Check Out the Best Nerf Guns of 2022 and Make Your Inner Child’s Dreams Come True
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Since the late 1980s, the best Nerf guns have entertained kids and adults across the United States. It doesn’t matter if you’re a 90’s kid or a Tik-Tok obsessed Zoomer, you can likely remember your best Nerf gun battle, or the Christmas or birthday when you received the newest, coolest Nerf guns to add to your collection.
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As a kid, it might have seemed like the best Nerf guns cost a million dollars, but today you can buy the Nerf blasters of your dreams for less than $50. What’s even more exciting is that under the toy giant Hasbro, Nerf has rolled out dozens of exciting new toys, meaning there are plenty of awesome Nerf guns to choose from.
Over the years, few toys have had such staying power as the best Nerf guns. Their continued popularity can likely be attributed to the fact that the brand regularly redesigns and updates their “blasters.” In fact, there are several major series of Nerf guns (among dozens of sub-series and discontinued lines), including:
DinoSquad – These dino-based blasters are a colorful, 2022 release.
Gelfire – A new kind of Nerf gun which replaces foam ammo with hydrated rounds.
Hyper – Extreme speed and high ammo capacity are at the core of these impressive and popular weapons.
N-Strike, N-Strike Elite, N-Strike Mega – Three lines of tactical and oversized blasters that have been produced since 2003.
Vortex – Disc blasters brought back by popular demand in 2018.
Zombie Strike – Blasters designed to help you survive a zombie apocalypse.
Modulus – Blasters you can build and customize yourself.
RIVAL – Automatic Nerf guns for kids ages 14 and up for competitive team-based play. Features round balls instead of darts.
Doomlands – Nerf imagines that in the future guns like this will be used to control a dystopian universe.
Super Soaker – Nerf produces this popular line of water guns.
Laser Ops Pro – Blasters for playing laser tag at home.
Alpha Strike – Budget-friendly, easy-to-use Nerf blasters.
Ultra – One of the newest lines of Nerf guns featuring long-range blasters.
Cross-Promotional Models – Nerf has partnered with Marvel, Star Wars, Fortnite and other franchises to create themed blasters.
Keep reading to learn more about the best-rated Nerf guns.
1. Nerf Hyper Mach-100 Fully Motorized Blaster
BEST OVERALL
When it comes to the best motorized Nerf guns and Nerf guns in general, the Nerf Hyper Mach-100 Fully Motorized Blaster takes the top spot. This battle-ready weapon is supplied with 80 Nerf Hyper rounds and a 100-round capacity, easy-load hopper which makes loading and reloading the blaster particularly quick and simple. The ergonomic design, which includes several grab-able handles, ensures carrying the gun is easy and feels comfortable, allowing users to focus on the action. Handily, the blaster also comes with protective eyewear, but it does require six D-batteries which aren’t included in the box.
Nerf Hyper Mach-100 Fully Motorized Blaster
2. Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blaster
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for Nerf’s most advanced and recently released tech, you need the Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blaster. This advanced weapon isn’t your average, foam-based Nerf gun, as instead of foam darts or balls, it comes with 10,000 Nerf Pro Gelfire Dehydrated Rounds which need to be placed in water to become soft polymer projectiles. These compact projectiles mean the supplied hopper can hold more than most devices, maxing out at an impressive 800 rounds. Other notable inclusions range from the rechargeable batteries and removable barrel to the rotatable mode switch (semi-auto/fully auto) and the extendable stock. Additionally, it comes with protective eyewear and a charging cable.
Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blaster
$80 at Target
3. Nerf Elite 2.0 Flipshots Flip-32 Blaster
BEST BARREL MECHANISM
The Nerf Elite 2.0 Flipshots Flip-32 Blaster offers something a little more eye-catching than your average Nerf gun. Instead of a standard reloading mechanism, this device features a rotating barrel which holds ammo in both a forwards and backwards facing orientation. When you’re out, you simply spin the barrel to continue shooting, before your enemies have time to figure out what’s going on. Additionally, this complex weapon lets users choose between firing one or two darts at a time by adjusting how far the trigger is pulled back.
