Arc Raiders has recently undergone several significant weapon balance changes, and for players aiming to dominate both PvE and PvP, understanding these adjustments is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the latest nerfs, buffs, and how each weapon now fits into updated tier lists for both gameplay modes.

PvE Weapon Changes and Tier Placement

Stitcher

Previously mid-B tier, the Stitcher remains a viable PvE option but with notable nerfs. Base damage dropped from 7 to 6.5 per shot, and bloom (spread) increased by about 50%, making unupgraded or attachment-free versions significantly less accurate. Despite these changes, fully upgraded Stitchers with attachments maintain solid performance against Arc enemies, including bastions and ground targets. While the damage reduction is minor, the faster bloom impacts lower-level versions, pushing the weapon closer to the bottom of B-tier. For players seeking sustained DPS without relying on precise shots, the Stitcher still holds value, especially when fully upgraded.

Kettle

The Kettle experienced a base damage reduction from 10 to 8.5. In PvE, this nerf is more noticeable compared to the Stitcher, and while the weapon remains accurate, the loss in raw damage affects its efficiency against armored targets. Between the two, the Stitcher now offers better sustained DPS due to its ability to punish weak points, despite accuracy issues. Shotguns, including the Stitcher and Kettle, are placed in C-tier for PvE because their range and versatility are limited compared to other options.

Ventor

The Ventor received minor PvE nerfs: headshot multipliers were reduced, and base damage dropped from 9 to 8. While not a standout Arc-killing weapon, it still delivers reliable output for medium ammo usage, firing two shots per trigger pull. Its stopping power against flying Arc enemies remains effective, though its PvE value is now better represented at the top of B-tier.

Legendary Weapons: Jupiter and Ailion

Jupiter received significant buffs, including increased ADS magnification (1.9 → 2.2) and faster equip/unequip times. Its long-range penetration and serious damage make it an excellent anti-armor and anti-air choice, especially in PvE encounters. The Ailion benefits from reduced reload times and improved ADS settle speed, allowing for faster, more accurate bursts. These changes make both weapons more reliable for high-level PvE engagements, solidifying Jupiter just behind the Pharaoh and Ailion as a strong but situational B-tier choice.

PvE Tier Recap

· S-tier: Renegade, Anvil, Whole Cracker

· A-tier: Torrent, Tempest, Patina

· B-tier: Stitcher (bottom), Ventor (top), Kettle, Bobcat, Osprey, Bleta, Arpeggio

· C-tier: Vulcan, Toro, Shotguns

· D-tier: Herpin

This tiering reflects both raw DPS potential and usability across various PvE scenarios, from taking down bastions to manipulating Arc AI effectively.

PvP Weapon Changes and Tier Placement

Stitcher

In PvP, the Stitcher took a meaningful nerf with reduced headshot multipliers (2.5 → 1.75), base damage drop (7 → 6.5), and faster bloom. Unupgraded versions now struggle at medium to long range, though fully upgraded and attached versions remain a strong one-mag killer. The Stitcher now sits at the bottom of S-tier in PvP, emphasizing its efficiency for players who invest in upgrades.

Kettle

The Kettle’s damage reduction affects PvP less dramatically, as its main strength has always been headshot efficiency. Tap firing remains crucial, and while slightly nerfed, the Kettle still functions well as an accessible, gray-tier weapon for consistent damage output. Its reliability keeps it near the back of S-tier, slightly ahead of the Stitcher due to less reliance on upgrades.

Ventor

With a lower headshot multiplier (2.5 → 2) and base damage drop (9 → 8), the Ventor is slightly less dominant in PvP but retains solid performance. Headshot-focused players can still deal devastating bursts, making the Ventor a versatile S-tier choice, especially at medium ranges.

Legendary Weapons: Jupiter and Ailion

In PvP, Jupiter’s buffs are mostly situational, offering slight improvements in equip speed and aiming at long-range targets. Its slow chamber time keeps it in B-tier for PvP engagements. The Ailion sees meaningful improvements in reload and shot timing, enhancing reliability but remaining a secondary PvP option compared to weapons like the Rattler or Bleta.

PvP Tier Recap

· S-tier: Stitcher (bottom), Ventor, Kettle, Renegade

· A-tier: Rattler, Bleta, Tempest, Osprey

· B-tier: Ailion, Jupiter, Pharaoh, Torrent

· C-tier: Vulcano, Toro

· D-tier: Herpin

These adjustments highlight the importance of weapon choice based on both upgrade investment and combat scenario, ensuring players can optimize for short-range PvP encounters or long-range strategic engagements.

Final Thoughts

Arc Raiders’ recent weapon balance changes have improved game fairness while enhancing the relevance of several underutilized weapons. Players should focus on upgrading and attaching key weapons like the Stitcher, Ventor, and legendary options for maximum impact. PvE and PvP each demand different priorities: sustained DPS and weak point targeting for PvE, precise headshots and timing for PvP. Knowing your weapon strengths, weaknesses, and tier placement is the key to mastering Arc Raiders combat.