Best Video Game Weapons in 2023

Now that we're halfway through 2023 and have already seen the release of numerous fantastic video games, it's time to compile our list of the best video game weapons. From Wands and Lightsabers to Rocket Launchers and devastating melee weapons, anything capable of dispatching enemies is eligible for this list. That being said, this list is still subject to change with the new batch of games set to release in the second half of the year. Nonetheless, let's see how things shake down with the best video game weapons from the titles that have been released so far in 2023.

8. Fat Boy – Atomic Heart

Atomic Heart had a short run at the beginning of the year, offering up a somewhat new experience to players. However, in terms of raw firepower, most of the guns are the conventional ones we expect in an action/adventure title of its nature. Nonetheless, Atomic Heart still has one of the best video game weapons this year with the Fat Boy rocket launcher. Although we've all had our fair share of experience with rocket launchers by now, Atomic Heart reminds us exactly how much destructive fun we can have with them.

7. Savage Lynel Bow – Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom gave us an amazing sequel. In fact, it's probably in the top three runnings for the game of the year right now. Although it's hard not to be a little biased, Link and any of his magnificent bows are easily among the best video game weapons in 2023. They may not be extremely cool in any fashion or play absurdly new to anything else we've experienced, but it's a staple for Link. Plus, watching his elite bowman skills go to work in battle is a sight that many gamers just have to see.

6. Bladed Wagasa – Wild Hearts

Being a monster hunter, Wild Hearts had the opportunity to include some pretty bizarre weapons. After all, our solid steel will hardly be enough to bring down the monstrous creatures present in this game. Wild Hearts did deliver us some really cool weapons with the Karakuri equipment. However, sometimes it's more fun to just get our hands dirty with the game's unique weapons. And one that stood out far from the crowd was the Bladed Wagasa.

Essentially, this is a monster-slaying umbrella that has our back in fights and if a random downpour happens. Jokes aside, the Bladed Wagasa is not only a fantastically designed weapon, but it's also a lot of fun to wield. It's given us many exciting fights this year, which is why it's on this list of the best video game weapons of 2023.

5. Plasma Beam – Metroid Prime Remaster

The Metroid Prime Remaster gave us the amazing opportunity to step into the suit of Samus one last time. And, of course, we couldn't help but fall in love with many types of firing modes from the character's iconic arm blaster. From shooting missiles and beams of ice and power, the weapon and its variants are tirelessly fun to use. In fact, we'd name Samus's arm blaster one of the top ten video game weapons of all time. Nonetheless, the Plasma Beam stood out among the other types in terms of the visual light show and sheer fun to use.

4. Plasma Cutter – Dead Space Remake

When the original Dead Space was released back in 2008, it featured some of the most innovative weapons of its time. Although there were few of them, each concept was unique, well thought out, and fun to use. That's why we couldn't wait to get our licks in with them one last time in the remaster. That being said, there was one weapon in particular that every fan of the game was waiting to use before the others, and that's the Plasma Cutter.

Able to shoot three lines of plasma vertically or horizontally that will slice Necromorphs ligaments clean off, the gun is tirelessly fun to use. And in our minds, it easily earns its spot on this list of the best video game weapons in 2023.

3. Wand – Hogwarts Legacy

Most people associate “weapons” with a gun or a sword. However, thanks to the release of Hogwarts Legacy, we'll gladly consider the powerful wands of the Wizards and Witches a contender on this list. Not only are they extremely fun to use and offer up a pretty spectacular light show, but their best feature is how versatile they are. A wand can offer you more than any other weapon on this list. And, if we personally had to pick one to go home with, this would be it.

2. Lightsaber – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Okay, we take it back, maybe we'll go with a Lightsaber from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It's no secret that they are one of the best weapons in the entire universe. What's more, there are so many ways you can design your lightsaber in Jedi: Survivor. So, all in all, we easily consider a personalized lightsaber one of the best video game weapons this year.

1. Emma's Wrath – Dead Island 2

The long-awaited Dead Island 2 arrived this year and was delivered with another roster of crazy zombie-slaying weapons. Despite the numerous cool options at our disposal, no one was more adept than Emma's Wraith. A blunt hammer that also doubles as a shotgun – who thinks of this stuff? Safe to say, if there is any weapon we'd want in the case of a zombie apocalypse, this would be it. As a result, it slides into the number one spot of the best video game weapons of 2023.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our picks? Are there other video game weapons you think are the best?  Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!