Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List (January 2026): Best Guns Ranked
Choosing the right weapon in Arc Raiders can literally be the difference between walking away with premium loot or losing everything to a Hornet swarm or rival raider. After spending countless hours testing every weapon across different scenarios—from tense PvP firefights to massive ARC encounters—I’ve compiled this definitive tier list that ranks all 20 weapons based on real combat performance, not just stats on paper.
Whether you’re a solo player trying to survive your first extraction or a seasoned squad looking to optimize your loadout for high-value raids, this guide breaks down exactly which guns dominate in PvP, which ones shred ARC armor, and which weapons you should avoid unless you absolutely have no other choice.
Quick Reference: Arc Raiders Weapons Overview (2026)
Before we dive deep into individual weapons, here’s a snapshot of the current meta:
| Tier | Best For | Top Weapons |
|---|---|---|
| S-Tier | All Situations | Ferro, Anvil, Bettina, Osprey, Venator, Vulcano, Renegade |
| A-Tier | Most Situations | Tempest, Il Toro, Hullcracker, Jupiter, Equalizer |
| B-Tier | Situational | Torrente, Bobcat, Burletta |
| C-Tier | Early Game Only | Rattler, Stitcher, Arpeggio, Kettle |
| D-Tier | Avoid | Hairpin |
Pro Tip: The rarity of a weapon doesn’t always equal performance. Some Uncommon weapons like the Anvil outperform Epic-tier guns in most combat scenarios. Your weapon choice should depend on your playstyle, the map you’re raiding, and whether you’re prioritizing PvP combat or ARC farming.
Understanding Arc Raiders Weapons System
How Weapon Stats Actually Work?
Every weapon in Arc Raiders has five critical stats that determine its effectiveness:
ARC Armor Penetration is the most important stat for PvE encounters. Weapons are rated from “Very Weak” to “Very Strong,” and this directly impacts how quickly you can break through ARC armor. If you’re planning to farm Queen encounters or deal with heavily armored Bombardiers, you need at least “Moderate” penetration.
Damage Per Shot determines your time-to-kill against both players and ARCs. However, raw damage means nothing without good penetration. A 40-damage shot with “Strong” penetration will always outperform a 50-damage shot with “Weak” penetration against armored targets.
Fire Rate and Magazine Size work together to determine sustained DPS. The Bobcat has incredible fire rate (66.7 RPM), but its low per-shot damage means you’ll burn through magazines quickly. The Renegade fires slower but hits much harder per shot, making ammo efficiency better.
Weight directly impacts your stamina drain while sprinting and how much loot you can carry. Every kilogram counts when you’re trying to extract with a backpack full of valuable components. The Anvil’s 5kg weight versus the Equalizer’s 14kg makes a massive difference over a full raid.
Stability and Recoil separate good weapons from great ones. The Tempest’s 78.9 stability makes it incredibly consistent at medium range, while the Bobcat’s 45.9 stability means you’re fighting the gun itself during extended firefights.
Ammo Types and Their Strategic Importance
Arc Raiders uses five ammo types, and understanding them is crucial for loadout planning:
- Light Ammo: Most common, lowest penetration. Great for PvP, terrible against ARCs. Used by SMGs and entry-level rifles.
- Medium Ammo: Balanced choice with moderate penetration. The goldilocks ammo for mixed PvE/PvP encounters.
- Heavy Ammo: Highest penetration for conventional weapons. Essential for ARC farming but weighs more and costs more to craft.
- Shotgun Ammo: Devastating close-range damage with severe falloff. Situational but unmatched in tight quarters.
- Energy Clips: Exclusive to Legendary weapons. Extremely strong ARC penetration but expensive and hard to replace mid-raid.
- Launcher Ammo: Only works with Hullcracker. Useless against players, devastating against ARCs.
My Loadout Philosophy: I always run one weapon with at least Moderate armor penetration for ARCs and one fast-firing weapon for player encounters. This dual-threat approach means I’m never caught unprepared, regardless of what I encounter.
Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List (January 2026)
S-Tier: Meta-Defining Weapons
These seven weapons represent the absolute best Arc Raiders has to offer. They excel in multiple scenarios, offer excellent value for their cost, and will carry you from early game through endgame content.
Ferro (Common Battle Rifle)
Ammo Type: Heavy | Magazine: 1 | Damage: 40 | ARC Penetration: Strong | Weight: 8kg
The Ferro is proof that rarity means nothing in Arc Raiders. Despite being a Common weapon, it’s one of the most powerful guns in the game. This break-action rifle fires Heavy Ammo with “Strong” ARC armor penetration, making it absolutely brutal against both players and machines.
What makes the Ferro special is its accessibility combined with raw power. You can craft one for just five metal parts and two rubber parts—resources you’ll find everywhere. That 40 damage per shot with Strong penetration means you’re breaking ARC armor in one hit and often killing enemy raiders with a single well-placed shot, especially if you land headshots.
The trade-off is the reload. You must reload after every single shot, which makes the Ferro terrible for spray-and-pray situations. But if you’re a patient player who takes calculated shots, this weapon will serve you from your first raid to your hundredth.
Best Paired With: Anvil or Venator for quick follow-up shots after your initial Ferro blast. The combination gives you one-shot potential with a reliable backup.
