Top 10 Rocket Launchers in Video Games

“Destiny” (2014)
The weapon so powerful, it had to be nerfed. Known as Ghorn or the Jellyhorn, the Gjarrarhorn is a super rare, exotic weapon found in Destiny. Not only does this weapon fire projectiles that split into cluster bombs for secondary explosions, but those cluster bombs come with a homing capability so all that damage is dealt directly on one target. This is hands down the most effective weapon for taking on high level raid bosses as it does 30% more damage than even the second best launcher. With it’s sleek gold design and wolf-head ornaments, it’s easily become the most iconic Destiny weapon. The most recent update “Rise of Iron” was even marketed with the Ghorn’s return as the central focus.

“Jet Force Gemini” (1999)
Tired of fly swatters and bug sprays? Why not get rid of those creepy crawlers with a one-handed rocket launcher capable of demolishing a whole swarm in one blow? Introducing the Tri-Rocket Launcher. By far the most harmful weapon in the game, this triple-punch-packing launcher fires three spiraling missiles at once that explode on impact. Dealing high damage on drones, bosses, and players alike, this is not a toy to be used lightly. The Tri-Rocket Launcher lives up to its reputation as a Boss-Killer though, leaving Mizar, the bug lord himself, squashed on the floor ready to be balled up in a tissue. No need for an exterminator.

“Unreal Tournament” (1999)
Should I blow up that guy up with six rockets or six grenades? Decisions, decisions. One of the most fear-inducing weapons in Unreal Tournament is the glorious rocket launcher. Not only can this baby fire up to 6 rockets at once, but it also has a secondary fire mode that can lob 6 grenades over walls, around corners, and behind the player in a high speed chase. And did I mention it’s also equipped with a lock-on feature? This all-purpose launcher is perfect for short and long range encounters whether in tight or wide open spaces. It offers a vast array of choices for the player, all leading to the same result: kicking some serious ass.

“Doom” (2016)
When Hell’s army comes knocking on your door, there’s only one polite way to answer: with an endless barrage of missiles at the ready. Technically a modification for the Heavy Assault Rifle, the micro missile launcher fires fast-paced projectiles that erupt into a satisfying ball of fire all over those evil imps and possessed. This weapon may not deal the most damage, but it’s weapon mastery challenge offers the player one of the most effective final weapon upgrades in the game: bottomless missiles. That’s right, fire as many devastating missiles as you want with no need to reload. What better way to give those demons hell?

“Duke Nukem 3D” (1996)
Duke may always run out of gum, but he’s never in short supply of some ass-kicking explosives. The devastator is a double-barrelled rocket launcher that fires an onslaught of stinger missiles at almost the same rate of fire as a machine gun. The only dual-wielded weapon in the game, this puppy is so hardcore that Duke has to use both hands to grip it. It can rip through Assault Commanders as well as Octabrains, and even makes the Cycloid Emperor in the stadium a piece of cake. Come get some!

“Perfect Dark” (2000)
Finally an answer to the age old question- is manually steering a rocket into the face of an alien fun? It’s a resounding yes. Created by the Skedar, the Slayer is your average, run-of-the-mill rocket launcher, however it’s secondary mode titled Fly-by-Wire is a bit more unique. It allows the player to take the perspective of the projectile to steer it all around the map (and sometimes off) until finally exploding on the desired target. The rocket is a bit hard to maneuver, but some players are so good, they can drive the missile through out of bounds areas to attack enemies in separate sections of the map. Ultra rare and ultra effective, this weapon is worth the find.

“Quake” (1996)
Is there anything more satisfying than watching an enemy gibbed by your rocket? Of course not. Gibbing is a short way of saying when an enemy erupts into a bloody mess, and it’s often the result of the iconic and revolutionary Quake rocket launcher. This weapon takes out most enemies in one hit while also providing heavy splash damage that will throw any player backwards. The ultimate legacy of this launcher however, is popularizing the rocket jumping technique found in other shooters like Halo and Team Fortress 2. In fact, due to the overwhelming amount of inspiration provided, Valve added Quake’s rocket launcher as a usable weapon in Team Fortress 2.

“Half-Life” series (1998-???)
The third installment may be caught in a perpetual production cycle vortex, but at least we can all look back on the weapons that made the first two so great. The HECU RPG stands among the finest of those weapons. Dealing out massive destruction and incinerating vehicles in a single blow, makes this launcher super effective, but what makes it stand out is it’s laser-guided aiming system. Players are able to course correct rockets after they’ve been fired by aiming the laser in a different direction, providing great opportunity for trick shots. You can even redirect enemies’ rockets back towards them with this helpful red laser. Saving ammo was never so enjoyable. Dr. Gordon Freeman, you are one smart cookie.

“Ratchet & Clank” series (2002-)
The fiercely devastating and expensive weapon that no lombax should ever leave home without. Serving as an abbreviation for “Rip Ya a New One”, the original RYNO fired seven homing missiles simultaneously providing an explosion that would clear the whole screen of enemies. Due to its fanatical devotion, this weapon has been updated in nearly every incarnation of the series. Other versions include the ability to disintegrate enemies, the playing of the glorious melody of the 1812 overture as you fire, and the re-imaginingg of the weapon as a giant mech suit. Whether it be a shady salesman or a string of hidden blueprints, the RYNO is always a reward well worth the risk.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Fuel Rod Cannon
“Halo 2” (2004)

Homing Missiles
“Contra 3: The Alien Wars” & “Contra 4” (1992/2007)
Chain Gun/Rocket Launcher
“Painkiller” (2004)

“Fallout” series (2008)
You know what a post-apocalyptic world plagued by radiation needs most? More nuclear explosions! No puny missiles or rockets for this hobbled together catapult. This launcher only hurls miniature nukes, putting the cause of the apocalypse at the fingertips of the player. The Fat Man takes out Behemoths and Deathclaws in an instant, and although it might be hard to find your enemies’ limbs to loot afterwards, the sight of that beautiful mushroom cloud is well worth it. But if one nuclear blast isn’t enough, you can always use the updated, experimental MIRV, to launch eight mini-nukes at once. War never changes, and watching a super mutant take a nuke to the face in VATS never stops being fun.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Rocket Launcher? For more explosive Top 10s every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.