Survive a Million Monkeys Best Weapons: A Complete DPS Tier List

Mastering the Arsenal in Survive a Million Monkeys

In Survive a Million Monkeys by gorilla warfare, your ability to hold back the encroaching horde depends entirely on your DPS (Damage Per Second) output. As the waves intensify, the basic weapons you start with will quickly become insufficient. To survive long-term, you need to understand the weapon hierarchy, how to manage your economy, and which investments provide the best return for your hard-earned Gems.

This guide breaks down every weapon in the game by tier, providing specific DPS statistics and tactical advice to help you decide which upgrades are worth your resources and which you should skip.

Understanding the Weapon Tier System

The weapon system in Survive a Million Monkeys is straightforward but requires strategic planning. Weapons are categorized into four distinct tiers. During a match, you always start with a Tier 1 weapon. As you defeat monkeys and accumulate Cash, you can purchase upgrades to access higher tiers.

However, the weapons you have access to during a match are determined by what you have unlocked in the game's hub area using Gems. This is the crucial distinction: you don't just "find" weapons; you build your loadout using Gems and then use Cash to access those weapons during your run.

Tip

Don't Overspend Early: A common mistake for new players is spending too many Gems on Tier 1 or Tier 2 weapons. Since you will naturally progress through these tiers quickly during a match, your Gems are far better spent unlocking powerful Tier 3 and Tier 4 weapons that will carry you through the late-game waves.

Tier 1 Weapons: The Early Game Essentials

Tier 1 weapons are your starting point. You will rely on these for the first few waves of the game. While their DPS is relatively low, they are sufficient for the initial, less dense waves of monkeys.

The clear standout here is the Dead Man's Hand, which offers a massive 200 DPS—significantly higher than other Tier 1 options. However, if you are a free-to-play player, the Deagle is a solid choice if you have the Gems to spare, though it is often better to save for higher tiers.

Tier 2 Weapons: Bridging the Gap

Once you reach the second tier, you need weapons that can handle medium-range threats more effectively. This tier introduces a mix of shotguns (high damage per shot, lower DPS) and SMGs (faster fire rate).

The P90 is the undisputed king of Tier 2. With 325 DPS, it outperforms the default shotgun significantly. If you find yourself struggling to transition between the early and mid-game, unlocking the P90 is a high-priority investment that will make your runs much smoother.

Tier 3 Weapons: The Mid-Game Powerhouse

When you hit Tier 3, the game's difficulty increases substantially. You need weapons that can clear large groups of enemies quickly. This tier includes rifles, a sniper rifle, and a melee option, providing versatility for different playstyles.

The SCAR is the best weapon in this tier, offering 525 DPS. While 90,000 Gems is a significant investment, the jump in power from the AK-47 or even the Longshot is noticeable. The Katana is an interesting choice for those who prefer melee combat, but in terms of pure DPS output, the rifles are generally superior for crowd control.

Tier 4 Weapons: The Endgame Arsenal

Tier 4 is where the most powerful weapons reside. These are essential if you aim to survive past 20 waves. Because these weapons are expensive to acquire and require significant in-game Cash to obtain during a match, they represent the true endgame goal.

The Laser Cannon is currently the strongest weapon in Survive a Million Monkeys, boasting a massive 700 DPS. Following closely is the Minigun at 605 DPS, which is the default Tier 4 weapon.

Endgame Preparation Checklist:

• Ensure you have at least one Tier 4 weapon unlocked in your hub.
• Prioritize the Laser Cannon if you have the Gems.
• Manage your in-match Cash carefully; don't spend it all on early-tier upgrades if you can survive long enough to afford a Tier 4 weapon.
• Upgrade your chosen Tier 4 weapon in the hub using Gems to maximize its DPS potential.

Strategic Tips for Weapon Selection

Choosing the "best" weapon isn't just about looking at the highest DPS number. It is also about consistency and utility.

• Community Experience: Many players report that while the Grenade Launcher has high DPS (525), its projectile nature can make it harder to aim compared to the hitscan nature of the Laser Cannon or Minigun. If you struggle with aim, prioritize the Minigun or Laser Cannon.
• The "Gems" Trap: You can upgrade individual weapons in the hub using Gems to improve their base DPS. Only do this for your absolute favorite or "best-in-slot" weapons. Upgrading a Tier 1 pistol with Gems is generally considered a waste of resources in the long run.
• Match Progression: Always have a "default" weapon for each tier that you are comfortable with. Since you don't always get to choose which weapons appear in the shop during a match, having a solid default option for Tier 3 and Tier 4 ensures you aren't stuck with a weapon you dislike during high-wave survival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I unlock new weapons in Survive a Million Monkeys?

Weapons are unlocked in the hub area using Gems. You earn Gems by completing matches. Once a weapon is unlocked in the hub, it becomes available for purchase with Cash during your matches.

Is the Laser Cannon worth the 250,000 Gems?

Yes. As the highest DPS weapon in the game (700 DPS), it is arguably the most important investment for players looking to reach high wave counts.

Should I upgrade my Tier 1 weapons?

Generally, no. It is more efficient to save your Gems for unlocking higher-tier weapons. Tier 1 weapons are designed to be replaced as quickly as possible.

How many weapons are in the game?

There are a total of 20 weapons distributed across the four tiers.