When to Use: Perfect for open-area maps like Dam Battlegrounds where you can keep distance. Also excellent for breaking ARC armor from safe positions before teammates rush in.
Anvil (Uncommon Pistol)
Ammo Type: Heavy | Magazine: 6 | Damage: 40 | ARC Penetration: Strong | Weight: 5kg
If I could only recommend one weapon in all of Arc Raiders, it would be the Anvil. This Uncommon hand cannon is the most perfectly balanced weapon in the game. It deals the same 40 damage as the Ferro but comes with a 6-round cylinder, making it far more forgiving in combat.
The Anvil’s true power lies in its versatility. At only 5kg, it’s one of the lightest weapons with Strong ARC penetration, saving your stamina for sprinting and leaving tons of room for loot. The single-action design means you need to pace your shots, but skilled players can fire surprisingly fast while maintaining accuracy.
What really sets the Anvil apart is how it performs across every scenario. Need to break a Hornet’s armor? Two shots. Enemy raider pushing you? Headshot kills instantly. Running low on stamina but need a weapon ready? The Anvil barely slows you down. For solo players especially, this weapon provides security without sacrificing mobility.
Upgrade Priority: Focus on reload speed first, then recoil reduction. The magazine size is already perfect, but faster reloads between cylinders make this weapon absolutely lethal.
My Go-To Loadout: Anvil as primary, Venator as backup. This combo costs just 7kg total while giving you two weapons with excellent armor penetration and PvP stopping power.
Bettina (Epic Assault Rifle)
Ammo Type: Heavy | Magazine: 20 | Damage: 14 | ARC Penetration: Strong | Weight: 11kg
The Bettina solves one of Arc Raiders’ biggest weapon dilemmas: you usually have to choose between “good in PvP” or “good against ARCs.” The Bettina refuses to compromise. As the only fully automatic assault rifle firing Heavy Ammo, it combines strong armor penetration with solid sustained DPS.
This Epic weapon hits for 14 damage per shot with a fire rate of 32 RPM. That doesn’t sound impressive until you realize it’s chewing through ARC armor while also maintaining competitive time-to-kill against raiders. The 20-round magazine gives you enough bullets to down multiple targets without reloading.
The Bettina is your endgame primary. It’s expensive to craft, expensive to repair, and weighs a hefty 11kg. But once you have one, you can confidently take on any encounter the game throws at you. The 76.4 stability means it’s incredibly consistent at medium range, and three mod slots let you customize it for your exact playstyle.
Crafting Requirements: You’ll need Advanced Mechanical Components, Heavy Gun Parts, and multiple high-tier resources. Start farming these early if you want to unlock the Bettina.
Best Mod Setup: Barrel attachment for improved range/suppression, Foregrip for recoil control, and Magazine extension to push capacity to 25-30 rounds.
Osprey (Rare Sniper Rifle)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 8 | Damage: 45 | ARC Penetration: Moderate | Weight: 7kg
The Osprey is the only true scoped sniper rifle in Arc Raiders right now, and it defines long-range dominance. With 45 damage per shot and 80.3 range, this bolt-action rifle lets you control entire zones from safety. Built-in scope means you don’t waste a mod slot, and at 7kg it’s surprisingly mobile for a sniper.
What makes the Osprey S-tier isn’t just the raw damage—it’s the psychological pressure it creates. Enemy raiders can’t peek without risking instant death. ARCs can be safely dismantled from range before they ever become a threat. Your squad can push objectives while you provide overwatch, picking off threats before they become problems.
The Moderate ARC penetration is the only weakness, but 45 damage per shot still chunks armor quickly enough. Against rival raiders, especially those without helmets or with damaged armor, the Osprey often secures one-shot kills with headshots. Even body shots deal massive damage, leaving enemies critically wounded for teammates to finish.
Positioning is Everything: The Osprey rewards map knowledge. Learn the high ground positions on each map, understand common player routes, and position yourself to control extraction points. A good Osprey user can win raids without ever entering close combat.
Counterplay: The Osprey is useless in close quarters. Always have an escape route and a backup weapon. If someone gets inside your effective range, retreat immediately or switch to your sidearm.
Venator (Rare Pistol)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 10 | Damage: 18 | ARC Penetration: Moderate | Weight: 2kg
Don’t let the sidearm classification fool you—the Venator is a legitimate primary weapon in the right hands. This semi-automatic pistol fires two rounds per trigger pull, essentially giving you 36 damage per click. At only 2kg, it’s the lightest weapon with Moderate armor penetration in the entire game.
The Venator excels in fast-paced, close-to-medium range combat. The fire rate of 36.7 RPM combined with the two-shot burst means you’re putting out damage faster than most assault rifles. The 10-round magazine actually gives you 20 shots, and reloads are incredibly fast.
For light-loadout strategies, the Venator is essential. Going into a raid planning to extract heavy loot? Take a 2kg Venator and leave 10+ kilograms for valuable components. The weapon is also cheap to craft and maintain, making it perfect for risky raids where you might lose your gear.
PvP Dominance: The Venator absolutely shreds in player combat. The two-round burst means you’re landing multiple hits before enemies can react, and the low weight lets you strafe faster than opponents carrying heavy rifles.
