Arc Raiders Augments Guide (March 2026) Complete List

Welcome to the most comprehensive Arc Raiders Augments guide available online! As a seasoned Raider who has spent countless hours testing every augment in the game, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about these crucial loadout components. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your journey or a veteran looking to optimize your builds, this guide will help you master the augment system and dominate every expedition.
Augments are arguably the most important part of your loadout in Arc Raiders – they determine your carrying capacity, shield compatibility, and provide unique abilities that can make or break your raid. With 13 different augments spread across 4 tiers, choosing the right one for your playstyle is crucial for success.
Quick Reference: All Arc Raiders Augments at a Glance
| Tier | Total Augments | Specialization Types | Max Weight Limit | Max Safe Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MK.0 | 1 | Basic | 35 kg | 0 |
| MK.1 | 3 | Looting, Combat, Tactical | 50 kg | 1 |
| MK.2 | 3 | Looting, Combat, Tactical | 60 kg | 2 |
| MK.3 | 6 | Advanced variants | 80 kg | 3 |
Complete Arc Raiders Augments List March 2026
MK.0 Tier: Starting Equipment
Free Loadout Augment
- Weight Limit: 35 kg
- Backpack Slots: 14
- Safe Pocket Slots: 0
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light Shields only
- Source: Default starting equipment
- Best For: New players learning the basics
The Free Loadout Augment is your starting gear – basic but functional. While it’s limited in capacity, it’s perfect for understanding the game mechanics before investing in better augments.
MK.1 Tier: Entry-Level Specialization
Looting MK.1
- Weight Limit: 50 kg
- Backpack Slots: 18
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light Shields
- Source: Gear Bench Level 1, Lance (Trader)
- Best For: Players focused on gathering resources
The Looting MK.1 is perfect for players who want to maximize their loot capacity early in the game. The additional safe pocket provides crucial protection for your most valuable items.
Combat MK.1
- Weight Limit: 45 kg
- Backpack Slots: 16
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light or Medium Shields
- Source: Gear Bench Level 1, Lance (Trader)
- Best For: Players who engage in frequent combat
Combat MK.1 offers the flexibility of using Medium Shields, providing better protection during firefights. While it has slightly less carrying capacity than the Looting variant, the improved shield compatibility makes it ideal for aggressive playstyles.
Tactical MK.1
- Weight Limit: 40 kg
- Backpack Slots: 15
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light or Medium Shields
- Source: Gear Bench Level 1, Lance (Trader)
- Best For: Players who use many utility items
The Tactical MK.1 shines with its extra quick-use slot, perfect for players who rely on grenades, medical supplies, or utility items. While it has the lowest carrying capacity in MK.1, the tactical flexibility makes it invaluable for team players.
MK.2 Tier: Mid-Game Powerhouses
Looting MK.2
- Weight Limit: 60 kg
- Backpack Slots: 22
- Safe Pocket Slots: 2
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Augmented Slots: 3 Trinket Slots
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light Shields
- Special Perk: Auto-throws Ticks after 1 second
- Source: Gear Bench Level 2, Lance (Trader)
- Best For: Dedicated looters and resource gatherers
Looting MK.2 is a massive upgrade for resource-focused players. The increased capacity and additional safe pocket make it perfect for extended looting runs. The auto-throw Ticks perk provides excellent defensive capabilities when overwhelmed.
Combat MK.2
- Weight Limit: 55 kg
- Backpack Slots: 18
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Augmented Slots: 1 Grenade Slot
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light, Medium, or Heavy Shields
- Special Perk: Regenerates 1 health every 5 seconds (pauses for 30 seconds after taking damage)
- Source: Gear Bench Level 2, Lance (Trader)
- Best For: Solo players and aggressive combatants
The Combat MK.2’s health regeneration perk is a game-changer for solo players. Combined with Heavy Shield compatibility, this augment allows for sustained combat without relying heavily on medical supplies.
