Active Matter Weapon Overview
Your weapon choice can decide whether you clear a dangerous building, control a long sightline, or have enough ammunition left to extract. Active Matter’s arsenal includes cheap scavenging tools, adaptable rifles, precision weapons, and specialized gear for dangerous encounters. The best choice depends on the raid location, your ammunition supply, and what you can afford to lose.
This guide organizes known weapons by role instead of assigning every firearm a permanent rank. Balance updates, new raid loot, and progression unlocks can alter availability and attachment options. A shotgun may be perfect for a monster-filled interior, while a marksman rifle is safer when threats are spread across open ground.
| Weapon class | Main purpose | Best range | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melee weapons | Silent emergency defense | Point-blank | Requires risky positioning |
| Handguns | Backup when a primary is empty | Close | Limited capacity |
| Shotguns | Close threat removal | Close | Weak in open areas |
| Submachine guns | Fast interior fighting | Close to medium | Rapid ammo use |
| Assault rifles | Mixed raid encounters | Close to medium | Depends on build and ammo |
| Precision rifles | Accurate long shots | Medium to long | Vulnerable when rushed |
| Machine guns | Sustained suppression | Medium | Heavy weapon burden |
| Special weapons | Specific tactical problems | Varies | Usually situational |
A practical kit starts with a weapon you can control, enough ammunition for the route, and a backup plan if a fight changes range. In an extraction shooter, a replaceable weapon is often more useful than rare equipment you hesitate to risk.
Melee Weapons, Pistols, and Shotguns
Melee tools are quiet and useful for conserving ammunition against weaker threats. The Combat Knife is the compact basic option, while the Tactical Spear and War Hammer offer heavier alternatives. They become dangerous choices against groups, armored enemies, or targets that can close distance quickly.
Known sidearms include the M45A1, M9, MP-443, and RSh-12. Pistols work best as emergency equipment: use one when reloading would take too long or when a light backup matters. The M9 and MP-443 use 9x19mm ammunition, while the M45A1 uses .45 ACP.
| Weapon | Class | Ammunition or function | Useful role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Knife | Melee | Silent close defense | Lightweight backup |
| Tactical Spear | Melee | Reach-focused melee | Defensive close encounters |
| War Hammer | Melee | Heavy melee impact | High-risk finishing tool |
| M9 | Handgun | 9x19mm | Common sidearm |
| MP-443 | Handgun | 9x19mm | Alternative sidearm |
| M45A1 | Handgun | .45 ACP | Harder-hitting pistol |
| RSh-12 | Handgun | Heavy revolver-style sidearm | Specialized backup |
Shotguns excel when monsters or Operatives force close-range fights. The MB590 and SPAS-12 are manual-action choices for economical raids. The Origin-12 is a magazine-fed automatic shotgun, avoiding slow shell-by-shell reloads. DP-12 and AA-12 provide other high-volume close-range options.
When taking a shotgun into a raid:
- Favor interiors, stairwells, halls, and dense objective zones.
- Put spare shells or magazines somewhere easy to reach.
- Avoid long outdoor crossings without cover or a ranged teammate.
- Treat missed shots carefully, especially with manual-action models.
- Use stopping power to create space before enemies surround you.
The Origin-12 is especially useful in repeated close engagements because fast magazine swaps reduce vulnerable reload time. Its optics rail also accepts red-dot and holographic sights. It is not a universal solution, however: open routes still favor rifles, and automatic fire burns ammunition quickly.
SMGs and Assault Rifles
Submachine guns suit players who want quick handling and close-range pressure. The MP5 and UMP45 are accessible starting options, while the PP-2000 and Scorpion EVO 3 offer stronger performance. The XV ACP and MAC-11 are aggressive choices, although the MAC-11 can empty a magazine almost immediately.
| Weapon | Class | Notable strength | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP5 | SMG | Controllable close-range platform | Limited long-range use |
| UMP45 | SMG | .45 ACP impact and attachments | Lower fire rate |
| PP-2000 | SMG | Optics and larger magazine options | Limited open-area reach |
| Scorpion EVO 3 | SMG | Fast fire rate and manageable recoil | Fast ammunition use |
| XV ACP | SMG | Strong point-blank pressure | Requires disciplined bursts |
| MAC-11 | SMG | Extreme close-range output | Very fast magazine drain |
Assault rifles are the most flexible primary weapons for mixed raids. The M4A1 is a dependable 5.56mm platform with manageable recoil and broad attachment support. Use a red dot for close and medium engagements, or a magnified optic for open ground. A suppressor can also reduce the chance of attracting rival Operatives during PvPvE raids.