Squad Role: Perfect for the “light fighter” role in trios. While your teammates carry heavy weapons for ARC encounters, you stay mobile with the Venator, scouting ahead and engaging enemy raiders.
Vulcano (Epic Shotgun)
Ammo Type: Shotgun | Magazine: 4 | Damage: 49.5 | ARC Penetration: Weak | Weight: 8kg
The Vulcano is the most controversial S-tier weapon because it’s extremely specialized. In close-range PvP, this semi-automatic shotgun is borderline overpowered, deleting enemy raiders in one or two shots. But against ARCs with armor, it struggles significantly due to Weak penetration.
What puts the Vulcano in S-tier despite this limitation is how it ends PvP fights. Arc Raiders has tons of close-quarters areas—buildings, tunnels, extraction point structures. In these spaces, the Vulcano is basically an instant-win button. The 26.3 fire rate for a shotgun means you can follow up missed shots quickly, unlike pump-action alternatives.
The semi-automatic firing mode is crucial. You can rapidly fire all four shells in about two seconds, guaranteeing kills even if your aim isn’t perfect. The tight pellet spread compared to other shotguns means the Vulcano remains effective at slightly longer ranges than you’d expect from a shotgun.
Critical Loadout Rule: Never bring the Vulcano as your only weapon. You absolutely need a companion weapon with good ARC penetration. The classic combo is Vulcano + Ferro or Vulcano + Anvil.
Map Considerations: The Vulcano dominates on Buried City and Blue Gate where tight corridors are common. It’s less effective on Dam Battlegrounds where engagements happen at longer ranges.
Renegade (Rare Battle Rifle)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 8 | Damage: 35 | ARC Penetration: Moderate | Weight: 10kg
The Renegade is the perfect middle ground between sniper precision and assault rifle flexibility. This lever-action rifle deals 35 damage per shot with excellent accuracy, making it deadly in the hands of players with good aim. The reload-in-chunks system means you’re never completely defenseless like with the Ferro.
What I love about the Renegade is how it rewards positioning and patience. You can hold angles, punish peekers, and maintain steady pressure in standoffs. The 68.8 range gives you enough reach for medium-long engagements without requiring a scope. Against both players and ARCs, the Renegade performs consistently well.
The 85.7 stability makes follow-up shots easy even under pressure. You can reliably land headshots, which dramatically improves your time-to-kill. The Moderate ARC penetration means you’re not optimal for armor-breaking, but you’re certainly not helpless against machines either.
Playstyle Match: The Renegade suits methodical players who take their time and make every shot count. If you’re aggressive and like to spray bullets, this isn’t your weapon. But if you prefer controlled engagements and smart positioning, the Renegade becomes an extension of your tactical thinking.
Upgrade Path: Prioritize stability improvements and reload speed. Getting all eight rounds loaded faster between engagements is critical for maintaining pressure.
A-Tier: Excellent Situational Weapons
These five weapons excel in specific roles or scenarios. They’re not quite as universally applicable as S-tier weapons, but in the right situations, they can be even more effective.
Tempest (Epic Assault Rifle)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 25 | Damage: 10 | ARC Penetration: Moderate | Weight: 11kg
The Tempest is essentially a premium Rattler. This fully automatic assault rifle provides the most “traditional” FPS experience in Arc Raiders—point, hold trigger, watch enemies fall. The 36.7 fire rate combined with 25 rounds means you have solid sustained DPS, and the 78.9 stability makes it incredibly consistent.
For players coming from other shooters, the Tempest feels immediately comfortable. It doesn’t require learning unique firing patterns or adapting to unusual mechanics. The recoil is manageable, the medium-range performance is excellent, and the Moderate armor penetration means you can engage ARCs without feeling useless.
The main downside is cost. As an Epic weapon, the Tempest is expensive to craft, expensive to repair, and the 11kg weight is substantial. You’re paying a premium for comfort and consistency. The Bettina outperforms it in most scenarios thanks to Heavy Ammo, but the Tempest is more forgiving for players still learning the game.
Best For: Players transitioning from other FPS games who want a familiar weapon feel. Also excellent for aggressive pushers who need reliable suppressing fire.
Il Toro (Uncommon Shotgun)
Ammo Type: Shotgun | Magazine: 5 | Damage: 67.5 | ARC Penetration: Weak | Weight: 8kg
The Il Toro is the pump-action shotgun for players who want maximum one-shot potential. At 67.5 damage per pellet spread, this thing hits harder than almost any other weapon in the game. Up close, it literally erases enemy raiders—health, armor, everything gone in one pull of the trigger.
The trade-off is the slow pump-action firing. If you miss or don’t kill with your first shot, you’re vulnerable during the pump animation. This makes the Il Toro high-risk, high-reward. Skilled players who can reliably land shots will dominate with it. Less experienced players might struggle with the unforgiving nature.
For building-to-building combat and extraction point defense, the Il Toro is terrifying. You can hold a doorway and kill anyone who tries to push through. The 80.6 stability means even pump-shotgun players can maintain accuracy. At 8kg, it’s reasonably portable, and as an Uncommon weapon, it’s much cheaper than Epic alternatives.