Nerf Elite 2.0 Flipshots Flip-32 Blaster
4. NERF Elite 2.0 Shockwave RD-15 Blaster
#1 BEST SELLER
With its three built-in tactical rails, the NERF Elite 2.0 Shockwave RD-15 Blaster offers users plenty of opportunity for individual customization through additional purchases (such as a stock or barrel extension). The blaster itself comes with 30 Official Nerf darts which allow you to fill the 15-dart rotating drum and have enough for one full reload after it’s empty. Users can also choose between single-dart firing and 15-dart rapid action by switching to the blaster’s slam-fire action. Furthermore, the gun fires darts up to 90 ft (27m) and comes backed by more than 7,000 five-star ratings from Amazon users.
NERF Elite 2.0 Shockwave RD-15 Blaster
5. Nerf Ultra Speed Fully Motorized Nerf Blaster
FASTEST FIRING
Automatic Nerf guns like this didn’t exist when we were kids, and so now we have to compensate by buying them for our own children. In addition to being one of the sharpest looking and overall best Nerf guns on the market, this Nerf Ultra Speed Fully Motorized Nerf Blaster is also one of the fastest firing. This quick firing makes it well suited to indoor or outdoor conflicts, while the included 24 AccuStrike Ultra Darts ensure you always begin with two filled 12-dart clips.
In addition, this clip-fed blaster runs on six C-type batteries and has the ability to fire at a rate of seven darts per second — the fastest rate of any Nerf device on the market, as of this writing. If that kind of power is what you’re looking for, be sure to check out the Nerf N-Strike Hyper Fire Toy as well.
Nerf Ultra Speed Fully Motorized Nerf Blaster
Nerf Ultra Speed Fully Motorized Nerf Blaster
6. Nerf Elite 2.0 Motoblitz Blaster with Scope
BEST NEW RELEASE
There aren’t as many new Nerf guns for sale in 2022 as you might expect. We may have already reached peak Nerf gun power. However, the Elite 2.0 Motoblitz blaster does have some cool features. This motorized Nerf blaster has two firing modes, and you can fire six darts at once or 10 darts one at a time. Priced at just $32, it’s also a reasonably affordable budget pick for parents on a budget.
Nerf Elite 2.0 Motoblitz Blaster
$31 at Walmart
7. NERF Fortnite Ts Blaster
BEST FORTNITE NERF GUN
For kids today, there’s nothing cooler than the best Fortnite-inspired Nerf guns. Nerf have a number of weapons based on the popular video game, and this Nerf Fortnite Ts Blaster is one of the best. The set includes a hand-powered, pump-action blaster and eight Official Mega Fortnite Darts. After priming, the gun is capable of firing four darts in a row. In addition, the smartly designed blaster features four dart’s worth of ammo storage in the gun stock for easier storage and faster reloading.
NERF Fortnite Ts Blaster
8. Nerf DinoSquad Tricera-Blast Dart Blaster
BEST DINO-THEMED
It doesn’t matter whether your favorite dinosaur is a triceratops, a raptor or a tyrannosaurus-rex, there’s a model in the DinoSquad range of devices to fulfill your dinosaur-Nerf gun desires. Our favorite is this Nerf DinoSquad Tricera-Blast Dart Blaster, as it is compact in size, boasts a smart reloading mechanism and features an eye-catching, triceratops-inspired design. The pistol-style weapon is supplied with 12 Official Nerf Elite foam darts and offers break-open loading. Plus, the design features in-stock ammo storage for added convenience.
Nerf DinoSquad Tricera-Blast Dart Blaster
9. NERF N-Strike Hyper Fire Toy
BEST VALUE
Like the Nerf Ultra Speed featured above, this fast-acting Nerf gun gives you a real advantage over the competition. These battery-powered NERF guns can fire five darts per second, and like other N-Strike Nerf guns, it has an impressive design and easy handling. An Amazon exclusive, the N-Strike Hyper Fire is also more affordable than most extra-large Nerf guns. Despite the high capacity and bulk, this toy is priced at just $53.
Nerf N-Strike Hyper Fire Blaster
10. Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII
MOST INTIMIDATING
Even before it starts firing, the Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII will instill fear in your enemies, thanks to its larger-than-life size. The heavy-duty, fast-firing weapon is capable of Rambo-style obliteration through its eight-rounds-per-second capabilities. The large capacity hopper also holds up to 200 rounds, ensuring you can fire off plenty of shots before you even need to begin thinking about reloading. In addition, the blaster comes with an over-the-shoulder strap and features multiple ergonomic handles to keep it secure and comfortable during use.
Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII
11. Nerf Modulus Regulator
MOST VERSATILE
With a dual scope and three firing modes, this is the do-it-all Nerf blaster for every kind of combatant. You can switch between single-fire for accuracy, burst fire or continuous fire when you’re up against a whole room of opponents. Two 12-dart clips are included — one of them attaches to the back of the blaster, allowing you to quickly swap out when the first clip is spent. This is the kind of awesome Nerf blaster that made you drool as a kid, and now there’s nothing stopping you from buying it for yourself (or your own kids).
Nerf Modulus Regulator
12. NERF Ultra Pharaoh Blaster
BEST NEW RELEASE
With its gold-tipped accents and special edition gold darts, arming yourself with the Pharaoh Blaster will make you the new Man With The Golden Gun. It features bolt-action firing, so it’s best suited for Nerf warriors who like to take their time in getting the perfect shot. The scope, combined with long-range Nerf Ultra darts, makes it the perfect weapon for the Nerf sniper. One of the best new Nerf guns we’ve seen in a long time, it’s also one of the best toys for Christmas gifts.
NERF Ultra Pharaoh Blaster
13. Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Toy Blaster
BEST DESIGN
This Nerf gun is made with a rotating barrel that enables you to fire six darts in a row via quick draw and shoot them up to 90 feet in front of you. The Nerf Elite darts are designed for maximum distance with flexible foam and hollow tips, and the dart barrel flips open easily for simple loading and unloading. The gun requires no batteries and comes in frustration-free packaging, making this a great holiday gift for any Nerf lovers on your list.
Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
14. Nerf Fortnite BASR-R Bolt Action Blaster
BEST FOR TARGET PRACTICE
If you’re a parent, then we don’t need to tell you that kids today are obsessed with the battle-royale video game Fortnite. So make your kid the coolest player in the neighborhood with this Fortnite-style Nerf sniper gun. The Nerf Fortnite BASR-R Bolt blaster is a thing of beauty with a slick design and a large scope. The blaster comes with three bush targets for practice, a removable clip, and 12 Nerf Elite darts. Not only is this one of the best Nerf guns for sale right now, but it was also one of the hottest Christmas toys during the 2021 holidays.
Nerf Fortnite BASR-R Bolt Action Blaster
15. Nerf N-Strike Mega Mastodon
MOST BAD*SS
The Nerf N-Strike Mastodon is such a beast that it comes with a shoulder strap for carrying it and a stabilizing handle on top. It has a 24-dart rotating drum, allowing you to fire up to 100 feet and quickly lay covering fire or clear the field of opponents. 24 Mega darts are included — this gun requires those special darts, so stock up if you’re prone to losing them. The Mega Mastodon is one of the best Nerf guns for adults who want to blow away the competition in the next office blaster battle.
Nerf Mega Mastadon
16. Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike Gun
BEST TRIPLE-THREAT
This Nerf gun comes with three different ways to blast, including an elite dark blaster, a mega dart blaster for larger ammo and a rocket launcher. You can attach the launcher to the main blaster to shoot in tandem or create a separate back-up blasteraster. The mega barrel launcher sits on top of the gun and is easy to reload for the ultimate shot fired. Whether you’ve got a stealth operation and need to be covert, are battling in close quarters or are long-range targeting, this Nerf Modulus system has the gear, and corresponding striker, to get the job done.
Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike Gun
17. Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500 Red Blaster
BEST FOR OLDER KIDS
The Nerf Rival series of automatic blasters trades the classic darts of your youth for small round darts. This blaster is fully motorized and includes a rotating chamber to let you fire at will. This Nerf Gun also packs a lot of power. When you pull the trigger, the darts blast out of the barrel at 90 feet per second. This advanced Nerf gun is ideal for high-stakes and intense competitions and also comes in either red or blue, allowing you to assign teams through the color of the weapon.
Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500
18. Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K Motorized Gun
BEST MOTORIZED
This high-end Nerf gun is fully motorized and is ready for action with a hopper feed and high capacity. It’s built for intense competition and ultimate precision with shots, and has the capacity for up to 100 rounds inside. The hopper is designed to be easy to load, and the blaster can shoot at a velocity of 100 feet per second. The gun also includes a trigger lock and tactical rail, and can be powered by the Nerf Rival Rechargeable Battery Pack.
Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K Gun
19. Nerf Ultra One Motorized Blaster
MOST EPIC
When you see the ‘Ultra’ golden letters on the side of a Nerf gun, you know you’re in for top quality. You’ll have darts flying through the air continuously with the 25-dart drum on this Nerf Ultra One Motorized Blaster. Just the visual impact of the gun is enough to make your opponents run, even before you’ve opened fire. Eyewear is definitely a good idea when it comes to using the blaster, although it’s not included.
Nerf Ultra One Motorized Blaster
20. Nerf Evader Modulus Light-Up Toy Blaster
COOLEST
Just when you think you already own the coolest Nerf gun there is, something like this comes along. The transparent housing and orange accents of the Evader make it a true stand-out, even if literally blends in. It features a light-up mode, which can be turned off for stealth attacks. The motorized automatic blaster lets you make quick work of enemies, and each clip holds 12 darts.
MORE: Best Automatic Nerf Guns
Nerf Evader
21. Nerf Elite 2.0 Trio SD-3 Blaster
COMPACT PICK
Being able to give the gift of a Nerf gun for under $10.00 might seem too good to be true, but it’s not. The Nerf Elite 2.0 Trio SD-3 Blaster ticks all the basic Nerf boxes and won’t break the bank. It comes with six darts and can shoot three at a time. So, you’ll be ready and reloaded for round two before you know it. This is a great introductory gun for younger kids or a great add-on to any pre-existing Nerf setups.
Nerf Elite 2.0 Trio SD-3 Blaster
22. Strongarm Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
BEST REVOLVER STYLE
While it may be a little bit chunkier than its Western-movie counterparts, the Strongarm Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster still captures the look of a classic revolver. The design includes a flip-open, rotating barrel and comes in three different color schemes. Function-wise, it’s capable of firing six darts in a row at a maximum distance of 90 feet. Additionally, the gun ships in frustration-free packaging which is easier to open and better for the environment, too.
Strongarm Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
23. Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster
BEST PISTOL
If you’re a straight shooter and want a straightforward pistol-style weapon to match, consider the Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster. The blaster is also part of the Zombie Strike series, giving it an appearance to suit the zombie-attack vibe. It includes a hammer that needs cocking before firing and is ideal for hours of fun for kids eight and above. Additionally, the lightweight design is great for one-handed shooting, while the five-dart revolver and five Zombie Strike darts allow for fast and continuous manual firing.
Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster
24. Nerf Fortnite SMG-E Blaster
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
This friendly looking Nerf Fortnite SMG-E Blaster is the ideal entry into the world of Nerf for any beginner. It’s inspired by the well-loved video game Fortnite and uses the same colors and design as used during the game’s play. The barrel of the gun is motorized, so as each singular dart fires, you’ll see a boost of energy. That’s why it’s a blaster. It’s also important to note that this gun uses a clip rather than individual dart loading.
Nerf Fortnite SMG-E Blaster
25. Nerf Rampage N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
MOST DARTS AT ONCE
There are few, if any, other Nerf guns that have the capacity to hold the number of darts the Nerf Rampage N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster does. Cause a rampage in the garden with this 25-dart blaster and keep shooting until the barrel is empty. The darts required for this Nerf gun are the Elite darts, and so if the 25 included with the initial purchase aren’t enough for you, you’ll need to add some refills to your basket, too.
Nerf Rampage N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
26. Nerf Zombie Ripchain Combat Blaster
BEST CHAIN RELOAD
This is one of the most interesting and intimidating looking Nerf guns. The ripchain reload belt allows any shooter to look like a zombie-killing bad-ass just by holding it. You can fire the gun to shoot dart by dart if you’re opting for a precise aim, or you can set it to fire all 25 darts as soon as possible by continuously feeding the chain through. Either way, you’ll be the envy of the Nerf war with this blaster.
