PUBG Meta Tier List & Weapon Rankings

Updated for Patch 31.1

Last Check: Feb 8, 2026

The definitive tier list for PUBG Patch 31.1. Ranked by competitive viability, TTK, recoil control, and versatility across Erangel, Miramar, and Taego.

Rank	Weapon	Type	TTK	DPS	DMG	Tier	Score
1	M249	LMG	0.320s	563	45	S	89.4
2	Vector	SMG	0.327s	568	31	S	89.4
3	Beryl M762	Assault Rifle	0.343s	548	47	S	88.6
4	UZI	SMG	0.350s	520	26	S	88.5
5	M416	Assault Rifle	0.348s	495	43	S	88.1
6	AKM	Assault Rifle	0.400s	490	49	S	86.8
7	DP-28	LMG	0.327s	468	51	S	86.3
8	SCAR-L	Assault Rifle	0.353s	465	41	S	85.2
9	S12K	Shotgun	5.160s	92	22	D	6.4
10	S686	Shotgun	10.500s	87	26	D	6.1
11	AWM	Sniper Rifle	2.500s	48	120	D	3.4
12	Kar98k	Sniper Rifle	3.750s	42	79	D	3.0

Rankings for PUBG • 12 weapons • Sorted by score

Defining the Competitive Edge in PUBG

In PUBG, "meta" is not just about raw damage; it's about consistency. A Beryl M762 might have the highest theoretical DPS, but if you cannot control its recoil at 75 meters, an M416 or AUG will serve you better. Our Meta Ranking engine moves beyond simple spreadsheet DPS to evaluate weapons based on their "Real-World Effectiveness".

This tier list aggregates data from three primary pillars: Mathematical Efficacy (TTK/DPS), Handling Drivers (Recoil/Velocity), and Usage Statistics (Pick Rate in Ranked/Esports). By balancing these factors, we identify the weapons that give you the highest probability of winning a gunfight, from hot-drops in Pochinki to final circles on Rondo.

We also distinguish between "World Spawn" weapons and "Crate" weapons. While an Mk14 or Groza will almost always outperform world spawns, understanding the hierarchy of readily available loot is critical for consistent performance in the early and mid-game.

How to Read the Tier List

S-Tier (Meta)

The absolute best weapons in the current patch. They define the meta and offer superior TTK, handling, or utility. Prioritize these above all else.

A-Tier (Competitive)

Strong, reliable choices that can compete with S-Tier weapons. Often specialized (e.g., incredible close-range but poor long-range) or slightly harder to use.

B-Tier (Viable)

Serviceable weapons that can win fights but lack the raw stats of the top tiers. Good for early game or as placeholders until you find better upgrades.

C-Tier (Situational)

Weapons with significant drawbacks (low DPS, high recoil, poor capacity). Avoid carrying these into the late game unless necessary.

Composite Score

A 0-100 rating derived from our weighted algorithm: 30% TTK, 20% Stability, 20% Versatility, 15% Range, 15% Ergonomics.

Patch 31.1 Balance Shift Analysis

Patch 31.1 has shaken up the AR meta by adjusting the reload speeds and horizontal recoil of the 7.62mm family. The ACE32 has moved up in viability as a bridge between the stability of the M416 and the power of the Beryl.

DMRs remain the kings of PUBG's mid-to-long range combat. The Mini-14's bullet velocity buff reinforces its dominance on large maps like Miramar, while the SLR continues to reward precision with high per-shot damage. Our S-Tier reflects weapons that are currently "Best-in-Slot" — firearms you should never swap out unless upgrading to a Crate weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Beryl ranked lower than the AUG?+

While the Beryl has higher raw DPS, its horizontal recoil variance makes it less consistent for sprays beyond 50m. The AUG offers comparable killing power with significantly better stability, making it more effective in a wider variety of scenarios.

Do attachments affect this ranking?+

Yes. Rankings assume a "Fully Kitted" state (Compensator + Grip + Stock). We evaluate a weapon's maximum potential. Some weapons like the M416 rely heavily on attachments (Tactical Stock) to reach S-Tier performance.

Are Crate weapons included?+

Crate weapons (Groza, P90, Mk14, AWM) are marked with a special "Airdrop" tag. They are inherently powerful and usually rank above World Spawn weapons, so we often compare them in a separate context or tier.

What is the best DMR right now?+

For most players, the Mini-14 or Mk12 are the best choices due to high bullet velocity and low recoil. For high-skill players who can land shots consistently, the SLR or Dragunov offer faster kill potential via headshots.

How often is the tier list updated?+

We re-evaluate the tier list with every major Monthly Patch and whenever a hotfix touches weapon balance. We also monitor pro-league usage statistics to catch emerging meta trends.

Methodology & Data Integrity

All calculations are based on verified data extracted from PUBG Patch 31.1 game files. We cross-reference values with in-game testing to ensure 99.9% accuracy for competitive play.

⚡ The Current Patch 31.1 Meta State

The current meta heavily favors the 5.56mm ARs (M416, AUG) for their consistency at medium range (spray transfers). The AUG, now a world spawn, rivals the M416 for the top spot.

In the DMR category, the Mk12 has seen a surge in usage due to its low recoil and high firing stability, making it a "laser" for rapid tapping.

Shotguns remain situational but have been nerfed in consistency since previous patches, pushing them out of the general meta and strictly into "camp" or "hot-drop" roles.

Related Guides

PUBG Patch 31.1 — New Weapon Stats and Meta Shifts

Patch 31.1 rebalances the Beryl M762, buffs the Mini-14, and introduces new attachment slots. We've updated all damage values and re-run our ranking algorithm.

M416 vs AKM: The Definitive PUBG Comparison

Which is the better all-rounder? We compare recoil, TTK at all ranges, and attachment synergies to determine the optimal choice.