Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is Owlcat Games' CRPG set in the grimdark far future where you play as a Rogue Trader. One of the few individuals with a warrant to explore, trade, and conquer beyond the Imperium's borders. The game features deep turn-based tactical combat, a conviction system (Dogmatic/Iconoclast/Heretical) that shapes your story, companion loyalty mechanics, and colony management across the Koronus Expanse. As a 40K RPG, it's the most authentic tabletop experience in video game form.
This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power Sword | Warrior (Vanguard), melee Operative | An energy-sheathed melee weapon that ignores a portion of enemy armor. |
| Bolt Pistol | All classes as sidearm | The iconic Warhammer sidearm firing self-propelled explosive rounds. |
| Plasma Gun | Soldier, ranged Warrior | A high-damage energy weapon with a risk of overheating (damaging the user). |
| Force Staff | Psyker. Primary weapon | A Psyker-exclusive weapon that channels psychic powers. |
| Thunder Hammer | Warrior (melee). Endgame weapon | A massive two-handed weapon that deals devastating blows with concussive energy. |
S-Tier: Power Sword
An energy-sheathed melee weapon that ignores a portion of enemy armor. The standard combat weapon for melee characters. Higher-tier variants (Master-Crafted, Relic) deal significantly more damage. Power Weapons define 40K melee combat.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best For | Warrior (Vanguard), melee Operative |
| Key Mechanic | conviction system |
| Recommended Build | Warrior |
See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Power Sword: Pairs naturally with Warrior thanks to how their stat scaling lines up.
A-Tier: Bolt Pistol
The iconic Warhammer sidearm firing self-propelled explosive rounds. Good damage, moderate range. Every character should carry one as a backup weapon. Bolt weapons are the Imperium's signature technology.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best For | All classes as sidearm |
| Key Mechanic | colony management |
| Recommended Build | Operative |
Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Bolt Pistol: Pairs naturally with Operative thanks to how their stat scaling lines up.
A-Tier: Plasma Gun
A high-damage energy weapon with a risk of overheating (damaging the user). When it works, it melts through heavy armor. The risk-reward calculation defines Plasma weapons. Safe mode deals less damage, maximal mode can backfire.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best For | Soldier, ranged Warrior |
| Key Mechanic | turn-based combat |
| Recommended Build | Soldier |
Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Plasma Gun: Pairs naturally with Soldier thanks to how their stat scaling lines up.
B-Tier: Force Staff
A Psyker-exclusive weapon that channels psychic powers. Enhances psychic ability damage and provides melee defense. The Force Staff is both a weapon and a psychic focus. Essential for any Psyker build.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best For | Psyker. Primary weapon |
| Key Mechanic | companion loyalty |
| Recommended Build | Psyker |
Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Force Staff: Pairs naturally with Psyker thanks to how their stat scaling lines up.
B-Tier: Thunder Hammer
A massive two-handed weapon that deals devastating blows with concussive energy. Slow but each hit can knock enemies prone and deal massive damage. The premium melee weapon for Strength-focused Warriors.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best For | Warrior (melee). Endgame weapon |
| Key Mechanic | warp travel |
| Recommended Build | Officer |
Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Thunder Hammer: Pairs naturally with Officer thanks to how their stat scaling lines up.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Rogue Trader Vessel
- Bolt Pistol → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Plasma Gun → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Power Sword → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Companion approval affects story endings significantly. Pay attention to companion reactions to your decisions. Some companions approve of opposite things.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
Similar Games
If you enjoy Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide: rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Weapons Guide: rpg game with similar mechanics
