Guide to all weapon types in PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile is a shooter game and, as is the case with every shooter game, weapon selection is a major part of the overall strategy. But since you're limited to selecting whatever's right in front of you in the arena, we can help you differentiate between what's good for you and what's not.

Here, you'll be able to read brief descriptions of every type of weapon in the game, along with some example weapons in each category. Keep this list handy as you drop into a PUBG arena, and you'll know how to fight with any weapon you pick up along the way.

You can use these all-purpose rifles to attack enemies at any distance, though your accuracy may suffer at longer distances. This is the most populated category of all in PUBG Mobile, as there are a dozen different assault rifles for you to seek out during a match. Some examples of ARs are M16A4, SCAR-L, AUG A3, Groza and AKM.

Pistols are a must in PUBG Mobile. They may be small but they serve as the most basic secondary weapon. The P92 standard handgun and the Desert Eagle magnum pack a punch, while the Skorpion is practically an automatic rifle in pistol form. The sawed-off shotgun is a 'best of both worlds' pistol/shotgun hybrid.

Shotguns pack a major wallop from close range but they can be utterly useless if your enemy is shooting at you from far away. If you do find a shotgun lying around, just be sure to join it with an assault rifle or sniper rifle in your arsenal to keep yourself protected. You can pick the S1897, M1014, S12K or S686 as your shotgun of choice.

Sometimes, when the ammo has run out and it's just you and your opponent staring at one another, your only move left is to bonk them in the head with something. PUBG Mobile authors a healthy array of melee weapons for this situation, from a standard crowbar to a two-handed sickle. You can even use a dagger, frying pan, machete or sickle to make your move.

If you're approaching a populated area from a distance, a sniper rifle should be your weapon of choice. They can cause incredible damage and even score one-hit kills if you can successfully hit an enemy in the head. Some of the best sniper rifles in the game are the Kar98k, AWM, Win94, M24 and AMR.

DMRs – short for Designated Marksman Rifles – are tailor-made for long-distance battles. Unlike sniper rifles, they are automatic, so you don't have to wait for a new round to be reloaded before you can fire again. Some DMRs available to you in the game are the SKS, SLR, VSS, Mini 14 and MK12.

Submachine guns shoot quick bursts of bullets and are very potent from medium range. They also work in closeup situations, though shotguns may be better suited for those scenarios in the long run. Your choices for an SMG are the Uzi, Vector, Thompson SMG, UMP45, MP5K and more.

LMGs offer better firepower than regular ARs. Huge magazines, automatic fire and major damage make them worth seeking out in every match. However, beware of their reload speed, as emptying your clip into an enemy who doesn't fall is a recipe for certain defeat. Some options available for LMGs include the M249 and DP-28.

Finally, we have the crossbow, which sits in a league of its own apart from other PUBG Mobile weapons. While its rate of fire – one arrow at a time – is a problem, its ability to bypass a helmet's armour buff and deal head damage correctly makes it a great option in the hands of a precise shooter.

Throwables include a variety of bombs and grenades that can provide an explosive advantage to you in tight situations. You can use them to flush out enemies from cover, create distractions and secure safe revives. Some examples of throwables include Molotov Cocktail, C4, Frag Grenade, Sticky Bomb, etc.