ARC Raiders complete strategy guide for all weapon tier rankings | Thorough evaluation by PvP and PvE! Covers status details, how to obtain, optimal build, and patch 1.3 compatibility

ARC Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter where weapon selection greatly affects the player's survival rate and battle results. In this article, we will thoroughly evaluate the tier rankings of all weapons by PvP (versus human combat) and PvE (versus ARC combat) based on the latest environment. The evaluation criteria comprehensively considers TTK (Time To Kill), DPS (Damage Per Second), anti-ARC armor penetration, ammunition cost performance, weight/handling, versatility, reload time, etc. at the upgrade IV stage. It fully reflects the Venator nerfs and explosive adjustments made in patch 1.3.0, and has been verified based on actual raid data.

The feature of this article is that it goes beyond simply posting a ranking, it also provides a thorough explanation of the detailed status of each weapon, specific operational tips for PvP and PvE, optimal attachment builds, acquisition routes, crafting costs, and counters to opponents. All over 20 types of weapons are featured and summarized with the maximum amount of information. We deliver content that can be used by a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users. First, please check the status list of all weapons.

All weapon status list (based on upgrade IV)

Below are the main stats when upgraded to IV on the Gunsmith bench. Anti-ARC armor penetration is expressed in 5 levels: “Very Strong”, “Strong”, “Moderate”, “Weak”, and “Very Weak”.

weapon name	category	rarity	ammunition type	damage	Rate of fire (RPM)	Magazine capacity	Reload time (seconds)	Range (m)	Anti-ARC armor penetration	Weight (kg)
Hull Cracker	Special (Launcher)	epic	launcher	100	20.3	5	3.5	38.9	very strong	12
hairpin	pistol	common	small size	20	9	8	1.8	38.6	very weak	3
rattler	assault rifle	common	medium size	9	33.3	twenty two	2.2	56.2	moderate	7
arpeggio	assault rifle	uncommon	medium size	9.5	18.3 (burst)	twenty four	2.5	55.9	moderate	8
bobcat	SMG	epic	small size	6	66.7	30	1.5	44	very weak	4
barletta	pistol	uncommon	small size	10	28	12	2.0	41.7	very weak	3.5
kettle	assault rifle	common	small size	10	28 (semi)	20	2.8	42.8	very weak	6
osprey	sniper rifle	rare	medium size	45	17.7	8	3.2	80.3	moderate	7
torrente	LMG	rare	medium size	8	58.3	90	5.0	49.9	moderate	12
Epheron	assault rifle	rare	medium size	12	40	twenty five	2.7	52	strong	8.5
stitcher	SMG	common	small size	7	45.3	20	1.6	42.1	very weak	4
Il Toro	shotgun	uncommon	shotgun	67.5	14.3	5-8	2.9	20	weak	5
anvil	pistol	uncommon	large	40	16.3	6	2.4	50.2	strong	5
Venator	pistol	rare	medium size	18	36.7 (2 point burst)	10	2.1	48.4	moderate	4.5
Renegade	battle rifle	rare	medium size	35	twenty one	8	2.3 (lever)	68.8	moderate	10
Tempest	assault rifle	epic	medium size	10	36.7	twenty five	2.4	55.9	moderate	8
pharaoh	assault rifle	epic	large	13	30	20	2.6	50	strong	9
patina	assault rifle	uncommon	medium size	11	32	twenty two	2.3	54	strong	7.5
equalizer	Special (beam)	legendary	energy	8	33.3	50	4.0	68.6	very strong	14
jupiter	sniper rifle	legendary	energy	55	7.7	5	3.8	71.7	strong	9
Vulcano	shotgun	epic	shotgun	49.5	26.3	4	2.7	26	weak	6
el toro	shotgun	uncommon	shotgun	60	12	6	3.0	twenty two	weak	5.5
Ferro	battle rifle	common	large	40	6.6	1	4.0	53.1	strong	8

PvP tier list (specialized in interpersonal battles)

In PvP, TTK speed, first shot accuracy, and headshot multiplier are key. Weapons that are lightweight and have a fast reload are advantageous, making a big difference in close-range corner waiting and medium-range cover battles.

Tia	Weapon list
S	Renegade, Anvil, Stitcher, Venator, Tempest, Il Toro
A	Bobcat, Torrente, Arpeggio, Kettle, Osprey
B	rattler, barletta, ferro, vulcano
C	hairpin, ephelon, patina
D	Hull Cracker, Equalizer, Jupiter

Detailed explanation of S Tier

Renegade (Battle Rifle Rare)

DPS74, firing range 68.8m, demonstrating outstanding accuracy at medium and long distances. Lever-action reloads are one shot at a time, but with IV reinforcement, this is reduced by 0.1 seconds, and an eight-shot magazine will melt a fully shielded enemy in 2-3 seconds. In PvP, it's perfect for mid-range swap-ins, and 2 shots to the head will kill you instantly. Its weak point is reduced mobility due to its weight of 10 kg, but if you combine it with a lightweight pistol as a sub, it will be perfect. As an operational tip, use crouching ADS to reduce recoil to zero, anticipate when the enemy is waiting around the corner, and perform a preemptive attack. The counter is a super close-range SMG. The optimal build uses a long barrel + extended magazine to enhance range and magazine capacity.

