Welcome to MetaForge’s comprehensive guide to the best guns in ARC Raiders, the thrilling third-person extraction shooter from Embark Studios. In this guide, we’ll rank the top weapons based on their performance, versatility, and effectiveness in both PvE and PvP scenarios, helping you dominate the post-apocalyptic wastelands. This tier list is crafted from insights gathered during recent playtests, community feedback, and detailed analysis of weapon mechanics. Whether you’re scavenging for loot or facing off against ARC robots and rival Raiders, choosing the right weapon is key to survival.
Our Tier List Criteria
- Lethality: How effectively the weapon deals damage against ARC robots and other players.
- Ease of Use: Accessibility for newcomers and consistency in performance.
- Versatility: Ability to perform across various ranges, situations, and playstyles.
- Availability: How easy it is to acquire or craft the weapon, especially for beginners.
- Ammo Efficiency: Ammo availability and management, critical in an extraction shooter where resources are scarce.
S-Tier: Top-Tier Powerhouses
These weapons are the cream of the crop, offering exceptional damage, versatility, and reliability in high-stakes situations.
1. Anvil (Hand Cannon)
- Type: Pistol
- Why It’s S-Tier: The Anvil, often compared to a revolver, packs a massive punch with high per-shot damage, making it ideal for quick, decisive engagements. Its manageable recoil and ability to drop enemies (both ARC and Raiders) with a few well-placed shots make it a favorite. During playtests, players praised its reliability in clutch moments, especially when ammo is tight.
- Best Use: Close to mid-range combat. Pair with a shield for survivability or a Lure Grenade to distract ARC robots while you line up shots.
- How to Get: Available from Trader Tian Wen’s Gun Shop or craftable at the weapon bench with mid-tier materials.
- Tips: Aim for headshots to maximize damage. Its slow fire rate means precision is key, so avoid spamming shots against fast-moving targets like Ticks or Wasps.
2. Rattler (Assault Rifle)
- Type: Fully Automatic Rifle
- Why It’s S-Tier: The Rattler’s fully automatic fire and 10-round magazine make it a versatile choice for newcomers and veterans alike. It excels in sustained firefights against both ARC robots and players, offering a balance of speed and power. Its fast fire rate is perfect for dealing with swarms of smaller enemies like Ticks or suppressing rival Raiders.
- Best Use: Mid-range engagements. Use it to clear groups of ARC drones or to pin down enemies at extraction points.
- How to Get: Obtainable from Tian Wen’s Gun Shop or craftable with common materials. Frequently found at military checkpoints near spaceport gates.
- Tips: Manage ammo carefully, as the 10-round magazine depletes quickly. Pair with medium ammo reserves and prioritize crafting ammo at your workshop.
A-Tier: Strong and Reliable
These weapons are highly effective but may require more skill or specific situations to shine compared to S-Tier options.
3. Kettle (Semi-Auto Assault Rifle)
- Type: Semi-Automatic Rifle
- Why It’s A-Tier: The Kettle’s 20-round magazine and semi-automatic fire make it a solid choice for players who prefer controlled, precise shots. It’s slightly less forgiving than the Rattler due to its slower fire rate but offers better ammo efficiency and accuracy at longer ranges. Great for picking off ARC robots like Snitches or engaging cautious Raiders.
- Best Use: Mid to long-range combat. Ideal for players who like to stay on the move and avoid direct confrontations.
- How to Get: Available from Tian Wen or craftable with common to mid-tier materials.
- Tips: Use the third-person perspective to peek around corners and line up shots. Pair with a scope attachment (if available) to enhance long-range accuracy.
4. Vulcano (Semi-Auto Shotgun)
- Type: Shotgun
- Why It’s A-Tier: The Vulcano delivers devastating close-range damage, perfect for ambushing Raiders in tight spaces like tunnels or buildings. Its semi-auto fire allows for faster follow-up shots than traditional shotguns, making it a strong choice for aggressive players. However, its limited range and ammo scarcity keep it from S-Tier.
- Best Use: Close-quarters combat, especially near extraction zones or in urban areas like the Buried City.
- How to Get: Craftable at the weapon bench or occasionally found in high-loot areas.
- Tips: Pair with a mobility-focused skill tree to close gaps quickly. Watch out for ARC robots like Bastions, as the Vulcano struggles against their heavy armor.
5. Bobcat (SMG)
- Type: Submachine Gun
- Why It’s A-Tier: The Bobcat is a fast-firing SMG that excels in close to mid-range encounters. Its high rate of fire makes it great for spraying down weaker ARC enemies like Wasps or overwhelming unprepared Raiders. However, its low damage per shot and reliance on light ammo make it less effective against heavily armored targets.
- Best Use: Fast-paced, close-range fights. Ideal for looting runs where you need to clear small groups of enemies quickly.
- How to Get: Common drop in military checkpoints or craftable with low-tier materials.
- Tips: Keep moving to avoid being pinned down, as the Bobcat’s low damage requires sustained fire. Stock up on light ammo to avoid running dry mid-fight.
B-Tier: Situational but Effective
These weapons are solid choices in specific scenarios but may lack the versatility or raw power of higher tiers.
6. Ferro (Break-Action Rifle)
- Type: Single-Shot Rifle
- Why It’s B-Tier: The Ferro is a high-damage, single-shot rifle that’s particularly effective against ARC robots, especially larger ones like Bastions. Its slow reload and single-shot nature make it a risky choice against players, but it’s a great backup weapon when ammo for your primary runs out.