The AK-103, AK-12, M16A4, SCAR-L, AUG, AR416A5, ASh-12, AEK-971, and AN-94 cover different rifle preferences. The AEK-971 uses 5.45x39mm ammunition and fires at 900 RPM with lower recoil than the AK-12. It supports full-auto, semi-auto, and three-round burst fire.
The AN-94’s signature feature is its two-round hyper-burst, intended to place paired shots accurately with reduced felt recoil. Both it and the AEK-971 emphasize optics over deep accessory customization.
| Weapon | Ammunition | Best use | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4A1 | 5.56mm | All-purpose raids | Flexible attachments |
| AK-103 | 7.62x39mm | Deliberate automatic fire | Higher recoil |
| AK-12 | 5.45x39mm | Burst and automatic fire | Rewards control |
| SCAR-L | 5.56mm | Suppressed mixed-range raids | M4A1 alternative |
| SCAR-H | 7.62x51mm | Protected targets | Cost and availability |
| AR416A5 | 5.56mm | Fast adaptable rifle play | Progression target |
| AEK-971 | 5.45x39mm | Aggressive close-medium play | Limited accessories |
| AN-94 | 5.45x39mm | Precise burst shooting | Deliberate shots matter |
| ASh-12 | 12.7x55mm | Heavy-impact role | High weight and recoil |
Precision Weapons, Machine Guns, and Special Gear
Semi-automatic rifles allow faster follow-up shots than bolt-action weapons. The M110A1 and M39 EMR fit controlled medium- and long-range combat. The SVDM is a modernized marksman rifle with improved accuracy, lower recoil, a folding bipod, and broad optic support.
The Vepr-KM VPO and SOK-94 Vepr are practical semi-auto choices for players learning paced rifle fire. Bolt-action options include the Mosin Carbine, Mosin Sniper, M24, and SV-98. They can be excellent at range, but cycling the action makes cover and accuracy essential. The M82A1 and VSSK Vykhlop are heavier precision specialists.
Machine guns provide sustained fire against groups of aberrations or enemy squads. The M249 Para uses 5.56x45mm ammunition and can use a 200-round box, while its bipod improves stable suppression. The EV-MG, AEK-999, PKM, and PKM45 expand the heavy-weapon selection, but their weight and ammunition needs are demanding.
| Weapon | Category | Practical advantage | Best paired with |
|---|---|---|---|
| M110A1 | Semi-auto rifle | Accurate follow-up shots | Medium-range optics |
| M39 EMR | Semi-auto rifle | Precision customization | Controlled firing |
| SVDM | Marksman rifle | Bipod and optic support | Long sightlines |
| SV-98 | Bolt-action rifle | Long-range accuracy | Cover and patience |
| M82A1 | Heavy sniper rifle | Specialized firepower | Weight management |
| M249 Para | Machine gun | Large ammunition box | Bipod positions |
| PKM | Machine gun | Sustained heavy fire | Team raids |
| RPG-7 | Launcher | Explosive area pressure | Safe distance |
| Hunting Crossbow | Special weapon | Quiet bolt attacks | Stealthy play |
| CF-400 Flamethrower | Special weapon | Close fire damage | Tight spaces |
The RPG-7 can devastate armored threats or clustered enemies, but it requires range judgment. Firing too close risks splash damage, while excessive distance can cause the warhead to fall short.
The Hunting Crossbow supports standard and explosive bolts, making it useful for patient, quiet encounters. The CF-400 Flamethrower is another specialist choice for close fights. Both reward route planning because their ammunition and ideal conditions differ sharply from conventional firearms.
FAQ
What are the best all-purpose weapons in Active Matter?
The M4A1 is a reliable all-purpose choice because it has manageable recoil, common 5.56mm ammunition, and broad attachment support. SCAR-L, AR416A5, AEK-971, SCAR-H, M110A1, and M39 EMR are also strong choices when their cost and range fit your raid.
Are shotguns good for PvE?
Yes. Shotguns are highly effective against close monster threats in interiors. The MB590 and SPAS-12 are economical options, while the Origin-12 provides automatic fire and quick magazine changes for demanding close-quarters raids.
What should beginners carry?
Pick a weapon you can afford to replace and understand. An M4A1, AK-74M, MP5, MB590, or SOK-94 Vepr teaches useful combat roles without requiring a high-risk kit. Bring sufficient ammunition and prioritize extracting safely.
Does this active matter all weapons list include future weapons?
No. Active Matter receives weapon additions, balance changes, and revised progression routes. Use this active matter all weapons guide as a categorized reference, then check in-game menus, raid loot, Investigations, and current update notes for the newest availability details.