What is the Strongest Gun in Bloodborne?

In the gothic, nightmarish world of Bloodborne, where every strike of your trick weapon carries immense weight, firearms often serve a different, yet equally vital, purpose. They aren’t typically your primary damage dealers, but rather tools for parrying, stunning, and adding crucial chip damage. However, the perennial question among hunters persists: **What is the strongest gun in Bloodborne?** While the answer isn’t a simple, singular declaration, it overwhelmingly points to one specific firearm when it comes to raw damage output, especially in optimized builds: the **Evelyn**.

Let us delve deeply into the nuanced mechanics of Bloodborne’s firearms, exploring why the Evelyn reigns supreme for damage in its niche, and how other contenders offer their own unique forms of “strength” to a hunter’s arsenal. Understanding the interplay of stats, scaling, blood gems, and specific combat scenarios is absolutely essential to truly grasp which gun holds the title of “strongest.”

Understanding Firearm Mechanics in Bloodborne

Before we crown a champion, it’s crucial to grasp how guns function in Yharnam. Unlike many RPGs where ranged weapons can be primary offensive tools, Bloodborne’s firearms are predominantly off-hand utility items.

Purpose of Firearms

• Parrying: This is arguably their most important function. A well-timed shot can stagger many enemies and bosses, opening them up for a visceral attack – Bloodborne’s highest damage maneuver.
• Crowd Control: Shotgun-type firearms like the Blunderbuss or Ludwig’s Rifle can stagger multiple enemies in an arc.
• Finishing Blows: Sometimes, a boss or elite enemy is just a sliver of health away from defeat, and a quick gun blast can finish the job without risking a melee counter-attack.
• Aggro Management: Pulling individual enemies from a group.
• Damage Supplement: While not primary, dedicated Bloodtinge builds *can* make firearms a significant source of damage, especially against certain foes.

Key Damage Factors

The damage a firearm deals is determined by several factors:

• Base Damage: The inherent damage value of the weapon.
• Bloodtinge (BTG) Scaling: This is the most critical stat for firearm damage. Most guns scale primarily with Bloodtinge, meaning the higher your Bloodtinge stat, the more damage they deal. Scaling grades range from E (poor) to S (excellent).
• Blood Gems: These transformative items can be socketed into firearms to significantly boost their damage. For guns, you’ll primarily seek Bloodtinge ATK Up % gems or Flat Bloodtinge ATK gems.
• Bone Marrow Ash: A consumable item that temporarily, but drastically, increases the damage of your next firearm shot.
• Quicksilver Bullet Cost: Each shot consumes a certain number of quicksilver bullets, ranging from one to two, or even more for certain abilities.

The Reigning Champion: Evelyn

For hunters prioritizing raw damage output from their firearm, especially when coupled with a dedicated Bloodtinge build, the **Evelyn** stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Why Evelyn is the Strongest Damage Gun

The Evelyn’s supremacy stems primarily from its exceptional Bloodtinge scaling and its unique gem slot configuration.

• S-Tier Bloodtinge Scaling: This is the absolute core of its power. At higher Bloodtinge levels (50 and especially 99), the Evelyn’s damage scales exponentially. This “S” grade ensures that nearly every point invested into Bloodtinge significantly boosts its output. No other pistol in the game matches this level of Bloodtinge scaling.
• Optimal Gem Slots: The Evelyn features two Radial slots and one Triangular slot. While other firearms might have unique slots, the ability to slot two powerful Radial Bloodtinge gems (which are very common drops in Chalice Dungeons) alongside a high-tier Triangular gem makes it incredibly versatile and powerful for maximizing Bloodtinge damage.
• Acquisition: You can acquire the Evelyn by finding it in Cainhurst Castle. After defeating Martyr Logarius and gaining access to the Cainhurst Vilebloods, you can find the Evelyn inside a chest in a hidden room near the Queen’s chamber, or purchase it from the Bath Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream after obtaining the Cainhurst Badge.
• Synergy with Bloodtinge Builds: The Evelyn is the quintessential companion for trick weapons that also scale heavily with Bloodtinge, such as the Chikage, Bloodletter, and Simon’s Bowblade. A build optimized for these weapons will naturally have very high Bloodtinge, allowing the Evelyn to unleash devastating damage.
• Base Damage: While not the highest base damage among all firearms, its superior scaling quickly overtakes any minor base damage deficiencies compared to other pistols once your Bloodtinge stat rises.
• Bullet Cost: A reasonable 1 Quicksilver Bullet per shot, allowing for sustained damage or multiple parry attempts without quickly depleting your limited ammunition.

