Offering players an alternate history of Paris in 1789, Steelrising focuses on an automaton named Aegis that must save the French Revolution from absolute failure due to the oppressive hand of Louis XVI. Aegis will confront the merciless mechanical army set forth by the king to quash the rebellion. The player will be guided through fantastical battle scenes with challenging combat.
In Steelrising, the player can fully customize Aegis to be the style of fighter they want, from a vicious warrior to a dancer with deadly skill. One of the most important aspects they'll need to focus on is which weapons they use. With so many to choose from, players will have to think carefully about their play style. What's most interesting about the weapons in this game is that because of their special features, they can be used as more than just one type. When players need to keep their distance, they'll want to use one of the best ranged weapons available to them.
5 Fire Chain
The Fire Chain is primarily regarded as a melee-type weapon and is used for close-combat situations. However, this weapon does have an extended range, which allows the player to attack their enemies from a greater distance than other melee weapons. The range can be increased further during certain types of moves.
It features the ability Invocation of Fire, which sets the chain on fire, enabling fire attacks that can cause damage over time to the player's enemies. Landing attacks in succession will lead to the enemies being inflicted with Burn. While not specifically regarded as a ranged weapon, the Fire Chain can be used to keep enemies at a distance, while keeping Aegis out of harm's reach.
Players can find this weapon in Les Invalides. Here, the player will have to move around the church and into the graveyard. After leaving the graveyard, they will come to an enemy equipped with a ball and chain. Right next to this enemy is a chest containing the Fire Chain.
4 Hephaestus Batons
Classified as a Baton weapon, the Hephaestus Batons also have an excellent ranged special attack that makes them useful for the player to have in their arsenal. They will fire two flame projectiles at the player's enemies, allowing the player to keep their distance when necessary. In addition, these flame attacks are pretty powerful, helping to turn the tide of battle in the player's favor.
The Hephaestus Batons can be found in La Cite. The player will need to head to the Unstable Butcher boss area and look for an open window. Once they climb inside, they will find a chest that contains the weapon.
3 Charleville Bayonet
The Charleville Bayonet is a great ranged weapon for dealing Flame damage. It features a special counterattack that will allow the player to turn the enemy's attacks against them. To do this, they'll have to time their parry just right to engage the counterattack. This feature will also deal significant Flame damage.
Finding this weapon is relatively straightforward. The player will need to fast travel to the Vestal in the Depths. Located right next to it will be a chest with the Charleville Bayonet inside.
2 Lady Macbeth Fans
While the Lady Macbeth Fans are not technically a ranged weapon, they offer a special ranged attack that makes them worthy of being on this list. In fact, they are one of the best weapons overall in Steelrising. They feature all the traits of close combat associated with the fan-type weapons, but take things a step further with their fantastic ability to strike enemies from a distance. Not only does the projectile from the Lady Macbeth Fans do considerable damage, but it also can cause a serious bit of immobilization.
At the beginning of the "Lanterns of the Dead" quest, the player will receive a key. They'll need to take this key back to the Louvre Apartments and unlock the door on the inside. Within this locked room will be a chest that contains the Lady Macbeth Fans. Unfortunately, this is a late-game weapon and does take some work to obtain.
1 Charleville 1789 Shield Musket
Available early in the game, the Charleville 1789 Shield Musket is an excellent choice for the player to equip. Not only is it a long-range weapon, but it also deals significant frost damage. The player can cause severe immobilization and follow up with a powerful strike from their secondary weapon.
This weapon will freeze enemies after the player has used it to damage them several times in a row, filling their frost meter. Not only does it work on regular enemies, but the player will also find it to be highly effective against bosses. The damage inflicted by the Charleville 1789 Shield Musket increases proportionally to the Alchemy attribute.
For the player to be able to use this weapon, they will need to keep a steady supply of Alchemical Capsules on hand. This weapon can be obtained from a chest after defeating the first boss, Unstable Lancer.
Steelrising is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.