Tactical Usage: Pre-aim doorways and corners. Wait for enemies to commit to entering your space, then blast them. Don’t chase with the Il Toro—let opponents come to you.
Weakness: Absolutely terrible against armored ARCs. The Weak penetration means you’ll dump multiple shells into even basic machines. Always pair with an ARC-killing weapon.
Hullcracker (Epic Special Weapon)
Ammo Type: Launcher | Magazine: 5 | Damage: 100 | ARC Penetration: Very Strong | Weight: 7kg
The Hullcracker is the most unique weapon in Arc Raiders because it does absolutely nothing against players. The grenades only detonate when they hit ARC machines. This might sound like a crippling weakness, but for ARC-focused farming runs, the Hullcracker is unmatched.
One hundred damage per shot with “Very Strong” penetration means you’re obliterating ARC armor and chunks of health with every grenade. The 97.2 stability makes landing shots easy even at range. Against Queens, Bombardiers, or any heavily-armored ARC, the Hullcracker can solo targets that normally require squad focus.
The Launcher Ammo is exclusive to the Hullcracker, which means you need to craft or loot it specifically. This makes the weapon expensive to maintain. You also absolutely must bring a secondary weapon for player encounters, making your loadout heavier and more complex.
Perfect Scenario: Night Raid modifiers that increase ARC presence, Queen farming runs, or any situation where you’re prioritizing PvE over PvP. The Hullcracker turns ARC encounters from threats into loot opportunities.
Squad Composition: Ideally one player runs Hullcracker for ARC control while teammates carry PvP-focused weapons for raider encounters.
Jupiter (Legendary Sniper Rifle)
Ammo Type: Energy Clip | Magazine: 5 | Damage: 55 | ARC Penetration: Strong | Weight: 9kg
The Jupiter is the endgame sniper for players who’ve mastered the Osprey and want even more power. This bolt-action rifle fires Energy Clips and deals a massive 55 damage per shot with Strong ARC penetration. It’s one of only two Energy weapons in the game, making it rare and expensive to maintain.
Against both players and ARCs, the Jupiter is devastating. Headshots on enemy raiders result in instant kills regardless of armor. Heavy ARCs get their armor stripped in just a few shots. The built-in scope and 71.7 range mean you’re engaging from safety.
The downsides are substantial. Energy Clips are hard to find and expensive to craft. The 9kg weight is heavy. The bolt-action firing means missed shots are extremely punishing. And honestly, for most scenarios, the Osprey performs nearly as well at a fraction of the cost.
When Jupiter Shines: Boss encounters, high-value raids where cost doesn’t matter, and endgame content where you need maximum damage output. For everyday raids, the Osprey is usually the smarter choice.
Equalizer (Legendary Special Weapon)
Ammo Type: Energy Clip | Magazine: 50 | Damage: 8 | ARC Penetration: Very Strong | Weight: 14kg
The Equalizer is basically an energy LMG that melts through ARC armor like butter. With “Very Strong” penetration and a 50-round Energy Clip, this weapon provides sustained fire that absolutely shreds machines. The 84.6 stability means you can hold the trigger and watch armor evaporate.
For pure PvE encounters, especially against multiple ARCs or heavily-armored targets, the Equalizer is incredible. You can suppress entire areas, control ARC movement, and provide covering fire for teammates. The damage isn’t high per shot, but the volume of fire compensates.
The problems are mobility and PvP performance. At 14kg, the Equalizer is the heaviest weapon in the game. Your sprint speed suffers, your stamina drains faster, and you have much less room for loot. Against players, the relatively low damage per shot and weight disadvantage make it a poor choice.
Specialist Role: The Equalizer is for dedicated ARC farmers or squad support players who focus on PvE control while teammates handle raiders. Not recommended for solo play or mixed-threat scenarios.
B-Tier: Viable But Limited
These three weapons have clear strengths but significant limitations that prevent them from ranking higher.
Torrente (Rare LMG)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 60 | ARC Penetration: Moderate | Weight: 12kg
The Torrente is Arc Raiders’ conventional LMG, offering a massive 60-round magazine with full-auto fire. The huge ammo capacity means you can suppress areas for extended periods without reloading. Against flying ARCs like Hornets, the Torrente’s sustained fire can juggle targets and shut them down.
The 74.2 stability becomes excellent when crouching, making the Torrente a solid defensive weapon. Set up in cover, crouch, and hold angles with sustained fire. The Moderate penetration means it works against ARCs reasonably well, though not as effectively as Heavy Ammo weapons.
The issues are weight (12kg is heavy), mobility (37.7 agility is terrible), and effectiveness standing up (recoil while moving makes the weapon difficult to control). The Torrente forces a stationary playstyle in a game that rewards mobility.
Best Use Case: Squad defense at extraction points. One player with Torrente provides suppressing fire while teammates handle flankers and mobile threats.
Bobcat (Epic SMG)
Ammo Type: Light | Magazine: 30 | Damage: 6 | ARC Penetration: Very Weak | Weight: 7kg
The Bobcat is the only Epic SMG in the game, and it provides excellent close-quarters performance against raiders. The 66.7 fire rate is the highest in the game, and the 30-round magazine gives you plenty of bullets for extended fights. At 7kg, it’s relatively mobile.
