Today, we’re diving deep into the weapons of ARC Raiders, breaking down their performance in both PvE and PvP contexts. After spending significant time in-game and reaching level 75, I’ve now used every weapon extensively across various scenarios. This experience allows for a more confident assessment of each ARC Raiders items, including how upgrades and attachments affect performance.

 

I’ve split this guide into PvE-focused and PvP-focused lists to ensure relevance depending on your playstyle. For each weapon, I’ll cover damage, fire rate, ammo type, and practical considerations for in-game use.

 

PvE Weapon Tiers

 

Let’s start with the PvE list, which applies to most players who primarily focus on clearing Arc encounters rather than battling other players.

 

D Tier

 

· Herpin – This weapon is agile, quiet, and fun to use, but its abysmal DPS makes it a poor choice for PvE. Built-in suppressor and single-hit design are nice, but it’s outclassed in nearly all scenarios.

 

C Tier

 

· Rattler – Unupgraded, this is almost useless due to a tiny mag size. Fully upgraded, it becomes more viable for mid-level encounters.

· Toro – Pump-action shotgun with limited utility in PvE. Effective up close on unarmored targets, but the downtime between shots makes it less desirable than other options.

 

B Tier

 

· Volcano – Faster than the Toro, mag dumps into unarmored targets make it satisfying for close encounters.

· Bobcat – Balanced fire rate and damage. Highly effective if recoil is managed; otherwise, accuracy issues reduce its effectiveness.

· Stitcher – Similar to Bobcat but slightly more serious per-shot damage. Great for precise, close-range engagements.

· Kettle – Excellent control and accuracy, though bullet velocity and reload speed are drawbacks at low levels. Fully upgraded, it performs extremely well.

· Osprey – Scoped medium-shot weapon that requires careful rechambering. Accurate for weak-point targeting but struggles up close.

· Bleta – Agile and fast-firing, excellent for dumping magazines quickly. Effective with upgrades for reload and recoil management.

· Torrent – Medium ammo, high DPS at mid-range when aggro is controlled. Slower effectiveness at longer ranges.

 

A Tier

 

· Tempest – Medium ammo assault rifle with solid DPS and manageable recoil when fully upgraded. Reliable at mid-range.

· Patina – Heavy fully automatic assault rifle. Decent against Arc but slightly underwhelming compared to Anvil.

· Arpeggio – Burst-fire weapon with excellent upgraded accuracy and fire rate. Resource investment is a consideration.

· Equalizer – Good for exposing armour and hitting weak points, but leaves the user vulnerable during use.

· Ventor – Dual-shot medium ammo weapon. Surprisingly effective in PvE at mid-range.

· Renegade – All-rounder. Reliable at close to medium range with medium ammo.

· Pharaoh – Heavy ammo, serious damage per shot. Reload speed improved with upgrades, making it a great budget option.

 

S Tier

 

· Jupiter – Energy ammo sniper with massive single-shot damage. Excellent for flying Arc targets and predictable PvE engagements.

· Anvil – Heavy ammo all-rounder. serious damage, solid fire rate, excellent for mid-to-long-range PvE.

 

S+ Tier

 

· Hullcracker – Absolute powerhouse. 100 damage per shot with improved fire rate when upgraded. Best choice for Arc bosses and endgame PvE content.

 

PvP Weapon Tiers

 

PvP assessment accounts for upgrades and attachments, focusing on versatility, fire rate, and close-to-mid-range combat.

 

D-C Tier

 

· Herpin – Silenced and quirky, fun for challenges, but situational and unreliable.

· Rattler – Unupgraded, nearly useless. Upgraded, it becomes functional but still limited.

 

B Tier

 

· Pharaoh – Level one is slow to reload; fully upgraded, it can be effective but requires careful play.

· Equalizer – High tick damage can overwhelm opponents, but deployment time makes it situational.

 

A Tier

 

· Osprey – Sniper rifle with chambering mechanics that limit usability. Accurate and effective with scope, but slower follow-up shots.

· Jupiter – Comparable to Osprey but hits harder and is more versatile against Arc.

· Kettle – Upgraded, it’s an accurate, reliable medium-range weapon.

· Patina – Better than Kettle against Arc due to heavy ammo and higher fire rate.

· Bleta – Fast, agile, excellent close-range tool.

· Arpeggio – Needs attachments for effectiveness; upgraded versions improve fire rate and reload speed.

· Tempest – Reliable mid-range rifle, manageable recoil, solid DPS.

 

S Tier

 

· Torrent – One of the fastest time-to-kill weapons when managed properly. Excellent in team play scenarios.

· Stitcher – Ultimate close-range budget weapon. Easy to upgrade and highly effective in ambush situations.

· Toro – Pump-action close-range shotgun with massive DPS when played strategically.

· Bobcat – Upgraded with attachments, it’s a close-range powerhouse.

· Volcano – High fire-rate stat check weapon for close-range dominance.

· Renegade – Versatile all-rounder. Strong at medium to long ranges.

· Anvil – All-rounder heavy weapon, reliable in nearly every PvP scenario.

 

S+ Tier

 

· Ventor – Dual-shot medium ammo weapon with absurd fire rate when upgraded. Dominates close to medium range PvP, widely considered overpowered.

 

Conclusion

 

ARC Raiders’ weapon system rewards mastery of upgrades, attachments, and situational awareness. In PvE, weapons like the Hullcracker, Anvil, and Jupiter reign supreme, while in PvP, versatility and fire rate determine the top performers, such as the Ventor, Anvil, and Renegade.

 

Whether you’re facing waves of Arc enemies or battling other players, understanding each weapon’s strengths, weaknesses, and upgrade potential is critical to maximising your efficiency and enjoyment in ARC Raiders.