Devil Hunter Weapon Progression Guide (March 2026) Best Weapons & Tier List

Are you tired of watching other players dominate raids while you’re stuck with a rusty knife that does less damage than a wet noodle? I’ve been there – staring in awe as Level 50 players nuke raid bosses with dual pistols while I struggle to clear basic Division missions. But here’s the truth: in Devil Hunter, your weapon isn’t just equipment – it’s your lifeline, your identity, and your ticket to endgame dominance.

After spending hundreds of hours testing every weapon, crafting every tier, and analyzing the current meta, I’m breaking down the complete weapon progression system that will take you from complete beginner to S-Tier weapon master. Whether you’re Human or Fiend, this guide will show you exactly what to craft, when to upgrade, and which weapons will dominate the 2026 meta.

Quick Reference: Devil Hunter Weapon Progression Overview

Game Stage	Recommended Weapons	Key Focus	Farming Priority
Early Game (Lv 1-20)	Combat Knife → Basic Katana	Learning mechanics	Common Devil Flesh
Mid Game (Lv 20-50)	UZI/1911 → Shibuki	Boss killing & efficiency	Uncommon/Rare Flesh
End Game (Lv 50+)	Cross Punisher → Broad Axe	Max DPS & raids	Epic/Mythic materials

Understanding Devil Hunter’s Weapon System

The Foundation: Human vs Fiend Weapon Access

Before we dive into tier lists, you need to understand the fundamental choice that defines your weapon journey:

Humans: You NEED weapons. Period. Your progression is entirely tied to the gear you craft, buy, and master. Humans can freely switch between Katanas, Axes, and Guns, making weapon choice a strategic decision rather than a permanent commitment.

Fiends: You CANNOT use standard weapons. Your “weapon” is your body and Fiend Talents. If you’re playing as a Fiend, you’ll want to check our Fox Devil Contract Guide instead, as your progression focuses on contracts rather than weapons.

Tutorial Lock & Initial Access

You don’t get free weapon access immediately. You must complete the tutorial by talking to all 6 Division Captains at Public Safety Headquarters. Only then does the Armory open, giving you access to your first weapon choice – a decision that shapes your early game experience.

Weapon Acquisition Methods

There are two primary ways to get weapons in Devil Hunter:

Black Market: Located in the alley near the bridge, this shady marketplace refreshes every 15 minutes with new weapons, materials, and rare components. Pro tip: Set a timer and check it religiously – sometimes you can buy finished weapons for Yen instead of wasting precious crafting materials.

Crafting Station: Found inside Division areas at HQ, this is where you’ll spend most of your Devil Flesh. Crafting requires specific blueprints (unlocked through progression) and materials harvested from defeated devils.

Complete Weapon Tier List 2026

After extensive testing across multiple servers and game modes, here’s the definitive weapon ranking for the current meta:

🎯 S-Tier: Meta Dominators

Category: Firearms These weapons dominate because safety is king in Devil Hunter. Getting hit hurts, and firearms let you melt enemies from range while preserving your HP bar.

• Cross Punisher: The endgame king. Massive damage output with excellent range
• Cobalt Bloom: Late-game powerhouse with superior DPS
• AK-47 Style: Consistent high damage with manageable recoil
• 1911: Precision damage perfect for boss weak points
• Model: UZI: Ultimate horde clearer with insane fire rate

Why S-Tier: Firearms combine safety, range, and consistent damage output that no melee weapon can match. They’re expensive (ammo costs Yen), but the investment pays off in survival rates and farming efficiency.

🥈 A-Tier: Boss Killing Specialists

Category: Heavy Weapons When you need to break posture and deal massive burst damage, heavy weapons deliver.

• Broad Axe: The raid favorite. Can break boss guards in 1-2 hits
• Shibuki: Top common heavy weapon with excellent damage scaling
• Devil’s Maw: Massive damage with unique mechanics
• Punk Hazard: High burst damage with crowd control
• Razor Halberd: Excellent reach and posture breaking
• Scissor Blade: Unique moveset with high skill ceiling

Why A-Tier: Heavy weapons sacrifice speed for devastating damage output. They’re perfect for boss fights and raid content where you need to break guards quickly.

🥉 B-Tier: Balanced & Reliable

Category: Medium Weapons The jack-of-all-trades category that offers solid performance without excelling in any specific area.