In buildings and tight spaces against unarmored or lightly-armored players, the Bobcat melts. You can spray down enemies before they react. The problem is the “Very Weak” ARC penetration combined with low per-shot damage makes it essentially useless against machines.
The Bobcat forces you into pure PvP focus. If you encounter ARCs with a Bobcat as your primary, you’re in serious trouble. This specialization keeps it in B-tier—it’s too limited in scope despite excelling at its specific role.
Niche Excellence: Urban maps with lots of building combat, raids where you’re specifically hunting other players, or as a light backup weapon for mobile scouts.
Burletta (Uncommon Pistol)
Ammo Type: Light | Magazine: 12 | Damage: 10 | ARC Penetration: Very Weak | Weight: 4kg
The Burletta is the ultra-light option for players who want to maximize loot capacity. At only 4kg with 84.4 agility, this semi-automatic pistol lets you move faster than almost any other armed raider. The 12-round magazine and fast fire rate make it decent for finishing wounded targets.
However, the low damage and Very Weak penetration mean the Burletta struggles as a primary weapon. It’s best used as a backup for light-loadout strategies where you’re prioritizing loot over combat capability. If fighting is unavoidable, the Burletta can work, but you’ll need good positioning and aim.
Strategic Role: Loot-focused raids where combat avoidance is the goal. Carry Burletta for self-defense while keeping weight free for valuable extractions. Not recommended if you expect heavy combat.
C-Tier: Early Game Placeholders
These four weapons will get you through your first few raids, but you should upgrade as soon as possible.
Rattler (Common Assault Rifle)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 10 | Damage: 9 | ARC Penetration: Moderate
The Rattler is the starter assault rifle that many players begin with. It’s fully automatic with Moderate penetration, making it usable against both players and ARCs. The problems are the small 10-round magazine and reload-by-two-bullets system that makes reloads painfully slow.
Upgrade Immediately: Once you can craft or find a Tempest or Bettina, replace the Rattler. It’s fine for learning the game but becomes a liability quickly.
Stitcher (Common SMG)
Ammo Type: Light | Magazine: 20 | Damage: 7 | ARC Penetration: Very Weak
The Stitcher provides high fire rate close-quarters combat, but the Very Weak penetration makes it useless against ARCs. Early raids where you’re learning maps and mechanics are fine with the Stitcher, but it scales poorly.
Better Alternative: Save up for the Bobcat if you want SMG gameplay, or switch to assault rifles for versatility.
Arpeggio (Uncommon Assault Rifle)
Ammo Type: Medium | Magazine: 24 | Damage: 9.5 | ARC Penetration: Moderate
The Arpeggio’s three-round burst fire looks interesting but performs poorly in practice. The burst cadence is slow, making time-to-kill worse than comparable weapons. The Moderate penetration is its only redeeming quality.
Skip This: Even as an Uncommon weapon, the Arpeggio isn’t worth the upgrade from Common alternatives. Save resources for better weapons.
Kettle (Common Assault Rifle)
Ammo Type: Light | Magazine: 20 | Damage: 10 | ARC Penetration: Very Weak
The Kettle is semi-automatic with a decent magazine, but the Very Weak penetration makes it ineffective against ARCs. Against players it performs okay, but the need to spam the trigger gets tiring.
Early Game Only: Use the Kettle until you find literally anything with Moderate or better penetration.
D-Tier: Avoid At All Costs
Hairpin (Common Pistol)
Ammo Type: Light | Magazine: 8 | Damage: 20 | ARC Penetration: Very Weak | Weight: 3kg
The Hairpin has one purpose: stealth looting runs where you want to avoid all combat. Its built-in silencer keeps you quiet when dealing with weak enemies. But the single-action firing, low magazine, and Very Weak penetration make it useless in real fights.
Against armored ARCs, the Hairpin is completely ineffective. Against geared raiders, you’ll lose every fight. The only time to use this weapon is when your strategy is “avoid all combat and extract quietly.”
Stealth Runs Only: Take the Hairpin when you’re sneaking into high-loot areas with plans to avoid fights entirely. For any other scenario, it’s deadweight.
Best Weapons for Specific Scenarios (2026)
Best Weapons for PvP Combat
When your priority is winning fights against other raiders, these weapons dominate:
- Vulcano: Close-range instant kills
- Osprey: Long-range one-shot potential
- Renegade: Medium-range precision
- Tempest: Sustained medium-range fire
- Venator: Fast-firing mobile option
PvP Loadout Example: Vulcano + Anvil gives you close-range deletion power with a reliable backup for medium range. Total weight 13kg.
Best Weapons for ARC Farming
When you need to break armor and kill machines efficiently:
- Hullcracker: ARC-only grenade launcher
- Ferro: Cheap Heavy Ammo option
- Bettina: Full-auto Heavy Ammo
- Anvil: Lightweight with Strong penetration
- Equalizer: Sustained Very Strong penetration
PvE Loadout Example: Hullcracker + Anvil provides maximum ARC-killing power while keeping one weapon viable for players. Weight 12kg.
