Choosing the right weapons in GTA 5 can make all the difference, whether you're taking on heists, defending turf, or just surviving chaos in Los Santos. With so many firearms, explosives, and melee options available, it’s easy to waste GTA 5 money on overpriced gear that doesn’t offer much in return. Based on in-game experience and hours of loadout testing, here are 24 weapons that strike the perfect balance between performance and value—perfect for players who want to gear up smart without breaking the bank.

  1. AP Pistol
    A powerful sidearm with a full-auto rate of fire, perfect for drive-bys and close-quarters combat.

  2. Assault Shotgun
    High damage and rate of fire make this a go-to for clearing rooms or close combat.

  3. Carbine Rifle
    Accurate, versatile, and reliable. Ideal for missions, police fights, and free roam encounters.

  4. Special Carbine
    Similar to the Carbine Rifle but with better handling and slightly higher damage output.

  5. Micro SMG
    A lightweight, fast-firing option ideal for vehicles and quick firefights.

  6. Heavy Sniper
    For long-range engagements, this rifle offers massive damage per shot and is useful in both PvE and PvP.

  7. Combat MG
    A heavy-duty machine gun that balances damage and stability better than most weapons in its class.

  8. Bullpup Rifle
    Offers a good mix of power and accuracy while being more affordable than high-end rifles.

  9. Pump Shotgun Mk II
    Upgraded with customization options, this shotgun delivers devastating power without costing a fortune.

  10. Marksman Rifle
    A semi-auto sniper with fast fire rate—great for mid- to long-range battles on a budget.

  11. Sticky Bombs
    Highly effective and versatile for traps, vehicle takeouts, and strategic plays.

  12. Molotov Cocktails
    Cheap but destructive, especially against groups or vehicles.

  13. Combat Pistol
    One of the better pistols for general use with solid accuracy and stopping power.

  14. Grenade Launcher
    Good for crowd control and disabling vehicles quickly without spending too much GTA 5 money.

  15. Knuckle Dusters
    A fun and brutal melee option that adds flavor to your street fights.

  16. Tear Gas
    Underrated for crowd control, especially in tight interiors during missions.

  17. Double Barrel Shotgun
    Powerful and compact, perfect for close-range ambushes or roleplay-heavy sessions.

  18. Vintage Pistol
    Stylish and surprisingly effective, with a low price tag and respectable performance.

  19. Flare Gun
    Not just for fun—it can ignite enemies and cause chain reactions in tight spaces.

  20. Nightstick
    A free weapon from police stations, useful for stealth and non-lethal takedowns.

  21. Compact Rifle
    Affordable and solid for players just starting out or working with a limited loadout.

  22. Sawed-Off Shotgun
    A basic but deadly secondary weapon that gets the job done in close-quarters combat.

  23. Tactical SMG (MP9)
    Fast fire rate and good control make it a valuable investment for mobile players.

  24. Railgun (for PS5 users)
    If you’re playing on the enhanced edition, the Railgun is expensive but uniquely powerful. For those who buy GTA 5 money PS5 players especially may find it worth the high price.

When you’re managing your budget in GTA Online, smart weapon choices matter. While it might be tempting to buy GTA 5 money to speed things up, the truth is you can dominate Los Santos by spending wisely and using proven loadouts. Communities like U4N are great places to stay updated on what’s worth your time and what isn’t. With these 24 weapons, you’ll be ready for anything without draining your virtual wallet.