Discover the best weapons in ARC Raiders with this complete 2025 weapon tier list. Explore top guns for PvP and PvE, beginner loadouts, upgrades, and expert playstyle tips.
Understanding the ARC Raiders Weapon Meta in 2025
Choosing the right weapon in ARC Raiders can make the difference between walking out with valuable loot or losing everything in a single encounter. With so many guns to craft, upgrade, and master, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially when each weapon behaves differently in PvP clashes, ARC battles, and high-pressure raids.
Launched on October 30, 2025 by Embark Studios, ARC Raiders is built on the Unreal Engine 5 and delivers a bold mix of co-op extraction shooter mechanics where you go “topside,” fight robots and other players, and either extract with your haul or respawn with losses. The game quickly surged to over 700,000 concurrent players across platforms shortly after release, showing the size and intensity of the battlefield you’re stepping into.
ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List (Quick Overview Table for All 20 Guns)
Before diving into detailed breakdowns, here’s a quick look at how each weapon stacks up in the current meta. This overview helps you get an instant sense of which guns offer top-tier reliability, which ones are strong but situational, and which options are better kept as backups.
Quick Tier Snapshot
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Bettina, Renegade, Anvil, Vulcano, Jupiter |
| A-Tier | Tempest, Venator, Bobcat, Osprey, Ferro |
| B-Tier | Arpeggio, Rattler, Equalizer, Il Toro |
| C-Tier | Hullcracker, Torrente, Stitcher, Burletta |
| D-Tier | Hairpin, Kettle |
Why This Table Matters
- The full roster includes 20+ weapons, each shaped by its rarity, ammo type, and combat role.
- These placements reflect real player experience, focusing on damage output, fire-rate, range, and overall handling stability.
- Some weapons perform far better in action than their raw numbers suggest, making playstyle, upgrades, and situation awareness just as important as stats.
ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List (Complete Breakdown & Detailed Analysis)
Let’s give a closer look at how each weapon truly performs once you’re topside. Instead of just listing tiers, you’ll get a practical understanding of what makes these guns shine — and where they fall short. Each category focuses on real usability, combat behavior, and upgrade potential, helping you choose the right tools for every raid.
S-Tier Weapons – Highest Damage, Best Handling, Most Reliable Picks
S-Tier weapons stand above everything else thanks to their consistent damage, excellent handling, and strong results in both PvP and ARC encounters. These are the safest choices when you want the best odds of extracting safely.
- Bettina – Known for its heavy damage output and stable handling. Uses heavy ammo and excels against tougher ARC enemies.
- Renegade – Ideal for mid-to-long-range fights with fast follow-up shots and impressive accuracy.
- Anvil – A compact hand cannon delivering massive stopping power, extremely value-efficient when upgraded.
- Vulcano – Dominates close-range skirmishes with burst-heavy impact, perfect for ambushes and tight corridors.
- Jupiter – A precision long-range powerhouse with high-impact energy shots, excellent for controlling distance.
A-Tier Weapons – Strong, Versatile Options for Most Playstyles
A-Tier weapons may not dominate every encounter, but they offer excellent overall performance, dependable accuracy, and strong value across various raid situations.
- Tempest – A well-rounded rifle with balanced fire rate and smooth recoil control.
- Venator – Lightweight, fast, and effective with rapid semi-auto bursts, great for hectic engagements.
- Bobcat – Delivers extreme close-quarter DPS, ideal for push-heavy players.
- Osprey – A clean long-range option with precise shot placement, well suited for careful marksmen.
- Ferro – Popular for its hard-hitting opening shots, particularly strong when initiating fights.
B-Tier Weapons – Good but Outclassed by Higher Tiers
These weapons deliver reliable performance but usually require specific setups or favorable situations to shine. They’re solid choices but may struggle in higher-pressure raids.
- Arpeggio – Controlled burst-fire rhythm, great for players who like predictable recoil patterns.
