Anime Last Stand Tier List (December 2025) Best Units Ranked
Welcome to the most comprehensive Anime Last Stand tier list you’ll find anywhere! I’ve spent countless hours analyzing every unit…
In Arc Raiders, weapon selection determines whether you return to Speranza with full pockets or lose everything in the wasteland. The best weapons combine three critical elements: armor penetration for shredding ARC machines, stealth capabilities through suppressor attachments, and reliable handling across combat scenarios. After extensive testing across all 20 available weapons, I’ve found that superior penetration and modification slots matter more than raw damage output alone.
Before diving into the tier list, understanding how weapons are evaluated helps you make informed loadout decisions. Here’s what separates meta weapons from the rest:
Armor Penetration – Heavy ammo weapons penetrate ARC armor significantly better than light ammunition, making them essential for high-tier enemy encounters and Queen boss fights.
Stealth Potential – Weapons with barrel modification slots allow suppressor attachments, giving you tactical advantages against both ARC machines and rival raiders who won’t hear you coming.
Modification Slots – More attachment options mean greater versatility. Barrel, foregrip, magazine, and stock modifications can transform average weapons into powerhouses.
Ammo Efficiency – In extraction shooters, ammunition scarcity matters. Weapons that deliver maximum damage per round help you survive longer raids without running dry.
Handling & Mobility – Weapon weight affects sprint speed and stamina drain. Lighter weapons offer better mobility, while heavier options trade movement for devastating firepower.
| Weapon | Tier | Ammo Type | Weight | Magazine | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hullcracker | S | Launcher | 14kg | 1 | Anti-ARC specialist |
| Anvil | S | Heavy | 8kg | 6 | Hand cannon power |
| Ferro | S | Heavy | 12kg | 1 | One-shot eliminations |
| Bettina | S | Medium | 9kg | 15 | Dual-barrel burst |
| Torrente | S | Medium | 11kg | 60 | Suppressive LMG |
| Weapon | Tier | Ammo Type | Weight | Magazine | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jupiter | A | Heavy | 13kg | 5 | Maximum penetration |
| Osprey | A | Medium | 9kg | 8 | Precision sniper |
| Venator | A | Medium | 4kg | 2 | Double-barrel pistol |
| Tempest | A | Medium | 6.5kg | 30 | Balanced assault rifle |
| Renegade | A | Medium | 10kg | 10 | Lever-action power |
| Vulcano | A | Shotgun | 8kg | 6 | Semi-auto devastation |
| Weapon | Tier | Ammo Type | Weight | Magazine | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Il Toro | B | Shotgun | 9kg | 8 | Pump-action spread |
| Hairpin | B | Light | 3kg | 8 | Built-in silencer |
| Bobcat | B | Light | 3.5kg | 30 | Extreme fire rate |
| Weapon | Tier | Ammo Type | Weight | Magazine | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arpeggio | C | Medium | 7kg | 30 | Three-round burst |
| Rattler | C | Medium | 6kg | 10 | Beginner-friendly |
| Stitcher | C | Light | 4kg | 25 | High-capacity SMG |
| Equalizer | C | Energy | 7kg | 50 | Beam weapon |
| Weapon | Tier | Ammo Type | Weight | Magazine | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burletta | D | Light | 2.5kg | 12 | Basic sidearm |
| Kettle | D | Light | 5kg | 20 | Weak penetration |
The Hullcracker stands alone as Arc Raiders’ only launcher weapon, firing explosive projectiles specifically designed to obliterate ARC machines. This specialized weapon deals catastrophic damage to robotic enemies, making it invaluable during high-tier raids where ARC Queens and Rocketeers appear. However, the Hullcracker’s extremely limited effectiveness against human raiders restricts its versatility. The 14kg weight significantly reduces your mobility, and the single-shot magazine requires careful positioning before each engagement. Despite these drawbacks, no other weapon matches its ability to eliminate heavily armored ARC threats. When facing ARC-heavy zones like the Dam Battlegrounds, bringing a Hullcracker can mean the difference between successful extraction and becoming scrap metal. The exclusive launcher ammunition creates supply concerns, so use this weapon strategically rather than as your primary tool.
