Best Nerf Rival Guns | 5 That Are ACTUALLY Worth Buying

By: Jeremy Alden

The Nerf Rival series was designed for users ages 14 and above looking for a more intense and competitive Nerf experience.

Rather than modeling their Nerf Rival blasters after the other blaster types that we’re well acquainted with, these blasters offer far more firepower and utilize high-impact foam rounds that travel at a velocity of 90 feet per second.

Before I begin, these blasters also come in two colors: red and blue. This helps players separate into teams more efficiently and identify friend and foe on the battlefield (with the exception of Nerf Rival Phantom Corps weapons, which offer a grey body with interchangeable attachments to help you pick a team).

But which blasters meet our high expectations?

Here are a few of the best Nerf Rival blasters to consider if you have an older child with a desire to upgrade their Nerf experience.

You May Like: My Nerf Hyper High Impact Rounds Review

There are a lot of Rival handguns and blasters that provide you with an introduction to the series, but the problem with these blasters is that they often come with a low ammo capacity that leaves a lot to be desired (unless you have a powerful primary blaster at your side and are only relying on one of these secondary blasters as a side piece in the event of an emergency).

Fortunately, there are some handguns that can offer you the coverage you need without having to compromise.

Our first recommendation in this guide is the Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500.

The Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500 is a compact handgun that offers five rotating chambers capable of holding up to three high-impact foam rounds in each, providing you with 15 rounds for a reasonable blasting experience.

Like many of the handguns and blasters in the Nerf universe we’ve grown to love, you’ll find a simple priming mechanism at the back of the blaster that you just have to pull back to prepare.

One unique addition to the series is a trigger lock which is located on the sides of the blaster and allows you to lock your weapon when it’s not in use.

Overall, the Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500 is a great Rival blaster to start with!

The Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 is a pump-action blaster that offers substantially more coverage than the previous option, making it an excellent primary or secondary blaster for players.

This blaster utilizes three rotating chambers containing 10 high-impact foam rounds each to help you tackle the enemy.

Reloading is easy as you can load your foam rounds directly through the top of the blaster.

Additionally, this blaster comes with slam-fire action so that you can take down multiple enemies should you find yourself facing two or more opponents on the battlefield.

If your child needs a blaster that’s better suited for more serious battles, the Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 may be a better option for them.

There’s a major shift between the secondary weapons and the primary weapons in this series, something that will become very evident as we cover these next few blaster recommendations.

The first high-performance blaster that we’re going to feature in this guide is the Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000.

Despite the Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000’s smaller build, this blaster packs a punch, featuring a 50-round capacity and fully motorized capabilities that help this blaster deliver 8 rounds per second.

Even better, this Nerf blaster doesn’t rely on expensive batteries to get the job done. Instead, it features a rechargeable, removable battery that you can pop in when it’s fully charged and even switch out with another battery so that you can keep the fun going even when your first battery dies.

To top everything off, this Nerf gun also offers an easy reloading process and a large magazine capacity. Just pop the top of the blaster up, pour your foam ball rounds in, close the lid, and prep the blaster for firing by holding down on the acceleration trigger.

If your child wants a high-performance blaster that can hold its ground in any situation, you should take a closer look at the Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000.

Were you impressed by the previous blaster? If so, you’ll be surprised to learn that this isn’t the best blaster of the series. In my humble opinion - the BEST NERF RIVAL blaster. 

In fact, the Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000 barely begins to scrape the surface of what’s possible in the Rival series. In fact, the Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K takes this concept and upgrades it further.

Rather than offering a 50-round capacity, the Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K offers room for 100 foam rounds, all of which can easily be fed into the top of the blaster to ensure that you’re never spending precious time trying to load your foam rounds into an impossible magazine.

Additionally, this Rival blaster is fully motorized, allowing you to unleash multiple rounds at a time to help you take on any opponent.

Unfortunately, there is one drawback to this weapon, which is the fact that it utilizes 6 D batteries rather than a rechargeable battery.

Still, the Nerf Rival MXVII-10K is a force to be reckoned with and is on the top of every Nerf Rival fan’s list.

This wouldn’t be a proper Rival blaster guide if we didn’t save the best for last: the Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K.

The Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K is a fully motorized blaster with top loading that’s capable of holding up to 200 Nerf rounds at once.

Because of its sheer size, this blaster actually comes with two handles: one for operating the blaster and one for steadying your shots (it also offers a strap to make the blaster easier to carry around).