- Rattler – Strong early-game accuracy but limited by small magazine size.
- Equalizer – Highly effective against ARC units with energy-based power, but weaker in PvP.
- Il Toro – Hits extremely hard at point-blank range, rewarding players who manage its tight-range requirement.
C-Tier Weapons – Situational Tools With Limited Late-Game Value
C-Tier weapons have defined roles but struggle to keep up as enemies hit harder and player skill expectations rise. They’re useful early but fade over time.
- Hullcracker – Built for ARC fights with explosive damage, but practically unusable in PvP.
- Torrente – Offers high sustained fire, but suffers from heavy bloom and accuracy issues.
- Stitcher – Excels up close with rapid fire, yet lacks the staying power needed for extended fights.
- Burletta – A dependable sidearm with quick follow-up shots, best during early progression.
D-Tier Weapons – Early-Game Tools With Limited Long-Term Use
These weapons can help you survive early encounters but quickly fall behind as you face tougher enemies and better-equipped players.
- Hairpin – Great for stealth due to its built-in suppressor, but too weak for real combat.
- Kettle – Features easy handling and quiet shots, but is severely limited in overall impact.
ARC Raiders Weapon Guides & Expert Recommendations
This section is all about helping you make confident choices when heading topside. Instead of looking only at stats, it focuses on how weapons behave during real encounters, how they complement different playstyles, and which options offer the most value at each stage of progression.
The goal is to give you clarity during loadout preparation so your gear always supports the kind of raid you want to run.
Best Weapons for PvP – High-Pressure Picks for Outplaying Other Raiders
PvP engagements in ARC Raiders are fast, unpredictable, and often decided in a handful of shots. The best PvP weapons don’t only hit hard — they offer tight control, fast target reacquisition, and reliable response time when the enemy takes the initiative.
These recommendations are built around what helps you win real player duels, survive third-parties, and manage sudden ambushes.
- Renegade – Ideal for players who thrive on mid-range duels. Its clean shot pacing, strong stability, and effective range give you control without forcing risky pushes.
- Bobcat – Perfect for aggressive movers. Its extreme fire rate shreds opponents who peek or overextend, helping you close fights before reinforcements arrive.
- Anvil – The definition of clutch power. A single well-placed shot can turn a losing fight around, making it a reliable backup whenever chaos hits.
- Bettina – Great for players who prefer to anchor positions or hold rooftops. Its steady recoil pattern helps you win extended trades where accuracy matters.
- Vulcano – Exceptional in enclosed areas. Its heavy burst impact makes it a threat in stairwells, tight alleys, and close-quarters entry plays.
Strong PvP Tip: Positioning is everything. High-impact weapons excel when you decide where the fight happens — choke points, rooftops, and cover lines amplify their strengths.
Best Weapons for PvE – High Penetration, Strong Sustained Damage
ARC units hit hard, push aggressively, and come in different armor types. The best PvE weapons are those capable of delivering steady damage, good visibility while firing, and high penetration against mechanical targets.
- Equalizer – Known for its energy-beam output, this weapon melts armored ARC units, making it one of the safest options during high-tier missions.
- Hullcracker – Built for robotic enemies. Its explosive payloads deal devastating damage to drones and large ARC threats, making farming much easier.
- Bettina – Thrives in PvE thanks to its stable sustained fire, helping you manage waves of ARC with minimal downtime.
- Tempest – A dependable pick for long engagements, offering smooth recoil, generous ammo usage, and adaptable mid-range output.
- Jupiter – The best choice for players who prefer distant control. Its long-range precision lets you eliminate ARC threats before they get close.
Strong PvE Tip: Always consider ammo type. Heavy and energy-based ammo give you more penetration, which is essential when dealing with ARC armor layers.
Best Early-Game Weapons – Safe, Reliable Picks for New Players
Early raids are about survival and learning the pace of topside. You need weapons that are forgiving, easy to craft, and comfortable to control while you get familiar with the game’s movement and enemy behavior.
