Nerf has been igniting the passion for foam dart battles since the 1970s, but the introduction of the Rival series has taken the game to a whole new level. Designed for older kids and adults seeking an adrenaline rush, the Rival series combines power and accuracy to deliver a thrilling experience. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best Nerf Rival guns that match your enthusiasm.
Worry not, as this blog post is your ultimate guide to the world of Nerf Rival blasters. We have handpicked the top 7 models and will be delving into their features, pros, and cons to help you find your perfect match. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-prepared to choose the Rival gun that will make you the star of your next foam dart showdown.
But that’s not all! We’ll also share some insider tips to help you make the most of your new blaster. From maintenance and ammunition advice to safety guidelines and responsible play, this guide will ensure you’re fully equipped for action. So, let’s embark on this exciting journey to discover the Rival blasters that will redefine your Nerf arsenal!
Top 7 Nerf Rival Blasters: A Comparison Table
| Model | Ammo Capacity | Range | Firing Mechanism | Rate of Fire | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K | 100 | 100 feet | Motorized | Rapid | Hopper feed, easy reloading |
| Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 | 30 | 80 feet | Spring-action | Moderate | Slam Fire, an integrated magazine |
| Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500 | 5 | 90 feet | Spring-action | Single-shot | Compact design, easy to reload |
| Nerf Rival Hades XVIII-6000 | 60 | 100 feet | Spring-action | Moderate | Slam fire, integrated magazine, high capacity |
| Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000 | 50 | 100 feet | Motorized | Rapid | Compact, hopper feed, quick reloading |
| Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K | 200 | 100 feet | Motorized | Rapid | High capacity, shoulder strap, fast reloading |
| Nerf Rival Takedown XX-800 | 8 | 90 feet | Pump-action | Single-shot | Easy pump, quick reloading, compact design |
Top 7 Nerf Rival Guns
Let’s dive into the top contenders in the Nerf Rival series, chosen for their exceptional performance, innovative designs, and user satisfaction. These blasters have been carefully selected to provide a range of options for all types of Nerf enthusiasts, whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran. Each blaster on this list brings unique features and capabilities to the table, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
1. Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K
The Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K is a formidable and high-capacity blaster that dominates the battlefield with its impressive features and performance. This motorized Rival gun has garnered praise for its sleek design, rapid-fire capabilities, and incredible ease of use.
As a fully automatic blaster, the Nemesis delivers a relentless stream of foam rounds, making it perfect for intense Nerf battles. It boasts a comfortable grip and an innovative 100-round hopper feed system, ensuring you stay in the game longer.
The Nemesis has a non-removable stock and barrel, which may limit customization, but the blaster’s overall appearance and performance are already top-notch. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking a compact or stealthy option, the Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K remains a powerful and captivating choice in the Rival series.
Reasons to Buy:
- Fully automatic rapid-fire
- The sleek and aggressive design
- Innovative 100-round hopper feed system
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited customization options
- Not the most compact option on the market
2. Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000
The Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 is a versatile and powerful blaster that excels in both accuracy and capacity. This spring-action Rival gun has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for its unique design, smooth operation, and reliable performance in the heat of battle.
Featuring a slam-fire action, the Artemis can unleash a rapid barrage of foam rounds, making it an excellent choice for intense skirmishes. It comes with a comfortable grip and an integrated 30-round magazine, allowing for sustained action without frequent reloading.
While the Artemis might not offer as much customization as some other blasters, its overall performance and convenience make up for it. Though not the fastest or most powerful option in the Rival series, the Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 remains a dependable and satisfying choice for fans seeking a balance of firepower and maneuverability.
Reasons to Buy:
- Slam-fire action for rapid shots
- Unique design with an integrated 30-round magazine
- Reliable performance and accuracy
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited customization options
- Not the fastest or most powerful option in the Rival series
3. Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500
The Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500 is a compact and potent blaster that packs a punch in a small package. This spring-action Rival gun has won over fans with its sleek design, exceptional accuracy, and straightforward operation, making it an ideal choice for both newcomers and experienced players.
The Kronos features single-shot firing, allowing for precise targeting and controlled gameplay. Its comfortable grip and easy-to-reload 5-round internal magazine make it an excellent sidearm or primary blaster for stealthy missions.
