The Haunted Heist handgun is the primary ranged firearm equipped by Heisters to defend themselves against Tricksters in autotroph games' asymmetrical horror party game. Paired with a flashlight, flares, and defibrillators, the handgun enables players to fend off lurking threats while scouring procedurally generated mansions for gems. Because ammunition is limited, conserving shots and coordinating with teammates are essential for surviving each round before the timer expires.
Role of the Handgun in Haunted Heist
In Haunted Heist, 3 to 8 players split into two rival sides: Heisters attempting to extract gems to their safe room, and Tricksters hunting them through the estate. The developer's mature content descriptor notes that cartoon violence is present and the primary weapon is a gun.
Heisters start equipped with a standard handgun—also referred to as a revolver in official Steam achievements—to balance the playing field against supernatural abilities. While Tricksters command stealth tools like night vision, invisibility, and disguises, Heisters rely on fast reflexes and precise shooting to interrupt ambush attempts and protect teammates.
Handgun Combat and Trickster Encounters
Tricksters stalk Heisters using darkness and deception, striking from ceilings or shadows with abilities like Pounce, Siphon, and Phase. Firing the handgun allows Heisters to knock down or disrupt attacking Tricksters before they can incapacitate the crew.
- Stopping Lethal Channels: Tricksters using the Siphon ability can drain a player. Shooting an attacking Trickster interrupts their attack and saves your teammate from being downed.
- Range Control: Flares and flashlights illuminate hallways, allowing handgun users to identify disguised or cloaked Tricksters before they close the distance.
- Friendly Fire Awareness: Unlike standard handgun rounds, heavy explosive weapons like the Grenade Launcher can knock down fellow Heisters. Using precision revolver shots avoids accidental team wipes during chaotic skirmishes.
Handgun Achievements and Weapon Comparison
Official Steam achievements track combat milestones across multiple weapon types available to Heisters throughout matches. The handgun and revolver achievements reward players for consistently landing shots against Tricksters.
| Weapon | Related Achievements | Objective Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Handgun / Revolver | Gunslinger | Shoot 10 Tricksters with your revolver |
| Handgun / Revolver | Sharpshooter | Shoot 100 Tricksters with your revolver |
| Knife | Sultan of Stab / Ultimate Sultan of Stab | Get 10 / 100 knockdowns with the Knife |
| Bow | Baroness of the Bow / Ultimate Baroness of the Bow | Get 10 / 100 knockdowns with the Bow |
| Grenade Launcher | Grenade Goon / Grenade Gooner | Get 10 / 100 knockdowns with the Grenade Launcher |
Other weapon-related feats include Next Level Ground Tech, which requires knocking down a Heister with a bow shot while crouch sliding, and My Bad, which triggers if you knock down three fellow Heisters with a Grenade Launcher.
Managing Ammo and Equipment Powerups
Ammunition management is one of the core survival pressures for Heisters. Spraying shots recklessly leaves you defenseless when Tricksters initiate coordinated pushes.
- Conserve Your Reserve: Every shot should count. Firing blindly into dark doorways wastes vital rounds that are better saved for stopping direct physical assaults or Siphon channels.
- Scavenge for Powerups: Mansions contain powerups scattered across rooms. These pickups restore depleted resources, enhance gear, and assist with mansion navigation.
- Coordinate Over Proximity Chat: Because proximity voice chat limits communication range, call out Trickster sightings early so nearby Heisters with loaded handguns can cover retreating gem carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the handgun the only weapon available to Heisters?
No. Official game achievements confirm that players can also use a Knife, Bow, and Grenade Launcher to knock down opponents during matches.
How do you get the Gunslinger and Sharpshooter achievements?
Gunslinger unlocks after shooting 10 Tricksters with your revolver, while Sharpshooter unlocks after reaching 100 successful shots against Tricksters.
Can Tricksters use handguns?
Official game details specify that handguns are part of the Heister loadout. Tricksters use supernatural tricks and abilities such as Pounce, Dash, Cloak, Siphon, Disguise, and Spider rather than standard firearms.
