[Ark Raiders]Complete guide to the most cost-effective weapons in the early stages! Thorough explanation of equipment construction and operation techniques for both PVE and PVP with Stitcher Ferro Kettle[Latest Beginner Strategy]

Ark Raiders is a multiplayer extraction shooter set in a ruined future world. Players take on the role of a raider who descends into a dangerous map infested with mysterious mechanical lifeforms, the Ark, and collects valuable resources in order to escape. While the PVE elements are strong and you fight against swarms of Ark, you also have PVP with other raiders, making the game play full of tension. Especially in the early stages, the choice of equipment greatly affects your survival rate. There are many situations where you have no choice but to use free loadouts or low-cost weapons, so it is important to make the most of common weapons with high cost performance before relying on expensive rare weapons.

In this guide, we will focus on the three most cost-effective weapons that you won't regret in the early stages: Stitcher, Ferro, and Kettle. These are recommended for a wide range of players, from beginners to intermediate players, as they are easy to obtain blueprints, have low crafting costs, and are easy to upgrade. Stitcher has overwhelming DPS at close range. Ferro is characterized by high arc penetration power. Kettle's strength is its stable mid-range accuracy. By combining these, you can efficiently conquer early maps such as Dam Battlefield and Buried Town. These weapons continue to be highly regarded in the current meta.

Below, we will take a deep dive into the detailed performance of each weapon, how to overcome its weaknesses, and specific operating techniques. In addition, we will provide a thorough explanation, including comparison tables, loadout examples, acquisition routes, and advanced tips. This will dramatically change the early stages of your Ark Raiders.

1. Basics of early stage strategy for Ark Raiders: Why are cost-effective weapons the strongest?

In the early stages of Ark Raiders, there is a serious lack of resources around levels 1-10. It is necessary to ensure stable firepower and survivability while keeping sortie costs down. High tier Epic weapons are attractive. However, blueprints are difficult to obtain, and crafting requires large amounts of medium and large parts. On the other hand, the common weapons Stitcher, Ferro, and Kettle can be easily crafted in the Workshop. Upgrading to Tier 2-4 is also low cost. For example, the crafting cost for Stitcher Tier 1 is only 2 small gun parts and basic materials.

The strength of these weapons is their versatility. In PVE, it effectively strips the Ark's armor. In PVP, quickly chip away at the raider's shield. The Ferro has the highest armor penetration rate of any Common weapon, greatly increasing early arc processing speed. It is also important that ammunition management is easy. Small ammo (for Stitcher and Kettle) is easy to obtain throughout the map, and large ammo (for Ferro) can also be replenished from weapon cases. Beginners should carry these with their free loadouts and prioritize collecting them for the first time. As a result, you can earn stable income while minimizing loss risk.

Furthermore, since the recent patch, mid-range combat has increased due to Ark's AI enhancements and PVP balance adjustments. The semi-automatic precision of the kettle is particularly useful in this environment. The goal in the early stages is to achieve Tier 3 of these three types. This will give you more time for base defense and night attack events. In the reports of players, there are many comments such as “Playing Lost Zero repeatedly with Ferro + Stitcher''.

2. Stitcher: Full performance analysis and tactics of short-range specialized DPS monster SMG

Stitcher is a submachine gun that uses small ammunition. Its selling point is its ultra-high-speed firepower with a rate of fire of over 900 RPM. DPS at Tier 1 is 87.5, which is Common's top class. In close range shooting within 10m, enemy raiders will be instantly killed. The recoil control is excellent, there is little shake during ADS, and even beginners can fire the head continuously. This weapon has a very high win rate in PVP melee combat.

Detailed features. Capacity: 25 rounds (35 rounds possible with extended magazine). With a reload time of 1.2 seconds, you can shoot continuously without interruption. For small arcs, rapid body fire will instantly melt them. It is also good at destroying the legs of medium-sized arcs. In PVP, the burst from sliding approach is powerful. Removes 3 shields in 3 seconds. In fact, there are many situations where you can defeat an opponent with Venator IV using only Stitcher.

Its weaknesses are reduced damage at medium and long range and low armor penetration. A barrage of bullets bounces off the large arc. You will be at a disadvantage in mid-range PVP. The way to overcome this is by equipping an extended magazine and positioning. Make use of cover and always try to attract enemies. The operation tips are as follows.

• Close-range specialized tactics: Demonstrate maximum power in the narrow passages of the Dam Battlefield and in the buildings of the Buried City. When you sense an enemy approaching, immediately slide + fire and aim for the head to reduce TTK to 1.5 seconds.
• Combo use: Follow up after throwing a grenade. Combined with shield recharge, it continues DPS while recovering.
• Upgrade priority: RPM +10% at Tier 2, Magazine +5 at Tier 3, Penetration slightly increased at Tier 4. It can be completed within a total cost of 500 credits.