Nerf Zombie Ripchain Combat Blaster
Nerf Zombie Ripchain Combat Blaster
27. Nerf Blaster Scooter Dual Trigger
BEST VEHICLE-MOUNTED
What’s better than having a Nerf gun in your hands and a scooter under your feet? The answer is easy — the Nerf Blaster Scooter Dual Trigger, a scooter with a Nerf gun mounted in the handlebars, allowing you to scoot and shoot as you go. The dual-barrel blaster comes with two six-dart clips and 12 darts. It’s capable of firing darts up to 40 feet using the simple trigger buttons. The sturdy, steel-frame scooter sports three wheels for added stability and can be adjusted to the height of the rider for a more comfortable ride. You’ll also find a step brake, comfortable rubber handlebars, numerous Nerf decals and an attractive blue and orange color scheme which means you’ll be hard to miss.
Nerf Blaster Scooter Dual Trigger
28. Nerf Modulus Recon MKIII Blaster
BEST DEFENSE
By incorporating a dart shield into the weapon’s design, this Nerf Modulus Recon MKIII Blaster is able to provide greater protection on the battlefield than its competitors. The Amazon Exclusive product also allows users to choose from four customizable arrangements, which can be switched between by adding or removing the various attachments, such as the stock or barrel. The blaster also features a built-in indicator to visibly show when it is primed and ready to fire, saving you from any embarrassing performance issues during combat.
Nerf Modulus Recon MKIII Blaster
What Are the Best Nerf Gun Accessories?
Of course, if you’re serious about these toys, there are also Nerf gun accessories you can buy to complete your battle arsenal. These accessories make great gift ideas for kids or adults who love everything foam battle related. So whatever mission you undertake, you won’t regret bringing these extras.
However, if you’re only going to buy one Nerf gun accessory, then make it these Nerf dart replacements.
Nerf Dart Refills (100-Pack)
Vests – Good Nerf guns are designed to be harmless. In fact, it would be quite impressive if you manage to inflict an injury with their darts. However, wearing a vest when in Nerf combat adds the opportunity to personalize your action appearance. Some also double up as dart storage for further ammunition, which is a huge bonus for any Nerf soldier.
Glasses – If there’s one part of the body you should always protect in Nerf combat, it’s the eyes. You can find all kinds of goggles, glasses and guards to protect your peepers from any incoming dart points, and wearing them is a definite thumbs up from us.
Face Masks – These stylish face masks sport designs which are beneficial in Nerf wars. Our suggestion would be to go for a neck and mouth cover which you can double up to use as a bandana when you start to feel the heat.
Refills – There’s nothing worse than running out of ammo in the heat of battle. Always make sure you have enough refills to get you through to the win and claim the title as Nerf champion. You should also be sure you’re buying the right refills for your chosen Nerf gun, as there are many different styles available. The type of refill you need is usually mentioned in the gun’s name, such as Ultra, Fortnite or Elite.
Today, Nerf guns are still among the most asked-for toys for adults and kids alike. In some hip start-up offices, Nerf gun battles are a popular team bonding activity, and many fully-grown 90’s kids are on the hunt for the best Nerf guns for adults. If you’re in the market for one of these fun makers, consider the best Nerf guns currently for sale.
How We Chose the Best Nerf Guns
Take a look back through Nerf’s history and you’ll find a product list filled with plenty of memorable entries. From remote-controlled, dart-firing robots and rapid-firing blasters to scooter-mounted dart guns and dinosaur-inspired pistols, there are plenty of contenders when it comes to taking the top spot. So what is the best nerf gun ever and what is the best nerf dart gun today? Well, the answer to these questions really comes down to personal preference.
With this in mind, when it comes to finding the right Nerf gun for you, ask yourself what best serves your needs. For some, things like ammo capacity, a fast fire rate and firing distance are the important factors, while for others, eye-catching designs, in-hand comfort and child-friendliness take precedence. When we put our list of the best Nerf guns together, we used the following elements to help us make an informed decision:
Ratings & Reviews – The devices on our list come backed by hundreds, if not thousands of positive ratings from users who love them. This ensures you can have confidence in buying any product on the list.
Newest Tech – To ensure our list is filled with the very best Nerf guns, we’ve included the latest and greatest of Nerf’s ever-evolving technology. From water-based ammo to built-in protective shields, the newest Nerf devices are always worth checking out.
Features – Irrespective of whether they are new or not, the guns included on the list are filled with features and design elements which give you the upper hand on the battlefield. Likely features include large ammo capacities, fast-firing rates and high-quality constructions.
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