- Trench Decay best weapon: The M1918 BAR rifle is the most reliable all-around pick after the mines update.
- Best horde shredder: The Demolisher burst shotgun destroys groups of Mindless faster than any other weapon.
- How to unlock: The BAR comes with the Colombian Expeditionary Force war bond (6,000 metals); the Demolisher with Trench Digger Unit 036 (5,500 metals).
- Choose by mode: Preset classes dominate Defense Mode, so weapon choice matters most in standard play and the mines.
- Boss caveat: Sound, not firepower, decides the fight against The Blinded — bring any weapon, but move quietly.
Trench Decay Best Weapon Rankings
Weapon performance in Trench Decay depends heavily on which mode you are playing. The two recent war bonds introduced the strongest firearms currently available: the M1918 BAR rifle and the Demolisher burst shotgun. Both stand above the standard arsenal in raw effectiveness, though they serve very different roles.
Video Highlights:
- Full breakdown of the mines update, new boss, and war bond weapons
- Why the M1918 BAR's iron sights make it the most usable rifle
- Demolisher three-round burst shredding hordes of Mindless
- Gameplay with Terra, the developer, showcasing new modes
Here is how the current top weapons stack up:
| Weapon | Type | Source | Cost | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1918 BAR | Automatic rifle | Colombian Expeditionary Force bond | 6,000 metals | S |
| Demolisher | Burst shotgun | Trench Digger Unit 036 bond | 5,500 metals | S |
| Standard rifles | Semi/auto rifle | Base arsenal | Included | A |
| Standard shotguns | Pump shotgun | Base arsenal | Included | B |
| Chauchat | LMG | Base arsenal | Included | B |
If you can only afford one war bond, pick based on your main content: M1918 BAR for general warfare, raids, and The Bricks; Demolisher for mine runs and any mission flooded with Mindless.
Why the M1918 BAR Leads the Pack
The M1918 BAR has quickly become the community's go-to weapon, and for good reason. Its iron sights are exceptionally easy to use, giving it a level of precision that many of Trench Decay's period firearms struggle to match. It performs reliably at mid-range against New Order troops, holds its own in The Bricks' patrol-heavy combat zones, and offers enough sustained fire to handle mixed engagements.
What makes the BAR special:
| Strength | Impact |
|---|---|
| Clean iron sights | Faster target acquisition at range |
| Reliable damage | Consistent drops on standard infantry |
| Full war set included | Uniform, bandolier, gas mask, helmet |
| Versatility | Works in nearly every mode and map |
Raid & Hold the Line
- Mid-range supremacy
- Ammo-efficient during supply runs
- Pairs well with defensive positioning
The Bricks
- Handles patrol-heavy zones
- Punches through New Order troops
- Useful during air raids
Standard Maps
- Effective vs mixed enemy types
- Solid backup vs Zeppelin defense
- Easy for newer players
Across many shooters, BAR-style rifles have earned a reputation as dependable workhorses, and Trench Decay carries that same feel into its sandbox. Expect consistent results rather than flashy one-shot power.
The Demolisher: Horde-Shredding Specialist
The Demolisher is a burst shotgun with a unique dual-trigger system: left-click fires a single shell, while right-click unleashes a three-round burst. This flexibility makes it the fastest horde-clearing weapon in the game. Against waves of Mindless — especially the mutated bio-types found in the mines — the burst mode deletes entire groups before they close the gap.
| Fire Mode | Input | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Single shot | Left click | Conserving ammo, precise close-range picks |
| Three-round burst | Right click | Shredding Mindless hordes, mine enemies |
The Demolisher is a close-quarters tool. In The Bricks or any open-field map against New Order infantry and armor, you will be outgunned at range — switch to the BAR or a rifle for those zones.
Best Weapon by Mode and Map
Because Defense Mode uses preset class loadouts, your personal weapon choice only applies to standard play, the mines, and open maps. Here is the recommended pick for each environment:
| Mode / Map | Best Weapon | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The Raid | M1918 BAR | Mid-range defense, ammo scarcity rewards accuracy |
| Hold the Line | M1918 BAR | PvPvE balance of precision and firepower |
| Juggernaut Twins | M1918 BAR | Survivors need range against elite targets |
| Infection | Demolisher | Close-quarters burst kills infected fast |
| The Mines | Demolisher | Mutated bio-types swarm at melee range |
| The Blinded (boss) | Either | Stealth matters more than damage output |
| The Bricks | M1918 BAR | Patrol and air-raid combat at mid-range |
Farm Metals
Play matches across any mode to accumulate metals toward the war bond cost of 5,500–6,000.
Purchase the War Bond
Unlock the Colombian Expeditionary Force for the BAR, or Trench Digger Unit 036 for the Demolisher.
Track Weapon Data
Use the in-game journal's weapons section to track your damage and unlock more information on each tool.
Match Weapon to Mission
Equip the BAR for open warfare and the Demolisher for mine runs and horde-heavy content.
The Blinded cannot see you — it hunts by sound. Sprinting and firing wildly will draw it straight to your position. Move deliberately, and bring whichever weapon you are most accurate with, since sustained noise draws its claw attacks.
Loadout Goals Checklist
Work through these milestones to maximize your arsenal:
Weapon Mastery Milestones:
- Purchase the Colombian Expeditionary Force war bond (6,000 metals)
- Unlock the Demolisher via Trench Digger Unit 036 (5,500 metals)
- Track damage in the journal to unlock weapon info entries
- Clear a full mine run using the Demolisher
- Complete a Raid defense with the M1918 BAR as primary
FAQ
Q: What is the best weapon in Trench Decay right now?
The M1918 BAR rifle from the Colombian Expeditionary Force war bond is widely considered the best all-around weapon thanks to its easy-to-use iron sights and consistent mid-range performance. The Demolisher burst shotgun rivals it in horde-heavy content like the mines.
Q: How do I unlock the M1918 BAR and Demolisher?
The M1918 BAR comes with the Colombian Expeditionary Force war bond for 6,000 metals, and the Demolisher comes with the Trench Digger Unit 036 war bond for 5,500 metals. Both bonds also include a full cosmetic set: uniform, armor, gas mask, and helmet.
Q: Can I choose my own weapon in Defense Mode?
No. The new Defense Mode uses preset class selections with designated firearms and equipment. Your personal weapon loadout applies to standard Trench Decay modes and the newer maps instead.
Q: Is the Demolisher good against bosses?
It excels against swarming enemies like the Mindless and mutated bio-types, but for the mine boss The Blinded, the fight is decided by sound discipline rather than raw damage — any accurate weapon works.