Image: The compact SMG body features a high-speed spin-up barrel and a red muzzle flash. In actual battle, the sight of clearing out 10 enemy arcs in 5 seconds is impressive. For beginners, if you use this as a sub-weapon and use Ferro as your main weapon, it will have excellent compatibility and stabilize both PVE and PVP.

3. Ferro: PVE unparalleled penetration champion Strategic use of battle rifle

The Ferro is a single-shot bolt-action (semi-auto capable) battle rifle with large ammunition. Arc armor penetration is the best in Common. One shot deals more than 200 damage and has a penetration rate of 80%, allowing you to strip off the armor of a large arc and instantly kill it by exposing its back. The rating in PVE is the highest class.

Detailed performance: RPM 40, number of bullets: 5, reload time: 2.5 seconds. High accuracy and stable headshots from 50m away. In PVE, it is best to aim at the legs of the Matriarch (large boss Arc). Material recovery rate after part destruction is greatly increased. Excellent as a scraper in PVP. A powerful strategy is to deal 100 damage with one shot and finish it off with a sub.

Its weaknesses are its slow rate of fire and short-range disadvantage. He lacks PVP decision-making ability and relies on his ice ax when approached. The trick is to secure a high position and conserve ammunition. Ambush them at the communication tower in the northwestern part of the Dam Battlefield or the buried central square of the town, fire one shot, and run away repeatedly.

Operation technique:

• PVE route: Weapon case rotation. You can wipe out a group of large arcs with a piercing shot, and clear it in 15 minutes with 80 shots.
• PVP cooperation: Pair up with an ally who has Stitcher. The ferro will chip away at the shield, and your allies will deliver the final blow.
• Upgrade: Tier 2 RPM +5, Tier 3 penetration +10%, Tier 4 bullet +1. The materials are mainly collected from Balu Ore.

There are many reports such as “2 kills of Reapers with 1 Ferro”. Image: Long barrel with bolt handle and green optical sight. It shows its true value especially in night attack events.

4. Kettle: The king of all-around precision in the early stages. Stable operation and build optimization of AR

The Kettle is a small ammunition semi-automatic assault rifle. A weapon with extremely high mid-range accuracy. RPM 300, damage per shot 80, number of bullets 30. Recoil is close to zero, and stable shooting is possible on a par with full auto.

Features: Good at saving ammo. The win rate in mid-range PVP battles is high. Although it is somewhat weak against large arcs, it is the fastest class for small sweeps. The sense of stability at medium distances is outstanding.

Weaknesses: Damage to hard arcs is low, short-range DPS is inferior. The countermeasure is to specialize in headshots and switch to sub-weapons.

Tips:

• Medium-range keep: Fires ADS continuously on a buried city rooftop. TTK is about 2 seconds.
• Ammunition management: You can conquer all maps with 200 bullets.
• Upgrades: Tier 2 accuracy improvement, Tier 3 ammunition +10, Tier 4 damage +15%. Completed at low cost.

Image: Classic AR design, black body with rail system.

5. Thorough comparison of Stitcher, Ferro, and Kettle: Suitable and unsuitable as shown in the table

item	stitcher	Ferro	kettle
ammunition	small size	large	small size
DPS (Tier 3)	95	85 (penetration specialized)	90
optimal distance	Close (0-15m)	Medium distance (20-50m)	Medium (10-40m)
PVE rating	B	S	A
PVP evaluation	S	A	S
Cost (Tier 4)	300cr	450cr	350cr
Difficulty of obtaining	Easy	Medium	Easy

Ferro is PVE specific. The other two are also versatile in PVP.

6. Full disclosure of recommended loadouts and efficient acquisition routes for beginners

Focus on PVE: Ferro (T3) + Stitcher (T2) + Small Shield + Bandage 5 + Large Bullet 40/Small 200. Search for weapon cases at the Formikai base at the southern end of the Dam Battlefield.

Emphasis on PVP: Kettle (T3) + Stitcher (T3) + Loot M2.

How to obtain:

1. Weapon case (dam northwest tower, southeast rubble)
2. Purchase Trader Tian
3. quest reward
4. Free loadout collection

Example route: Safely explore the buried city and open weapon boxes first.

7. Advanced Tips: Strengthen beyond Tier by using attachments and augments

The basics are an extended magazine (+20% for all weapons), sights (improved accuracy), and suppressors (sound reduction). Augments can be obtained through Clinic Exchange. We recommend improving reload speed for Stitcher and strengthening penetration for Ferro.

Recommendations by map:

• Night attack event = Ferro
• Base defense = Kettle

8. Summary: Completely conquer the early stages of Arc Raiders with Stitcher Ferro Kettle

The best solutions for the early stages of Ark Raiders are Stitcher, Ferro, and Kettle. PVE wipes out arcs with ferro. PVP is won with Kettle's accuracy and Stitcher's DPS. By combining them, you can create an almost invincible state. Achieve Tier 4 at low cost and steadily accumulate resources. Once you master these, the transition to mid-game will be much smoother. Start practicing today and travel the world as a raider. Safe exploration and smart weapon selection are the keys to success.