The best FPS games that let you build weapons

FPS games are mostly known for their weapons. It doesn't matter if players have a massive rocket launcher or a small pocket pistol; the weapons they use in the world have a big impact on how gameplay and sessions play out, but some games go even further and give them more control over exactly what kind of weapons they can use.

This can be through extensive weapon customization systems that allow players to equip attachments with much more freedom, or through crafting mechanics that ensure a steady path to better weapons, and in rare cases the game even allows them to place components and parts in any orientation or location they want. No matter how liberal the mechanics are, whenever players are allowed to customize their weapons and customize them to their taste, they can be sure to have some real fun.

Mothergunship

Building Weapons From The Ground Up

Details:

• Fully modular weapon customization

• Designed for experimentation

MATERNITY revolves entirely around piece-by-piece weapon construction, allowing for almost unlimited customization. Barrels, chambers and modifiers can be connected in any configuration, resulting in creations that range from efficient tools to screen-filling monstrosities, and the whole system strongly encourages players to really push the boundaries of what a weapon can become, rather than sticking to conventional designs.

Combat is built to support this freedom, throwing players into bullet-hell encounters where their ability to take out enemies is directly affected by the insane firepower of their weapon. The more complex the weapon, the more devastating the results, and as players progress, things get more explosive and devastating with each addition to their arsenal.

Escape from Tarkov

A simulation of The Real Deal

Details:

• Deep mounting and component system

• Each mod has an impact on the weapon

Escape from Tarkov features one of the most detailed weapon customization systems of any FPS, allowing players to customize their firearms down to the individual components, with each change having a tangible effect on the weapon's performance. Because of how realistic the game is based, players can't just attach any set of attachments to any weapon, and instead have to consider weight, stability, and a whole host of other factors to keep their weapons from fighting against them.

This complexity translates directly into a high-stakes game where losing equipment means losing the time invested in building it. Weapons also become quite personal as players carefully assemble them instead of just collecting them, so the build-up phase is just as important as the firefights in each match.

Fallout 4

Using any materials left behind

Details:

• An extensive crafting system coupled with exploration

• Weapons can be heavily modified

Fallout 4 expands on the traditional FPS mechanics of weapon crafting with a robust crafting system that allows players to rebuild weapons from virtually nothing. Basic firearms can be modified into completely different tools, such as extra barrels or better magazines, and while some of these weapons can be crazy, they always feel like they fit into the context of a post-apocalyptic world.

Much of the progression towards more powerful weapons is done through exploration, meaning that as players move around the world, they gain access to more interesting parts and, in turn, more elaborate creations. It also means that a real sense of growth comes with the player's journey as they not only learn more about the surface, but are also better equipped to deal with the increasingly brutal enemies that stand in their way.

Metro Exodus

Crafting for survival

Details:

• Adaptation of weapons to changing conditions

• Survival and resources drive adaptation

Metro Exodus integrates weapon customization directly into its gameplay by making weapon customization central to the player's ability to survive the wasteland. Instead of relying solely on stand-alone menus, players must instead modify weapons in the field, swap out attachments to suit different environments and allow flexible access to the various encounters that await them.

The crafting system also ties into resource management, meaning players don't just get a new set of weapons; rather they need to scavenge and find anything to improve their firepower bit by bit. This ensures that every upgrade is earned, and combined with the slow, methodical style of exploration makes for a solid experience where weapons evolve along the player's journey.

Ground branch

The devil is in the details

Details:

• Highly customizable down to rail placement

• Built with realism in mind

Ground branch focuses on realistic weapon handling and customization, offering players precise control over accessories and configurations in a way that few other modern shooters can compete with. Accessories can be placed along rails with precise placement, allowing for fine-tuned settings to suit specific playstyles, and this mechanic also changes the way players perceive many weapon classes, as they suddenly have much more control over how the weapon feels and performs.

Once finished building loadouts, players can test them out on the tactical battlefield, where timing and patience are the most powerful skills in their arsenal. It's a more methodical game that really leans into the fantasy of a hardcore, strategy arena that rewards those who really understand the ins and outs of their weapons and how best to use them.

Rust

From stones to riches

Details:

• Weapons are stolen and made from scratch

• A constant cycle of progress

Rust takes a survivalist approach to weapon building, requiring players to gather resources and craft firearms from scratch, without any rocket-powered late-game shortcuts. Starting with primitive tools, players slowly work their way up to more advanced weapons, and because of how organic the plan and material discoveries are, there's a much stronger sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the next level.

All of this would be fine in a single-player scenario, but adding dozens of other hungry players makes the race much more intense. A server reset puts everyone on a level playing field, yet the other heavy weapons start firing and it becomes an all-out war to see who can keep their base and resources in it the longest.

7 Days To Die

Guns mean staying alive

Details:

• Layered progression inside weapons

• Weapons evolve along with base construction

7 days to death presents players with a very comprehensive crafting system that keeps weapon development in line with their constant struggle to survive the week. As they hunt for resources and learn new schemes, their base and weapons increase at the same time, gradually advancing to a more advanced stage that gives them a better chance to fight the relentless horde.

However, with the constant need to upgrade and advance, weapon upgrades aren't just an optional extra that players can choose whether they want to or not, but a necessary part of their long-term survival. The whole package creates a unique blend of stress and satisfaction that excels in both the survival and FPS spaces, showing that a good enough core concept can be enough to keep players engaged for 100 hours straight.