- Best Use: Anti-ARC combat or as a last-resort weapon. Best for patient players who can land precise shots.
- How to Get: Available from Tian Wen or craftable with mid-tier materials.
- Tips: Use as a secondary weapon and switch to it when facing tough ARC enemies. Avoid engaging multiple targets due to its slow reload.
7. Torrente (LMG)
- Type: Light Machine Gun
- Why It’s B-Tier: The Torrente offers a high-capacity magazine and sustained fire, making it great for suppressing enemies or dealing with groups of ARC robots. However, its heavy ammo requirement and sluggish handling make it less practical for solo players or fast-paced extractions.
- Best Use: Squad-based play where you can hold down key areas or defend extraction points.
- How to Get: Rare drop in high-loot areas or craftable with high-tier materials.
- Tips: Pair with a teammate to cover your reloads. Invest in inventory augments to carry more heavy ammo.
8. Arpeggio (Burst Rifle)
- Type: Burst-Fire Rifle
- Why It’s B-Tier: The Arpeggio’s burst-fire mechanic offers a balance of precision and firepower, but its effectiveness depends heavily on player aim. It’s decent for mid-range engagements but struggles against fast-moving targets or in close-quarters chaos.
- Best Use: Controlled engagements where you can land all shots in a burst.
- How to Get: Craftable or found in mid-tier loot caches.
- Tips: Practice timing your bursts to maximize damage. Avoid using against agile ARC enemies like Ticks.
C-Tier: Niche or Underwhelming
These weapons are less reliable or require significant skill to be effective, making them less ideal for most players.
9. Burletta (Pistol)
- Type: Pistol
- Why It’s C-Tier: The Burletta is a lightweight pistol with decent fire rate but low damage output. It’s outclassed by the Anvil in most scenarios and struggles against armored targets. Useful as a starter weapon but quickly replaced.
- Best Use: Early-game scavenging when better options aren’t available.
- How to Get: Common drop or part of the freebie loadout.
- Tips: Use as a fallback when out of primary ammo. Focus on upgrading to the Anvil ASAP.
10. Hairpin (Bolt-Action Pistol)
- Type: Pistol
- Why It’s C-Tier: The Hairpin’s bolt-action mechanic makes it slow and clunky, with damage that doesn’t justify its handling. It’s a niche choice for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward playstyles but is generally impractical.
- Best Use: Long-range plinking when no other options are available.
- How to Get: Rare drop or craftable with mid-tier materials.
- Tips: Avoid using in high-pressure situations. Pair with a strong primary weapon.
D-Tier: Avoid Unless Necessary
These weapons are generally ineffective or too situational to recommend for regular use.
11. Equalizer (Energy Beam Gun)
- Type: Energy Weapon
- Why It’s D-Tier: The Equalizer sounds exciting as an energy-based weapon, but its performance is lackluster due to high ammo consumption and inconsistent damage. It’s a novelty that rarely justifies its slot over traditional firearms.
- Best Use: Experimental loadouts or when desperate for any weapon.
- How to Get: Rare drop in high-loot areas.
- Tips: Save your resources for other weapons. Use only if you’re out of options.
12. Il Torro (Pump-Action Shotgun)
- Type: Shotgun
- Why It’s D-Tier: The Il Torro’s slow pump-action fire rate and limited range make it a poor choice compared to the Vulcano. It struggles against both ARC robots and players in fast-paced encounters.
- Best Use: Close-range desperation plays.
- How to Get: Common drop or craftable with low-tier materials.
- Tips: Switch to the Vulcano as soon as possible for better performance.
Loadout Recommendations
- Beginner Loadout: Rattler (Primary) + Anvil (Secondary) + Shield + Lure Grenade
- This setup balances firepower, survivability, and utility, making it great for learning the game.
- Aggressive Playstyle: Vulcano (Primary) + Bobcat (Secondary) + Shield + Explosive Grenade
- Ideal for close-range ambushes and clearing extraction zones.
- Stealth/Sniper Loadout: Kettle (Primary) + Ferro (Secondary) + Shield + Motion Sensor
- Perfect for picking off targets from a distance while avoiding detection.
Final Tips for ARC Raiders Weapon Mastery
- Crafting is Key: Build and upgrade your weapon crafting bench early to access better guns and ammo. Focus on scavenging common resources to sustain your ammo supply.
- Prioritize Ammo Management: Ammo is segmented into light, medium, heavy, and shotgun types. Always carry enough for your primary weapon, and use the safe pocket to secure rare ammo types.
- Adapt to Your Playstyle: Choose weapons that match your preferred range and aggression level. Experiment with different loadouts to find what works best.
- Upgrade Your Skills: Invest in the Survival and Mobility skill trees to reduce looting noise and improve stamina, making it easier to use heavier weapons like the Torrente.
- Scavenge Smart: Military checkpoints and high-loot areas often contain weapons like the Rattler and Bobcat. Avoid engaging ARC robots like Bastions unless you’re equipped with high-damage weapons like the Ferro or Anvil.
This tier list is based on current playtest data and community insights, and our opinion, but ARC Raiders is still evolving, and balance changes may shift weapon rankings. Check back on MetaForge for updates as new patches and tests roll out. What’s your favorite weapon in ARC Raiders? Share your loadout tips on our Discord!
