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Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Automatic NERF Guns
Best budget choice
Best overall
Fastest-firing
Nothing says “family bonding” more than pelting each other with foam darts, right? Some NERF families love the long-range outdoor battles of summer. Others prefer an indoor chase. However your family plays, automatic NERF blasters can take your foam wars to the next level.
Automated weapons have plenty of advantages over their pump-to-prime counterparts. Most obviously, players can unleash a barrage of ammo faster and harder. Competitors armed with a manual pistol can’t hold their own against the Mega Mastodon. But automatics level the playing field in another way too, by allowing smaller players to carry intense firepower. Young kids who don’t have the strength or dexterity to pump big manual blasters are able to shoot hundreds of automated rounds with one pull of the trigger. As long as they can hold up the heavy automatics, they can play against teens and adults.
You should note that automatic ammo has a higher velocity and can sting on impact. We highly recommend wearing protective gear during NERF battles. Young players, in particular, should have padding on their bodies. We encourage all players to don eye protection.
If your family is eager to switch up their sniper games, or you’re simply looking to mow down your opponents, check out our best automatic NERF gun picks. They’re impressive powerhouses, ready to provide entertainment at your next family gathering, office retreat, or birthday party.
- Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Automatic NERF Guns
- The Best Automatic NERF Guns by Category
- Best overall/most powerful/highest capacity/best rechargeable/best splurge: NERF Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
- Best budget automatic NERF gun: NERF Ultra Two
- Best automatic NERF gun for adults: NERF Rival Hera MXVII-1200
- Best automatic NERF gun for kids (ages 8-12): NERF Revoltinator Zombie Strike Blaster
- Fastest-firing automatic NERF gun: NERF N-Strike HyperFire
- Best-looking automatic NERF gun: NERF Evader Modulus Light-Up
- A Guide to Buying the Best Automatic NERF Guns
- FAQ on Automatic NERF Guns
- Final thoughts
The Best Automatic NERF Guns by Category
Best overall/most powerful/highest capacity/best rechargeable/best splurge: NERF Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
If you’re looking to win every NERF battle by force, check out the Prometheus. This monster of a blaster requires a shoulder strap to use since operators must pull two triggers simultaneously and the weapon weighs 5lbs. But the bulk is worth it! The Prometheus includes 200 rounds and holds close to 300. It fires eight rounds per second up to 100ft. It’s by no means an accurate sniper weapon. But it makes up for this with volume and muscle.
Note that these balls travel at high speed and hurt a bit on impact. We highly recommend wearing protective gear when battling with a Prometheus. It’s an excellent blaster for any teen or adult looking to be King of NERF.
- Fully automatic
- Weight: 5lbs
- Recommended ages: 14+
- Capacity: 200+ rounds
- Range: 100ft
- Battery: Rechargeable, included
Most powerful runner-up: NERF N-Strike Mega Mastodon
NERF’s Mega blasters are oversized, and so is their ammo. The huge Mastodon requires a shoulder strap to use in battle and weighs nearly 7lbs before adding the D batteries. It pounds out 24 Mega-sized whistler darts, overcoming the enemy with a whining sound and sheer vigor. The large darts travel up to 100ft and work best as a protective wall of firepower, since they’re not exact shots.
The Mastodon is fun to carry into battle since it has a great design and packs a punch. But it’s pretty loud and bulky, so it may not be the best choice for a primary weapon during a long NERF war.
- Fully automatic
- Weight: 6.8lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 24 Mega darts
- Range: 100ft
- Battery: 6 Ds
Most powerful 2nd runner-up: NERF Elite Titan CS-50
With the Titan, you can stroll into your next NERF war with authority. The giant drum holds 50 darts and empowers you to wipe out your enemies in seconds. It’s huge and heavy, requiring a shoulder strap to operate. Obviously 50 rounds means a lot of clean-up time. But by then, your opponents will already be destroyed. Take your time retrieving darts while you bask in the glow of victory.
- Fully automatic
- Weight: 8.48lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 50 darts
- Battery: 4 Ds
Best splurge runner-up: NERF Rival Khaos MXVI-4000
If you’re looking for a high-capacity, fully-automated NERF blaster, check out the Khaos. It quickly, continuously shoots out rounds up to 100ft and holds 40 rounds. The rapid-fire is really fun to use, but you can also operate it as a semi-automatic. If you pull the trigger halfway, it only releases one shot at a time. Users say it’s only accurate up to 25ft, but raining fire in all directions still overwhelms the enemy and provides cover for your teammates.
It’s a bit big for a young player. Adults and teens should have no problem carrying this massive blaster into battle. Do note that the NERF balls hurt a bit on impact. Wearing protective gear is highly recommended when using the Khaos.