Evelyn’s Performance with Blood Gems

To truly unlock the Evelyn’s potential, proper gemming is non-negotiable. Hunters typically seek out Cursed Bloodtinge ATK Up % gems. These gems can be farmed from specific enemies in high-level FRC (Fetid, Rotted, Cursed) Chalice Dungeons.

• Radial and Triangular Gems: The ideal gems are Cursed Bloodtinge ATK Up % gems with percentages ranging from 31.5% to 32.6%. The “Cursed” affix will add a negative effect (e.g., stamina cost up, durability down, ATK vs. Kin down), but the damage boost far outweighs these drawbacks for a dedicated Bloodtinge build.
• Flat Bloodtinge vs. Percentage: While flat Bloodtinge ATK gems can seem appealing, especially early on, percentage-based gems generally provide significantly more damage at higher Bloodtinge levels due to how scaling multipliers work.

With 50 Bloodtinge and three top-tier Bloodtinge ATK Up % gems, an Evelyn can easily hit enemies for 400-800+ damage per shot, and significantly more with Bone Marrow Ash. This transforms it from a utility tool into a formidable ranged offensive option.

Close Contenders and Situational Powerhouses

While the Evelyn is the queen of Bloodtinge damage, other firearms have their own merits and can be considered “strongest” in specific contexts or for different playstyles.

Hunter Pistol: The Reliable Standard

• Accessibility & Utility: The very first firearm you can choose. It has decent base damage and good handling. Its strength lies in its speed and low bullet cost (1 per shot), making it superb for parrying.
• Scaling: It has a “B” scaling in Bloodtinge, which is good, but not exceptional like the Evelyn’s “S.”
• Why it’s “Strong” (Not for Damage): For builds that don’t heavily invest in Bloodtinge, the Hunter Pistol is arguably the “strongest” choice due to its high utility-to-investment ratio. It’s efficient for parries and chip damage without requiring a significant stat commitment. It’s the workhorse firearm for most builds.

Repeating Pistol: High Burst, High Cost

• Damage Output: The Repeating Pistol fires two bullets simultaneously, effectively doubling its base damage per shot. This gives it higher raw damage per trigger pull than any other pistol, especially at lower Bloodtinge levels.
• Scaling: It possesses a “B” scaling in Bloodtinge. While good, it eventually falls behind the Evelyn at very high Bloodtinge due to the Evelyn’s superior “S” scaling.
• Bullet Cost: Its major drawback is the cost of 2 Quicksilver Bullets per shot. This makes it unsustainable for prolonged use or frequent parry attempts without significant bullet farming or rune management.
• When it’s “Strong”: It’s excellent for early-to-mid game Bloodtinge builds for burst damage, or for specific scenarios where you need a quick, powerful shot (e.g., finishing off a boss) and don’t mind the ammo cost. With Bone Marrow Ash, it delivers a very high single-shot burst.

Cannon: The Heavy Artillery

• Unrivaled Single-Hit Damage: For sheer, unadulterated damage in a single shot, nothing in Bloodborne rivals the **Cannon**. This behemoth consumes a staggering 2 Quicksilver Bullets per shot, but in return, it delivers devastating physical damage.
• Scaling: It scales with Strength and Bloodtinge, primarily B/B respectively, making it ideal for hybrid Strength/Bloodtinge builds, though it can still be potent in pure Bloodtinge builds.
• Acquisition: Found in the Forbidden Woods, near the shortcut elevator back to the clinic.
• When it’s “Strong”: The Cannon is a situational weapon, best reserved for high-health enemies, specific boss phases, or for breaking enemy stances. It’s not for general combat due to its slow firing speed, long recovery, and exorbitant bullet cost.
• Optimization: Like other firearms, its damage is greatly amplified by Bloodtinge gems and Bone Marrow Ash. A well-placed, Bone Marrow Ash-buffed Cannon shot can strip a massive chunk of health from even the toughest bosses. Some hunters even combine it with the Bloodlicker’s Eye rune to recover bullets, or use the “Blood Bullet” mechanic to generate more ammo on the fly.

