ARC Raiders Best Weapons – Tier Lists & Rankings

Best Weapon in ARC Raiders Overall

We know your time is precious, so we’ve decided to reveal the top 5 ARC Raiders weapons right from the start.

• 1. Anvil
• 2. Ferro
• 3. Tempest
• 4. Osprey
• 5. Jupiter

Introduction

Welcome to our ARC Raiders best weapons guide. In this breakdown, we reveal the most powerful and reliable weapons in Embark’s extraction shooter, ranked according to penetration, modding flexibility, handling, and real use-cases.

We’ll start by explaining the factors that make a weapon strong in ARC Raiders and quickly list all available weapons with their types, rarities, and ammo. Then we’ll cover weapon classes and ammo types, followed by a complete set of tier lists (overall, beginners, solo, party meta, speedfarming, PvP, and anti-ARC).

By the end, you’ll know exactly which weapons fit your playstyle and why, and how to build a loadout that gets you in and out of Speranza with profit.

The Vital Role of Weapons in ARC Raiders Gameplay

In ARC Raiders, weapons shape your route risk, extraction success, and economy. Each category features unique mechanics, armor penetration, and mod slots, which directly impact your chances in both PvE and PvP.

What makes a weapon good in ARC Raiders?

A good weapon balances consistent TTK, ARC armor penetration, handling (recoil, ADS, reload), mod potential (especially Barrel for suppression), and ammo logistics (cost/weight/availability). Key factors:

• 1. Penetration & damage per shot – critical for heavy ARCs and shielded targets.
• 2. Mod slots – Barrel access often enables suppression; mag/stock/foregrip refine consistency.
• 3. Handling – recoil, reload tempo, and stability under pressure.
• 4. Ammo – Light/Medium are common; Heavy/Energy/Launcher break armor but require planning.
• 5. Rarity – higher tiers hit harder but cost more to obtain and maintain.

Note: A good weapon in ARC Raiders isn’t just about raw power or rarity. The best choices combine penetration, accuracy, handling, and mod flexibility. A reliable gun performs well under pressure, adapts to your loadout strategy, and helps you survive both ARC encounters and unpredictable player fights.

All Weapons in ARC Raiders

Below is a concise index of all current weapons with core identifiers.

Now that we’ve covered why weapons are so vital to your survival, it’s time to examine their categories in detail. In the next section, we’ll go over all weapon types in ARC Raiders, outlining their distinct strengths, weaknesses, and ideal scenarios to help you build the perfect loadout for every mission.

All Weapon Types in ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders features several weapon classes with distinct strengths/weaknesses and different roles in raids. Below you’ll find practical pros/cons per class.

ARC Raiders Weapon Types

In ARC Raiders, every weapon class serves a unique purpose. From precise long-range rifles to close-quarters SMGs and shotguns, each category defines your combat rhythm, movement speed, and raid strategy.

Understanding how these weapon types behave helps you build loadouts suited for specific routes, whether you prefer stealthy infiltration, defensive survival, or aggressive ARC hunting. Below, we’ll cover every weapon class in detail, explaining how each performs, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and which situations it excels in.

➤ Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are your most flexible primaries in ARC Raiders, covering close to mid-range with controllable recoil and strong mod coverage. They’re ideal for mixed PvE/PvP routes where you need reliable TTK without committing to heavy ammo. Epic variants push consistency even further with better base stats and stability.

➤ Battle & Marksman Rifles

Battle and marksman rifles reward precision and patience with high per-shot damage and better plate-breaking capability. They’re perfect for players who prefer measured engagements, using cover to cycle single, accurate shots that matter against both Raiders and ARC armor.

➤ Snipers

Sniper rifles define long-range control. They excel at deleting priority targets, breaking shields/plates, and anchoring teammates from overwatch positions. Misses are costly, but a disciplined sniper shapes the flow of a raid and keeps your team safe on extracts.

➤ SMGs

SMGs are close-quarters specialists for fast indoor fights and aggressive flanks. With high ROF and great hip-fire potential, they melt Raiders at short range and keep you light on your feet. Pair them with an armor solution to handle ARC pressure.

➤ Shotguns

Shotguns deliver the fastest time-to-kill at point-blank range, locking down corridors and doorways. Semi-auto variants enable rapid follow-ups for chain eliminations. Their falloff is severe, so route planning and extract proximity are crucial for success.

➤ Special / Energy / Launcher

Special weapons—energy beam rifles and ARC-only launchers—unlock unique win conditions. Energy guns specialize in shield/armor deletion and sustained pressure; launchers offer guaranteed ARC detonations. They’re best slotted as problem-solvers alongside a flexible primary.

ARC Raiders Ammo Types

Ammo defines your penetration profile and cost profile.

• Light – common, low penetration; great for PvP/civilian targets.
• Medium – balanced utility; mainly for ARs.
• Heavy – rare, high per-shot; best vs armor (Ferro, Anvil, Bettina).
• Shotgun – devastating at close range; sharp falloff.
• Launcher – Hullcracker detonates only on ARC.
• Energy Clip – fuels Equalizer/Jupiter; excellent armor damage, unique reload behavior.

Weapon Rarity in ARC Raiders

Rarity tracks accessibility and raw power: Common → Uncommon → Rare → Epic → Legendary. Higher tiers usually offer better base stats or unique effects but demand more materials and bench levels.

