GTA 6 Best Early-Game Weapons: What to Prioritize

With GTA 6's new carry-limit system replacing the old infinite arsenal, choosing the right early-game weapons matters more than it ever has in the series. Here's a breakdown of the confirmed weapon categories and which types are likely to serve players best in the opening hours.

The Confirmed Arsenal So Far

Official trailers and promotional material have already revealed more than 30 weapons spanning pistols, assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, launchers, melee weapons, and throwables, described by outlets covering the reveal as the most advanced and realistic weapon system in the franchise's history.

Why Handguns Matter Early On

Handguns remain one of the most versatile weapon categories confirmed for GTA 6, valued for being quick to draw, easy to conceal, and ideal for missions requiring fast mobility and quick escapes rather than sustained firefights. Given the new carry-limit system that only allows one holstered handgun at a time, choosing a reliable sidearm early on matters more than it did when GTA 5 let players carry every handgun simultaneously.

Notable Personalized Pistols From Pre-Order Bonuses

Two specific handguns have been confirmed with personalized variants tied to the Ultimate Edition pre-order bonus: the Girardi ES9 comes with a Jason-personalized variant, while the Klose K17 includes a Lucia-personalized variant, giving Ultimate Edition players a distinctive early option beyond the base weapon roster.

Why Assault Rifles Are the Early-Game Workhorse

Assault rifles have been described as balancing range, damage, and magazine capacity better than any other weapon category in the game, making them the most reliably strong all-purpose choice for players still learning GTA 6's combat systems. Given the carry limit allows up to two long guns at once, pairing an assault rifle with a complementary second weapon, like a shotgun for close quarters, is likely to cover most early-game combat scenarios effectively.

Shotguns for Indoor and Close-Quarters Combat

GTA 6 includes powerful shotguns specifically suited to close-quarters combat, useful during indoor fights and high-intensity missions where enemies close distance quickly. Given the game's dramatically expanded interior count, shotguns may see more practical early-game use than they did in GTA 5's more exterior-focused combat encounters.

Remember the New Storage Rules

Since players can no longer carry an infinite arsenal, heavier weapons not currently equipped should be stored in a vehicle's trunk before entering interiors, meaning early-game loadout planning now requires thinking ahead about which car you're driving into a mission rather than assuming universal access to every weapon at all times.

Melee and Throwable Options Shouldn't Be Overlooked

While ranged weapons tend to dominate early-game planning discussions, confirmed melee weapons and throwables offer situational advantages that don't count against the carry limit in the same way firearms do. Using melee options for stealth-oriented encounters or throwables for crowd-control situations can help conserve ammunition for confirmed firearms while adapting to GTA 6's more reactive NPC AI systems, which reportedly respond differently depending on the type of threat presented rather than treating all violence identically.

Key Takeaways

• More than 30 weapons have been confirmed so far, spanning handguns, rifles, shotguns, and throwables.
• Handguns are recommended early on for mobility and quick escapes, especially given the new one-sidearm carry limit.
• Assault rifles are described as the most balanced all-purpose weapon category for general combat situations.
• Shotguns are well-suited to the game's expanded interior count and close-quarters combat scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many weapons are confirmed for GTA 6 so far?

More than 30 weapons have been confirmed across trailers and promotional material, spanning multiple categories including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and throwables.

What handguns come with personalized Ultimate Edition variants?

The Girardi ES9 includes a Jason-personalized variant, and the Klose K17 includes a Lucia-personalized variant, both tied to Ultimate Edition pre-orders.

Can I still carry every weapon at once like in GTA 5?

No, GTA 6 limits players to two long guns and one holstered handgun at a time, with additional weapons stored in vehicle trunks.