Every Mk II Weapon Upgrade in GTA Online 2025: Research & Costs
· Category: guide
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.
Mk II Weapon List
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
Research Requirements
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
All Ammunition Types
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
Component Upgrades
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
Optimal Builds
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.
Research Priority Order
Must-Have (Do First):
- Heavy Sniper Mk II Explosive Rounds
- Combat MG Mk II Extended Clip
- Thermal Scope (any)
- Oppressor Mk II Missiles
Nice to Have:
- Carbine Rifle Mk II components
- Shotgun Explosive Slugs
- Armor Piercing rounds
- Various liveries
Low Priority:
- Most vehicle upgrades
- Cosmetic options
- Specialized ammo types
Fast Track vs. Natural Research
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 Locations Comparison
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
Conclusion
Focus research on explosive rounds for Heavy Sniper Mk II first. It's major. The Combat MG Mk II extended clip is second priority. Most other upgrades are quality-of-life improvements rather than essentials.