In Arc Raiders, augments are arguably the most critical part of your loadout. They determine your inventory space, weight capacity, shield compatibility, utility options, safe pockets, and—even more importantly—the unique passive abilities that can turn the tide of a run. Understanding how each augment works, what it brings to the table, and how it stacks up against others is essential for maximizing efficiency, survivability, and success in every raid.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about augments, from budget-friendly options to the most powerful epic setups.
What Makes a Good Augment?
Before diving into specific augments, let’s establish what makes a strong choice. In my opinion:
1. Shield Compatibility: Medium shields are optimal. While light shields are viable, they don’t offer the same lasting damage reduction. Heavy shields provide extra protection but slow movement—usually a detriment unless fighting in confined spaces like Stella Montis.
2. Inventory & Weight Capacity: More backpack slots and higher loadout weight allow you to carry Arc Raiders loot and resources efficiently.
3. Utility and Safe Pockets: Quick-access utility slots and safe pockets enhance versatility, letting you carry critical items without sacrificing inventory space.
4. Unique Passive: The passive ability often defines the value of an augment. Some provide combat advantages, others enhance survivability, and some support looting efficiency.
With these criteria in mind, here’s a tiered analysis of the augments.
C-Tier: The Basics
Free Augment Loadout
The simplest option, the Free Loadout, offers no special passive and is extremely limited:
· Weight: 35 (very low)
· Backpack Slots: 14
· Safe Pockets/Utility Slots: None
· Shield: Light only
While restrictive, its real value lies in accessibility—it’s free and lets you run early raids without crafting costs. It’s also a stepping stone to Mark I augments via Lance. If your goal is to loot quickly and leave, the Free Loadout can still be surprisingly effective.
Mark I Augments (Tactical, Combat, Looting)
Craftable with plastic and rubber parts, Mark I augments are cheap and functional:
· Safe Pockets: 1
· Weight: 40–50
· Shield: Tactical and Combat allow medium shields; looting is light only
· Passive: None
Of these, the Combat Mark I is slightly superior due to more weight and slots. For ultra-budget looting, Looting Mark I is acceptable, but for any combat engagement, go with Tactical or Combat.
B-Tier: Early Epic and Rare Options
Looting Mark III – Cautious
· Weight: 70
· Shield: Light only
· Safe Pockets: 2
· Passive: Weak adrenaline shot on shield break
While it provides binoculars and generous inventory space, the light shield limitation and high crafting cost make it less attractive. Best for specialized loot runs rather than combat.
Combat Mark III – Flanking
· Weight: 60
· Shield: Light only
· Safe Pockets: 2
· Passive: Faster equip for pistols and hand cannons
Good for pistol-heavy runs, but light shield restriction reduces survivability in unexpected PvP encounters.
Combat Mark II (Rare)
· Weight: 55
· Shield: Light, Medium, Heavy
· Safe Pockets: 1
· Passive: Health restoration (1 HP every 5 sec, 30 sec cooldown after damage)
While versatile in shields and moderately cheap to craft, the passive is underwhelming and situational. Most effective outside combat to slowly top off health.
A-Tier: Specialized Loot and Utility
Looting Mark II
· Weight: 60
· Shield: Light only
· Backpack Slots: 22 + 3 trinket slots
· Safe Pockets: 2
· Utility Slots: 4
· Passive: Minor, largely irrelevant
This augment is the ultimate budget looting rig. High inventory, multiple safe pockets, and utility slots make it ideal for quick, high-value loot runs without engaging in combat.
Tactical Mark III – Defensive
· Weight: 60
· Shield: Medium and Heavy allowed
· Backpack Slots: 20
· Safe Pockets: 1
· Utility Slots: 5
· Passive: Built-in shield recharger
An excellent combat-focused choice, especially for medium or heavy shield users. The integrated shield recharger provides significant sustainability in longer engagements.
S-Tier: Top-Tier Augments
Tactical Mark II (Rare)
· Weight: 45
· Shield: Medium
· Backpack Slots: 17
· Safe Pockets: 1
· Utility Slots: 5
· Passive: Smoke grenade on shield break
Arguably the most powerful augment for PvP, it combines medium shield survivability with a lifesaving passive. Its low crafting cost makes it a go-to choice even over some epic augments.
Looting Mark III – Survivor
· Weight: 80
· Shield: Medium
· Backpack Slots: 20
· Safe Pockets: 3
· Utility Slots: 5
· Passive: Regenerate up to 75% health when downed
This augment is perfect for epic loot runs or high-risk solo extractions. The passive allows you to survive longer when downed, giving you the chance to crawl to safety or wait for teammates. Its combination of inventory space, shield compatibility, and life-saving passive makes it the most valuable augment in the game for survival and looting.
Final Thoughts
While every augment in Arc Raiders is viable, the key is matching the right augment to your playstyle. Some B-tier options, like combat augments with minor healing, are interesting but situational. Medium and heavy shields are generally more impactful than light ones, except in specific scenarios where mobility outweighs survivability.
In my experience, Tactical Mark II and Looting Mark III Survivor represent the peak of augment design. Both are versatile, cost-effective, and deliver passives that truly matter in gameplay. Augments in Arc Raiders are balanced, but there’s always room for rebalancing certain health restore passives or shield options. Understanding the trade-offs will give you confidence in every raid, whether you’re looting, fighting, or surviving the most chaotic encounters.