While the Kronos may not offer the highest ammo capacity or rapid-fire capabilities, its portability and accuracy more than compensate. The Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500 is a perfect option for those seeking a balance of power and stealth in a compact form factor.
Reasons to Buy:
- Compact design with excellent accuracy
- Easy-to-reload 5-round internal magazine
- Ideal for stealthy missions and precise targeting
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited ammo capacity
- Lacks rapid-fire capabilities
4. Nerf Rival Hades XVIII-6000
The Nerf Rival Hades XVIII-6000 is a formidable and high-capacity blaster that brings both power and endurance to the battlefield. This spring-action Rival gun has gained a loyal following for its robust design, impressive 60-round capacity, and ability to dish out a continuous stream of foam rounds.
With its slam-fire action, the Hades can quickly unleash a torrent of foam rounds, making it a fearsome choice for intense Nerf wars. The blaster features a comfortable grip and an integrated 60-round magazine, allowing you to stay in the game longer without needing to reload frequently.
Though the Hades might not be the most compact or customizable option, its high capacity and relentless firepower more than makeup for it. The Nerf Rival Hades XVIII-6000 is an outstanding choice for players seeking a powerful blaster with significant ammo capacity to dominate the field.
Reasons to Buy:
- High-capacity 60-round integrated magazine
- Slam-fire action for continuous shots
- Robust design and impressive firepower
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited customization options
- Bulkier than some other Rival blasters
5. Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000
The Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000 is a compact yet powerful blaster that delivers a perfect blend of speed and performance. This motorized Rival gun has become a fan favorite for its ergonomic design, lightning-fast firing rate, and innovative hopper feed system.
The Perses offers fully automatic firing, allowing you to unleash a storm of foam rounds in mere seconds, making it a formidable choice for intense Nerf battles. With its comfortable grip and 50-round hopper, you can enjoy continuous action without constant reloading.
While the Perses might not have the highest ammo capacity or customization options, its compact size, rapid-fire capabilities, and ease of use more than compensate. The Nerf Rival Perses MXIX-5000 is an excellent option for those seeking a fast-paced, high-performance blaster that packs a punch in a smaller form factor.
Reasons to Buy:
- Fully automatic with a rapid-fire rate
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Innovative 50-round hopper feed system
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited customization options
- Not the highest ammo capacity in the Rival series
6. Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
The Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K is an absolute powerhouse of a blaster, designed to deliver unmatched firepower and capacity. This motorized Rival gun has earned rave reviews for its massive 200-round hopper, lightning-fast firing rate, and aggressive design that commands attention.
Featuring fully automatic firing, the Prometheus unleashes a relentless barrage of foam rounds, making it an intimidating choice for intense Nerf wars. With its comfortable shoulder strap and easy-to-reload hopper, you can dominate the battlefield without needing to pause for frequent reloads.
Though the Prometheus might not be the most compact or customizable option, its unparalleled firepower and capacity more than makeup for it. The Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K is the ultimate choice for players seeking an awe-inspiring blaster that truly stands out in the Rival series.
Reasons to Buy:
- Unrivaled 200-round hopper capacity
- Fully automatic with a rapid-fire rate
- Comfortable shoulder strap for extended play
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited customization options
- Bulkier and heavier than other Rival blasters
7. Nerf Rival Takedown XX-800
The Nerf Rival Takedown XX-800 is a versatile and reliable blaster that offers a perfect combination of power and maneuverability. This pump-action Rival gun has captured the hearts of players for its sleek design, easy reloading, and exceptional performance in various gameplay scenarios.
The Takedown features single-shot firing, allowing for accurate targeting and controlled gameplay. With its comfortable grip and 8-round internal magazine, this blaster is an excellent choice for both stealth missions and fast-paced skirmishes.
While the Takedown may not have the highest ammo capacity or rapid-fire capabilities, its ease of use, compact size, and tactical performance more than compensate. The Nerf Rival Takedown XX-800 is a fantastic option for those seeking a well-rounded blaster that excels in both power and agility.
