The Tempest is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and powerful assault rifles in ARC Raiders. Many players consider it not just the best assault rifle but potentially the best weapon in the entire game. Its unique combination of speed, handling, and consistent performance makes it a top choice for those looking to dominate both PvP and PvE encounters. In this guide, we'll break down its stats, attachments, upgrades, and gameplay strategies to ensure you get the most out of this legendary weapon.

Understanding Tempest Stats

The Tempest stands out primarily because of its extremely fast time-to-kill (TTK). Against medium shields, body shots from a tier 4 Tempest take only 13 bullets to eliminate a target, translating to a 1.3-second TTK from full health to dead. This is comparable to high-tier weapons like the Bobcat tier 4. However, the Tempest has the lowest headshot multiplier in the game for automatic rifles. Headshots deal only 50% more damage than body shots, whereas other weapons double or even triple their damage with a headshot. This means that, unlike other weapons, aiming for the chest can often be more effective than hunting for headshots.

While the Tempest does not dominate in a single category, it consistently ranks near the top in several key areas, making it extremely versatile. Its reload speed is a respectable 2.24 seconds, the rate of fire is the fourth fastest in the game, and its damage per second (DPS) is similarly ranked fourth, behind the Volcano, Bobcat, and Torrente. Its range also sits in fourth place, trailing only two snipers and the Rattler, while the recoil, particularly horizontal recoil, is among the best for automatic weapons.

Upgrading Your Tempest

Unlike some weapons that peak at lower tiers, the Tempest benefits from maxing out its tier. Each upgrade increases reload speed by approximately 13% and improves horizontal recoil control by 16.6%, with a tier 4 Tempest achieving 40% faster reloads and 50% better horizontal recoil. However, upgrades are costly: six advanced mechanical components and seven medium gun parts are required to reach tier 4, and repairs are resource-intensive as well, costing nearly the same materials for a 50% repair. Its durability drops by 1 per 10 shots, giving a full tier 4 weapon about 1,300 rounds, but its high ammo consumption means multiple medium ammo stacks are necessary for extended raids.

Optimal Attachments

Attachments can transform the Tempest from a strong weapon into an absolute laser beam.

· Magazines: Equip the largest magazine available to accommodate its rapid-fire nature.

· Grips: Horizontal grips are superior to vertical grips due to the weapon's unpredictable horizontal recoil. The pink horizontal grip is the best choice, controlling both vertical and horizontal recoil for unparalleled accuracy.

· Muzzle: Avoid silencers for the Tempest. Instead, choose between the muzzle brake and the compensator. The muzzle brake eliminates recoil, but the compensator reduces bullet dispersion, resulting in more consistent mid-range sprays. For most players, the compensator provides superior performance.

Gameplay Tips

The Tempest shines at mid-range engagements (20–50 meters). Its high body-shot TTK allows you to focus on chest shots rather than headshots, maximizing efficiency with minimal tracking strain. While it can perform at close range, it may be outclassed by SMGs or shotguns. Long-range poking is not its strength, so pairing it with a long-range weapon like the Renegade or Osprey is ideal for covering all combat scenarios.

In PvE, the Tempest is less efficient due to high ammo and durability consumption. While it can deal solid damage, players should consider other weapons for extended PvE sessions. However, its forgiving nature and rapid TTK make it an excellent choice in mixed combat scenarios where versatility is key.

Conclusion

The Tempest is a weapon that excels not because it is the best in a single category, but because it performs well across the board. With proper attachments, maximum upgrades, and smart mid-range positioning, it can dominate PvP battles and hold its own in PvE situations when needed. Aim for the chest, control the horizontal recoil, and keep your ammo stocked, and the Tempest will reward you with unmatched performance.

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