The Anvil redefined what pistols can accomplish in extraction shooters. This hand cannon functions almost like a primary weapon, delivering devastating damage that rivals many assault rifles while maintaining sidearm portability at 8kg. The heavy ammunition provides exceptional armor penetration, allowing you to shatter ARC defenses and drop rival raiders with well-placed headshots. With only six rounds per magazine, every shot demands precision, but the reward justifies the challenge. The Anvil’s barrel modification slot enables suppressor attachments, transforming this powerhouse into a stealthy elimination tool. During intense firefights when your primary weapon runs dry, the Anvil consistently saves lives. I’ve personally clutched countless extraction situations by switching to this reliable hand cannon when ambushed near extraction points. The combination of massive stopping power, decent mobility, and stealth potential makes the Anvil an essential component of any serious raider’s loadout.
The Ferro breaks the mold of typical assault rifles by prioritizing devastating single-shot damage over fire rate. This break-action battle rifle fires heavy ammunition that penetrates the toughest ARC armor and eliminates human targets with brutal efficiency. Each shot delivers approximately 40 damage, often resulting in one-shot kills against unarmored opponents and significant damage to heavily protected enemies. The single-round magazine and lengthy reload cycle demand exceptional positioning and timing skills. You can’t spray and pray with the Ferro – you must make every shot count. The 12kg weight affects your mobility, making aggressive pushing risky, but defensive playstyles thrive with this weapon. The barrel modification slot allows suppressor installation, enabling silent eliminations from long range. Experienced raiders pair the Ferro with a fast-handling sidearm like the Anvil to cover the vulnerability during reload animations. When you master the Ferro’s rhythm, you’ll understand why it dominates the extraction meta despite seemingly restrictive mechanics.
The Bettina assault rifle offers the perfect balance between firepower and control that many raiders seek. This dual-barrel weapon fires two rounds per trigger pull, effectively doubling your damage output while maintaining manageable recoil patterns. The 15-round magazine provides seven burst opportunities plus one spare round, offering sufficient firepower for most engagements before reload. Using medium ammunition ensures adequate armor penetration against ARC enemies while maintaining reasonable ammo availability throughout raids. The 9kg weight sits comfortably in the medium range, allowing decent mobility without sacrificing stopping power. Multiple modification slots including barrel, foregrip, and stock enable extensive customization to match your preferred playstyle. Whether you favor aggressive close-quarters combat or controlled mid-range exchanges, the Bettina adapts beautifully. The weapon’s versatility shines in squad compositions where you need reliable performance across various combat scenarios. During my testing, the Bettina consistently outperformed higher-rarity weapons through its combination of damage efficiency and practical handling characteristics.
The Torrente light machine gun brings sustained suppressive fire to Arc Raiders’ tactical arsenal. The massive 60-round magazine enables continuous pressure on enemy positions, pinning rival raiders behind cover while your squadmates maneuver for flanking opportunities. Medium ammunition provides acceptable armor penetration against ARC threats, though the Torrente excels more in anti-personnel roles than robot destruction. The significant 11kg weight severely limits your mobility, making this weapon best suited for defensive positions and chokepoint control rather than aggressive pushing. Accuracy suffers during standing fire, requiring crouched or prone positioning for optimal effectiveness. The barrel modification slot theoretically allows suppressor installation, but the sustained fire necessary for the Torrente’s effectiveness negates most stealth benefits. This weapon demands team coordination – solo raiders struggle with the mobility restrictions, but organized squads leverage the Torrente’s suppressive capabilities brilliantly. When defending extraction points against multiple approaching raiders, the Torrente’s sustained firepower creates space that lighter weapons simply can’t match.
