammo Used: 15×25 CLL Shell
Where to get: Found by persuading a guard during the “Entangled” quest

The Experiment A-7 stands as arguably the most devastating close-range instrument available, though acquisition requires successful persuasion of security personnel during the “Entangled” mission. This experimental shotgun delivers catastrophic damage per shot, capable of eliminating most human and alien threats with a single well-placed blast. Its design prioritizes raw stopping power over ammunition capacity.

Effective employment demands aggressive positioning—close the distance rapidly while utilizing cover for approach. The weapon’s damage falloff becomes significant beyond 15 meters, making movement and positioning critical skills for users. Consider investing in combat mobility perks and jetpack enhancements to maximize its potential.

Experiment A-7 Shotgun Starfield

Common Mistake: Many players underestimate the weapon’s effective range limitations and attempt engagements from mid-distance, resulting in significantly reduced damage output.

Weapon Type: Pistol
Ammo Used: .45 Caliber
Where to get: Gifted by your parents if you have the “Kid Stuff” trait

Sir Livingstone’s Pistol represents one of Starfield’s most intriguing conditional acquisitions, available exclusively to characters who select the “Kid Stuff” trait during creation. This historically significant sidearm defies its antique appearance through exceptional craftsmanship and premium modifications.

The weapon arrives pre-equipped with combat-optimized attachments including tactical grip stabilization, armor-piercing ammunition, and an enhanced firing mechanism. These integrated upgrades transform what appears to be a ceremonial weapon into a genuinely formidable early-game sidearm that remains relevant throughout your journey.

Sir livingstone's pistol starfield

Trait Strategy: The “Kid Stuff” trait requires ongoing financial contributions to your parents but provides multiple gameplay benefits beyond this weapon alone.

For players seeking comprehensive character development guidance, our Class Guide offers detailed analysis of trait selection impacts.

Weapon Type: Pistol
Ammo Used: .43 MI
Where to get: Complete the “First Contact” mission

The Deadeye pistol embodies the space western aesthetic while delivering exceptional performance for precision-oriented combatants. Its balanced design offers manageable recoil, rapid sight acquisition, and substantial damage per shot that makes it ideal for methodical engagements.

This revolver-style firearm excels in situations requiring accurate shot placement rather than volume of fire. Its moderate rate of fire encourages deliberate aiming rather than spam firing, rewarding players with strong marksmanship skills.

Deadeye pistol

Optimization Tip: Pair the Deadeye with a long-range rifle to create a versatile loadout covering multiple engagement distances effectively.

Weapon Type: Rifle
Ammo Used: 7.77mm
Where to get: Various vendors and loot locations

The Beowulf assault rifle stands as one of Starfield’s most adaptable firearms, capable of handling engagements from close quarters to medium distance. Its balanced statistics make it an excellent primary weapon for players who prefer a single versatile tool rather than specialized alternatives.

This weapon’s moderate recoil and accuracy make it suitable for both aimed shots and controlled automatic fire, adapting to evolving combat situations seamlessly.

BeoWulf Starfield

For comprehensive weapon analysis and acquisition methods, consult our detailed Weapons Unlock guide covering all firearm categories.

Building an effective weapon portfolio requires understanding how different firearms complement each other in various combat scenarios. A balanced approach typically includes one primary weapon for medium-range engagements, a secondary for specialized situations, and potentially a third for utility purposes.

Optimal Pairing Strategy: Combine the Ashta Tamer grenade launcher with a precision rifle like the Beowulf to handle both area denial and pinpoint accuracy requirements.

Advanced players should consider their preferred combat style when selecting weapons. Aggressive players benefit from shotguns and automatic weapons, while tactical players excel with precision rifles and specialized tools.

Skill Synchronization: Your weapon choices should align with your invested combat skills. Shotgun certification dramatically enhances the Experiment A-7’s effectiveness, while pistol training maximizes weapons like Sir Livingstone’s Pistol and Deadeye.

For those planning their overall gameplay approach, our Complete Guide provides comprehensive strategic frameworks.

Ammunition Management: Diversify your weapon types to utilize different ammunition calibers, preventing situations where you exhaust a single ammunition type during extended engagements.

Action Checklist

  • Complete ‘Empty Nest’ quest to acquire Ashta Tamer grenade launcher
  • Invest in persuasion skills before attempting ‘Entangled’ quest for Experiment A-7
  • Select ‘Kid Stuff’ trait during character creation to unlock Sir Livingstone’s Pistol
  • Balance your loadout with complementary weapons covering different engagement ranges
  • Experiment with weapon mods and perk combinations to maximize each firearm’s potential
  • Practice movement and positioning techniques for close-quarters weapons like shotguns

No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » 10 Best Starfield Weapons & Where to Find Them Essential Starfield weapon locations and combat strategies for dominating space encounters