- Ferro – Offers high single-shot impact, helping new players learn timing and positioning without relying on pure fire rate.
- Rattler – A stable beginner rifle with clean aim control, making it a great introduction to mid-range engagements.
- Stitcher – Excellent for players still adjusting to movement. Its rapid close-range output helps save you from early ambushes.
- Hairpin – Ideal for stealth-focused beginners. Its built-in suppressor helps you clear small ARC units quietly while avoiding unnecessary fights.
- Kettle – Simple, steady, and predictable. Great for new players who want smooth handling without worrying about complex recoil patterns.
Early-Game Tip: Prioritize comfort over power. A weapon that feels stable in your hands will carry you further than one that looks strong on paper but is hard to control under pressure.
Best Mid-Game Weapons – Reliable Tools for Advancing Your Progression
Mid-game is where you start refining your preferences, unlocking attachments, and building synergy between weapons. These options offer more specialization, better mod compatibility, and consistent performance in mixed encounters.
- Anvil – A standout because of its compact strength. Delivers powerful hits while remaining light enough for mobile playstyles.
- Il Toro – A top-tier pick for interior fights. Its high shot impact gives you dominance in tight hallways and building pushes.
- Arpeggio – Excellent for players who like rhythm and precision. Its controlled burst-fire rewards accuracy and smart positioning.
- Venator – A lightweight option designed for fast players. Its semi-auto precision shines when you need mobility and clear sightlines.
- Torrente – Best for players who enjoy suppressive pressure. Its large magazine supports long fights, though it requires good recoil management.
Mid-Game Tip: Weapon upgrades begin to matter a lot here. Even a mid-tier weapon can outperform higher-tier guns when upgraded correctly.
Best Late-Game Weapons – High-End Power for Veteran Raiders
Late-game weapons are built for players who want reliability in high-risk zones, where both raiders and ARC machines become significantly dangerous. These guns offer advanced handling, top-tier damage potential, and smooth performance when fully upgraded.
- Bettina – Arguably the strongest rifle for upper-tier gameplay due to its consistent heavy output and forgiving recoil.
- Vulcano – A close-range juggernaut that delivers devastating bursts, excellent for late-game players who enjoy confident pushes.
- Jupiter – Great for long-range control. Its high-impact precision allows you to eliminate threats before they enter engagement range.
- Equalizer – An essential pick for ARC-focused players thanks to its high armor penetration and powerful beam-based damage.
- Bobcat – Dominates endgame skirmishes where mobility and speed decide fights. Its ridiculously fast fire rate helps you outpace enemies.
Late-Game Tip: Endgame success depends on pairing weapons with the right armor, mods, and mobility. A well-rounded setup beats raw damage every time.
Weapon Stats Comparison Table – Key Factors to Guide Your Choices
Understanding weapon stats helps you make smarter decisions before you head topside. These values directly influence how effective a weapon feels during live encounters.
- DPS (Damage Per Second) – Determines how quickly you can break shields or pressure enemies in a straight duel.
- Damage Per Shot – Higher values help with burst trades and hitting armored targets effectively.
- Fire Rate – Affects your ability to win close-range firefights where milliseconds matter.
- Magazine Size – More shots between reloads means more sustained pressure during multi-enemy engagements.
- Ammo Type – Heavy ammo aids in armor penetration; medium ammo offers balance; light ammo focuses on speed; energy ammo carries unique ARC advantages.
- Handling & Stability – Critical for players who move aggressively or engage in fast peek fights. Good stability keeps shots accurate even while repositioning.
Stats Tip: Don’t choose a weapon based only on raw numbers. Look at how those numbers support your personal combat style.
How to Upgrade Weapons in ARC Raiders – Essential Steps for Stronger Gear
Weapon upgrades drastically improve performance, turning a decent weapon into something far more reliable. These upgrades play a major role in helping you handle tougher zones, bigger ARC threats, and higher-tier raiders.