Tactical MK.2
- Weight Limit: 45 kg
- Backpack Slots: 17
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Augmented Slots: 1 Utility Slot
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light or Medium Shields
- Special Perk: Deploys smoke grenade on shield break (with cooldown)
- Source: Gear Bench Level 2, Lance (Trader)
- Best For: Team players and tactical retreats
The smoke grenade perk on shield break provides excellent escape options or cover for reviving teammates. This makes Tactical MK.2 invaluable for coordinated team play and strategic positioning.
MK.3 Tier: End-Game Excellence
Looting MK.3 (Survivor)
- Weight Limit: 80 kg
- Backpack Slots: 20
- Safe Pocket Slots: 3
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Augmented Slots: 1 Utility Slot
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light or Medium Shields
- Special Perk: Regenerates health up to 75% while downed and stationary
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Solo players and high-risk looting runs
The Survivor variant is arguably the best all-around augment in the game. The massive 80 kg weight limit combined with the downed health regeneration makes it perfect for solo players who want to maximize their chances of survival and extraction.
Looting MK.3 (Cautious)
- Weight Limit: 70 kg
- Backpack Slots: 24
- Safe Pocket Slots: 2
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Augmented Slots: 1 Integrated Binoculars
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light Shields
- Special Perk: Adrenaline Shot on shield break (with cooldown)
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Scouting and careful exploration
The Cautious variant offers the highest backpack slot count in the game, perfect for players who want to maximize their loot capacity. The integrated binoculars and adrenaline shot provide excellent tactical advantages for careful players.
Looting MK.3 (Safekeeper)
- Weight Limit: 65 kg
- Backpack Slots: 18
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Augmented Slots: 2 Trinket Slots + 1 general storage safe pocket
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light, Medium, or Heavy Shields
- Special Perk: Preserves primary weapons (Epic or Legendary guns) on death
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Players with high-value weapons
The Safekeeper is revolutionary for players who invest in Epic or Legendary weapons. The weapon preservation perk ensures your most valuable investments are protected even in the worst-case scenarios.
Combat MK.3 (Aggressive)
- Weight Limit: 64 kg
- Backpack Slots: 18
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Augmented Slots: 2 Grenade Slots
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light, Medium, or Heavy Shields
- Special Perk: Regenerates 2 health every 5 seconds (pauses for 30 seconds after taking damage)
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Aggressive players and frontline combat
The Aggressive variant doubles down on combat effectiveness with enhanced health regeneration and additional grenade slots. This is perfect for players who prefer to take the fight to the enemy.
Combat MK.3 (Flanking)
- Weight Limit: 60 kg
- Backpack Slots: 20
- Safe Pocket Slots: 2
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Augmented Slots: 3 Utility Slots
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light Shields
- Special Perk: Enhanced movement speed and reduced noise
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Stealth players and flanking maneuvers
The Flanking variant excels for players who prefer tactical positioning and stealth gameplay. The enhanced mobility and utility slots make it perfect for outmaneuvering opponents.
Tactical MK.3 (Revival)
- Weight Limit: 65 kg
- Backpack Slots: 16
- Safe Pocket Slots: 2
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Augmented Slots: 1 Integrated Defibrillator
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light Shields
- Special Perk: Regenerates 1 health every 5 seconds (pauses for 30 seconds after taking damage)
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Team support and medic roles
The Revival variant is essential for team players who frequently find themselves in support roles. The integrated defibrillator ensures you’re always prepared to revive teammates quickly.
Tactical MK.3 (Defensive)
- Weight Limit: 60 kg
- Backpack Slots: 20
- Safe Pocket Slots: 1
- Quick Use Slots: 5
- Augmented Slots: 1 Integrated Shield Recharger
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light, Medium, or Heavy Shields
- Special Perk: Automatically recharges shields when not in combat
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Defensive players and prolonged engagements
The Defensive variant’s integrated shield recharger provides unparalleled sustainability during extended fights. This makes it perfect for players who prefer to hold positions and weather enemy assaults.
