Best Assault Rifles in Fortnite: Tips & Weapons

Fortnite assault rifles are the most versatile weapons in the game. They’re ideal for almost any type of gameplay, as you can use them for long-, mid-, and even close-range combat. They deal significant damage to both players and structures, making them a reliable option in both Zero Build and classic Battle Royale modes. Finally, most of them offer a strong balance of fire rate and accuracy, which is why they remain popular with both new players and professionals.

In our guide, we’ll review all Fortnite assault rifles, their key sub-classes, and the differences between them. Additionally, you’ll discover useful tips that will help you use these guns more efficiently during your matches.

Fortnite Assault Rifles General Info

Regardless of the current Chapter or Season meta, you’ll almost always see an assault rifle (AR) in a recommended layout. Most weapons of this type share common features that make them essential for many players:

1. Balanced range: Although almost any Fortnite assault rifle is designed for mid-range combat, it can still perform effectively at both long and close ranges, making this gun a versatile choice in any situation.
2. Stable accuracy: Nearly all ARs provide reliable precision, allowing players to eliminate enemies quickly and land headshots even at longer distances.
3. Consistent fire rate: While SMGs offer a higher fire rate, assault rifles deal significantly more damage while still applying strong pressure to opponents.
4. Manageable recoil: Most ARs in Fortnite are relatively easy to control, especially if you spend some time learning their recoil patterns.

Unfortunately, many ARs are currently vaulted by Epic Games. So, what can you do if you want to test all weapons in the game and try out the most powerful guns, such as the enhanced Pulse Rifle? Check out how to unlock secret weapons in Fortnite while having fun on popular custom islands.

Fortnite Chapter 7 Assault Rifles

As of Season 2, Chapter 7 included a total of 12 assault rifles (excluding rotated and boss-specific weapons). We’ve divided them into several categories, with detailed descriptions of each type.

Fortnite Automatic Rifles

The ARs in this category maintain a steady fire rate, making them a good option for applying pressure and winning mid-range gunfights. Here are all automatic rifles in Chapter 7 (note that this list may change with the season progress):

AR Name	Icon	When Was Available	Description
Enforcer AR		Chapter 7, Season 1	A fully automatic assault rifle with a slow fire rate but very high damage. Efficient at medium and long ranges.
Tactical Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	An automatic AR with tight spread and low recoil. A solid option for medium- and long-range encounters.
Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	A reliable choice for any loadout, thanks to its strong damage and high fire rate.  It is a Hitscan weapon designed with First-Shot Accuracy.
Nemesis Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 2	A fully automatic assault rifle offering both balanced damage and fire rate. A great all-around gun for any scenario.
Combat Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 2	This AR features First-Shot Accuracy, excellent recoil control, and a fast fire rate. Best used it during mid-range engagements.

Fortnite Burst Rifles

Unlike automatic ARs, these rifles fire quick 2- or 3-round bursts instead of continuous shots. As a result, they typically offer better long-range precision and higher headshot damage. Currently, burst ARs are not part of the Chapter 7 for Season 2 loot pool in traditional Battle Royale or Zero Build modes. However, one burst rifle still appeared in the Reload mode during Season 1:

AR Name	Icon	When Was Available	Description
Striker Burst Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 2	An assault rifle in Fortnite with a 2-round burst, delivering high accuracy and low recoil.

Fortnite Scoped Rifles

Some Fortnite assault rifle weapons come equipped with an optic scope. This feature allows them to compete directly with sniper and marksman rifles. In many cases, these assault rifles in Fortnite can outperform traditional long-range guns due to their higher fire rate and ability to pressure enemies. You can discover all scoped ARs from Chapter 7 seasons in the table below:

AR Name	Icon	When Was Available	Description
Deadeye Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	During Season 1 in Chapter 7, many players considered it to be the best assault rifle in Fortnite. This gun features unique recoil, moderate fire rate, and increased headshot damage, making it highly effective at medium and long ranges.
MK-Seven Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	A fully automatic rifle equipped with a scoped Red Dot Sight. The gun offers high accuracy and a fast fire rate, though its recoil requires good control. Also, this AR is a Hitscan weapon and features First-Shot Accuracy.

Fortnite Unique Assault Rifles

Some ARs are designed with special mechanics that provide players unique advantages in different in-game situations. Here are all the standout options from Chapter 7:

AR Name	Icon	When Was Available	Description
Lock On Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	A unique AR with an automatic targeting system. An exceptionally powerful option for dynamic mid- and close-range fights.
Suppressed Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	A fully automatic AR designed for stealth. It performs well at medium and long ranges, and its  suppressed fire prevents enemies from hearing shots or seeing them on the compass.

Fortnite Morphite Assault Rifles

Morphite assault rifles evolve as you deal damage. Once a certain threshold is reached, reloading upgrades the weapon to the next rarity tier. In Chapter 7 Season 2, these weapons are available only in Fortnite: Reload mode, and you can get acquainted with them in the table below:

AR Name	Icon	When Was Available	Description
Morphite Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	A morphite version of the standard Assault Rifle. It can upgrade to the Legendary rarity after reaching damage thresholds.
Morphite Heavy Assault Rifle		Chapter 7, Season 1	A slow fire rate makes this gun a poor option for close-range combat. However, it performs decently at medium and long ranges due to its high damage and accuracy.

Other Types of Assault Rifles in Fortnite

Since Chapter 7 is in its early stages, it’s likely that more AR variants will be introduced in upcoming seasons. Developers may also bring back vaulted weapons during special events. While it’s hard to predict exactly which guns will return, they will likely fall into one of the following categories:

1. Pulse Rifles: These ARs are fully automatic when hip-fired. However, they deliver slower but more precise shots when aimed down sights.
2. Sideways Rifles: These weapons heat up during use, increasing their damage output.
3. Blasters and Energy Rifles: Most of these ARs are inspired by sci-fi themes like Star Wars or Tony Stark technology, offering solid accuracy and damage but slower fire rates.
4. Machine guns: Although these aren’t traditional ARs, they’re still closely related to the main assault weapons. They feature high damage, extremely fast fire rates, and large magazines, though accuracy leaves much to be desired.

Fortnite Assault Rifle Tips

Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your assault gun:

1. Consider range: Remember that hip-fire is the best option in close-range gunfights. When it comes to medium and long distances, you should tap the fire button in short bursts to maintain better accuracy.
2. Always carry SMG, pistol, or shotgun: Although most ARs perform well in different scenarios, it’s still a good idea to carry a gun specifically designed for close-range combat.
3. Use Sniper Rifle + AR combo: At long range, start with a sniper rifle first to break the enemy’s shield and deal significant damage. Then, immediately switch to your AR to secure the elimination with sustained fire.

Conclusion

All assault rifles in Fortnite offer an excellent balance between damage, accuracy, attack range, and fire rate. They are must-have weapons in any loadout, and if you want to keep winning matches and stay competitive, you should master at least one assault rifle in the current season. Additionally, if you want to improve your gameplay, don’t forget to check out the best building tips in Fortnite!

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