The Jupiter sniper rifle represents the pinnacle of single-shot damage potential in Arc Raiders. This legendary weapon fires heavy ammunition through a bolt-action mechanism, delivering maximum armor penetration that ignores most defensive measures. The 13kg weight and five-round magazine mirror the Ferro’s limitations, but the Jupiter pushes damage output even higher. The critical trade-off that prevents S-tier placement is the complete inability to install modifications – no barrel slot means no suppressor option, eliminating all stealth potential. Every Jupiter shot announces your presence across the map, making this weapon ideal for aggressive teams who embrace loud, dominating playstyles. The bolt-action cycling is noticeably slower than other options, leaving you vulnerable after each shot. Despite these restrictions, the Jupiter excels at eliminating high-value targets from extreme distances. When defending against approaching squads or eliminating ARC Queens, the Jupiter’s overwhelming damage justifies its limitations. Just ensure you have a capable squad covering your flanks, because everyone will know exactly where you are.
The Osprey sniper rifle delivers consistent long-range performance that many raiders trust for reliable extraction success. This bolt-action weapon chambered in medium ammunition provides excellent balance between damage output and ammunition availability. The eight-round magazine offers multiple engagement opportunities before reloading, supporting sustained sniper operations better than heavy single-shot alternatives. The integrated scope enables precise target acquisition at extreme distances, while the 9kg weight maintains reasonable mobility for repositioning between shots. The barrel modification slot allows suppressor installation, granting stealth capabilities that complement the Osprey’s precision-focused design. Medium ammunition provides acceptable armor penetration against most ARC enemies, though heavily armored targets require multiple well-placed shots. The Osprey’s forgiving nature makes it accessible for newer snipers while remaining effective in expert hands. Whether you’re covering extraction points, eliminating distant threats, or supporting squad advances, the Osprey performs admirably without dramatic weaknesses. It won’t provide the devastating single-shot eliminations of heavier snipers, but the reliability and versatility justify its strong meta position.
The Venator pistol offers an intriguing double-barrel design that fires two medium ammunition rounds per trigger pull. This burst capability delivers significant close-range damage, making the Venator surprisingly effective in desperate situations. The extremely light 4kg weight provides excellent mobility, allowing you to sprint and reposition freely while maintaining sidearm readiness. The two-round magazine capacity creates the weapon’s primary limitation – you get one double-barrel burst, then must reload. This design demands accuracy and timing, as missing your burst leaves you defensively vulnerable. The foregrip and magazine modification slots offer some customization potential, though the lack of barrel slot eliminates suppressor options. The Venator functions best as a backup weapon for raiders carrying heavy primary options who need a lightweight finishing tool. The medium ammunition provides moderate armor penetration, making this pistol functional against ARC enemies when necessary. While the Anvil generally outperforms the Venator in most situations, the significant weight difference makes the Venator valuable for mobility-focused loadouts where every kilogram matters.
The Tempest assault rifle embodies the well-rounded approach that many raiders appreciate. This fully automatic weapon chambered in medium ammunition delivers consistent damage output with manageable recoil patterns that keep your sights on target. The 30-round magazine provides substantial firepower before reload, supporting sustained engagements against multiple enemies. The 6.5kg weight offers excellent mobility for an assault rifle, enabling aggressive positioning without excessive stamina drain. Three modification slots including barrel, foregrip, and magazine allow meaningful customization to enhance specific performance aspects. The Tempest lacks the devastating single-shot power of heavier weapons and the extreme fire rate of SMGs, instead offering reliable middle-ground performance. This versatility makes the Tempest effective across diverse combat scenarios – close-quarters building fights, mid-range exchanges, and even suppressive fire during retreats. Newer raiders find the Tempest forgiving to learn, while experienced players appreciate its predictable behavior during crucial moments. When you need a dependable primary weapon that won’t let you down regardless of situation, the Tempest consistently delivers.