Best Budget Weapons for New Players
When you’re low on resources and need reliable performance:
- Ferro: Incredibly cheap for the power
- Anvil: Best value-to-performance ratio
- Kettle: Free from loadouts
- Rattler: Basic but functional
Starter Loadout: Ferro + Kettle or Rattler. The Ferro handles ARCs and heavy hits while your backup deals with close encounters. Upgrade to Anvil ASAP.
Best Weapons for Solo Players
When you’re raiding alone and need versatility:
- Anvil: Lightweight, handles everything
- Bettina: All-around performance
- Renegade: Strong at multiple ranges
- Venator: Mobility for escape situations
Solo Loadout: Anvil + Venator gives you just 7kg combined with strong all-around performance. You stay mobile for escapes while maintaining combat capability.
Best Weapons for Squad Play
When you’re coordinating with teammates:
Roles:
- DPS Player: Bettina + Vulcano (heavy hitting)
- ARC Specialist: Hullcracker + Ferro (machine control)
- Scout/Flanker: Venator + Bobcat (lightweight and fast)
Squad play lets you specialize. Not everyone needs ARC penetration if one player focuses on machines. Communication makes specialized loadouts viable.
How to Unlock and Craft Weapons?
Crafting System Basics
Most weapons require blueprints before you can craft them. Blueprints are found in:
- Field Depots: Scattered across maps
- ARC Loot: Dropped by destroyed machines
- Player Stashes: From eliminated raiders
- Workshop Progression: Unlocked by upgrading your base
Resource Requirements:
- Common Weapons: Metal Parts + Rubber
- Uncommon Weapons: Add Mechanical Components
- Rare Weapons: Add Processors + Gun Parts
- Epic Weapons: Add Advanced Components + Power Rods
- Legendary Weapons: Require unique materials
Pro Tip: Prioritize upgrading your Gunsmith bench early. Higher tiers unlock better weapons and reduce crafting costs through efficiency upgrades.
Weapon Upgrade System
Every weapon can be upgraded to Level 5, improving:
- Reload Speed: Faster reloads between magazines
- Durability: Weapon degrades slower
- Recoil Control: Easier to manage
- Magazine Size: More rounds before reload
Upgrade Priority:
- Your main primary weapon to Level 3 minimum
- Reload speed first for most weapons
- Magazine size for low-capacity weapons
- Recoil for high fire-rate weapons
Upgrades require Gun Parts (Light/Medium/Heavy) matching your weapon’s ammo type, plus additional components.
Weapon Mod System
Mod slots let you customize weapons:
- Barrel: Suppressors, range extenders
- Foregrip: Stability and recoil control
- Stock: Recoil and handling
- Magazine: Capacity increases
My Mod Philosophy: Barrel suppressors for stealth-focused loadouts, Foregrip for aggressive weapons, Magazine extensions for lower-capacity guns like Vulcano.
Not all weapons have all mod slots. The Bettina has three slots (Barrel, Foregrip, Stock) while the Ferro has just two. Epic and Legendary weapons typically have more mod slots.
2026 Advanced Weapon Strategy
Understanding Armor Penetration vs TTK
Time-to-kill (TTK) changes dramatically based on target armor:
Against unarmored players, weapons like the Bobcat excel because raw DPS matters more than penetration. Against armored players and ARCs, penetration becomes critical.
Example: The Bobcat (6 damage, Very Weak penetration) needs 17+ shots to kill an armored player. The Anvil (40 damage, Strong penetration) needs 2-3 shots. Against a Queen ARC, the Bobcat is essentially useless while the Anvil breaks armor quickly.
This is why the meta heavily favors Moderate to Strong penetration weapons. You can always use them effectively, while Very Weak penetration weapons become liabilities when enemies have armor.
Weight Management and Stamina
Every kilogram you carry reduces sprint speed and increases stamina drain:
- 0-10kg: Normal sprint and stamina
- 11-20kg: Slightly reduced mobility
- 21-30kg: Significantly slower
- 31kg+: Extremely limited mobility
Optimization Tips:
Choose one heavier weapon (8-11kg) and one lighter weapon (2-5kg) for 10-16kg total weapon weight. This leaves room for loot while maintaining mobility. Alternatively, run two ultra-light weapons (Venator + Anvil = 7kg) for maximum loot capacity.
Remember that armor, gadgets, and backpack also add weight. A fully loaded raider can easily hit 30+ kg if you’re not careful.
Ammo Economy
Each ammo type has different costs to craft:
- Light Ammo: Cheapest, most abundant
- Medium Ammo: Moderate cost, good availability
- Heavy Ammo: Expensive but powerful
- Shotgun Ammo: Moderate, situational
- Energy/Launcher: Very expensive, limited supply
Resource Strategy: Use Light/Medium ammo weapons for general combat, save Heavy Ammo for critical encounters. Craft ammo in bulk when you have excess resources—running out mid-raid is a death sentence.
Weapons that reload multiple rounds (Rattler, Ferro) waste less ammo than those requiring full magazine reloads. This matters when resources are tight.