You’ll need access to:
- A properly leveled Gunsmith Bench
- Correct weapon blueprints
- Essential crafting items such as mechanical components and ARC-specific parts
- Mods including compensators, muzzle brakes, or upgraded stocks
- The right ammunition type for long-term efficiency
Upgrading enhances damage, magazine size, handling, and recoil control, making each fight more manageable. Well-upgraded weapons often outperform rarer guns that haven’t been improved yet.
Upgrade Tip: Don’t upgrade everything. Focus on weapons you enjoy and can control — upgrading your comfort picks gives better results than chasing meta weapons you dislike using.
Where to Find Weapon Blueprints & Parts – Efficient Routes for Faster Crafting
Blueprints and crafting components expand your weapon options and give you flexibility in building your ideal loadout. Finding them becomes easier when you understand where to look and what to prioritize.
Key sources include:
- High-value containers scattered around dangerous zones, offering better blueprint odds
- ARC unit drops, especially from tougher enemies, providing unique crafting parts
- Weapon cases and raider caches with higher-tier loot potential
- Trader exchanges, where you can trade excess materials for specific upgrades
- Special event areas, offering premium blueprint rewards if you survive
Creating your own farming loop — focusing on a few reliable blueprint spots — helps you accumulate crafting materials consistently without putting all your progress at risk.
Blueprint Tip: Stay efficient. Extract with valuable parts rather than risking unnecessary fights once your backpack is full.
Best ARC Raiders Loadouts by Playstyle
Choosing the right loadout is just as important as choosing the right weapon. Each player approaches topside with a different mindset — some prefer calculated stealth, others thrive on fast-paced PvP, while many focus on farming ARC units efficiently.
These tailored setups are built around practical synergy, survivability, and situational awareness, ensuring that every playstyle gets the tools it needs to succeed. Each loadout combines weapon roles, engagement ranges, and resource efficiency, so you always feel prepared no matter how unpredictable the raid becomes.
Best Beginner Loadout – Stable Control & Forgiving Combat Flow
New players benefit most from weapons that feel steady, predictable, and easy to manage. Early raids can be overwhelming, and mistakes are part of the learning curve — which is why this setup focuses on staying alive, keeping distance, and controlling engagements without requiring advanced aim or movement.
Recommended Setup:
- Primary: Ferro – Delivers high early impact, letting beginners confidently open fights without relying on rapid reaction times. Its predictable rhythm teaches timing and positioning naturally.
- Secondary: Stitcher – A dependable close-range tool that provides quick defensive fire during panic moments or unexpected pushes.
Why it Works:
- Helps beginners practice shooting fundamentals
- Balanced between long-range safety and close-up response
- Low-cost upgrading, making mistakes far less punishing
Beginner Tip: Move carefully between cover, avoid wide-open spaces, and use your primary to initiate fights — then let the secondary handle pressure if enemies close the gap.
best Budget/Cheap Loadout – Low Investment, High Practical Return
When you’re farming resources, playing casually, or safeguarding your primary gear, a budget-friendly loadout ensures you stay effective without risking expensive equipment. This setup emphasizes reliable performance, low repair cost, and solid combat consistency across typical raid scenarios.
Recommended Setup:
- Primary: Rattler – Offers balanced mid-range output with comfortable accuracy, ideal for players who want consistent results without high crafting demands.
- Secondary: Anvil – Acts as your high-impact finisher with powerful per-shot damage, perfect for securing eliminations or disabling aggressive raiders.
Why it Works:
- Performs well even without advanced upgrades
- Affordable to maintain during repeated raids
- Suitable for both mixed encounters and loot routes
Budget Tip: Keep engagements short and decisive. The Rattler softens threats, and a timely switch to the Anvil often wins fights before they escalate.