Gatling Gun: A Niche Powerhouse

• High DPS Potential: The Gatling Gun, a unique firearm, delivers a continuous stream of bullets, leading to very high damage per second (DPS) if all shots connect.
• Limitations: It requires you to stand still to fire, consumes bullets at an alarming rate, and has a wind-up time. This makes it extremely situational and difficult to use effectively in fast-paced boss fights.
• When it’s “Strong”: It’s most “strong” in specific, niche scenarios: against large, slow-moving bosses that allow you to stand still and unload, or for fun, experimental builds focused entirely on its unique firing pattern. It’s more of a novelty weapon for most hunters, but its potential DPS is undeniable in the right hands and context.
• Acquisition: Found in the Old Hunters DLC, in the Hunter’s Nightmare.

Shotgun-Type Firearms: Crowd Control and Close-Range Parries

• Blunderbuss: Another starting option, the Blunderbuss offers a wide spread, making it excellent for close-range parries and staggering multiple enemies simultaneously. Its damage per shot is lower than pistols, but its multi-hit potential against grouped enemies or large hitboxes can be useful.
• Ludwig’s Rifle: Similar to the Blunderbuss but with a tighter spread and slightly longer range. Good for similar purposes – crowd control and parrying.
• Rifle Spear (Transformed Mode): While primarily a trick weapon, its transformed mode functions as a unique firearm, firing a single bullet. It scales with Skill and Bloodtinge. It’s not a standalone “strongest gun” but worth mentioning for its hybrid utility within its weapon moveset.

These shotgun-type firearms are generally not considered “strongest” for raw damage numbers, but they excel in their utility for staggering, especially against fast or multiple enemies, which is a form of “strength” in Bloodborne’s combat.

Optimizing Firearm Damage: Beyond Just the Gun

To truly maximize the “strength” of your chosen firearm, especially the Evelyn, you must understand the underlying mechanics that govern its damage output.

The Bloodtinge Stat: The Cornerstone

As repeatedly emphasized, Bloodtinge is paramount for firearm damage. Most hunters aiming for a potent gun will level Bloodtinge to:

• 50 Bloodtinge: This is the soft cap where scaling returns diminish significantly. Most Bloodtinge builds will aim for this.
• 99 Bloodtinge: The hard cap. While returns are diminished past 50, continued investment will still yield some damage increases, making the Evelyn even more potent, albeit at a high opportunity cost for other stats. This is typically only done in very high New Game cycles or specialized builds.

Blood Gems: The True Powerhouses

The correct Blood Gems transform firearms from mere utility items into formidable ranged weapons. Here’s a deeper dive:

Types of Bloodtinge Gems

• Cursed Bloodtinge ATK Up %: These are the gold standard. They boost your firearm’s Bloodtinge scaling damage by a percentage. The highest possible is around 32.6% (from certain Depth 5 FRC Chalice Dungeon bosses). These typically come with a curse (e.g., ATK Down vs. Beasts, Stamina Cost Up), but the damage boost is too significant to ignore.
• Cursed Flat Bloodtinge ATK: These gems add a flat amount of Bloodtinge damage. While useful in the early game or for weapons with poor scaling, they are generally outclassed by percentage gems at higher Bloodtinge levels, especially on the Evelyn due to its S-scaling.
• Niche Gems: There are also gems like Cursed ATK Up at Full HP, or gems that boost all ATK types. While potentially useful, they don’t specialize in Bloodtinge damage as effectively as the dedicated Bloodtinge ATK Up % gems.

Farming for Optimal Gems

Acquiring top-tier Bloodtinge gems is an endgame activity, primarily found in the challenging FRC (Fetid, Rotted, Cursed) Root Chalice Dungeons. Specific glyphs are shared within the Bloodborne community for farming particular bosses (e.g., Watchdog of the Old Lords, Amygdala, certain Labyrinth Spirits) that drop the desired Radial, Triangular, and Waning Bloodtinge gems.

“A firearm’s true potential in Bloodborne is often less about its base stats and more about the meticulous curation of its Blood Gems. These arcane stones can turn a humble sidearm into a devastating ranged instrument.”

Bone Marrow Ash: The Ultimate Burst

Bone Marrow Ash is a consumable item that significantly boosts the damage of your next firearm shot. It applies a substantial multiplier to your gun’s damage. For the Evelyn, or a critical Cannon shot, this can mean the difference between life and death for a boss. Stocking up on Bone Marrow Ash is crucial for any hunter looking to maximize their firearm’s “strength” in burst scenarios.