The Renegade battle rifle combines satisfying lever-action mechanics with powerful medium ammunition damage. Each shot delivers substantial damage, particularly effective with headshot placement, while the ten-round magazine provides adequate capacity for most engagements. The 10kg weight sits firmly in the heavy category, reducing mobility but contributing to the weapon’s stable handling characteristics. The lever-action firing mechanism creates a distinctive rhythm that experienced raiders learn to exploit – fire, cycle, reposition, fire again. This cadence works beautifully for peek-shooting tactics where you expose yourself briefly, land a shot, then return to cover. Multiple modification slots including barrel, magazine, and stock enable significant customization to match your tactical preferences. The Renegade excels at mid-range engagements where assault rifles lack stopping power but sniper rifles feel too specialized. Against ARC enemies, the moderate armor penetration handles most threats effectively, though heavily armored targets require multiple shots. The Renegade rewards patience and accuracy, making it ideal for raiders who prefer calculated aggression over spray-and-pray tactics.
The Vulcano semi-automatic shotgun redefined close-quarters combat in Arc Raiders. This weapon delivers devastating spread damage with surprisingly forgiving range for a shotgun category firearm. The semi-automatic fire mechanism allows rapid follow-up shots, enabling you to pressure enemies aggressively without pump-action delays. The six-round magazine provides sufficient capacity for multiple target engagements before reload, though the 8kg weight affects your ability to chase fleeing enemies. The Vulcano absolutely dominates indoor environments, choke points, and close-range ambush scenarios where the spread damage guarantees hits even without perfect aim. However, damage falloff at medium distances severely limits the weapon’s effectiveness in open-area engagements. Multiple modification slots including barrel, foregrip, magazine, and stock offer extensive customization potential. The shotgun barrel slot theoretically enables suppressor installation, though the weapon’s inherent design favors aggressive close-range tactics over stealth approaches. Against human raiders in confined spaces, the Vulcano ends fights almost instantly, but ARC enemies with heavy armor resist the spread damage more effectively. When defending extraction zones or clearing buildings, the Vulcano’s close-range devastation proves invaluable.
The Il Toro pump-action shotgun delivers massive close-range damage through concentrated spread patterns. Each shot can drop unarmored targets instantly, making this weapon terrifying in confined spaces. The eight-round magazine offers more capacity than the Vulcano, supporting extended engagements before reload. However, the pump-action mechanism introduces significant delays between shots, leaving you vulnerable if you miss your initial blast. The 9kg weight reduces mobility substantially, making aggressive positioning risky when carrying the Il Toro. Against ARC enemies, the weak armor penetration severely limits effectiveness – you’ll struggle to damage heavily armored robots even at point-blank range. The weapon functions best as a specialized tool for building clearance or defensive chokepoint control against human raiders. Multiple modification slots provide customization options, but the fundamental limitation of poor armor penetration restricts the Il Toro’s overall utility. When you know you’re facing primarily human opposition in close quarters, the Il Toro excels, but its narrow effective range makes it too specialized for most situations.
The Hairpin pistol offers a unique built-in silencer that provides natural stealth capabilities without modification investment. This single-action weapon fires light ammunition, making it extremely quiet during stealth operations. The 3kg weight ensures minimal mobility penalty, allowing you to sprint freely while maintaining defensive readiness. The eight-round magazine provides acceptable capacity for a suppressed sidearm, supporting multiple quiet eliminations before reload. However, the light ammunition delivers minimal damage and essentially zero armor penetration against ARC enemies. The Hairpin functions exclusively as a stealth tool for eliminating weak targets or finishing wounded enemies without alerting nearby threats. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, slowing your fire rate compared to semi-automatic alternatives. Against rival raiders wearing any form of protection, the Hairpin struggles to secure kills efficiently. The magazine modification slot offers limited customization compared to weapons with multiple attachment options. When executing silent loot runs through ARC-controlled territory, the Hairpin enables quiet target elimination, but direct combat situations expose its fundamental weaknesses. Use this weapon strategically for stealth, not survival.