It also ups the performance this Nerf blaster shoots out 8 rounds per second on a full charge at a velocity of 100 feet per second.

It also comes with a rechargeable battery so that you don’t have to hassle with regular batteries all the time.

Overall, the Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K offers the monster performance that serious Nerfers need.

Editors Addition: Nerf Rival Phantom Corp Hades (Read my full review here)

What is the most powerful Rival gun?

The Perses MXIX-5000 blaster is the strongest and most powerful Rival blaster comes with 50 Official Nerf Rival rounds, enough to fully load the blaster's high-capacity hopper.

Experience the intensity of Nerf Rival competitions with this blaster that features the fastest blasting Nerf Rival system!

The blaster has a cocking handle that helps you load the next round into the chamber, so you're always ready to fire.

The Perses MXIX-5000 blaster is able to shoot rounds at a velocity of 100 feet per second (30 meters per second). It can shoot up to 8 rounds in a row before needing to reload.

The blaster also comes with a built-in storage for the extra rounds. This blaster is perfect for those intense Nerf Rival competitions!

Which Nerf Rival series gun shoots the farthest?

The fastest-blasting Nerf Rival system, the Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000 blaster, shoots up to 139 feet!

To pour on the firepower in Nerf Rival games, fire up to 8 rounds per second* from this fully motorized toy blaster with a quick-load hopper and rechargeable battery

Which Nerf Rival guns are motorized?

All Nerf Rival blasters are motorized and require batters. The Nerf Rival Rechargeable Battery Pack is the most recommended for powering Nerf Rival guns. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How Nerf Rival gun works

Different Rival models come with different mechanisms. You can find various types of functions that are required for different Nerf wars.

Some of the functions are explained below to give you a better understanding of how they work.

• Spring action blaster: The Rival is operated by springs, the spring action makes it more powerful and active.
• Fully automated: With these fully automated blasters, you don't have to cock or pump your blaster. These more powerful blasters work with every kind of battle play style and are perfect for Nerf Wars.
• Semi-automatic: In a semi-automatic Rival blaster, there are two flywheels that spin. You start by pumping air into the pressure chamber. Then, when you pull the trigger, the ball reaches the flywheel and your toy gun is ready to fire.

How Nerf Rival Blasters Are Unique

All Rival blasters are magazine-fed, with some exceptions like the Artemis and Nemesis.

They also have a different accessory rail than N-Strike models, although you can sometimes fit N-Strike accessories on them with a bit of effort.

All Rival blasters and accessories come in the choice of red or blue color schemes to encourage team play.

The Rival blasters are also more powerful than the N-Strike models, and you can use heavier ammo like High Impact Rounds (HIRs) in them.

Finally, Rival blasters have a precision shooting range up to 90 feet, making them perfect for more intense games.

This makes them great for larger-scale Nerf wars as you can hit targets from further away.

Nerf Rival Vs. Traditional Nerf Dart Blasters

For many years, foam darts and discs were the only options for Nerf guns. When Rival was introduced in 2015, finding the best blaster became more difficult.

So what is the difference between Nerf Rival and traditional dart blasters?

Ammo Type

The Nerf Rival ammo comes in two major types, namely High Impact Rounds which are foam balls. The HIRs are made of a slightly heavier plastic material than the foam balls, which gives them more power.

They also have an aerodynamic shape which helps them fly further distances more accurately and they can hurt if hit by them at a close range.

Three unique features about the HIRs:

1. Rival Rounds are more accurate and travel father because of the pores on their surface. These pores create turbulent air around the ball which then increases aerodynamics and reduces friction. The same “porous” technology is also used for golf balls.
2. They are heavy enough to travel long distances, pack a punch, and yet still not be dangerous.
3. The Rival Curve Shot Sideswipe is a great example of how you can use the ball's round shape to accomplish aerodynamic feats, like spinning and curving shots.

If you want to know more about Rival ammo and where to find high-quality replacement ammo, read my full review here.

Ammo Capacity

Unlike some other Nerf Blasters, which has to be loaded a particular way, Rival's ball-shaped ammo can be stuffed quickly and easily into their blasters.

This unique design also allows for more ammo to fit inside the blaster. On top of this, the Rival blasters are also magazine-fed and they can hold up to 12 rounds.

How durable are Rival rounds?

Most of the rounds are relatively long-lasting.

Though there may be some slight differences between the foam balls that come with individual Rivals guns, they tend to be more durable than Nerf darts. You can expect to get between 300-500 shots before a ball starts to deteriorate.