- Fully automatic
- Weight: 2.61lbs
- Recommended ages: 14+
- Capacity: 40 rounds
- Range: 100ft
- Battery: 6 Ds
Best budget automatic NERF gun: NERF Ultra Two
The Ultra Two provides a motorized one-handed option. It’s much smaller and lighter than a Mega blaster and only holds 6 shots. But those darts come out strong, flying up to 120ft at high speeds. It’s better for younger kids because it’s lighter and smaller. However, it requires some dexterity to use. Operators must hold the acceleration button while pulling the trigger.
Because it’s semi-automatic, you have some time to aim your shots instead of simply mowing down opponents. And with the accuracy of the ultra darts, you’ll win your battles in no time! However, it’s on the loud side, and the special darts don’t always hold up to the blaster’s power.
- Semi-automatic
- Weight: 1.4lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 6 darts
- Range: 120ft
- Battery: 6 AAs
Best budget choice runner-up: NERF Elite 2.0 Phoenix CS-6
The Phoenix is especially fun for NERF fans who love to customize blasters. It has five tactical rails, a removable scope, and attachment points for a stock and barrel (not included). After making this gun your own, take it to a NERF war and use it as a semi-automatic. The clip holds six darts, but it comes with twelve, which makes reloading easy.
The Phoenix is pretty lightweight, making it easier for younger players. The motor puts some oomph behind each shot, and the darts fire accurately. It’s a perfect starter shooter or secondary weapon.
- Semi-automatic
- Weight: 1.54lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 6 darts
- Range: 90ft
- Battery: 4 AAs
Best automatic NERF gun for adults: NERF Rival Hera MXVII-1200
People love the semi-automatic Hera for its fast blasting. You can fire as quickly as you want without likelihood of your weapon jamming.
It’s a powerful addition to the Rival lineup and a great pick if you’re planning to include younger players. While it’s recommended for teenagers and adults, largely due to its force and potential for player injury, it’s small enough to be handled well by kids 8 and up.
Like other Phantom Ops guns, this one includes red and blue flags for team play. Just be sure to save your ammo for open shots. The magazine only holds 12 rounds.
- Semi-automatic
- Weight: 2lbs
- Recommended ages: 14+
- Capacity: 12 rounds
- Range: 100ft
- Battery: 6 Cs or the rechargeable Rival battery pack
Best automatic NERF gun for kids (ages 8-12): NERF Revoltinator Zombie Strike Blaster
This one is just plain fun — especially if you love zombies vs humans NERF fights. The Revoltinator uses a motor to shoot, as well as light up and make sounds. Rapid-fire results in all 18 darts forcefully flying out at the enemy. But zombie fighters can count on accuracy too. Revoltinator fans say this blaster is excellent at hitting its targets.
Younger players will love this weapon for the way it performs and the way it looks. They’ll also enjoy playing with it off the battlefield. When the magazine is empty, the shooter still makes sounds and lights up. Perfect for imaginary play!
Tip: If you like this gun but not the lights and sounds, try the N-Strike Stryfe.
- Semi-automatic
- Weight: 2.2lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 18 darts
- Range: About 65ft
- Battery: 4 AAs
Best for kids runner-up: NERF N-Strike Elite Rayvenfire
People love reloading the Rayvenfire during battle. Its “bullpup” design makes inserting new rounds a breeze. It’s small and lightweight, but fires forcefully and on-target. Adults and teens can use this blaster one-handed, and the design works well for young players.
The Rayvenfire holds 10 darts, but comes with 25, and is compatible with all standard Elite darts. It’s easy to find on- and off-brand refill ammo for this line of weapons. Use the Rayvenfire as a trusty sidearm or have it on-hand for kids who want to join the fun.
- Semi-automatic
- Weight: 2.15lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 10 darts
- Range: 75ft
- Battery: 4 AAs
Fastest-firing automatic NERF gun: NERF N-Strike HyperFire
This is the fastest NERF blaster on the block, releasing five darts per second. The rounds travel up to 90ft and manage to hit pretty accurately. The drum holds 25 rounds, which is nothing to smirk at. Just know when you shoot so quickly, your clip empties soon and your reload time is long. But if you have another Elite weapon, you can use that clip as a backup for the HyperFire.
You can transport this gun — and maneuver it — more easily than the Mastodon or Prometheus. So if you like running around during a NERF war, the HyperFire is a lighter-weight option for oomph and intimidation. Overall, the HyperFire is a blast to play with (pun intended).
