REDACTED: Best Early Game Weapons

REDACTED is a roguelike that tightly manages resources, offering players only limited rewards during each run. This constraint can make it challenging to unlock new items and level up, particularly if you’re experimenting with different setups to find what suits your playstyle best.

Unlocking weapons follows a similar pattern. The initial descriptions of weapons lack depth, and the high costs of unlocking them mean that new players will need to complete multiple runs to afford even one weapon. The choice of which weapons to unlock should depend on your preferred damage-dealing methods.

Which Weapon Should You Prioritize in REDACTED?

Players can equip two weapons simultaneously, one melee and one ranged. Selecting the right combination is crucial for achieving longer runs and successful escapes. A variety of options are available, and many can be effective depending on your play style.

Interestingly, one of the most adaptable weapon setups is to start with the default choices: the Baton and the Hand Cannon. The Baton’s charged attacks offer decent range, while its normal attack sequence remains flexible. Meanwhile, the Hand Cannon boasts 14 rounds and a respectable fire rate, making it a solid all-around weapon with impressive damage and accuracy.

Best Short-Range Weapons in REDACTED

For those who prefer to engage enemies up close, the Barman Shankers paired with the Riot Gun should be your first unlocks. The Barman Shankers have a very short range but deliver rapid attacks, along with bonus damage for backstabs.

The Riot Gun acts as a shotgun, dealing moderate damage at a distance and significant damage up close. Though it has only eight shells, the high damage potential at close range makes it a worthy choice.

Best Long-Range Weapons in REDACTED

For players who favor ranged combat, the safest and arguably most effective approach is to attack from a distance. You can unlock two melee weapons suitable for long-range strategies: the Cattle Prod and the Electric Whip. The Cattle Prod is easy to unlock, offers good range, and delivers damage in quick bursts. In contrast, the Electric Whip has an extended range, boasts an excellent area-of-effect attack, and inflicts substantial damage.

However, the Electric Whip has two significant drawbacks: it has a slow attack speed, and it isn’t available right away. You’ll need to unlock three to four other weapons before you can access it. Interestingly, there are no true long-range ranged weapons available early in the game. You can opt for the Hand Cannon, which is a decent choice overall, or the Riot Gun to help cover your weaknesses as a long-range fighter.