What is the best weapons?

The one that fits your build and the zone. The list helps you match them.

How is the list sorted?

Alphabetically from the wiki data, for fast lookup during play.

Should I chase the rarest?

Rare is not always right. Fit to your plan beats rarity on its own.

Best Project Zomboid Weapons tier list

Every Project Zomboid weapons from the wiki, sorted so you can scan the whole set without losing your place.

Overview

A directory, not a ranking: the best weapons is the one that fits the fight you are walking into.

How Weapons shape your runs

Use it with the strategy guide. The list tells you what exists; the guide tells you what to reach for.

Notable Weapons

Axe (Weapons): The Axe is a weapon that can be found in places on the map.
Baseball Bat (Weapons): The Baseball Bat is a melee weapon in Project Zomboid, it has less damage yet farther range than the Fire Axe.
Frying Pan (Weapons): The Frying Pan is a weapon with a low range and moderate damage.
Golf Club (Weapons): The Golf Club is a melee weapon with a damage rating of 4 (FORE!).
Hammer (Weapons): The Hammer is a tool that may be used either for barricading, or as a subpar weapon it is found randomly in cupboards found throughout the town.
Molotov cocktail (Weapons): The Molotov Cocktail is a craftable ranged weapon.
Nailed Plank (Weapons): An improvement on the normal plank made by hammering a nail into a regular wooden plank.
Pen (Weapons): The weight of the Pen is 0.1.
Pencil (Weapons): The Pencil had no use before,but since an update it can be used (like the pen) as a weapon,only used once,and can be used in crafting along with.
Pistol (Weapons): The Pistol is a ranged weapon with a damage rating of 21.5.
Screwdriver (Weapons): A Screwdriver is a one-handed, a useful tool and short blade weapon.
Shotgun (Weapons): The Shotgun is a ranged weapon, which can quickly take down large numbers of zombies.
Spiked Baseball Bat (Weapons): The Spiked Baseball Bat is a weapon crafted by using a baseball bat, nails, and a hammer.
Spoon (Weapons): The Spoon is a weapon in Project Zomboid.
Wooden plank (Weapons): A Wooden plank can be obtained by smashing a door with the axe, saw a log with a saw or get from other barricades window from other houses.

Where to focus

Check it whenever you unlock a new tier, so the new weapons actually enters your rotation.