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10 Best Nerf Rival Guns 🔫

Header Best Nerf Rival Guns
Teddy Booth
Written by
Teddy Booth
Written by
Teddy Booth
Teddy is a big kid at heart and a self-confessed geek who loves all things LEGO, Nintendo and RC (drones included). His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, so that is why he spends A LOT of time curating the perfect list of toys and games that include options for everyone without putting kids inside boxes.
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Managing Editor
James loved anything Star Wars related as a kid! These days he uses the force to make sure TheToyZone is consistently publishing articles our readers will trust and find real value in. On his off days, you'll find him in the woods searching for Ewoks.
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TheToyZone is an independent publication with no ties with companies mentioned on the site. We don’t accept free products in exchange for glowing reviews. Instead, we report our own findings to help you make an informed decision.

Nerf rival guns are a newer series of Nerf guns that shoot small foam balls. They are more accurate and have a longer range than other Nerf guns. The rival guns come in three sizes: blasters, pistols, and sniper rifles.

The first Nerf rival gun was released in 2017. It was called the Apollo XV-700, and it’s still sold today but didn’t make our list of best currently. Since then, Nerf has released many other models of rival guns, including the Nemesis MXVII-10K, a sniper rifle that can fire up to 100 feet away, and the Prometheus MXVIII-20K the most expensive Nerf gun on the market.

Nerf rival guns are the perfect choice for kids aged 14 and over as they are much more powerful than the standard Nerf foam blasters. These guns shoot foam balls at high speeds and are incredibly accurate. 

The rival line was initially met with mixed reviews from consumers. Some praised the larger size and power of the blasters, while others complained that they were difficult to reload and had a tendency to jam. Despite the initial mixed reactions the guns have remained in production and they are currently a major fan favorite.

The Top 3 Nerf Rival Guns

Blaster Name
Our Favorite Nerf Rival
Best Budget Nerf Rival
Best Ultimate Power Nerf Rival
Preview
NERF Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K Blaster, Red
NERF Rival Curve Shot - Sideswipe XXI-1200 Blaster - Fire Rounds to Curve Left, Right, Downward or Fire Straight - 12 Rival Rounds
Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
Pros
As close to having a paintball gun that you can use inside - so powerful!
Nerf Rival fun for less than $10 that can shoot left and right
The most powerful Nerf rival - absolute monster
Cons
Easy to lose ammo and it's not cheap for the blaster and extra ammo
Only has 12 rounds so you will need to buy more
High price and eats ammo so you will need to buy more
Price
$119.99
$27.95
$159.99
Our Favorite Nerf Rival
Preview
NERF Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K Blaster, Red
Pros
As close to having a paintball gun that you can use inside - so powerful!
Cons
Easy to lose ammo and it's not cheap for the blaster and extra ammo
Price
$119.99
More information
Best Budget Nerf Rival
Preview
NERF Rival Curve Shot - Sideswipe XXI-1200 Blaster - Fire Rounds to Curve Left, Right, Downward or Fire Straight - 12 Rival Rounds
Pros
Nerf Rival fun for less than $10 that can shoot left and right
Cons
Only has 12 rounds so you will need to buy more
Price
$27.95
More information
Best Ultimate Power Nerf Rival
Preview
Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
Pros
The most powerful Nerf rival - absolute monster
Cons
High price and eats ammo so you will need to buy more
Price
$159.99
More information

We worked to recommend a variety of different Nerf rival guns that cover all budgets and types of weapons. We also collected and analyzed publicly available retail data to find out which models performed best overall in the market by looking at multiple signals for customer satisfaction.

1. Nerf Rival Curve Shot -Sideswipe XXI-1200

1 Nerf Rival Curve Shot Sideswipe XXI 1200 Blaster
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Curve Shot -Sideswipe XXI-1200 is one of the newest guns in the line and is quickly becoming a favorite. This gun is unique because it can fire around obstacles. It does this by using a curved barrel that causes the darts to spin as they leave the gun. This gives them more stability and allows them to travel further. The Curve Shot also has a built-in sight, which makes it easier to aim. The gun is powered by batteries and holds up to 12 rounds simultaneously. It fires at 70 miles per hour and is compatible with all Nerf rival darts.

