Survive a Million Monkeys Tier List: Best Weapons Ranked by DPS

Understanding Weapon Tiers and DPS Mechanics

In Survive a Million Monkeys, your survival time is directly tied to your ability to clear waves of enemies efficiently. The game utilizes a four-tier weapon progression system where your damage output—measured in Damage Per Second (DPS)—is the most critical factor. As you defeat monkeys, you collect Cash, which is used during your run to swap your current weapon for a higher-tier option.

Understanding this hierarchy is vital because the power gap between a starting pistol and a late-game cannon is immense. While you might be tempted to purchase every weapon available in the hub, community reports suggest that focusing your hard-earned Gems on high-tier weapons is the most effective way to climb the leaderboards.

Tier 1: The Early Game Essentials

Tier 1 weapons are your baseline equipment. You will rely on these during the initial waves, but they should be replaced as soon as your Cash allows.

Pistol (Default)

45 DPS. The starting weapon; functional for the very first few seconds but lacks the stopping power for dense swarms.

Dead Man's Hand

200 DPS. Part of the Gunslinger Bundle. By far the strongest option in this tier, making it a valuable investment if you want an easier start.

Deagle

116.7 DPS. Costs 45,000 Gems. A significant step up from the basic pistol, though expensive for an early-tier weapon.

Other notable mentions in Tier 1 include the Pow Pow (87.5 DPS, tutorial unlock), Bayonet (83.3 DPS, 2,500 Gems), Shorty (80 DPS, 5,000 Gems), and the Revolver (75 DPS, 12,500 Gems).

Tier 2: Medium-Range Powerhouses

Once you move into Tier 2, you transition from basic firearms to weapons designed for higher volume or density. This tier is defined by a mix of shotguns and SMGs.

• Prioritize the P90: With 325 DPS, it is the clear winner of this tier.
• Avoid overspending: Since you will eventually move to Tier 3 and 4, keep your Gem spending here limited unless you struggle to reach the mid-game.
• Understand the Trade-off: The Shotgun offers higher damage per shot but lower overall DPS compared to the SMG options.

The SMG (180 DPS) and El Scorpio (160 DPS) serve as reliable mid-tier bridges, but the P90 (325 DPS) is the standout choice for those looking to maximize efficiency before hitting the higher tiers.

Tier 3: The High-Damage Rifles

Tier 3 is where the game begins to feel more intense. The weapons here, including rifles and the Katana, are capable of handling the increased health pools of later-wave monkeys.

The SCAR is the premier choice here, matching the DPS of several Tier 4 weapons. If you are struggling to survive past wave 20, investing in the SCAR is a high-value move that will pay off significantly in your run duration.

Tier 4: The Ultimate Weaponry

Tier 4 weapons are the pinnacle of your arsenal. These are intended for long-term survival and require you to survive beyond 20 waves to accumulate enough Cash for the upgrade.

Tip

The Laser Cannon (700 DPS) is objectively the strongest weapon in the game. If you are grinding Gems, prioritize this unlock above all others.

The Minigun (605 DPS) serves as the default Tier 4 option and is incredibly capable if you haven't yet unlocked the Laser Cannon. The Grenade Launcher (525 DPS) also provides excellent crowd control, though its DPS is lower than the top-tier laser options. The RPG (480 DPS) remains a premium-only weapon, which is worth considering if you are a frequent player of the game.

FAQ: Optimizing Your Arsenal

How do I effectively farm Gems for high-tier weapons?

Gems are awarded upon finishing a match. The longer you survive, the more you generally progress, so using the best weapons you currently have to push further into waves is the fastest way to accumulate currency.

Should I upgrade my weapons in the hub?

Yes, individual weapons can be upgraded with Gems. However, focus your upgrades on the weapons you use most frequently at Tier 3 or Tier 4 to ensure your Gems are spent on gear that provides the most longevity.

Is the Katana worth the investment?

While the Katana offers 250 DPS, ranged weapons like the AK-47 or SCAR are generally more versatile for clearing large hordes in Survive a Million Monkeys. Choose the Katana only if you prefer a specific playstyle.

By following this progression and focusing your resources on the highest DPS options, you will significantly improve your chances of surviving the million-monkey onslaught. Remember to check the official Roblox game page for any updates or balance changes that may shift these stats.