The Bobcat submachine gun unleashes extreme fire rates that overwhelm targets through volume rather than individual shot damage. The 30-round magazine depletes rapidly during sustained fire, requiring disciplined trigger control to maximize effectiveness. The exceptionally light 3.5kg weight provides outstanding mobility, making the Bobcat ideal for aggressive flanking maneuvers and rapid repositioning. Against human raiders, the Bobcat shreds through enemies who can’t immediately find cover, but the light ammunition provides virtually zero armor penetration against ARC machines. The weapon demands close-range engagements where the fire rate advantage overcomes individual shot weakness. Multiple modification slots including barrel, foregrip, magazine, and stock enable significant customization to control the weapon’s aggressive recoil patterns. The Bobcat rewards precise aim despite the high fire rate – accurate players leverage the volume of fire for devastating burst damage, while imprecise shooting wastes ammunition without securing kills. Against ARC enemies, save your ammunition – the Bobcat can’t meaningfully damage armored robots regardless of round count. When executing aggressive PvP tactics against rival raiders in close to medium range, the Bobcat’s overwhelming fire rate creates opportunities that slower weapons can’t match.
The Arpeggio burst rifle fires three-round bursts with each trigger pull, offering controlled firepower for accuracy-focused raiders. The burst mechanism delivers concentrated damage when all three rounds connect, but missing any portion of the burst significantly reduces effectiveness. The 30-round magazine provides ten full bursts, supporting sustained engagements when managed carefully. The 7kg weight offers reasonable mobility, though heavier than typical assault rifles. Four modification slots including barrel, foregrip, magazine, and stock provide maximum customization potential among mid-tier weapons. However, the burst firing mode creates timing challenges – you must commit to each three-round volley regardless of target movement. Against stationary or predictable targets, the Arpeggio performs admirably, but mobile enemies exploit the burst commitment windows. The moderate armor penetration handles basic ARC threats adequately, though heavily armored enemies require multiple burst connections. Raiders transitioning from burst-fire weapons in other games might appreciate the Arpeggio’s familiarity, but most players find fully automatic alternatives more forgiving. When you can consistently land complete bursts, the Arpeggio competes with higher-tier options, but that consistency requirement prevents broader meta relevance.
The Rattler assault rifle represents the accessible entry point for new Arc Raiders players. This fully automatic weapon delivers well-rounded performance across all basic statistics – damage, range, recoil, and handling all fall into acceptable categories without excelling anywhere specifically. The ten-round magazine feels restrictive compared to typical assault rifle capacities, requiring more frequent reloads during extended firefights. The 6kg weight provides decent mobility, allowing new players to learn movement mechanics without excessive penalties. The unusual two-round reload mechanic enables partial magazine refills, letting you top off between engagements rather than waiting for complete reload cycles. Medium ammunition provides moderate armor penetration, handling basic ARC threats adequately. Three modification slots offer decent customization potential, though the Rattler’s baseline statistics limit how much improvement attachments provide. The weapon functions best as a stepping stone – use the Rattler while learning Arc Raiders’ mechanics, then upgrade to superior options as you progress. Against rival raiders of similar experience levels, the Rattler performs adequately, but veteran players with optimized loadouts outgun Rattler users consistently. The weapon’s primary value lies in availability rather than performance.
