A real tier list needs the full game, but based on previews: the pulse pistol (infinite ammo, charged shot) and the Scanner are S-tier essentials, the shotgun and flares are A-tier, and grenades and the explosive charge are situational B-tier picks. Build around the pistol and save shotgun shells for bosses and dangerous enemies.
How this tier list works
Only a handful of weapons were shown before the October 1, 2026 launch, and no stats have been published. This is an early ranking by role, based on how several hands-on previews describe each weapon and tool. It is not built on damage numbers.
Rankings will change as the full arsenal and upgrades become known. This page will be re-ranked after launch.
The tier list
| Tier | Weapon or tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S — core | Pulse pistol | Infinite ammo and a charged shot; every previewer relied on it most |
| S — utility | Scanner | Reveals enemy patterns and weak walls; called the most important part of the demo |
| A — burst damage | Shotgun | High close-range damage and knockback; limited only by ammo and fire rate |
| A — control | Flares | Distract enemies, skip fights and light dark areas |
| B — situational | Grenades | Strong against groups but limited and able to hurt you |
| B — situational | Explosive charge | Mainly opens weak walls; can be set as a trap |
S tier: pulse pistol and Scanner
The pulse pistol earns its place because it never runs out. Its charged shot lets you enter a room ready to fight, as Game Informer's previewer described. Game Informer also said you will mainly use the pistol.
The Scanner is not a weapon, but it shapes every fight. It shows enemy behaviour patterns and tactical data, and MonsterVine called it the most important part of the demo. Knowing an enemy's pattern is worth more than raw damage in a game this hard.
A tier: shotgun and flares
The shotgun hits hardest up close and knocks enemies back, which Xbox Wire said you need for tougher enemies and crowds. It drops below S only because ammo is limited and it fires slowly. GameSpot said every shot has to count.
Flares punch above their weight. Some enemies chase their red light, which lets you line up shots or slip past entirely, as GameSpot did. They also light dark areas where the most dangerous enemies hide.
B tier: grenades and explosive charge
Grenades are useful against groups, with a tap for short throws and a hold for long ones. MonsterVine warned they can damage you, which is a real risk in tight corridors. That keeps them situational.
The explosive charge is primarily a key: it opens weak walls. Game Informer's previewer used it as a remote bomb, so it has trap potential, but its main job is progression.
What to prioritise
- Upgrade the pulse pistol first, because you use it in every fight.
- Keep shotgun shells for bosses and dangerous enemies.
- Craft flares regularly; they are cheap safety.
- Scan new enemies before engaging them.
- Save grenades for groups in open spaces.
Upgrade costs and the full tree are not public. See best upgrades.
Best picks for boss fights
Against the centipede and ooze bosses shown in demos, previewers relied on dodging and punishing openings. A charged pistol shot on approach and shotgun bursts at close range cover most of that. See the boss guide.
Rankings by situation
A single list hides how much the right choice depends on context. Here is how the confirmed tools compare in the situations previewers described.
| Situation | First pick | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| General exploration | Pulse pistol | Flares |
| Crowds | Shotgun | Grenades |
| Bosses | Charged pistol shot | Shotgun bursts |
| Dark basements | Flares | Flashlight and pistol |
| Opening new paths | Explosive charge | Scanner (to find weak walls) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best weapon in End of Abyss?
Based on previews, the pulse pistol, because it has infinite ammo and a charged shot. The shotgun deals more damage but has limited shells.
Will this tier list change?
Yes. More weapons unlock in the full game, and upgrades will change how each one performs.
Are there weapon stats?
No official damage or fire-rate numbers have been published.
This page only uses details from official store pages, developer statements and hands-on press previews. Anything unconfirmed before the October 1, 2026 launch is left out and will be added once verified. Last research pass: September 28, 2026.
Sources
References and further reading for this article.