Survive a Million Monkeys Weapons Guide: Best Picks and Tier List

Mastering Combat and Weapon Tiers in Survive a Million Monkeys

In the high-stakes environment of Survive a Million Monkeys, your performance is dictated almost entirely by your firepower. As the monkey hordes grow in size and intensity, your starting gear will quickly become insufficient. Understanding how to manage your economy to unlock and upgrade weapons effectively is the difference between a high-score run and a quick defeat.

Weapons are divided into four distinct tiers. You begin your journey with Tier 1 options, but as you defeat enemies and collect cash, you must transition into Tier 2, 3, and eventually Tier 4 to keep your Damage Per Second (DPS) competitive. Below is a breakdown of how these tiers function and which weapons provide the most value for your hard-earned gems.

Tier 1: Early Game Foundations

Tier 1 weapons are your primary tools during the initial waves. While they provide decent fire rates, their damage output is limited. Community reports suggest that you should avoid over-investing in this tier, as you will need those gems for more powerful gear later.

Pistol

The reliable default weapon. With a DPS of 45, it is sufficient for the very first waves but should be replaced as soon as your budget allows.

Deagle

A standout in the early game with a DPS of 116.7. According to experienced players, this is one of the most effective Tier 1 choices for handling early-game swarms.

Dead Man’s Hand

Part of the Gunslinger Bundle, this weapon boasts an impressive 200 DPS, making it the most powerful option for players who want to jump ahead early.

Tier 2: The Mid-Game Transition

Once you reach the medium-range combat stages, Tier 2 weapons become essential. This category focuses heavily on SMGs and specialized shotguns. The goal here is to balance your fire rate to prevent being overwhelmed by faster, more agile monkeys.

• Shotgun: The default Tier 2 weapon. It offers consistent damage at 100 DPS and is reliable for players just entering this phase.
• P90: Widely considered the best-in-tier option with a staggering 325 DPS. Its high fire rate makes it ideal for crowd control when you are cornered.
• SMG: A solid alternative to the P90, offering 180 DPS. It is a more budget-friendly choice if you are still saving up for Tier 3 gear.

Tier 3: Late-Game Powerhouses

By the time you hit Tier 3, your weapon choice should reflect your preferred playstyle—whether that is long-range sniping or medium-range suppression. These weapons are designed to handle the increased durability of later-wave monkeys.

Tip

Prioritize the Scar if you have 90,000 gems. With a massive 525 DPS, it currently holds the highest damage output in Tier 3, making it the most cost-effective investment for mid-to-late game progression.

• AK-47: A balanced choice for those who value stability and consistent damage, clocking in at 379.5 DPS.
• Longshot: The go-to for players who prefer precision. At 400 DPS, it allows you to pick off dangerous targets from a distance.
• Katana: A unique melee option for those who prefer an up-close playstyle, providing 250 DPS while keeping the pressure on the horde.

Tier 4: The Ultimate Weaponry

Tier 4 represents the pinnacle of destruction in Survive a Million Monkeys. These weapons require significant investment—often earned only after surviving 20+ waves—but they are necessary to achieve leaderboard-topping scores.

The Laser Cannon is the undisputed king of DPS in this tier. Its ability to tear through large groups makes it the top recommendation for long-term survival.

Combining Gear with Strategic Play

No matter how powerful your weapon is, raw damage cannot save you if you are surrounded. Combining your weapon loadout with effective character classes is a key strategy. The Bomber class is highly recommended by veteran players because of its ability to deal high damage while potentially creating "explosive" escape paths.

• Upgrade your weapon stats using gems whenever possible to maximize DPS.
• Use map geometry to your advantage; climbing objects like lamps or antennas can force enemies into predictable pathing.
• Rotate your weapon tiers immediately upon reaching the required wave to keep pace with enemy health scaling.
• Focus on clearing smaller enemies first to maintain mobility, then target "boss" monkeys with your high-DPS gear.

If you find yourself struggling with a specific wave, experiment with the Engineer class. The ability to deploy a turret provides passive DPS, which is invaluable when you need to focus on moving to a safer position or reloading. Always remember that the objective is survival; if a glitch or environmental advantage is available, don't hesitate to use it to preserve your health pool.