The Stitcher submachine gun provides high fire rate and large magazine capacity for suppressive close-quarters combat. The 25-round magazine supports sustained automatic fire longer than typical SMGs, enabling aggressive pushing tactics. The 4kg weight ensures excellent mobility, making the Stitcher suitable for fast-paced combat styles. However, the light ammunition delivers minimal individual shot damage and essentially worthless armor penetration against ARC enemies. The weapon demands close-range engagements where fire volume compensates for weak individual shots. Four modification slots including barrel, foregrip, magazine, and stock provide extensive customization options, enabling significant recoil reduction and handling improvements. The Stitcher functions as a budget alternative to the Bobcat – both weapons emphasize fire rate over damage, but the Stitcher’s larger base magazine provides slightly more forgiving gameplay. Against ARC machines, the Stitcher wastes ammunition without meaningful effect, restricting its utility to pure PvP scenarios. When clearing buildings against human opposition, the Stitcher’s sustained fire creates pressure, but any armored opponent shrugs off the light ammunition. Use the Stitcher as a temporary solution while progressing toward superior light weapons.
The Equalizer energy weapon represents Arc Raiders’ most unique firearm option. This beam weapon fires continuous energy streams rather than projectile ammunition, creating distinctive tactical opportunities. The 50 energy capacity enables sustained beam damage output, particularly effective against heavily armored ARC enemies who resist conventional ammunition. The 7kg weight provides reasonable mobility despite the weapon’s bulk. However, the complete inability to install modifications severely limits customization potential – you receive the Equalizer’s base performance without enhancement options. The lack of barrel slot eliminates all stealth possibilities, making every engagement loud and obvious. The beam mechanics require sustained target tracking rather than burst damage, creating vulnerability during extended exposure. Against ARC machines, particularly heavily armored variants, the Equalizer shreds through defenses effectively, but human raiders exploit the weapon’s predictable beam pattern for easy evasion. The energy ammunition creates supply concerns – you can’t simply scavenge conventional ammo from defeated enemies. When facing ARC-heavy raid objectives, the Equalizer provides specialized anti-robot capabilities, but the narrow effectiveness range prevents mainstream adoption.
The Burletta semi-automatic pistol serves as the most basic sidearm option in Arc Raiders. The 12-round magazine provides decent capacity for a pistol, supporting multiple engagements before reload. The incredibly light 2.5kg weight ensures zero mobility penalty, making the Burletta the ultimate backup option for weight-conscious loadouts. Two modification slots including barrel and magazine offer minimal customization potential. However, the light ammunition delivers pathetically weak damage output and virtually nonexistent armor penetration. Against unarmored targets at close range, the Burletta requires multiple shots to secure eliminations, and any form of protection drastically extends time-to-kill. ARC enemies completely ignore Burletta damage regardless of shot placement. The semi-automatic fire mode provides faster follow-up shots than the Hairpin, but the minimal damage makes this advantage largely irrelevant. The Burletta functions adequately as a holdout weapon when you’ve exhausted all other options, but any conscious loadout choice should replace this pistol immediately. New players receive the Burletta as starter equipment, providing initial self-defense capability while gathering resources for meaningful weapon upgrades. Beyond the absolute early game, the Burletta represents weapon failure rather than tactical choice.
The Kettle assault rifle occupies the unfortunate position of being consistently outperformed by alternatives in every meaningful category. This semi-automatic weapon fires light ammunition, immediately limiting damage potential and armor penetration capabilities. The 20-round magazine appears reasonable until you realize the weak damage requires significantly more shots per elimination. The 5kg weight makes the Kettle the lightest assault rifle option, but mobility advantages can’t compensate for fundamental firepower deficiencies. Four modification slots theoretically enable significant customization, but improving terrible base statistics only reaches mediocre performance. The single-fire mode demands accurate shooting, yet the light ammunition makes precise shots feel unrewarding. Extended reload times create vulnerability windows that aggressive enemies exploit ruthlessly. Against ARC machines, the Kettle bounces rounds off armor without meaningful effect, forcing you to target weak points exclusively. Human raiders wearing any protection shrug off Kettle damage, turning every engagement into prolonged firefights you’ll likely lose. The weapon lacks any distinctive advantage that would justify its selection over alternatives. Even budget-conscious players find better options – the Rattler costs similar resources while providing superior firepower. Avoid the Kettle unless absolutely desperate.
