Most shooter fanatics won’t hold a real gun in their lifetime, but video games like Call of Duty, Left 4 Dead, and Battlefield certainly make that almost a reality. With weapon mechanics, features, and visual representations modeled off real firearms, players can gain a sense of what these guns would feel like to carry, hold, and shoot in a virtual setting. Many video games allow people to customize their loadouts and upgrade their weapons, but there are a few firearms that make it into most players’ arsenals time and time again.
Perhaps it’s because of their range, firepower, light weight, suitability for the task at hand, or just badass status. The choice is often much like real life, where the right weapon can make or break a mission. Curious to know what firearms make the cut as the most popular in the video game world? We’re covering them below.
Desert Eagle
The Desert Eagle is a firearm that’s made its way into pop culture and gaming genres beyond shooters—from movies like The Matrix and TV shows like Miami Vice to survival horror video games like Resident Evil 2 and even a few online slots that those who find the newest sweeps casinos might recognize. The semi-automatic pistol is famous for its distinct appearance and gas-operated system, which allows it to fire magnum rounds from such a compact frame.
Although not the most practical sidearm, this handgun is chosen for its intimidating presence and incredible firepower. It’s a statement piece in the Modern Warfare series, a few Call of Duty: Black Ops games, Counter-Strike, and similar classics. Given its renown, it’s often an unlockable weapon at higher levels. Just like the real model, it often features a heavy recoil, impressive power with every shot, and precision.
AK-47
Even among the general public, the AK-47 is most associated with video games and other forms of media. It is also the most produced and used assault rifle in the world. Designed and produced at the beginning of the Cold War, it became revolutionary in warfare and was depicted frequently in poems, songs, and flags. In video games, the AK-47 is a favorite for its balanced qualities, reflecting its real-world reputation as a firearm that delivers solid accuracy, reliability, fire rate and power, and more. With no traits skewing one way or the other, it’s a great primary weapon in any shooter.
Because of its versatility, the firearm is a great choice for those holding down the fort, aggressively attacking opponents, and delivering a one-shot headshot. It features high damage and moderate recoil, making it effective for almost any scenario. Thanks to its historical significance, it fits seamlessly into games focusing on realistic military combat like Escape from Tarkov, Far Cry 2, and the Arma series.
M4A1
The M4A1 is another firearm known for its balanced statistics. With low recoil, good accuracy, and a perfect combination of moderate fire rate and damage, you can’t go wrong with it. In the real world, it’s an assault rifle used heavily by NATO forces and the US military, giving it a certain prestige and draw. It’s a variant of the M16 rifle, which has also been remarkably popular in video games. While both guns are gas-operated and selective-fire weapons, the M4A1 is more compact, more portable, has greater maneuverability, and can be fitted with a wider range of attachments.
Like the AK-47, the M4A1 is featured in realistic military shooters like Escape from Tarkov, Rainbow Six Siege, Arma, and The Division series. The firearm’s spirit is captured quite accurately, but many aspects are boosted or simplified to make it a jack-of-all-trades weapon.
Submachine Guns (P90, MP5)
Submachine guns are the heavy machine guns’ nimbler sibling; instead of long-range stopping power, high damage output, large magazines, and bulky frames, you enjoy a more agile weapon for tighter maps. Players who don’t need to clear out a horde of zombies from one choke point or lock down a hallway can opt for the SMG instead. SMGs can accommodate the need for fast reflexes, mobility, and effectiveness in close quarters while offering a deadly fire rate.
Two submachine guns in particular are commonly spotlighted in video games: the P90 and the MP5. The P90 is the trigger-happy option, known for its aggressive and flashy fire rate and minimal recoil. Meanwhile, the MP5 is slightly more controlled, with higher damage per shot, and is better at mid-range. These qualities let gamers explore the submachine gun lineup while still benefiting from the class’s signature traits.
Shotguns (Remington 870, Winchester Model 1897)
For those not looking for crazy firepower but a firearm that can do plenty of damage in just one shot, shotguns are the way to go. These weapons are all about getting up close and personal and delivering impactful precision damage. There are various types of shotguns, including pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action, but the two main shotguns that appear in just about every shooter on the market are the Remington 870 and the Winchester Model 1897.
The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun that is versatile, customizable, and has a tough build. Because it’s immensely modifiable with stocks, sights, and other useful accessories, players can tailor it to fit their playstyle. Meanwhile, the Winchester is much more intense, with a high recoil, spread, and damage potential.
With all these realistic portrayals of some of the most popular and widely used guns in the real world, that’s not to say that there aren’t some hybrids or fictional firearms that are just as iconic. These inventions often add fantastical elements and creative mechanics that immerse players deeper into the game.
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