Best Solo Loadout – Self-Reliant Power for Lone Raiders
Solo players must handle everything alone — third-party attacks, unexpected ambushes, and ARC interference. This loadout is designed for flexibility, escape potential, and multi-range combat, giving solo raiders the confidence to enter volatile zones without backup.
Recommended Setup:
- Primary: Renegade – Great for controlled, mid-range fights with its steady pacing and strong accuracy, helping you dictate the tempo of each encounter.
- Secondary: Bobcat – The ideal complement for tight situations, offering rapid close-range bursts to break enemy pushes or finish weakened foes.
Why it Works:
- One of the most adaptive combinations for unpredictable encounters
- Strong close-to-mid-range coverage
- Efficient magazine economy for extended engagements
Solo Tip: Always think two steps ahead. When moving solo, use your Renegade for range control, then shift to the Bobcat the moment someone forces a close-quarter duel.
best Stealth Loadout – Low Noise, High Precision & Evasion
Stealth players excel by avoiding direct conflict. These raiders prefer clean routes, minimal noise, and the ability to eliminate threats discreetly. This loadout supports quiet movement, controlled engagements, and low detection, ideal for high-tier loot runs where fighting is optional.
Recommended Setup:
- Primary: Kettle – A soft-shot weapon offering quiet, stable firing, making it useful for scouting runs and clearing light threats unnoticed.
- Secondary: Hairpin – Designed for stealthy players thanks to its integrated suppressor, allowing silent removal of small ARC units or unsuspecting raiders.
Why it Works:
- Excellent for non-confrontational, loot-focused routes
- Keeps aggro low, helping you avoid unpredictable firefights
- Lightweight choices that improve mobility and stamina retention
Stealth Tip: Stick to low-traffic routes, minimize sound, and use your tools to bypass unnecessary encounters. With stealth gear, your awareness is your strongest weapon.
Best Anti-ARC Loadout – Heavy Penetration & Machine-Shredding Power
ARC enemies require weapons capable of penetrating armor, tracking movement patterns, and delivering sustained damage. This loadout is perfect for players who farm ARC parts, clear ARC-infested areas, or manage missions involving tougher machine variants.
Recommended Setup:
- Primary: Equalizer – Its energy-beam profile tears through ARC armor efficiently, making it one of the highest-value tools for mechanical encounters.
- Secondary: Hullcracker – A devastating launcher that delivers high-impact explosive bursts, ideal for deleting drones, sentries, and tanky ARC targets.
Why it Works:
- Specializes in cutting through ARC defense layers
- Dominant in missions where raiders are secondary threats
- Excellent synergy between sustained energy output and explosive finishing potential
Anti-ARC Tip: Maintain clear lines of sight and avoid letting ARC units close in. With this loadout, long and mid-range spacing keeps you safe while maximizing damage output.
Additional Playstyle Insights
To make the most of your loadouts, consider these universal habits players across the community rely on:
- Angle Control: Always take fights from advantageous positions instead of open choke points.
- Audio Awareness: Listen for player footsteps and ARC hum patterns — they often reveal danger before it’s visible.
- Engagement Timing: Good players choose when to fight, not just how. A smart retreat saves more loot than a risky trade.
- Ammo Discipline: Carrying the right amount of ammo allows you to handle multi-target situations without panic reloads.
- Loadout Familiarity: A great weapon is only as good as your comfort level with it. The more natural it feels, the more deadly it becomes.
FAQ: ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List
What is the best weapon in ARC Raiders?
The Bettina is considered the most well-rounded and reliable weapon thanks to its strong damage and stable handling. The Anvil is another top option for players who want early high-impact power without complex upgrades.
Which weapons are best for beginners?
Beginners should use weapons with stable control and easy recoil patterns. The Ferro offers strong opening shots, while the Rattler gives newcomers simple, dependable mid-range performance.
How do you upgrade weapons in ARC Raiders?