Top 5 Rarest Weapons in ARC Raiders

• 1. Jupiter (Legendary, Energy Clip)
• 2. Equalizer (Legendary, Energy Clip)
• 3. Hullcracker (Epic, Launcher)
• 4. Bettina (Epic, Heavy)
• 5. Vulcano (Epic, Shotgun)

How to get & upgrade weapons in ARC Raiders?

Weapon Crafting Basics

Craft weapons at the benches using scrap and refined parts. Higher rarities require advanced materials and upgraded workshop stations.

Weapon Blueprints

Blueprints drop from caches, hidden rooms, high-risk POIs, and milestone encounters. Once learned, recipes become permanently available at the weapon bench.

Weapon Upgrades

Most weapons can be upgraded up to level 5 (reload, durability, recoil, mag size). Legendary energy guns may come “pre-tuned” with fixed behavior and no conventional upgrades.

Weapon Augments

Mod slots define your weapon’s role. Barrel is often the key (suppression or stability), while Magazine/Stock/Foregrip finish handling and uptime. Tailor to route: stealth (Barrel), consistency (Stock/Foregrip), or sustained fire (Magazine).

ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List: Detailed Breakdown

In this section, we’ll break down the best weapons in ARC Raiders based on practical testing, raid performance, and efficiency in both PvE and PvP. Whether you’re focusing on farming ARCs, surviving extractions, or dominating other raiders, this ranking will help you choose the best options for your loadout.

Before we dive into each tier, here’s what the rankings represent and how we evaluated every weapon:

• S-Tier – The absolute best weapons in the game. These combine penetration, accuracy, mod versatility, and efficiency under all conditions. Ideal for consistent extractions.
• A-Tier – High-performing weapons that are reliable in most scenarios. They have minor drawbacks but remain top-tier for most playstyles.
• B-Tier – Solid all-rounders with good damage and control but limited by niche performance or weaker mod options.
• C-Tier – Starter or situational weapons with clear weaknesses. Useful early on but easily outclassed as you progress.

Disclaimer: Tier rankings are based on in-game performance, ARC armor penetration, stealth potential, mod slots, and player-tested usability. Weapon balance may change with future updates, so treat this guide as a snapshot of the current meta.

Now that you know what each tier means, let’s take a closer look at the ARC Raiders weapon rankings and see which guns dominate the battlefield—and which are best left in your stash.

Best Weapons for Beginners

Beginner picks that are easy to handle, accessible to craft, and forgiving under pressure.

Best Weapon for Solo Play in ARC Raiders

Solo demands self-sufficiency: consistent TTK, low handling tax, and a quick armor answer.

Best Weapon for Party Raids: Multiplayer Meta

In teams, roles matter: overwatch, clear, anti-ARC, and CQB control.

Best Weapons for Speedfarming in ARC Raiders

Goal: fast kills, minimal reload downtime, fluid movement, frequent extracts.

Best Weapons for PvP in ARC Raiders

Dueling advantage comes from control, burst windows, and clean finishes.

Best Weapons for Big Arc Enemies

Focus on armor penetration, shield break, and plate damage efficiency.

With all the weapon tiers covered, you should now have a clear understanding of how each gun performs under different circumstances. From early-game survival tools to late-game powerhouses, every weapon in ARC Raiders serves a purpose when paired with the right strategy and loadout.

However, even the best weapon can underperform if it doesn’t match your playstyle. Choosing the right firearm is about more than damage stats, it’s about control, comfort, and consistency. In the next section, we’ll help you figure out how to choose the perfect weapon in ARC Raiders based on your preferred approach, from stealth operators to aggressive raiders.

How to choose your Weapon in ARC Raiders

The right pick depends on route goals, enemy mix, and your comfort under pressure. Use this quick checklist:

• Route goal: If farming ARC → pack one armor breaker (Anvil/Ferro/Jupiter) + one clear gun (Tempest/Bobcat).
• Weight & loot: Don’t overcommit to heavy primaries; Anvil as a sidearm often outperforms a second heavy.
• Mod plan: Barrel (suppression/stability) first; then Magazine/Stock/Foregrip per playstyle.
• Ammo logistics: Heavy/Energy are powerful but scarce; Light/Medium keep runs cheap and frequent.
• Personal comfort: The weapon you control best always outperforms a “meta” pick you can’t stabilize.

Final thoughts

In the end, success in ARC Raiders depends on preparation and adaptability. Every extraction is a test of how well your weapons complement your playstyle and team strategy. Build your loadout around consistency, versatility, and control—a reliable damage dealer like the Tempest or Osprey, paired with a heavy hitter such as the Anvil, Ferro, or Jupiter for armored threats. Fine-tune your mods to match the map, your extraction route, and the overall PvP pressure you expect.

Keep in mind that the meta in ARC Raiders constantly evolves. Weapon adjustments and balance changes can shift priorities overnight, so stay informed and adapt your strategy accordingly. With the right preparation and an understanding of your tools, you’ll not only survive—but dominate every raid you enter.

ARC Raiders Best Weapons Guide - F.A.Q.

What’s the best weapon in ARC Raiders?

Anvil for universal value (strong penetration, low carry tax); Tempest as best all-round AR.

What is the best starting weapon in ARC Raiders?

Rattler for early simplicity; Ferro if you need ARC penetration from day one.

What is the best solo weapon in ARC Raiders?

Tempest (primary) + Anvil (backup) covers almost all solo scenarios safely.

What is the best weapon for group play in ARC Raiders?

Osprey for overwatch, Ferro/Jupiter/Hullcracker for ARC duties, and a Tempest or Bobcat for lane clearing.