Map-Specific Weapon Choices
Different maps favor different weapons:
Dam Battlegrounds:
- Lots of open areas
- Longer engagement ranges
- Best: Osprey, Renegade, Ferro
Buried City:
- Tight corridors and buildings
- Close-quarters combat
- Best: Vulcano, Il Toro, Tempest
Acerra Spaceport:
- Mixed engagements
- Verticality and long sightlines
- Best: Bettina, Osprey, Anvil
Blue Gate:
- Urban environment
- Building-to-building fights
- Best: Vulcano, Bobcat, Tempest
Adapt your loadout to the map you’re raiding. Don’t bring a Vulcano to Dam Battlegrounds or an Osprey for Buried City interior sections.
Countering Popular Loadouts
Vs Vulcano Players:
- Keep distance
- Use cover effectively
- Force them into open areas
Vs Osprey Snipers:
- Stay mobile
- Use buildings for cover
- Close distance quickly
- Smoke grenades
Vs Bettina Users:
- Extreme close range where ARs struggle
- Long range beyond effective AR range
- Ambush tactics
Vs Hullcracker ARC Farmers:
- Rush them with PvP weapons
- Their weapon is useless against you
- Easy kills if you catch them
Common Weapon Mistakes to Avoid
Rarity Bias
Mistake: Assuming Epic weapons are always better than Common/Uncommon.
Reality: The Anvil (Uncommon) outperforms many Epic weapons in most situations. Rarity indicates crafting difficulty and upgrade potential, not raw effectiveness.
Over-Specialization
Mistake: Bringing only ARC-focused weapons or only PvP weapons.
Reality: Arc Raiders is PvPvE. You’ll encounter both players and machines. Always have weapons that handle both threats, or coordinate specialization with your squad.
Ignoring Weight
Mistake: Taking two heavy weapons and wondering why you can’t carry loot or escape.
Reality: Weight management is critical. Heavy loadouts limit your options. Balance power with mobility.
Forgetting Ammo Types
Mistake: Running two weapons that use the same ammo type.
Reality: If you run out of that ammo type, both weapons become useless. Diversify ammo types across your loadout for redundancy.
Not Upgrading Starter Weapons
Mistake: Using Level 1 Common weapons when you can afford upgrades.
Reality: A Level 3 Ferro outperforms a Level 1 Rare weapon. Invest in upgrades before switching weapons constantly.
Looting Every Weapon
Mistake: Picking up every gun you find.
Reality: Weapons are heavy and eat your loot capacity. Only take weapons better than what you have or valuable ones to sell. Focus on lightweight, high-value loot instead.
Weapon Progression Path
Early Game (Raids 1-10)
Focus: Learn maps, understand combat, build resources
Weapons:
- Primary: Ferro or Rattler
- Secondary: Kettle or Stitcher
- Goal: Accumulate materials for Anvil
Strategy: Avoid unnecessary fights, focus on ARC farming, extract consistently.
Mid Game (Raids 11-30)
Focus: Upgrade workshop, unlock blueprints, improve loadouts
Weapons:
- Primary: Anvil or Renegade
- Secondary: Venator or Ferro
- Goal: Unlock and craft Bettina or Tempest
Strategy: Take calculated PvP fights, farm specific ARCs for rare materials, build reputation for better vendor access.
Late Game (Raids 31+)
Focus: Optimize loadouts, farm efficiently, dominate raids
Weapons:
- Primary: Bettina or Osprey
- Secondary: Anvil or Vulcano
- Goal: Acquire and maintain Epic/Legendary weapons
Strategy: Coordinate with squad for specialized roles, hunt high-value targets, control extraction points.
Endgame Optimization
Focus: Perfect loadouts, maximum efficiency, consistent extractions
Weapons: Situational loadouts for specific goals (Queen farming, PvP hunting, speed looting)
Strategy: Multiple weapon sets for different raid types, understanding meta shifts, teaching newer players.
FAQ About Arc Raiders Weapons
What is the absolute best weapon in Arc Raiders?
If I had to choose one weapon for all situations, it’s the Anvil. This Uncommon hand cannon provides excellent damage (40), Strong ARC penetration, weighs only 5kg, and costs very little to craft and maintain. It performs well against both players and machines, making it the most versatile weapon in the game. The Ferro is a close second for pure power, and the Bettina excels in endgame content, but the Anvil’s combination of effectiveness, accessibility, and low weight makes it the top choice for most players.
Which weapons are best for beginners?
New players should focus on the Ferro as their primary weapon and the Rattler or Kettle as backup. The Ferro costs almost nothing to craft (5 metal, 2 rubber) but deals massive damage with Strong ARC penetration. This lets beginners effectively handle both ARC encounters and player fights without needing expensive resources. As soon as you gather enough materials, upgrade to the Anvil which becomes your permanent sidearm through all progression stages. Avoid Epic weapons early—they’re too expensive to maintain when you’re learning and dying frequently.
How important is ARC Armor Penetration?
Critical. ARC Armor Penetration directly determines how effective your weapon is against machines and armored players. Weapons with “Very Weak” or “Weak” penetration (like the Bobcat or Hairpin) deal dramatically reduced damage to armored targets. You’ll dump entire magazines into basic ARCs without killing them. Meanwhile, weapons with “Strong” or “Very Strong” penetration (like the Anvil, Ferro, or Hullcracker) break through armor in one or two shots. For PvP, penetration matters less against unarmored players but becomes crucial when enemies have upgraded gear. Always have at least one weapon with Moderate or better penetration in your loadout.
