Do the First Weapons in This Shooter Feel Powerful Enough?

25 May 2025

Have you ever jumped into a new shooter game, eager to immerse yourself in the action, only to find that your starting weapon feels like a pea shooter? It’s the worst, right? Those early minutes or hours in a game are supposed to hook you, make you feel like a hero, and keep you coming back for more. Yet, if your first weapon doesn’t pack a punch, it might dampen the excitement. Let's talk about this for a moment—do the first weapons in this shooter feel powerful enough to make you say, “Alright, I’m ready for this”?

In this blog, we’ll dig into the role of those first weapons—what makes them feel good, what doesn’t, and why they’re so crucial to a game’s success. Whether you're a casual gamer or a die-hard FPS fan, you’ll want to stick around. Let’s unlock this topic and see if those starter guns are pulling their weight.

Why First Impressions Matter in Shooter Games

First impressions are everything, aren’t they? Think about when you meet someone new or watch the first episode of a TV show—it’s either love at first sight, or you’re checking the clock, wondering when it’s over. Games work the same way. The first few moments in any game, especially in a shooter, set the tone for what’s to come. And let me tell you, a wimpy starting weapon can instantly make things feel underwhelming.

Starting weapons are like your welcome mat. They’re the game’s way of saying, “Hey, come on in, we’ve got something awesome here.” If that mat is tattered and ugly (or worse, soggy—ew), it’s hard to feel excited about what’s behind the door. But if it’s inviting and gives off good vibes, you're more likely to stick around. That’s exactly how first weapons should feel—like an open invitation to enjoy what lies ahead.

What Makes a First Weapon Feel Powerful?

So, what’s the secret sauce? What separates a satisfying first weapon from one that feels like it belongs in the trash? A few factors come into play here: damage output, sound design, recoil, visual effects, and ease of use. Let’s break these down.

1. Damage Output

Nobody expects their starting pistol or assault rifle to one-shot a boss, but it needs to feel like it can hold its own. If you’re unloading clip after clip just to take down a grunt enemy, that’s a problem. Starting weapons should feel like they have enough punch to save your butt in sticky situations without being overpowered.

2. Sound Design

Oh man, sound design can make or break a weapon. Have you ever fired a gun in a game, and it sounded like someone smacking a wet noodle against a table? Not exactly confidence-inspiring. A good starting weapon should have a satisfying “boom” or “crack” to let you know it means business. Think of it like the growl of a sports car—it’s gotta sound fast even if it’s only going 20 mph.

3. Recoil and Handling

If a gun kicks like a mule, it’s not going to win you over in the opening moments. A starter weapon should feel smooth and manageable, especially for new players who are just trying to get a handle on the game. Think of it as training wheels—it’s there to guide you, not make you question your life choices.

4. Visual Effects

Let’s be honest, we’re visual creatures. We like shiny things. A first weapon doesn’t need to look like it was crafted by the gods, but it should still have some visual flair. Maybe it glows when you reload, or sparks fly when you fire. Little touches like that keep things interesting.

5. Ease of Use

Finally, a good starter weapon needs to be versatile and easy to use. You shouldn’t feel like you need a 40-page manual to figure out how it works. Point, shoot, boom—it’s that simple.

Why Do Some Games Get It Wrong?

Now, let’s talk about the flip side. Why do some developers end up giving us weapons that feel as weak as soggy celery? Sometimes it’s a balancing issue—they don’t want the starting weapons to be too strong because, let’s face it, the good stuff is meant to come later. Other times, it’s because they’re banking on the rest of the game being so good that you’ll overlook the meh weapons.

But here’s the thing: When the starting experience falls flat, players might not stick around long enough to see the “good stuff.” It’s like serving stale bread before a gourmet meal—no one’s going to care about the filet mignon if the first bite is disappointing.

Games That Nailed Their First Weapons

Let’s give credit where credit is due. Some games have absolutely nailed their starting weapons, and they deserve a shout-out:

1. DOOM (2016)

Ah, the Combat Shotgun. This bad boy isn’t just a starting weapon—it’s a statement piece. It feels heavy, it sounds thunderous, and it’s ridiculously satisfying to use. It sets the tone for DOOM’s fast-paced, brutal gameplay right off the bat.

2. Call of Duty Series

Love it or hate it, the Call of Duty series consistently delivers strong starting weapons. Take the classic M4A1. It’s versatile, reliable, and packs enough punch to make you feel like a seasoned soldier, even if you’re just starting out.

3. Apex Legends

Whether it’s the Mozambique (post-buffs, of course) or the R-99, Apex Legends makes sure even its starter weapons feel fun and impactful. Plus, the sound design? Chef’s kiss.

How Starting Weapons Build Player Confidence

There’s a psychological side to this too. A good starting weapon builds confidence. It makes you feel like you can handle what the game is throwing at you. And confidence is key—if you feel empowered from the beginning, you’re more likely to dive deeper into the game and experiment with other weapons, mechanics, and challenges.

Imagine starting a new game and instantly feeling like a total badass. That’s the dream, right? Good starter weapons give players that adrenaline boost they need to keep going.

Balancing Power and Progression

Now, here’s the tricky part: balancing the power of starting weapons with the need for progression. Developers don’t want to give you something so good off the bat that it makes every other weapon seem lackluster. But they also don’t want you to feel like you're using a toy gun.

Striking that balance is an art form. A great first weapon should be strong enough to carry you through the early game but not so incredible that you never want to switch it out. Think of it like a first dance at a wedding—it sets the tone, but you know there’s even more fun to come.

Final Thoughts: Do They Feel Powerful Enough?

So, do the first weapons in this shooter feel powerful enough? Well, that depends. The best shooters understand that a good starting weapon is more than just a tool—it’s a promise. It’s the game saying, “We’ve got you. You’re going to have a blast.” When done right, it’s enough to ignite a spark of excitement and keep players locked in for the long haul.

If a game’s starter weapons leave you feeling underwhelmed, it’s like stepping into a roller coaster and realizing the first hill isn’t as steep as you hoped. But when developers get it right? That’s the kind of magic that turns casual players into lifelong fans.