Best Anti-ARC Weapons: Hullcracker, Ferro, Jupiter, and Equalizer excel at destroying heavily armored ARC machines through superior penetration values and specialized damage types.
Best Stealth Weapons: Hairpin, Anvil with suppressor, Ferro with suppressor, and Osprey with suppressor enable quiet eliminations without alerting nearby threats.
Best Beginner Weapons: Rattler, Tempest, and Arpeggio offer forgiving handling characteristics and reasonable effectiveness while learning Arc Raiders’ mechanics.
Best Close-Quarters Weapons: Vulcano, Il Toro, Bobcat, and Bettina dominate confined spaces through high close-range damage output and rapid fire capabilities.
Best Long-Range Weapons: Ferro, Jupiter, Osprey, and Renegade provide accurate distant engagement capabilities for eliminating threats before they close distance.
Best Mobility Loadouts: Hairpin, Burletta, Bobcat, and Venator minimize weight penalties, enabling maximum sprint speed and stamina efficiency during extended raids.
Best Budget Weapons: Rattler, Stitcher, and Burletta require minimal resource investment, providing baseline functionality while accumulating resources for upgrades.
Early game raiders should prioritize the Rattler assault rifle as their primary weapon, offering reliable performance without significant resource investment. Pair this with the Burletta pistol until you can craft the Anvil hand cannon, which transforms your secondary slot from liability to strength. Focus crafting efforts on the Tempest assault rifle next, providing substantial performance improvement over the Rattler.
Mid-game progression should target the Ferro battle rifle for devastating single-shot damage or the Bettina for versatile burst capabilities. Invest in weapon modifications at this stage, particularly suppressors for barrel slots, which dramatically increase tactical options. The Osprey sniper rifle becomes accessible during mid-game, offering long-range capabilities that complement aggressive primary weapons.
Late-game loadouts should incorporate the Anvil as your mandatory sidearm, paired with either Ferro for patient precision gameplay, Hullcracker for ARC-heavy raids, or Torrente for squad suppression roles. Consider the Jupiter for maximum single-shot damage when stealth isn’t required. Always maintain weight balance – carrying two heavy weapons severely limits mobility during crucial extraction moments.
Barrel Modifications provide the most impactful upgrades through suppressor attachments. Prioritize barrel mods for your primary weapon first, enabling stealth approaches that dramatically increase survival rates. Weapons without barrel slots immediately lose significant value compared to alternatives that accept this critical modification.
Magazine Modifications extend your sustained firepower, reducing vulnerable reload frequency. Focus magazine upgrades on weapons with small base capacities like the Osprey, Venator, or Renegade. Large-capacity weapons like the Torrente or Tempest benefit less from magazine modifications.
Foregrip Modifications improve recoil control and handling characteristics, making rapid-fire weapons more accurate. Prioritize foregrip mods for high-fire-rate weapons like the Bobcat, Stitcher, or Torrente where recoil management significantly affects effectiveness.
Stock Modifications enhance overall weapon stability and ergonomics, providing subtle improvements across multiple handling aspects. Invest in stock mods last, after addressing more impactful barrel, magazine, and foregrip upgrades.
Overvaluing Rarity – Many raiders assume Epic or Legendary weapons automatically outperform Common alternatives, but the Ferro common battle rifle consistently outclasses numerous higher-rarity options. Evaluate weapons by performance metrics rather than rarity colors.
Ignoring Armor Penetration – Light ammunition weapons might show impressive damage statistics, but meaningless armor penetration makes them worthless against ARC enemies. Always consider both damage and penetration when selecting loadouts.
Mismatching Ammunition Types – Carrying weapons that use identical ammunition types creates supply problems during extended raids. Pair heavy primary weapons with light secondaries to diversify ammunition requirements.
Neglecting Weight Management – Equipping two heavy weapons like Jupiter and Torrente simultaneously cripples your mobility, preventing effective positioning and extraction. Balance weapon weight against mobility needs.