• Katana: The classic choice with balanced stats
• Yukimura: Perfect balance of speed and damage
• Scarlet Queen: Stylish moveset with good damage scaling
• Murasama: High skill cap with excellent mastery potential
• Yamada: Reliable choice for progression
• Razorfang: Good damage with unique mechanics
• Kuchigatana: Speed-focused with decent damage output

Why B-Tier: Medium weapons are the safe choice for players who want versatility without committing to extreme playstyles. They work well throughout progression but get outclassed by specialized weapons in endgame content.

⚪ C-Tier: Early Game Tools

Category: Light Weapons Fast and flashy, but lacking the damage output for mid-to-late game content.

• Combat Knife: Starter weapon with basic stats
• Locust Knife: Slightly better than basic knife
• Velvet Fangs: Best of the light weapons but still limited
• Kitchen Knife: Basic starter option

Why C-Tier: Use these until Level 20, then upgrade immediately. They’re great for learning combat mechanics and building weapon mastery, but simply don’t have the damage for Division 4+ content.

🔹 D-Tier: Niche & Experimental

Category: Martial Arts Fun to use but generally outclassed by actual weapons.

• Left & Right: Close combat specialist with limited range
• Devil Crusher: High skill cap with situational usefulness

Why D-Tier: These are more for unique builds than serious progression. While fun, they’re not optimal for efficient gameplay.

Complete Weapon Progression Roadmap

Stage 1: Early Game (Level 1-20)

Goal: Learn mechanics and build foundations Primary Weapon: Combat Knife → Basic Katana Strategy: Don’t waste materials upgrading starter weapons. Focus on learning parry timing, dodge mechanics, and basic combat flow. Save every piece of Devil Flesh you find – you’ll need it later.

Farming Strategy:

• Focus on Division 1 & 2 missions
• Complete “Aftermath Detail” missions for high flesh drop rates
• Practice parrying on basic enemies to build combat skills
• Check Black Market every 15 minutes for cheap materials

Pro Tips:

• Don’t worry about weapon mastery yet – focus on survival
• Learn enemy attack patterns for efficient farming
• Save Yen for mid-game weapon purchases
• Consider our Devil Hunter Money Farming Guide for efficient early-game income

Stage 2: Mid Game (Level 20-50)

Goal: Efficiency and boss killing capability Primary Weapon Choice: Firearms (UZI/1911) OR Heavy (Shibuki) Strategy: This is where the game gets challenging. Division 4 content introduces tougher enemies and the infamous Katana Man Raid. You need either the range of firearms or the posture-breaking power of heavy weapons to survive.

Farming Strategy:

• Division 4 missions become your primary focus
• “Aftermath Detail” remains crucial for material farming
• Start participating in raids for rare material drops
• Black Market becomes essential for specific weapon components

Weapon Choice Analysis:

• Firearms Path: Safer farming, consistent damage, but requires Yen for ammo
• Heavy Path: Higher burst damage, better for bosses, but riskier gameplay
• Recommendation: Start with firearms for safety farming, then branch into heavy for boss content

Critical Upgrade Points:

• Level 30: Upgrade to UZI or Shibuki
• Level 40: Consider 1911 or Devil’s Maw
• Level 50: Prepare for endgame weapon crafting

Stage 3: End Game (Level 50+)

Goal: Maximum DPS and raid dominance Primary Weapons: Cross Punisher OR Broad Axe Strategy: Time to min-max your build. You need max weapon proficiency to unlock all skills and access the true potential of your chosen weapon type.

Farming Strategy:

• World Events become your primary income source
• Division 6 content offers the best material rewards
• Raid participation is essential for Epic/Mythic materials
• Black Market trading for rare components

Endgame Weapon Crafting:

• Cross Punisher: Requires Epic/Mythic materials, massive investment
• Broad Axe: Slightly cheaper materials, still requires significant grinding
• Cobalt Bloom: Alternative firearm option with unique mechanics

Mastery Optimization:

• Use Katana Man Raid parry technique for rapid proficiency gains
• Focus on one weapon type to maximize efficiency
• Join clan groups for raid farming and material sharing

Comprehensive Crafting Guide

Material Rarity System

Understanding material rarity is crucial for efficient crafting:

Common Flesh: Used for starter weapons (Combat Knife, basic Katana)

• Easy to farm in Division 1-2
• Drops from basic devil enemies
• Don’t hoard – use immediately for early progression

Uncommon Flesh: Required for mid-tier weapons (UZI, Razorfang, Shibuki)

• Found in Division 3-4 missions
• Drops from stronger devil variants
• Start hoarding for mid-game upgrades

Rare Flesh: Essential for advanced weapons (Velvet Knife, Cobalt Bloom, Scarlet Queen)

• Division 5+ missions primary source
• Raid drops and Black Market purchases
• Never sell – too valuable for endgame crafting

Epic/Mythic Flesh: Required for S-Tier weapons (Cross Punisher, Kuchigatana)

• World Events and high-level raids
• Very rare Black Market appearances
• The most valuable crafting material in game

Pro Crafting Strategies

1. The Focus Method: Don’t try to level multiple weapon types simultaneously. Pick one path (Firearm, Heavy, or Medium) and dedicate all resources to it. Spreading materials thin leaves you with multiple mediocre weapons instead of one dominant one.