Upgrades are done at the Gunsmith Bench, improving damage, handling, and magazine size. You’ll need Mechanical Components, Metal Parts, and other ARC materials. Upgrading familiar weapons often provides better value than crafting new ones.
Where can you find weapon blueprints and parts?
Blueprints appear in Field Depots, ARC unit drops, weapon cases, and event zones. Materials like Rusted Tools and Mechanical Components are commonly found in industrial areas such as Dam sites and Spaceport locations.
What ammo type works best against ARC machines?
Use weapons with heavy ammo or energy clips, as they offer stronger armor penetration needed for tougher ARC enemies.
What is the best loadout for solo players?
Solo raiders benefit from flexible setups. A Renegade for mid-range control paired with a Bobcat for close-range bursts gives strong survivability and reliable engagement options.
Are shotguns viable in ARC Raiders?
Shotguns like Vulcano and Il Toro are excellent in tight spaces thanks to their burst damage but struggle in open areas due to low range and weak penetration.
Which weapons fall off in late-game?
Weapons such as Hairpin and Kettle lose effectiveness later on because of their low damage output and limited versatility compared to higher-tier gear.
What is the best weapon setup for ARC farming?
The Equalizer combined with the Hullcracker is ideal for ARC-heavy missions thanks to their armor penetration and high machine-kill efficiency.
Should I upgrade my current weapons or craft new ones?
Upgrading is often the smarter choice. A well-upgraded mid-tier weapon can outperform a higher-tier gun without enhancements due to improved damage scaling, stability, and handling.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Guns in ARC Raiders
In the world of ARC Raiders, your weapon choice matters—but not more than how you use it. The difference between extracting with high-value loot or respawning empty-handed often isn’t just gear—it’s positioning, decision-making, and adaptability.
The Bettina remains one of the strongest all-round picks thanks to its heavy-ammo penetration and ability to perform in both raider fights and ARC encounters. Meanwhile, the Anvil continues to shine for players who want high impact early on without overwhelming upgrade requirements.
But beyond chasing the “top” gun, there are two essential truths every raider should keep in mind:
Playstyle Beats Rarity
A weapon you know intimately—its rhythm, recoil, and ideal range—will almost always outperform something rarer but unfamiliar. Many experienced players consistently succeed because they rely on trusted loadouts and mastered mechanics, not just high-tier labels.
Upgrades Matter More Than Labels
A mid-tier weapon pushed through smart upgrades can rival, or even surpass, many legendary tools. For example, the Ferro, while simple, becomes incredibly effective with steady investment thanks to its strong armor penetration and dependable pacing. Focusing on incremental improvements often yields better long-term results than chasing rare drops.
Key Strategic Takeaways
- Prioritize recoil mastery, aim stability, and ammo pacing before worrying about rarity.
- Keep your loadouts resource-efficient. Practical gear you can sustain will carry you far.
- Use strong situational awareness—choosing when to fight is often more important than winning every duel.
- Always see extraction as part of your strategy. Surviving with your loot is just as valuable as landing eliminations.
Ultimately, your best weapon is the one you can control confidently, upgrade effectively, and deploy with purpose. Build your arsenal around your strengths, adjust to what each raid demands, and let your gear support the way you play. When you bring that mindset topside, you’re not just entering a raid—you’re entering prepared.
Useful Resources
If you want to dig even deeper into ARC Raiders weapons, stats, and player strategies, the resources below are a great place to explore. They offer everything from weapon breakdowns to community-tested insights, helping you stay updated with balance changes and new discoveries.
ARC Raiders Official Wiki – Weapons Database: A detailed hub covering every weapon’s stats, ammo type, rarity, and behavior. Perfect for comparing numbers or checking weapon details quickly.
ARC Raiders Fandom – Weapon Profiles & Rarity Breakdown: Great for understanding how each weapon performs in real encounters. Includes user-written notes and extra context you won’t always get from pure stat tables.
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