Reasons to Buy:
- Pump-action for precise targeting
- Compact and sleek design
- Easy-to-reload 8-round internal magazine
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited ammo capacity
- Lacks rapid-fire capabilities
What you should know about the Nerf Rival Series?
The Nerf Rival series, first introduced in 2015, was designed to provide high-performance blasters for competitive team-based play. With the Apollo XV-700 and Zeus MXV-1200 as the first blasters in the series, the Rival series (officially spelled in all caps as RIVAL) offers a new level of excitement and intensity for older kids and adults.
Distinctly available in red and blue color schemes, these blasters promote team play and use a unique ammo type: High-Impact Rounds. These small, yellow, dimpled balls provide better accuracy and performance compared to traditional Nerf darts.
Naming Convention
Rival blasters have intriguing names inspired by Greek and Roman mythological figures, such as Artemis XVII-3000 and Prometheus MXVIII-20K. These names follow a specific pattern: the mythological figure, the release year in Roman numerals, and an indication of the blaster’s capacity. For motorized blasters, an “M” is added to the name. For example, Prometheus MXVIII-20K translates to a motorized blaster released in 2018 with a 20,000 (20K) capacity (100 * 200 Rounds).
Safety
Rival Blasters target an older audience (14 years and up) due to their power and unique ammo type. While these blasters are generally safe, it’s wise to wear goggles to protect your eyes during play. When first launched, Rival blasters were not allowed in Australia because they didn’t meet local toy safety standards, emphasizing their power and intended audience.
Sub Series
The Rival series also includes sub-series, such as:
- Edge: Focused on precision and target shooting, the Edge sub-series features blasters with a lime-green color scheme.
- Phantom Corps: Designed for non-team-based play, Phantom Corps blasters have a black-and-white color scheme to differentiate them from the red and blue Rival models.
Notable blasters from these sub-series include the Hades and Prometheus from the Phantom Corps sub-series and the Jupiter from the Edge series, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the Nerf Rival lineup.
How to Choose Best Nerf Rival Guns
When selecting the perfect Nerf Rival gun, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. These factors include performance, design, ammunition capacity, and price.
Performance
- Range: The range of a Nerf Rival gun determines how far it can shoot High-Impact Rounds. Consider the playing environment and your preferred play style to choose a blaster with the appropriate range capabilities.
- Accuracy: Accuracy is crucial when engaging in competitive play. Look for blasters with features that enhance accuracy, such as barrel extensions or stabilizers.
- Rate of fire: The rate of fire is the speed at which a blaster can shoot rounds. Select a blaster with a firing rate that suits your style, whether you prefer rapid-fire automatics or precise single-shot blasters.
Design and ergonomics
Comfort and ease of use are essential aspects of any Nerf Rival gun. Consider the blaster’s weight, grip, and balance to ensure it feels comfortable in your hands during extended play sessions. Also, assess the ease of reloading and accessibility of the blaster’s controls.
Ammunition capacity
Ammunition capacity affects the frequency of reloading during play. Higher-capacity blasters often come at the cost of increased size and weight, so consider the trade-offs between ammunition capacity and portability when selecting your Nerf Rival gun.
Price and value for money
Lastly, consider your budget and the overall value for money of each Nerf Rival gun. While more expensive blasters often come with additional features and better performance, it’s essential to balance the price with the blaster’s capabilities to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your purchase.
Final Thoughts
After exploring the 7 best Nerf Rival guns on the market, it’s clear that there are options for every play style and preference. With performance, design, ammunition capacity, and price in mind, you’re well-equipped to find the perfect blaster for your needs. Remember to consider your personal play style and the factors discussed above to make an informed decision.
If you’re looking for a powerful, high-capacity blaster, the Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K is an excellent choice with its fully automatic rapid-fire and 100-round hopper feed system. On the other hand, the Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 offers a more compact and versatile option with its pump-action firing and 30-round rotating barrel. Both of these fantastic options are sure to provide countless hours of fun and excitement, so give them a try and see which one suits your style the best!
As an avid enthusiast of Nerf blasters, home laser tag, and various real-life action games, I’m passionate about staying active, and social, and maintaining a youthful spirit through engaging in these exhilarating activities.