What We Love:

❤️ It can fire farther than most Nerf guns
❤️ It has a fast firing rate.
❤️ Has a large magazine capacity

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The darts curve as they fly, so they may not hit their target accurately

NERF Rival Curve Shot - Sideswipe XXI-1200 Blaster - Fire Rounds to Curve Left, Right, Downward or Fire Straight - 12 Rival Rounds
  • SELECT YOUR CURVE: Select your curve mid-battle to fire around objects to give you the ultimate strategic competitive advantage with the Nerf Rival Curve Shot Sideswipe XXI-1200 blaster
  • ROTATING 360 DEGREE MUZZLE: The muzzle rotates 360 degrees so you can turn it to select your curve and blast rounds left, right, straight, or down to customize your aim for any situation
  • BOLT-ACTION BLASTER FIRES ROUNDS AT 90 FPS: The Sideswipe XXI-1200 blaster unleashes rounds at 90 feet per second, has an ambidextrous bolt to adjust for right- and left-hand players. Has trigger lock
  • INCLUDES 12 ROUNDS AND 12-ROUND INTERGRATED SIDE-LOADING MAGAZINE: Comes with 12 Official Nerf Rival rounds. Has an integrated, curved 12-round magazine that loads on the side of the blaster

2. Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K

2 Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII 10K
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K is a high-powered Nerf gun that can fire up to 100 feet per second. It is the largest and most powerful Nerf gun ever made. The Nemesis also features an intelligent tracking system that enables it to lock on to its target, making it much harder for opponents to dodge. In addition, the gun comes with a range of accessories, including a scope and a bipod. The Nemesis MXVII-10K can hold up to 100 rounds and features an adjustable stock, a barrel extension, and a removable scope. It is powered by six D batteries (not included).

What We Love:

❤️ This gun has many features that set it apart from other Nerf guns, including its detachable magazine
❤️ Its high rate of fire also makes it a formidable opponent in any battle
❤️ It has a grip that’s comfortable to hold and a trigger that’s easy to pull, making it perfect for all users

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It is large and heavy


NERF Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K Blaster, Red
  • Fully motorized
  • Hopper feed – high capacity
  • Choose red or blue to battle as Team Red or Team Blue
  • Experience ultimate precision and intense competition
  • Includes blaster, 100 rounds, and instructions

3. Nerf Rival Pathfinder XXII-1200

3 Nerf Rival Pathfinder XXII 1200
Recommended age: 14 years and above

This gun is designed for long-range shooting and has a scope to help you aim better. It also has a detachable stock to make it more comfortable to shoot. The Pathfinder XXII-1200 fires at a velocity of 120 feet per second and can hold up to 12 rounds in its magazine. The blaster is also equipped with a tactical rail, which allows you to add attachments such as scopes or barrel extensions. And best of all, the Pathfinder XXII-1200 is incredibly affordable, making it the perfect choice for budget-minded shoppers.

What We Love:

❤️ It has a longer range than other Nerf blasters, making it great for outdoor play
❤️ It’s also very accurate, allowing you to hit your target easily
❤️ It has an easy-to-use design that makes it perfect for beginner and experienced Nerf users

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It doesn’t have a lot of power

NERF Rival Pathfinder XXII-1200 Blaster, Most Accurate Rival System, Adjustable Sight, 12-Round Magazine, 12 Rival Accu-Rounds
  • THE MOST ACCURATE NERF RIVAL SYSTEM: Nerf Rival blasters have an adjustable sight, optimized barrel, and Nerf Rival Accu-Rounds, making it the most accurate Nerf Rival system* for advanced precision
  • NERF RIVAL PATHFINDER XXII-1200 BLASTER: Has a removable 12-round magazine, magazine speed release for fast reloads, priming slide, and trigger lock. Fires rounds at a velocity of 90 feet per second
  • 12 NERF RIVAL ACCU-ROUNDS: The most accurate Nerf Rival rounds, with an improved aerodynamic design and dimple pattern to provide more consistent flight. Compatible with all Nerf Rival blasters
  • ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT: The rear sight has 2-way adjustment, so you can customize it for improved aim. Line up the rear sight with the front edge-glow sight for the perfect shot
  • OPTIMIZED BARREL: The barrel is optimized with streamlined design that's engineered for enhanced performance

4. Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K 

4 Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII 20K
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K is a top-of-the-line Nerf gun designed for experienced players. It is the most expensive Nerf gun on the market, and it comes with various features that make it stand out from other models. First and foremost, the MXVIII-20K is equipped with an impressive 200-round capacity magazine. This means you can spend more time in the heat of battle without pausing to reload. 

The gun also features a built-in accelerometer and compass, which help you keep track of your surroundings and stay oriented in the game. Finally, the Prometheus MXVIII-20K comes with a premium price tag, but it is well worth the investment for serious Nerf enthusiasts.

