Every Mk II Weapon Upgrade in GTA Online 2025: Research & Costs

Complete Mk II Weapon Research & Upgrade Guide

This definitive guide covers every Mk II weapon, their upgrades, research requirements, and optimal configurations for both PvE and PvP.

Pistols: - Pistol Mk II - SNS Pistol Mk II - Heavy Revolver Mk II

SMGs: - SMG Mk II

Assault Rifles: - Assault Rifle Mk II - Carbine Rifle Mk II - Special Carbine Mk II - Bullpup Rifle Mk II

Machine Guns: - Combat MG Mk II

Shotguns: - Pump Shotgun Mk II

Snipers: - Heavy Sniper Mk II - Marksman Rifle Mk II

Bunker Research Unlocks (Random Order): Each research item costs $225,000 to fast track: - Explosive Rounds unlock for Heavy Sniper Mk II - Extended Clip unlocks for Combat MG Mk II - Hollowpoint Rounds unlock for Pistol Mk II - Incendiary Rounds unlock for various weapons - Thermal Scope unlocks for snipers and rifles - Various Parts unlock for all Mk II weapons

Total Research: 51 items Total Fast Track Cost: ~$11.5 million

#### Heavy Sniper Mk II Ammo

• Standard deals normal damage, holds 48 rounds at $280
• Armor Piercing ignores armor, holds 48 rounds at $580
• Incendiary causes fire damage over time, holds 48 rounds at $460
• Explosive damages vehicles, holds 40 rounds at $950 per 4 (best choice)
• Full Metal Jacket penetrates cover, holds 48 rounds at $460

#### Combat MG Mk II Ammo

• Standard deals normal damage with 200 capacity
• Armor Piercing adds extra armor damage with 200 capacity
• Tracer shows visible bullet path with 200 capacity
• Incendiary causes fire damage over time with 200 capacity
• Full Metal Jacket penetrates cover with 200 capacity

#### Pump Shotgun Mk II Ammo

• Standard fires buckshot (default option)
• Flechette has armor-piercing spread for anti-armor use
• Incendiary causes fire at close range
• Explosive creates mini explosions (best choice)
• Steel Buckshot adds extra damage for general use

Universal Components: - Extended Clip adds ammo capacity for $27,000 or more - Grip reduces recoil for $21,000 or more - Barrel increases damage and range for $32,000 or more - Muzzle provides various effects for $25,000 or more - Scope adds zoom options for $38,000 or more

Scope Options: - Holographic provides low zoom, best for close quarters - Large offers medium zoom for general use - Advanced has high zoom for sniping - Thermal varies by weapon, detects heat signatures - Night Vision helps in low-light and dark areas

#### Heavy Sniper Mk II (Anti-Vehicle) Use heavy barrel, zoom scope (or thermal), explosive ammo, and extended clip. This build one-shots helicopters, damages Oppressors, and works great as anti-materiel.

#### Heavy Sniper Mk II (PvP) Use heavy barrel, thermal scope, standard or armor-piercing ammo, and extended clip. This build excels at long-range player kills and thermal hunting.

#### Combat MG Mk II (All-Purpose) Use heavy barrel, optional suppressor, grip, holographic scope, standard ammo, and extended clip for 200 rounds. This is your primary automatic weapon.

#### Carbine Rifle Mk II (PvP) Use heavy barrel, holographic scope, grip, armor-piercing ammo, and extended clip. This is an accurate assault weapon for player combat.

#### Pump Shotgun Mk II (Utility) Use default barrel, holographic scope, explosive slug ammo, and extended clip. This is essentially a pocket explosive launcher.

Must-Have (Do First): 1. Heavy Sniper Mk II Explosive Rounds 2. Combat MG Mk II Extended Clip 3. Thermal Scope (any) 4. Oppressor Mk II Missiles

Nice to Have: 5. Carbine Rifle Mk II components 6. Shotgun Explosive Slugs 7. Armor Piercing rounds 8. Various liveries

Low Priority: - Most vehicle upgrades - Cosmetic options - Specialized ammo types

Fast Track: - $225,000 per item - Instant unlock - Expensive total ($11.5M)

Natural Research: - Free (just supplies) - Takes 5-10 hours per item - 51 items total = 250+ hours

Recommendation: Fast track priority items (explosive rounds, key mods) while letting others research naturally with leftover supplies.

Workshop options for weapon upgrades: - MOC costs $245,000, is mobile but needs to be called - Terrorbyte costs $495,000, also upgrades the Oppressor but is expensive - Avenger costs $245,000, can fly but controls are clunky - Kosatka costs $240,000, always accessible but only in the sub - Agency costs $380,000, convenient but in a fixed location

Focus research on explosive rounds for Heavy Sniper Mk II first. It's game-changing. The Combat MG Mk II extended clip is second priority. Most other upgrades are quality-of-life improvements rather than essentials.