DAVETHE DIVER GUIDE

Best Weapons and Jungle Gun Modes

The best weapon is a four-mode loadout: rifle for general use, sniper for bosses, net for live capture, and shotgun for close burst damage.

Updated July 25, 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer

Prioritize rifle and sniper, then upgrade net for collection

Rifle mode is the best everyday investment because it handles most aggressive fish without forcing close range. Sniper mode is the safest boss and Black Caiman option because it reaches weak points before enemies detect Dave.

Net mode is essential for small live catches and collection quality, while shotgun mode is strongest only when you can safely stay close. Upgrade the branch that solves your current goal instead of leveling all four evenly.

Best general
Rifle
Best boss safety
Sniper
Best live capture
Net
Best close burst
Shotgun

Jungle Gun mode ranking

ModeBest usePriority
RifleGeneral diving and medium predatorsHigh
SniperBosses, weak points, large threatsHigh
NetSmall live fish, snails, qualityGoal-dependent
ShotgunClose burst and confident boss punishesMedium

Best upgrade order

1

Raise rifle first

Build a dependable default mode for story dives and ingredient routes.

2

Add sniper range and damage

Prepare for Black Caiman and late underwater bosses.

3

Upgrade net to the target tier

Invest when a bestiary, request, or quality goal requires live capture.

4

Finish shotgun for aggressive play

Spend here after survivability and ranged damage are secure.

Do base-game weapons still matter?

The DLC centers combat around the modular Jungle Gun, but base-game upgrades and Dave's oxygen, carry weight, and utility tools still shape the run. Enter through a completed save so the broader equipment progression is available, then treat Jungle Gun modes as the local combat system.

FAQ

Best Weapons questions

What is the best Jungle Gun mode?

Rifle is the strongest general-purpose choice. Sniper becomes best when range and weak-point access matter more than sustained fire.

Is net mode worth upgrading?

Yes for live capture, bestiary completion, and high-quality small ingredients; it is not the first damage upgrade for boss progression.

Sources and verification

This guide was checked against current game information and player reports on July 25, 2026. Jungle Gun upgrade reference