Should I use Light, Medium, or Heavy Ammo?
It depends on your strategy:
- Light Ammo is best for PvP-focused loadouts where you’re hunting other players. It’s cheap and abundant but terrible against ARCs.
- Medium Ammo is the balanced choice for mixed PvE/PvP encounters. Most versatile weapons use Medium Ammo.
- Heavy Ammo is essential for ARC farming and handling armored targets. More expensive but dramatically more effective against machines.
My recommendation: Run one Medium or Heavy Ammo weapon for versatility and armor-breaking, paired with a lighter weapon for mobility. Avoid double Light Ammo weapons unless you’re specifically avoiding ARC combat.
Can I use shotguns effectively beyond close range?
No. Shotguns in Arc Raiders have severe damage falloff beyond their listed range. The Vulcano has 26 range and Il Toro has 20 range—beyond these distances, pellet spread and damage reduction make them nearly useless. Shotguns are exclusively close-quarters weapons. If you take a shotgun as your primary, you MUST have a backup weapon for longer-range encounters. The Vulcano is slightly more forgiving than the Il Toro due to tighter spread, but both require close proximity. Don’t try to snipe with shotguns.
Which weapons are best for solo players?
Solo players need versatility more than specialists do. The best solo loadouts include:
- Anvil + Venator (7kg total, handles everything, extremely mobile)
- Bettina + Anvil (16kg, slightly heavier but dominates all encounters)
- Renegade + Ferro (18kg, high damage at multiple ranges)
As a solo player, avoid over-specialized weapons like the Hullcracker (useless vs players) or Bobcat (useless vs ARCs). You don’t have teammates to cover your weaknesses, so every weapon must be functional in multiple scenarios.
How do I counter players with better weapons?
Strategy beats gear. Even with starter weapons, you can beat players with Epic loadouts by:
- Using terrain: Force close-range fights if they have snipers, maintain distance if they have shotguns
- Ambushing: First shot advantage often decides fights
- Avoiding fair fights: If their loadout counters yours, disengage and reposition
- Targeting weaknesses: Rush Hullcracker users (weapon useless vs players), stay mobile against Osprey snipers
- Playing smart: Better positioning and game sense beats better weapons
Remember, every death loses their expensive gear. Make them overcommit, then punish mistakes.
Should I upgrade Common weapons or save for Epic weapons?
Upgrade Common/Uncommon weapons first. A Level 3 Ferro or Level 3 Anvil performs better than a Level 1 Epic weapon in most situations. Upgrades significantly improve reload speed, recoil control, and magazine size. Epic weapons are expensive to acquire, expensive to upgrade, and expensive to repair. Build your economy first by mastering upgraded starter weapons, then transition to Epic gear once you can afford to lose them without going broke.
What’s the best weapon for farming the Queen ARC boss?
The Hullcracker is specifically designed for this. Its 100 damage with Very Strong ARC penetration and grenade AOE makes it the fastest Queen killer. However, you absolutely need teammates watching for enemy raiders since the Hullcracker is useless in PvP. Alternative options include:
- Equalizer (sustained Very Strong penetration)
- Jupiter (high single-shot damage)
- Ferro (cheap Heavy Ammo option)
- Bettina (balanced option that handles both Queen and raiders)
For solo Queen attempts (dangerous but possible), Bettina + Anvil gives you Queen-killing capability while remaining viable if players show up.
How often should I repair my weapons?
Weapon durability decreases with use, eventually degrading performance. Repair weapons before they drop below 50% durability to maintain stats. Epic and Legendary weapons cost significantly more to repair, so factor this into your economy. Budget weapons like the Ferro and Anvil are cheap to repair, making them better for learning. Some players keep multiple copies of budget weapons rather than repairing—just swap to a fresh Ferro when the old one degrades.
Final Thoughts on Arc Raiders Weapons
After hundreds of hours of playtesting, data analysis, and countless extractions (and deaths), here’s my core philosophy for Arc Raiders weapons:
Versatility beats specialization. The best weapons work in multiple scenarios. The Anvil dominates because it handles players, ARCs, and everything in between while weighing almost nothing. The Hullcracker is powerful but limited. Build loadouts that adapt to unexpected encounters rather than optimizing for ideal scenarios.
Economy matters more than tier lists. A weapon you can afford to lose and replace is better than an Epic you can’t. Early-game progression depends on consistent extractions, not optimal gear. Use budget weapons until you’ve built sustainable income, then invest in expensive gear.
Practice fundamentals over gear. Positioning, map knowledge, and game sense determine success far more than weapon choice. A skilled player with a Ferro will beat an average player with a Bettina. Master the fundamentals first, worry about optimal loadouts later.
Adapt to the meta. As more players learn the game, weapon strategies evolve. What works today might be countered tomorrow. Stay flexible, experiment with loadouts, and don’t get too attached to any single weapon.
Most importantly, find weapons that match your playstyle. I love the Anvil + Venator combo for mobile solo play, but your ideal loadout might be completely different. Use this tier list as a foundation, then customize based on what feels right for you.
See you topside, Raiders. Stay alive, extract smart, and make every shot count.
Note: Weapon stats and meta may change with future updates. Bookmark this page for the latest information as Arc Raiders evolves!