Skipping Modifications – Using weapons without attachments wastes their potential. Always install available modifications, particularly suppressors, before deploying on raids.
The Ferro battle rifle stands as the best overall weapon in Arc Raiders through its combination of devastating damage, excellent armor penetration, suppressor capability, and accessibility. The heavy ammunition ensures effectiveness against both ARC machines and human raiders, while the single-shot mechanic rewards skilled players with one-shot eliminations. When paired with the Anvil hand cannon, this loadout handles any combat scenario effectively.
Beginners should start with the Rattler assault rifle as their primary weapon, offering fully automatic fire and forgiving handling characteristics. Pair this with the Anvil hand cannon once crafted, providing reliable stopping power as your secondary. The Tempest assault rifle makes an excellent upgrade target, maintaining beginner-friendly mechanics while significantly improving performance. Avoid specialized weapons like snipers or shotguns until you’ve mastered Arc Raiders’ fundamental mechanics.
Weapon rarities in Arc Raiders indicate general power levels but don’t guarantee superiority. The common Ferro battle rifle consistently outperforms numerous rare and epic weapons through superior mechanics and modification potential. Always evaluate weapons based on actual performance statistics, modification slots, and armor penetration rather than rarity color alone. Some legendary weapons like the Jupiter lack modification capabilities that common weapons possess.
Weapon modifications dramatically transform performance, particularly barrel modifications that enable suppressor attachments. A suppressed weapon provides tactical advantages that often exceed raw damage improvements. Prioritize installing modifications before deploying on raids, as unmodified weapons significantly underperform their potential. The difference between modified and unmodified versions of the same weapon can shift it across multiple tier rankings.
Light ammunition weapons provide minimal armor penetration, making them largely ineffective against ARC machines. While technically capable of damaging robots through concentrated fire on weak points, light ammo weapons waste ammunition compared to medium or heavy alternatives. Reserve light ammunition weapons like the Bobcat, Stitcher, or Hairpin exclusively for anti-personnel roles against human raiders.
The optimal anti-ARC loadout combines the Hullcracker launcher as primary for devastating explosive damage against robotic enemies, paired with the Anvil hand cannon for versatile secondary firepower. Alternative primary options include the Ferro or Jupiter for maximum armor penetration. Avoid light ammunition weapons entirely when expecting heavy ARC opposition, as they lack meaningful penetration capabilities.
Shotguns excel in confined spaces and building clearance but struggle in Arc Raiders’ predominantly open-world environments. The Vulcano semi-automatic shotgun offers the most versatile shotgun option through rapid-fire capability and acceptable range. Reserve shotguns for defensive extraction point scenarios or indoor combat situations. Most raids benefit more from assault rifles or battle rifles that maintain effectiveness across varied distances.
Legendary weapons in Arc Raiders require extensive crafting resources rather than random drops. The Jupiter sniper rifle and Equalizer beam weapon demand Queen Reactor components obtained by defeating Queen boss enemies. Additionally, you’ll need Magnetic Accelerators from Exodus zones and Complex Gun Parts from Security areas. Legendary weapons can’t be modified, so evaluate whether their base performance justifies the resource investment compared to fully modified alternatives.
Heavy ammunition provides the best armor penetration and damage output, making it the priority for raiders who can manage the increased weight. Medium ammunition offers the best balance between effectiveness and availability, suitable for most situations. Light ammunition works exclusively for anti-personnel roles where armor penetration isn’t required. Carry at least one medium or heavy ammo weapon to handle ARC enemies effectively.
Stealth weapons with suppressor attachments dramatically increase survival rates by preventing enemy detection during elimination. The Hairpin pistol provides built-in suppression for budget stealth, while the Ferro, Osprey, and Anvil with suppressors offer stealth capabilities without sacrificing firepower. Stealth approaches work particularly well during solo raids where avoiding combat altogether increases extraction success rates significantly.