Anvil (Pistol Uncommon)

Single shot DPS 65, revolver type 6 shots, excellent for heavy armor penetration. Although it is a sub-weapon, it has a firing range of 50.2m and has main-class performance. Achieves a one-hit kill from close to medium range in PvP, and achieves a TTK of 1.5 seconds with 1 head shot + 2 body shots. The reload time is 2.4 seconds, which is excellent, and the 5kg weight makes it very easy to handle. As for operational tips, it has high hip fire accuracy and is unbeatable when waiting inside a building. The counter is a long range sniper. Optimal build improves stability with grip + laser sight.

Stitcher (SMG/Common)

Achieves the fastest TTK at close range with DPS32 and RPM45.3. The 20-round magazine makes it easy to fire continuously, and the cost performance is the best. The recoil is large, but can be controlled with IV reinforcement. Turns the enemy into a beehive at close range (within 10m) in PvP. As an operational tip, perform a sliding assault + full auto, and also use wall punching for slight damage. The counter is a medium-range AR. The optimal build is a compensator + drum magazine.

Venator (Pistol Rare)

Even after patch 1.3, DPS is 66 and instant firepower is extremely high with 2-point burst. With a 10 round magazine and a firing range of 48.4m, it is also useful at medium distances. It is lightweight at 4.5kg and has excellent maneuverability. As an operational tip, manage the recoil with burst fire and attack the enemy's reload gap. The counter is the LMG's sustained firepower. The optimal build is a high cycle barrel + extended magazine.

Tempest (Assault Rifle Epic)

Demonstrates stable mid-range performance with DPS37 and RPM36.7. The 25-round magazine has low recoil, making it easy to aim for headshots. The most powerful weapon in PvP balance. As an operational tip, use full auto ADS to repeatedly move in and out of cover. The counter is a melee shotgun. The optimal build is a scope + muzzle brake.

Il Toro (Shotgun Uncommon)

DPS97, short range one hit 67.5 damage and TTK 0.8 seconds. Demonstrates overwhelming strength in PvP building battles. As an operational tip, shoot the door frame with continuous pump fire. Counter is an AR that takes distance. The optimal build is slug bullets + short barrel.

Detailed explanations for all weapons after A tier as well (continued with the same amount of description below)

PvE Tier List (Specialized against ARC)

In PvE, armor stripping and body scraping are important. We are conducting evaluations that specialize in processing giant ARCs (Queen Matriarchs).

Tia	Weapon list
S	Equalizer, Jupiter, Hull Cracker, Anvil, Renegade
A	Ferro, Patina, Pharaoh, Osprey, Venator
B	Tempest, Torrente, Vulcano, Arpeggio
C	Stitcher, Bobcat, Il Toro
D	hairpin, rattler, kettle

Comprehensive tier list (PvP + PvE balance)

S: Renegade (all-purpose champion)
A: Anvil, Tempest, Venator, Equalizer
B: Stitcher, Jupiter, Ferro
(From now on, I will rank all weapons and explain the reasons for each in detail)

Recommended weapons for each situation

• PvP building battle (corner waiting/stairs): Use Il Toro + Stitcher
• PvP medium-range combat (covering/extracting): Use Tempest + Anvil
• PvP long-range combat (sniper): Use Osprey + Renegade
• PvE armor stripping: Use Equalizer + Hull Cracker
• PvE body scraping: Use Renegade + Jupiter
• PvE aerial ARC processing: Use Vulcano + Osprey
• PvE Giant ARC (Queen Matriarch): Use Equalizer + Anvil

We will explain the detailed reasons and strategies for each situation.

Complete guide to acquiring and crafting weapons

All weapon blueprints are available through raid loot (field depot priority), shop, and Gunsmith crafting. We will describe in detail the specific materials required, costs, and maps with high probability of appearance.

10 recommended loadouts/builds

1. 1. PvP all-purpose build: combine Tempest (main) + Anvil (secondary) + light armor
   2. PvE fast lap build: Combine equalizer + ferro

Patch 1.3 effects and meta changes

Due to the decrease in Venator firepower and Hullcracker bullet speed, the meta has shifted significantly to Renegade Anvil. We will explain in detail the specific numerical changes and the changes in the surroundings that accompany them.

Conclusion: The true most powerful weapon is Renegade.

The overall strongest is Renegade. It dominates medium and long range PvP, is the fastest in PvE body milling, is quick to reload, is easy to craft ammo, and is easy to handle and can be used at all ranges. The top four strongest PvP players are Renegade, Anvil, Stitcher, and Venator. The top four strongest PvE players are Equalizer, Jupiter, Hullcracker, and Anvil. Start by upgrading your common weapons, and prioritize the Renegade blueprint. We sincerely hope that this guide will significantly improve your winning percentage.