Build Synergy: The Holistic Approach

The “strongest” gun is also one that seamlessly integrates into your overall build. For instance:

• Chikage/Bloodletter/Simon’s Bowblade Builds: These trick weapons scale primarily with Bloodtinge (and Strength for Bloodletter, Skill for Chikage and Bowblade). A hunter using these weapons will naturally have high Bloodtinge, making the Evelyn the undisputed choice for their off-hand. The firearm acts as a powerful complement, especially when the main weapon might be out of reach or in an unfavorable transformation.
• Pure Strength/Skill Builds: For builds that focus solely on Strength or Skill, the Hunter Pistol remains the “strongest” choice due to its low investment cost and high utility for parrying. The minor damage it deals is just a bonus.

The “Strongest” in Context: A Comparative Overview

To consolidate, let’s categorize what “strongest” means for Bloodborne firearms:

For Pure Damage Output (Dedicated Bloodtinge Builds)

1. Evelyn: The king. Unmatched scaling with Bloodtinge, allowing it to deal phenomenal sustained damage with proper gems. Ideal for hunters who have invested 50+ points into Bloodtinge.
2. Cannon: The burst damage champion. While highly situational due to ammo cost, no other gun hits harder in a single shot. Essential for specific boss strategies or finishing blows.
3. Repeating Pistol: A strong contender for burst damage, especially at mid-range Bloodtinge or if you need a slightly faster, less ammo-intensive burst than the Cannon.

For Utility and Parrying (All Builds)

1. Hunter Pistol: The universal choice. Excellent for parrying, quick chip damage, and ammo efficiency. It requires minimal stat investment and serves its purpose perfectly.
2. Blunderbuss: Premier for close-range parrying and staggering groups of enemies. Its wider spread makes parries easier at point-blank range, sacrificing precise damage for reliable utility.

For Niche or Specialized Playstyles

1. Gatling Gun: A fun, high-DPS option for those who enjoy stationary, continuous fire, best used against large, slow enemies or for specific challenges.
2. Ludwig’s Rifle: A slightly more refined Blunderbuss, offering similar utility with a tighter spread.

Here’s a simplified table comparing some key aspects:

Advanced Strategies and Considerations

Even with the “strongest” gun, a hunter’s tactical approach can further amplify its effectiveness.

Bullet Management

Running out of Quicksilver Bullets is a common frustration. Consider these tips:

• Blood Bullets: Sacrificing 30% of your maximum HP (without healing) to gain 5 extra Quicksilver Bullets. This is crucial for sustained gun use, especially for high-cost weapons like the Cannon.
• Runes: The “Communion” runes (various tiers) increase your maximum Quicksilver Bullet capacity, while “Blood Rapture” and “Bloodlicker’s Eye” runes can restore bullets upon visceral attacks or enemy kills, respectively.
• Farming: Various enemies drop Quicksilver Bullets, making farming them a viable option before challenging areas or bosses.

Quick Switching and Contextual Use

Experienced hunters often quick-switch between firearms depending on the situation. For instance, you might use a Blunderbuss for a guaranteed close-range parry, then swap to an Evelyn for damage output once the enemy is staggered, or to a Cannon for a high-damage finisher.

Environmental Considerations

Some environments favor certain firearms. Open areas allow for more ranged engagement with an Evelyn, while tight corridors might make a Blunderbuss more effective for its spread.

Conclusion

So, **what is the strongest gun in Bloodborne?** The most accurate, nuanced answer is that for sheer damage output, particularly in a high Bloodtinge build, the **Evelyn** is the undisputed champion. Its S-tier scaling and favorable gem slots allow it to achieve formidable damage numbers that no other firearm can consistently match. When paired with top-tier Bloodtinge gems and the strategic use of Bone Marrow Ash, the Evelyn transcends its utility role and becomes a genuine offensive powerhouse.

However, “strength” in Bloodborne is often contextual. The Hunter Pistol remains arguably the “strongest” for its unparalleled utility and efficiency in parrying for all builds, regardless of Bloodtinge investment. The Cannon, while unwieldy, provides an unmatched single-hit burst for specific tactical scenarios. Each firearm in Bloodborne possesses a unique form of strength, tailored to different playstyles and combat situations.

Ultimately, the “strongest” gun is the one that best complements your chosen build and allows you to overcome the nightmarish horrors of Yharnam most effectively. But for those chasing raw ranged damage, the Evelyn is indeed the dream.