Dead Island 2: Best Ranged Weapons

If you have the best ranged weapons in Dead Island 2, then you no longer have to worry about the undead horde getting too close for comfort. With deadly firepower and amazing perks, you’ll lay waste to hostiles in short order. We pick the best ranged weapons in DI2 below.

For this list, we look at some unique legendary weapons, as well as certain firearm types that perform better than the rest. Bear in mind that this is based on our experience while playing, so you might have your own favorites while you’re progressing through Dead Island 2.

The Best Ranged Weapons and Firearms in Dead Island 2

Bodycount

Screenshot by GameSkinny

A Legendary rifle, Bodycount is one of the best ranged weapons in Dead Island 2. Apart from rapid automatic fire, its mods and perks provide extra fury and AoE bleeding effects.

You can unload your magazine on tough targets like Mutators and Butchers, as well as rank-and-file zombies, so you can see them and their cohorts melt within seconds. Here’s how to get Bodycount in DI2. 

Big Shot

Screenshot by GameSkinny

Second only to Bodycount is the Big Shot, a legendary revolver. What makes it especially unique are its characteristics, which cause it to fire an explosive bullet instead of a regular revolver shot. The explosion can then afflict a target and nearby foes with Traumatized, and successive hits will make them fly off to hit others.

This is essentially a grenade launcher in compact form. Perhaps the only downside is that it only has three rounds. You need to make your shots count, or you’ll end up needing to reload during hectic moments. Here’s how to get Big Shot in Dead Island 2.

Any Shotgun or Nail Gun

Screenshot by GameSkinny

When you don’t have Bodycount or Big Shot, either a shotgun or a nail gun is the best ranged weapon in Dead Island 2.

Shotguns are great for close-quarters combat, but they tend to be superseded by melee weapon usage. However, if you have decent firearms, like the Red Dragon (purchased from the Ocean Avenue trader), then a Shotgun might be worth it.

Nail Guns, meanwhile, have a faster rate of fire, so you can slap on an elemental mod to see it continuously cause damage to key targets like Apex zombies.

In any case, these are what we consider the best ranged weapons in Dead Island 2. To learn about the other powerful endgame armaments, you can check our best melee weapons guide. Likewise, for more about DI2, you can visit our main guides hub.

Featured image via Deep Silver.