Starfield: Ranking the Top 10 Most Powerful Handheld Firearms

In the populated systems of Starfield, there are plenty of adventures, resources, and, of course, danger. An excellent spaceship, trustworthy crew members to enhance your ship's abilities, and fantastic ship weapons to keep enemy vessels at bay make your travels safer. But what about the battles you experience in tight spaces?

Sometimes you might need to board an enemy ship or encounter hostile non-player characters and even alien wildlife on certain planets, and you won't have the massive weapons of your ship to defend yourself. If you have good weapons on you, you won't need the weapons of your ship. Here are some of the best handheld firearms you can own in Starfield.

10 Magshot

The Magshot inflicts an impressive 64 points of damage when it hits a target and can hit targets up to a range of 20 meters, firing at a rate of 25 shots per minute. It has a magazine capacity of six rounds and an accuracy of 62.8 percent.

Despite the lack of special rarity effects, the Magshot is undoubtedly one of the better handheld firearms in the game at its base level. Additionally, it provides six additional slots to upgrade and enhance it as desired. The weapon costs 11,380 credits.

9 Razorback

The Razorback is another futuristic revolver that can inflict 61 physical damage per shot. It has a capacity of six bullets and a fire rate of 12. The weapon can hit targets up to a range of 40 meters and has an accuracy of 67.1 percent.

The Razorback is already destructive enough, but if you want to make it even deadlier, you can utilize the eight available mod slots. Despite all these impressive statistics and upgrade possibilities, the Razorback costs only 5,300 credits, making it both destructive and cost-effective.

8 Sir Livingstone’s Pistol

Compared to some other entries on this list, Sir Livingstone's Pistol is not a particularly impressive weapon. It inflicts 35 points of physical damage to your targets at a range of 25 meters with a fire rate of 67. It only has four mod slots and a magazine capacity of 15 rounds, and it is priced at just 7,612 credits.

However, this pistol is completely different from the other weapons in the game. It doesn't resemble the futuristic weapon design style that the game follows; instead, it is just a plain-looking old Earth pistol. This makes it appear inconspicuous from a player's perspective, but from a role-playing perspective, it gives the impression of owning a unique antique piece. Amidst a selection of advanced and futuristic weapons, a simple .45 caliber pistol stands out. It also has a fancy name.

7 Radburn

The fire rate of 114 shots per minute and the base damage of 15 physical points of the Radburn are already impressive. When you add the magazine capacity of 12 rounds and the accuracy of 67.9 percent, you have an awe-inspiring weapon in your hands. However, the Radburn has a significant drawback due to its limited range of only 20 meters.

However, if you get within range, this weapon will be worth it due to the random radioactive damage it inflicts on your targets. With these advantages and up to six mod slots, you'll be surprised that this weapon only costs you 3,786 credits.

6 Ambassador

The Ambassador pistol inflicts an impressive 53 points of damage per shot, which is even more remarkable considering that the weapon also has a fire rate of 109. This devastating combination of high damage and fire rate will leave most targets decimated by your relentless onslaught.

The Ambassador has eight rounds in each magazine and can hit targets from a distance of up to 28 meters. It boasts an impressive accuracy rate of 77.60 percent and offers seven available mod slots for upgrades.

5 Trickshot

The Trickshot pistol inflicts an impressive 74 points of damage from a distance of up to 30 meters and has a fire rate of 34. The weapon also has a magazine capacity of six rounds and an accuracy of 63.6 percent.

What makes the Trickshot particularly special is that after every four shots, true to its name, the weapon simultaneously fires two projectiles. This weapon has six available mod slots and would cost you 37,554 credits.

4 The Prime

The Prime is an impressive futuristic revolver-like weapon that inflicts 61 points of damage with each hit and has a magazine capacity of six rounds. The weapon has a fire rate of 12 and can hit targets at a distance of up to 48 meters.

The weapon features incredibly powerful projectiles and eight available mod slots. But what truly sets this weapon apart and earns its place on this list is that it randomly inflicts corrosive, radioactive, toxic, and even incendiary damage to your targets. And all of this for just 19,165 credits.

3 Deadeye Pistol

The Deadeye is a legendary futuristic revolver-like handheld firearm that you can obtain in Starfield. This beauty has a magazine with six bullets and inflicts 67 points of damage with each shot. It has a fire rate of 12 and fires incredibly powerful 7.5mm Whitehorse projectiles.

This weapon specializes in physical damage and can hit targets up to a distance of 31 meters. The Deadeye has eight mod slots available for upgrades and customization. Purchasing the Deadeye will cost you 11,130 credits, but it's worth it as it is one of the best handheld firearms in the game and undoubtedly the most aesthetically appealing pistol in Starfield.

2 Keelhauler

The Keelhauler is a legendary beast of a handheld firearm in Starfield that inflicts 64 damage per shot. This weapon boasts impressive statistics such as six mod slots and the ability to hit targets up to a distance of 24 meters. The most impressive aspect of this weapon is its fire rate and its legendary effects.

It can sometimes stagger enemies that have been hit and occasionally deal more damage when you have less armor. The Keelhauler can fire up to 140 shots per minute and has an accuracy rate of 70.10 percent. The Keelhauler is one of the more expensive weapons in the game and would cost you 43,244 credits. However, the overwhelming fire rate makes the investment worthwhile.

1 Va’Ruun Starshard

The Va'Ruun Starshard is more than just a cool name. It is the most devastating handheld firearm in all inhabited systems. This masterfully crafted weapon inflicts both physical and energy damage, capable of dealing 20 physical damage and an incredible 80 energy damage.

The Starshard can hit targets at a distance of up to 30 meters and boasts an impressive accuracy rate of 70.1 percent. It has a magazine size of 12 and a corresponding fire rate. Additionally, the Starshard features seven mod slots and costs 18,250 credits for such a high-quality weapon. The Va'Ruun Starshard is also among the most aesthetically impressive weapons in the game.