- Fully automatic
- Weight: 4.19lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 25 darts
- Range: 90ft
- Battery: 4 Ds
Best-looking automatic NERF gun: NERF Evader Modulus Light-Up
Want to wow everyone with your blaster’s looks? Pick up the Evader Modulus Light-Up. The clear shell lets you see the mechanisms inside, which is intriguing on its own. But with the touch of a button, it lights up with bright green LEDs. Use the clear shooter for stealth missions, and light it up for nighttime blasting frenzies.
Aside from its appearance, the Evader Modulus releases 12 darts with the potency of automated rapid-fire. It’s not too heavy and could be handled by younger players, though it’s a bit bigger than players anticipate.
Do note that it’s a bit trickier to operate right out of the box. With some patience, and possibly some research, you’ll end up with a next-level NERF blaster.
- Semi-automatic
- Weight: 3lbs
- Recommended ages: 8+
- Capacity: 12 darts
- Range: 70ft
- Battery: 4 AAs
A Guide to Buying the Best Automatic NERF Guns
Just browsing through our list, you’ll see not all NERF weapons are the same. They vary by shape, size, ammo capacity, and power. How do you know which one works for you?
What kind of ammunition?
NERF guns look similar, but they don’t all take the same ammo. Some use darts and some use foam balls. Darts come in different shapes and sizes. If you already have NERF guns, look at the ammo you own. If you get an automated blaster that takes the same darts or balls, you can save money by buying that kind of ammo in bulk. Also know that the balls seem to sting a little more on impact.
How much ammunition?
Large-capacity shooters are fun if you’re willing to invest in extra rounds. However, it’s easy to lose your ammo when it comes out fast and goes far. The Prometheus holds almost 300 balls, and it’s not cheap to replace all those rounds. If you’re nervous about constantly buying refills, check out a lower-capacity blaster like the Hera or Phoenix.
How heavy?
The Mega Mastodon is heavy on its own. When you factor in the weight of large batteries, it gets too unwieldy for smaller players. Even larger adults might struggle running into battle with the Prometheus. Think about what kind of NERF war you’re waging and what your fighting style is.
How many batteries?
A few automated guns take AA batteries. Most of them require bigger sizes, like Cs or Ds, and often 4-6 at a time. That adds cost and weight. On the plus side, most blasters in the “Rival” line can operate with this rechargeable battery pack.
Range?
You’re more likely to get a long-range range shot from an auto than a manual. Many shoot 100ft or more. Some, like the Mega Mastodon, look impressive but don’t shoot that far.
What’s the difference between automatic, semi-automatic and manual NERF guns? Which one is better?
Most people think of manual blasters when they think of NERF. These are guns that require pump-action to load a shot. Our list features semi-automatic and fully-automatic weapons that use batteries instead of pump-action. While manual shooters have advantages (they’re quieter and don’t require batteries), automatics bring more power and speed to the game.
Semi-automatic blasters require the user to pull the trigger for every shot. Fully-automated guns let out a barrage of ammo with just one trigger pull. Use semi-autos if you like taking time to aim or don’t want to release all your ammo at once. Use fully automated guns if you’re outnumbered or you like the thrill of fighting Rambo-style.
Multi-player households?
If your family already has an arsenal of NERF blasters, consider purchasing motorized shooters from the same line (N-Strike, Mega, Elite, Rival) so they can share ammo. The Phantom Corps guns include red and blue flags for team play, so it would be fun for a whole family to have that line of shooters.
FAQ on Automatic NERF Guns
Do “motorized” and “automatic” mean the same thing?
Yes. Motorized NERF shooters use batteries to automatically load the next round. Some motorized blasters are semi-automatic and some are fully automatic. But they all use motors instead of pump-action.
Do I need anything besides a blaster and ammo to play NERF?
Eye protection and body padding aren’t mandatory, but we highly recommend them. We like these goggle masks for protecting the eyes and face. They’re adjustable and fit both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a super value set, look into these vests and goggles. Kids will love being accessorized during NERF wars. They’ll also get eye protection and extra ammo for Elite blasters.
Are all NERF guns safe to use indoors?
This is definitely a personal choice, since only you know your environment. However, it’s unusual for a NERF weapon to cause real damage. There’s always a possibility of broken knick-knacks and your pets might not like getting hit by darts. But plenty of NERF fans use their shooters indoors and out.
Final thoughts
NERF has come a long way in the last 30 years. If you haven’t picked up a NERF blaster since the 1990s, it’s high time you tried out an automatic shooter. You’ll love the power of firing a Prometheus at an oncoming enemy. If your family is already into NERF, take it up a notch by arming everyone with our best automatic NERF gun picks. Don some goggles and get ready for intense foam warfare. Every family has its traditions. Why not make yours after-dinner NERF battles?
Want to see more NERF guns you can splurge on? Check out our list of best NERF guns.