Performance

Generally, Rival dart blasters outperform the competition in velocity (fps), accuracy, and range.

On average, dart Nerf guns shoot at approximately 70 fps. In contrast, Rival fires at 100fps due to the differing ammo type and design of the blaster as a more powerful option for ages 14 and up.

The Godly Names of the Blasters

All of Nerf's Rival series blasters have some pretty awesome, unique names.

They're all based off of Greek Titans, Gods, and Goddesses. For example, one blaster might be named after Artemis- the Goddess of the Hunt.

After the name, there is an optional "M" for motorized. Then, each blaster features Roman numerals to represent the year it was released; for example, Khaos MXVI-4000 is motorized and launched in XVI = 16= 2016.

The size of the magazine that comes with the gun is displayed by multiplying 100 by the number on the magazine, e.g., if Apollo XV-700 comes with a 7 round magazine, then 700 rounds are available.

Do Rival Guns Hurt?

They can if you're not careful. The Rival balls that come with the gun can sting if they hit you in a sensitive spot, like the face.

It's important to be aware of your surroundings and who or what is behind your target. If you accidentally shoot someone in the eye, it could really hurt. Always use safety glasses when using a Nerf Rival gun.

Although Nerf Rival doesn't cause bruises, it can still hurt upon direct impact or close range to sensitive areas. The pain is only temporary though, and should dissipate within a few seconds.

Compared to traditional darts, the pain is approximately twice as intense as a traditional Nerf dart. Of course, Nerf Mega darts hurt the most (in my opinion).

Wearing goggles is always a good idea when using any type of NERF gun, as getting hit in the eye with a dart can be unpleasant and dangerous.

Why is Nerf Rival 14+ years old recommended?

The NERF Rival range was designed specifically for Nerfers aged 14 and older. With better grips and dimensions that fit adults' hands, these guns are a step up from the standard NERF gun.

Rival blasters are high-performance weapons that shoot rounds at approximately 100 feet per second.

As such, they’re not appropriate for younger children and are meant to be used by older Nerfers only.

How Many Nerf Rival Guns Are There?

The Rival blaster line currently comprises 38 different models, with new additions planned every year.

In addition, there are four sub-series that feature distinct color schemes: Camo Series, Curve Shot, Edge Series and Phantom Series.

What is the Nerf Rechargeable Battery Pack?

The Rival range is also the first to come with an interchangeable battery pack. The following models are compatibility with the Khaos MXVI-4000, Nemesis MXVII-10K and the Hera MXVII-1200:

However, the Prometheus and Nerf Rival Zeus rechargeable battery are different.

Rival Modification Guide

Though Rivals are designed for high performance, there are some options you can modify. You may use Rival kits to change your gun.

For example, the spring in a Rivals gun can be changed to modify the firing range. Kronos guns can be upgraded with a Worker 18 KG silver spring.

You can use a 12 round magazine with the Rival, as opposed to the 7 round magazine. Additionally, the Nerf Rival scope is compatible with tactical rails.

To mod your blaster internally, use a screwdriver to remove the screws and access the internal mechanical components.

Why are these guns so expensive?

Although Rivals are generally more expensive than other Nerf guns, their features (e.g. automated function, spring action mechanism) warrant the increased cost . You get what you pay for with toys like these - if you want a good product, be prepared to spend a little extra.

How to load Rival blaster?

Depending on the model, firearms can either be hopper-fed or magazine-fed. There are also switches to open the hoppers so you can load them with rounds of ammunition.

To do this, simply fill up the hopper or attach a magazine (which contains rounds) to the Nerf gun.

How to shoot further?

For continuous shooting, prime your Rival with the prime button or plunger. If you run out of rounds, reload the magazine or hopper.

How much is are Rival Nerf guns?

The Nerf gun Rival definitely has some great features, but the price range varies. The Rival Knockout XX-100 is the cheapest option available, retailing at only 10 dollars.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Prometheus which has a price tag of $135

Conclusion:

Rival blasters are perfect for older players who may not find the same excitement in dart blasters that they used to.

If you have an older child who’s been begging for a Nerf Rival blaster, consider one of the excellent blaster options above to help them start their collection and stand off against their friends!

You may like: 

Nerf Rival Hypnos XIX-1200 Review

NERF Rival Hera MXVII-1200 Blaster Review

The Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000 Blaster Review