Tactical MK.3 (Healing)
- Weight Limit: 55 kg
- Backpack Slots: 16
- Safe Pocket Slots: 3
- Quick Use Slots: 4
- Augmented Slots: 3 Healing Slots
- Weapon Slots: 2
- Shield Compatibility: Light or Medium Shields
- Special Perk: Creates healing cloud on revive (20 HP every 10 seconds, 30-second cooldown)
- Source: Gear Bench Level 3
- Best For: Team medics and support players
The Healing variant transforms you into a walking medic station. The healing cloud on revive provides excellent team support and can turn the tide of difficult encounters.
Arc Raiders Augments Tier List March 2026
S Tier (Must-Have)
- Looting MK.3 (Survivor) – Best all-around augment for solo players
- Tactical MK.3 (Defensive) – Unmatched sustainability for team play
- Looting MK.3 (Safekeeper) – Essential for protecting valuable weapons
A Tier (Excellent Choices)
- Combat MK.3 (Aggressive) – Top-tier for aggressive playstyles
- Tactical MK.3 (Healing) – Invaluable for team support
- Combat MK.2 – Great health regeneration for solo players
- Looting MK.2 – Excellent capacity with defensive perks
B Tier (Solid Options)
- Tactical MK.3 (Revival) – Good for specific team compositions
- Combat MK.3 (Flanking) – Niche but effective for stealth players
- Tactical MK.2 – Smoke grenade perk is situationally useful
- Looting MK.3 (Cautious) – High capacity but limited shield support
C Tier (Situational)
- Combat MK.1 – Basic but functional
- Tactical MK.1 – Limited by low capacity
- Looting MK.1 – Outclassed by higher tiers
- Free Loadout Augment – Starting equipment only
How to Get Better Augments in Arc Raiders?
Crafting System Progression
- Gear Bench Level 1 (Unlocks MK.1 Augments)
- Requirements: Basic materials and 500 Scrip
- Focus on upgrading your workbench first
- Craft one MK.1 augment that matches your playstyle
- Gear Bench Level 2 (Unlocks MK.2 Augments)
- Requirements: Rare materials and 2,000 Scrip
- Start saving rare materials early
- Priority: Combat MK.2 for solo players, Tactical MK.2 for teams
- Gear Bench Level 3 (Unlocks MK.3 Augments)
- Requirements: Epic materials and 5,000 Scrip
- This is where the real power lies
- Focus on one MK.3 augment that complements your main playstyle
Trading and Acquisition Tips
- Lance (Trader): Your primary source for augment blueprints
- Celeste (Clinic): Sometimes offers healing-focused augments
- Apollo (Weapons Dealer): Occasionally has combat-oriented augments
- Quest Rewards: Many story quests provide specific augments as rewards
Material Farming Strategy
- Early Game: Focus on basic materials from common containers
- Mid Game: Target rare materials from elite enemies and locked containers
- Late Game: Farm epic materials from bosses and high-level zones
Best Augment Combinations for Different Playstyles
Solo Player Loadout
Primary: Looting MK.3 (Survivor) Why: The downed health regeneration gives you multiple chances to survive and extract solo. The massive 80 kg capacity ensures you can bring back valuable loot.
Team Support Loadout
Primary: Tactical MK.3 (Healing) Why: The healing cloud on revive can save entire teams from wipes. Three healing slots ensure you’re always prepared for emergencies.
Aggressive Combat Loadout
Primary: Combat MK.3 (Aggressive) Why: Enhanced health regeneration and extra grenade slots make you a frontline powerhouse. Heavy shield compatibility ensures you can tank damage.
Stealth/Flanking Loadout
Primary: Combat MK.3 (Flanking) Why: Enhanced mobility and utility slots perfect for outmaneuvering enemies. The reduced noise signature helps maintain stealth.
High-Value Weapon Protection
Primary: Looting MK.3 (Safekeeper) Why: The weapon preservation perk is invaluable when you’re carrying Epic or Legendary weapons. Peace of mind alone makes this worth it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Upgrading Your Gear Bench First
Many players focus on weapons and armor before upgrading their workbench. This is a critical mistake – better augments provide more value than marginal weapon upgrades early on.