2. Black Market Arbitrage: Sometimes the Black Market sells finished weapons for Yen. If you have the cash, buy instead of craft. Save your precious materials for weapons you can’t purchase.

3. Material Conversion: Late-game allows material conversion between tiers. Always convert up – never downgrade rare materials for common needs.

4. Blueprint Priority: Unlock blueprints in progression order. Don’t skip tiers – you need the crafting experience and intermediate weapons for efficient material farming.

Crafting Station Optimization

Location Strategy: Different Division areas offer unique crafting bonuses:

• Division 1-2: Basic weapon crafting bonuses
• Division 3-4: Medium weapon efficiency improvements
• Division 5-6: Advanced weapon crafting discounts

Timing Matters: Craft during server events for bonus materials and reduced costs. Weekends often feature crafting events that can save you significant resources.

Weapon Mastery & Proficiency Guide

The Katana Man Raid Method

This is the fastest way to max weapon proficiency:

Setup:

1. Enter Katana Man Raid with your target weapon equipped
2. Clear all enemies except the minigun NPC
3. Position yourself at optimal parry distance

Execution:

1. Parry the minigun bullets consistently
2. Each successful parry grants significant proficiency XP
3. Maintain rhythm for maximum efficiency
4. Can max a weapon in approximately 30 minutes

Alternative Methods:

• Division 5 mission farming (slower but safer)
• World Event participation (good for group farming)
• Boss rush modes (high risk, high reward)

Mastery Skill Optimization

Skill Priority:

1. Unlock basic attack combos first
2. Focus on damage multipliers
3. Invest in utility skills (parry timing, dodge extensions)
4. End with ultimate abilities and special moves

Reset Strategy: Don’t be afraid to reset mastery skills if you’ve made poor choices. The reset cost is worth optimizing your build for endgame content.

Advanced Weapon Strategies

Build Synergies

Firearm + Devil Contract Combinations:

• Fox Devil Contract + UZI: Mobile damage with crowd control
• Snake Devil Contract + 1911: Precision damage with debuff support
• Future Devil Contract + Cross Punisher: Predictive damage with time manipulation

Heavy Weapon + Hybrid Builds:

• Devil’s Heart Hybrid + Broad Axe: Transformation damage with weapon scaling
• Fiend Hybrid + Shibuki: Enhanced abilities with weapon mastery

PvP Weapon Considerations

While this guide focuses on PvE progression, here are PvP insights:

Meta PvP Weapons:

• Firearms dominate ranged PvP
• Heavy weapons for burst damage combos
• Medium weapons for balanced dueling

PvP vs PvE Differences:

• Speed matters more in PvP
• Burst damage over sustained DPS
• Weapon reach becomes critical

Money Management for Weapon Progression

Weapon progression requires significant Yen investment. Here’s how to manage your finances:

Early Game (Level 1-20):

• Focus on saving, not spending
• Basic weapon maintenance only
• Build emergency fund for mid-game upgrades

Mid Game (Level 20-50):

• Invest in one primary weapon path
• Budget for ammo costs (if using firearms)
• Maintain material purchasing fund

End Game (Level 50+):

• Maximize crafting efficiency
• Invest in rare material purchases
• Maintain raid participation fund

For detailed money farming strategies, check our comprehensive Devil Hunter Money Farming Guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Progression Pitfalls

1. Spreading Resources Too Thin: Don’t try to master every weapon type. Focus on one path and become exceptional with it.

2. Ignoring the Black Market: Set timers for Black Market refreshes. You’ll miss crucial opportunities if you forget to check every 15 minutes.

3. Selling Rare Materials: Never sell Rare or Epic Devil Flesh for quick Yen. The long-term value far exceeds short-term gains.

4. Neglecting Weapon Mastery: A maxed B-Tier weapon outperforms an unmastered S-Tier weapon. Always prioritize proficiency.