What We Love:

❤️ It has an impressive 200 rounds of ammunition that can be fired quickly
❤️ It has a smart air restrictor system that prevents jams and misfires
❤️ It has a built-in cooling system that keeps it from overheating during extended use

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Its range is shorter than some of the other models
💔 It is quite costly

Sale
Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
  • Advanced acceleration system: The Prometheus MXVIII-20k Nerf Rival blaster features an Advanced Acceleration System that fires up to 8 rounds per second*
  • Rechargeable battery: This fully motorized Nerf Rival toy blaster comes with a rechargeable NiMh battery and a wall charger so there’s no need to stock up on batteries
  • High-capacity hopper: This Nerf Rival Phantom Corps blaster has an easy-loading, high-capacity hopper that holds up to 200 Nerf Rival rounds
  • Comes with 200 high-impact rounds: The Nerf Prometheus MXVIII-20K blaster comes with 200 Nerf Rival high-impact foam rounds
  • Fires rounds at a velocity of 100 feet per second: Vanquish opponents as you blast rounds as a velocity of 100 feet per second (30 meters per second).For use with Nerf Rival products only

5. Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500

5 Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII 500
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500 is a powerful blaster that can shoot rounds up to 90 feet per second. It has a 5 round magazine and comes with a rechargeable battery. The gun features an easy-load magazine and a built-in cooling system that keeps the barrel from overheating. The Kronos also has a tactical rail system for attaching scopes, sights, or other accessories. The blaster also has an adjustable stock, making it comfortable for people of all sizes. The Kronos XVIII-500 is perfect for target practice or competitive play.

What We Love:

❤️ It can shoot up to 90 feet per second
❤️ It has an easy-to-load magazine that holds 5 high impact rounds
❤️ The blaster is compatible with the Nerf Rival tactical rail system

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Short shooting range

NERF Rival Kronos XVIII-500 Blaster, Breech-Load, 5 Rival Rounds, Spring Action, 90 FPS Velocity, Red (Amazon Exclusive)
  • Experience the intensity of Nerf rival battles with this spring-action blaster
  • Fires rounds at a velocity of 90 feet per second (27 meters per second)
  • This breech-load blaster holds up to 5 rounds
  • Comes 5 high-impact rounds
  • Has a trigger lock, tactical rail, and ready indicator

6. Nerf Rival Perses Mxix-5000

6 Nerf Rival Perses Mxix 5000
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Perses Mxix-5000 is a powerful and accurate Nerf gun that is perfect for intense Nerf battles. This gun has a muzzle velocity of up to 30 feet per second, making it one of the fastest Nerf guns available. It also features a detachable stock that can be used as a blaster or a shield and an adjustable sight that allows you to zero in on your target. The Perses Mxix-5000 is also equipped with a rapid-fire mode that lets you fire multiple darts in quick succession.

What We Love:

❤️ It is accurate
❤️ It has a high rate of fire
❤️ Comes with a lot of ammunition

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The magazine size is small


NERF Perses Mxix-5000 Rival Motorized Blaster (Blue) - Fastest Blasting Rival System
  • Fastest blasting Nerf rival system: blaster features the fastest blasting Nerf rival system, firing up to 8 rounds per second* at a velocity of up 100 feet per second (30 meters per second)
  • Fully motorized blaster: Nerf rival parses mxix-5000 blaster is fully motorized with a 50-round Capacity and comes with 50 official Nerf rival rounds
  • Rechargeable battery and quick-load hopper: includes a rechargeable NiMH battery and a wall charger and has a quick-load hopper with 50-round Capacity
  • Trigger lock, acceleration button, trigger: engage the trigger lock to prevent accidental firing; press the acceleration button to power up the motor and pull the trigger to fire

7. Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500

7 Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX 1500
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Roundhouse XX-1500 is a high-capacity blaster that can hold up to fifteen darts. It has a round, revolving chamber that fires the darts in quick succession. The blaster also has a detachable stock for stability and a long barrel for precision.  It has a rapid-fire mechanism and a detachable shoulder stock. The gun also has a sight system that makes it easier to aim at your target. The Rival Roundhouse XX-1500 is perfect for blasting your opponents into submission at any Nerf war!

What We Love:

❤️ More accurate than other NERF blasters.
❤️ It’s also much faster.
❤️ It’s extremely durable.

