What is the Top Weapon in PAYDAY 2?
Payday 2, the highly acclaimed cooperative first-person shooter, offers a diverse selection of weapons to enhance player gameplay. Among them, one stands out from the rest – the Union 5.56 assault rifle. In this article, we’ll explore what makes it the top weapon in PAYDAY 2, examining its performance, balance, and popularity.
Why is the Union 5.56 considered the best?
Developers Starbreeze and OVERKILL have made deliberate design choices to ensure that certain weapons excel in particular playstyles. The Union 5.56 benefits from an optimal combination of firing rate, damage per round, and magazine size.
- Firing rate: The Union 5.56 boasts an excellent firing rate, second only to the SMGs and full-auto weapons in PAYDAY 2.
- Damage per round: It deals 60% more damage compared to the standard-issue SC-2000 rifle.
- Magazine size: The Union 5.56 has a whopping 60-round magazine, significantly longer than most standard rifle magazines.
Playstyles that benefit from the Union 5.56
- Pinned-down positions: This rifle’s high firing rate makes it ideal for defensive strategies, where players camp out and pick off foes while remaining stationary.
- Fast-paced aggression: With its moderate magazine size, the Union 5.56 excels when played aggressively, particularly when used in combination with shields or armor.
- Support and clearing roles: Its moderate to long-range capabilities and balanced recoil make it an effective supporting weapon for clearing tight areas and taking out enemy hostiles.
How do the top 5 best weapons in PAYDAY 2 rank?
Let’s compare the Union 5.56 to some other top-performing weapons:
| Weapon | RPM (rounds per minute) | Damage per Round | Magazine Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union 5.56 | 900-1100 | 50% higher than base rifles | 60-round magazine |
| Buzzsaw | 1000-1300 | Slightly higher than Union | 40-round magazine |
| Judge | 650-800 | Lower RPM but high damage | 18-round magazine |
| China Puff | 350-450 | Excellent suppression fire | 36-round magazine |
| AR-F 5.56 | 700-800 | Good balance, suitable for various playstyles | 40-round magazine |
Keep in mind that balance updates can affect weapon rankings; these figures are relative and may change over time.
Conclusion
While opinion on the best PAYDAY 2 weapon often sways with player experiences, the Union 5.56’s combination of attributes solidifies its status as the top weapon. It offers a balance between rapid-fire capabilities, damage per round, and magazine size that few other weapons match.
For those looking for versatility and effectiveness, it is the go-to rifle choice in PAYDAY 2. Whether used to shred foes in fast-paced confrontations or pin enemies down in defensive situations, the Union 5.56 remains an excellent choice for players of all skill levels.