2. Ignoring Safe Pocket Slots
I see too many players losing their best items because they don’t use safe pockets properly. Always put your most valuable items in safe pockets!
3. Choosing Augments Based on Capacity Alone
While high capacity is tempting, consider your playstyle. A 24-slot augment is useless if you’re constantly dying because you can’t use proper shields.
4. Not Considering Team Composition
If you’re playing in a team, coordinate augment choices. Having multiple players with the same specialization can lead to gaps in your team’s capabilities.
5. Forgetting About Durability
Augments lose durability when you’re knocked out. Always carry repair kits or have backup augments ready.
Advanced Augment Strategies
Perk Synergies
Some augment perks work better together than others:
- Combat MK.2 + Tactical MK.2: Health regeneration + smoke escape
- Looting MK.3 (Survivor) + Combat MK.3 (Aggressive): Survival + aggression
- Tactical MK.3 (Healing) + Combat MK.3 (Defensive): Team sustain + personal defense
Weight Management Tips
- Always keep 5-10 kg of weight capacity free for unexpected loot
- Consider the weight of your chosen shield when planning your loadout
- Remember that ammunition and healing items add up quickly
Shield Compatibility Strategy
- Light Shields: Fastest regeneration, lowest capacity
- Medium Shields: Balanced option for most situations
- Heavy Shields: Slowest regeneration but highest capacity
Choose your shield based on your augment’s compatibility and your expected combat intensity.
Platform-Specific Considerations
PC Players
- Take advantage of precise keybinding for quick slot management
- Use mouse wheel scrolling for faster item access
- Consider UI mods for better inventory management
Console Players
- Familiarize yourself with controller shortcuts for quick item access
- Use radial menu efficiently for healing and utility items
- Consider paddle controllers for additional customization
Future Updates and Meta Changes
As of March 2026, the augment meta is relatively stable, but Embark Studios frequently releases balance updates. Keep an eye on:
- Patch notes for augment stat changes
- New augments in major updates
- Community feedback on optimal loadouts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best augment for beginners?
A: Start with the Free Loadout Augment to learn the basics, then upgrade to Looting MK.1 or Combat MK.1 based on your preferred playstyle.
Q: Can I change augments during a raid?
A: No, augments cannot be changed while in the field. You must return to base to swap augments.
Q: Do augments affect movement speed?
A: Most augments don’t directly affect movement speed, but the weight you’re carrying does. Stay under 80% of your weight limit for optimal mobility.
Q: How many augments can I own?
A: You can craft and own multiple augments, but only equip one at a time. It’s wise to have different augments for different situations.
Q: Are augments shared between characters?
A: No, each character has their own separate augment inventory and progression.
Q: What happens if my augment breaks?
A: Broken augments lose all functionality and must be repaired or replaced. Always check durability before important raids.
Q: Can I sell augments?
A: Yes, you can sell unwanted augments to traders, but you’ll typically get better value from dismantling them for materials.
Q: Do augments affect weapon stats?
A: No, augments only affect inventory capacity, shield compatibility, and provide unique perks. They don’t directly modify weapon performance.
Q: What’s the fastest way to get MK.3 augments?
A: Focus on upgrading your Gear Bench to Level 3 as quickly as possible, then farm epic materials from high-level content.
Q: Are augments account-wide?
A: No, augment progression and ownership is character-specific.
Conclusion
Augments are the foundation of successful raiding in Arc Raiders. Whether you’re a solo survivor, team support specialist, or aggressive combatant, there’s an augment that perfectly matches your playstyle.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Upgrade your Gear Bench early and often
- Choose augments based on your playstyle, not just capacity
- Always use safe pockets for valuable items
- Coordinate with your team for optimal augment combinations
- Keep an eye on durability and repair when needed
The augment system is deep and rewarding, offering endless possibilities for customization and optimization. Experiment with different combinations, learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to switch things up when the meta changes.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get out there and start crafting your perfect augment setup. Happy raiding, and may your extracts always be successful!