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The reload time is long compared to other blasters

Sale
NERF Rival Roundhouse XX-1500 Red Blaster - Clear Rotating Chamber Loads Rounds into Barrel - 5 Integrated Magazines, 15 Rival Rounds
  • NERF RIVAL ROUNDHOUSE XX-1500 BLASTER WITH CLEAR ROTATING CHAMBER TO SEE THE ROUNDS INSIDE: -The chamber rotates to line up a round into firing position and load another round into the chamber
  • 15-ROUND CAPACITY INTEGRATED MAGAZINES FOR HIGH-CAPACITY BLASTING: The blaster has 5 integrated magazines that each hold 3 rounds, giving you a total of 15 rounds to unleash on the opposing team
  • 90 FPS VELOCITY: Fire rounds at a velocity of up to 90 feet per second with Nerf Rival accuracy from this Team Red blaster
  • INCLUDES 15 NERF RIVAL ROUNDS: Comes with 15 Official Nerf Rival high-impact rounds, enough to fully load all 5 internal magazines
  • SPRING-ACTION, TRIGGER LOCK, TACTICAL RAILS: Has a spring-action mechanism, trigger lock to prevent accidental firing, and 2 tactical rails to customize with Nerf Rival accessories (not included)

8. Nerf Rival Takedown XX-800 

8 Nerf Rival Takedown XX 800
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Takedown XX-800 is a powerful and highly accurate Nerf gun that is perfect for experienced players. It features an eight-shot rotating barrel, which makes it easy to fire multiple shots quickly. The gun has a range of up to seventy-five feet, making it perfect for long-range targets. It also comes with a detachable stock for added stability and accuracy. The gun also has a tactical rail on top that can be used to attach accessories such as scopes or flashlights.

What We Love:

❤️ It is easy to use
❤️ It is powerful
❤️ Durable

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The reload time is quite slow

NERF Rival Takedown XX-800 Blaster - Pump Action, Breech-Load, 8-Round Capacity, 90 FPS, 8 Official Rival Rounds - Team Red
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  • Raise your game with the Pro-Grip Football and Nerfoop basketball set

9. Nerf Rival Curve Shot – Flex XXI-100

9 Nerf Rival Curve Shot Flex XXI 100 1
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The NERF Rival Curve Shot – Flex XXI-100 is a Nerf rival gun designed to shoot around corners. The gun barrel is curved, allowing the user to shoot around obstacles. The gun has a shoulder stock for stability and a built-in scope for accuracy. 

The Flex XXI-100 is powered by an air piston that can fire foam darts up to 100 feet per second. The gun also comes with a 20-round magazine and is compatible with other Rival accessories, including magazines, scopes, and barrels.

What We Love:

❤️ The curved shot design makes it easier to hit your target
❤️ It has a powerful spring-action mechanism that fires darts up to 100 feet
❤️ This blaster is easy to reload and fire

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It can be challenging to fire the darts accurately

Sale
NERF Rival Curve Shot - Flex XXI-100 Blaster - Fire Rounds to Curve Left, Right, Downward or Fire Straight - 5 Rival Rounds
  • SELECT YOUR CURVE: Select your curve mid-battle to fire around objects to give you the ultimate strategic competitive advantage with the Nerf Rival Curve Shot Flex XXI-100 blaster
  • ROTATING 360 DEGREE MUZZLE: The muzzle rotates 360 degrees so you can turn it to select your curve and blast rounds left, right, straight, or down to customize your aim for any situation
  • SPRING-ACTION BLASTER FIRES ROUNDS AT 90 FPS: The breech-load Flex XXI-100 blaster unleashes rounds at 90 feet per second, has a spring-action priming handle, and includes trigger lock
  • INCLUDES 5 ROUNDS AND INTEGRATED ROUND STORAGE: Comes with 5 Official Nerf Rival rounds and has integrated onboard round storage that lets you keep rounds within easy reach to reload fast
  • BUILD OUT YOUR ARSENAL: Find other great Nerf blasters to build out your arsenal

10. Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000

10 Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII 6000
Recommended age: 14 years and above

The Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000 is a blaster designed for semi-automatic or fully automatic fire. It has a firing range of up to seventy-five feet and can fire up to six rounds per second. The Hades also features an adjustable stock, and a quick reload clip. This gun is perfect for experienced Nerf users looking for a high-powered weapon.

What We Love:

❤️ It is a powerful blaster that can shoot up to 100 feet
❤️ It has a high capacity for rounds, making it perfect for extended battles
❤️ The blaster is easy to reload and fire, making it perfect for quick skirmishes

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It is significantly more expensive than most Nerf blasters

Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000 Blaster with Rival Ammo and Colored Flags for Ages 14+ (Amazon Exclusive)
  • High capacity blaster includes 60 high-impact rounds.
  • The blaster has an easy-load integrated magazine that holds up to 60 rounds.
  • The blaster has a spring-action mechanism, trigger lock, and tactical rail.
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  • Blast rounds at a velocity of 100 feet per second (30 meters per second).

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