5. Poor Material Management: Don’t craft weapons you won’t use. Plan your progression path and stick to it.

Combat Mistakes

1. Ignoring Parry Timing: Parrying is crucial for both survival and weapon mastery. Practice consistently.

2. Wasting Ammo: Firearms require Yen for ammunition. Make every shot count, especially in early game.

3. Wrong Weapon for Content: Don’t bring light weapons to boss fights or heavy weapons to mob clearing. Match your weapon to the content.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Mobile vs PC Performance

Mobile Advantages:

• Easier parry timing with touch controls
• Better for farming sessions
• Improved accessibility for Black Market checking

PC Advantages:

• Superior aiming for firearms
• Better camera control for heavy weapons
• Faster menu navigation for crafting

Cross-Platform Tips:

• Weapon choice matters more than platform
• Focus on your platform’s strengths
• Practice platform-specific techniques

Future-Proofing Your Build

Meta Adaptation Strategies

The Devil Hunter meta evolves with updates. Here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Diversify Material Holdings: Keep materials for multiple weapon types in case of meta shifts.

2. Follow Developer Updates: Monitor official channels for balance changes and new weapon releases.

3. Community Engagement: Join Discord servers and Reddit communities for meta discussions and strategy sharing.

4. Flexible Mastery: Maintain proficiency in secondary weapon types for adaptation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the absolute best weapon for beginners in Devil Hunter?

A: The Katana or Yukimura (Medium Weapons) are optimal starters. They offer perfect balance between speed and damage, helping you learn parry timing without being too slow (like Heavy weapons) or too weak (like Light weapons). Focus on mastering the basics before specializing.

Q: How often should I check the Black Market for weapon deals?

A: Every 15 minutes without fail. Set a phone alarm or timer. The Black Market refreshes consistently, and missing even one refresh could cost you a rare weapon or material that saves hours of farming.

Q: Can Fiends eventually use weapons like firearms or katanas?

A: No, this is a permanent restriction. Fiends cannot equip any standard weapons – their power comes from devil contracts and innate abilities. If you want weapon progression, you must choose Human at character creation.

Q: Is ammunition unlimited for firearms, or do I need to manage it carefully?

A: Ammunition is limited and costs Yen to replenish. While firearms are S-Tier for damage and safety, they require ongoing financial maintenance. Ensure you have steady income from Division 5+ missions before committing to a firearm-heavy build.

Q: What’s the fastest way to max out weapon proficiency?

A: The Katana Man Raid parry technique is undisputedly fastest. Kill all enemies except the minigun NPC, then parry bullets continuously. You can max a weapon in about 30 minutes using this method.

Q: Should I sell rare Devil Flesh when I need quick Yen?

A: Never sell Rare or Epic Devil Flesh. Yen is easy to farm through missions, but rare materials require hours of grinding or lucky Black Market finds. The long-term weapon progression value far exceeds short-term financial needs.

Q: How do I get blueprints for S-Tier weapons like Cross Punisher?

A: High-tier blueprints come from multiple sources: reaching high Division ranks (5+), completing difficult raids, rare Black Market appearances, and special world events. Focus on progression and raid participation for the best blueprint access.

Q: What’s the most cost-effective weapon path for budget players?

A: Heavy weapons offer the best value. While firearms have ongoing ammo costs, heavy weapons require only the initial crafting investment. The Broad Axe path provides excellent damage without continuous Yen expenditure.

Q: Can I switch between weapon types, or am I locked into one category?

A: Humans can freely switch between equipped weapons, but mastery is weapon-specific. It’s best to focus on one weapon type for mastery progression, then expand to secondary weapons once your primary is maxed.

Q: How important is weapon mastery compared to weapon tier?

A: Mastery is more important than tier. A fully mastered B-Tier weapon outperforms an unmastered S-Tier weapon. Always prioritize proficiency progression over acquiring higher-tier weapons without mastery.

Conclusion: Your Path to Weapon Mastery

Devil Hunter weapon progression isn’t just about getting the best gear – it’s about understanding the meta, optimizing your resources, and mastering your chosen weapon class. Whether you choose the safe path of firearms, the brutal efficiency of heavy weapons, or the balanced approach of medium weapons, success comes from consistent progression and smart resource management.

Remember these key principles:

• Focus on one weapon path until mastery
• Never sell rare materials for quick Yen
• Check the Black Market every 15 minutes
• Practice parry timing for both survival and proficiency
• Adapt your strategy as you progress through divisions

The journey from rusty knife to S-Tier dominance takes time and dedication, but with this guide, you have the knowledge to make optimal choices at every stage. Start with a reliable medium weapon, transition to firearms for safe farming, and end with the weapon that best fits your playstyle.