[ARC Raiders]Complete strategy guide for Aphelion | Tips for obtaining Matriarch blueprints, detailed performance, strongest PvP build, how to use PvE, comparison with other weapons

The new legendary weapon “Aphelion” introduced in the latest update of ARC Raiders has been a hot topic among players. This weapon is designed as a battle rifle and features an innovative double burst fire using an energy clip. Its appeal is its high instantaneous firepower in PvP and its high armor penetration against large ARCs in PvE. However, the difficulty of handling and the limited number of bullets caused problems, so it is positioned as a technical weapon for experts. In this article, we will comprehensively explain how to obtain Aphelion, its performance evaluation, PvP/PvE reviews, the strongest build suggestions, and thorough comparisons with other weapons. Based on the blueprint drop rate update in patch 1.3.0, we will provide strategy information that can be put into practice by everyone from beginners to advanced players. We will provide you with a detailed guide based on hundreds of actual Matriarch subjugation tests and player data. At the end of the article, we will reveal the secret to maximizing your leadership performance.

How to obtain Aphelion: The key is to collect the blueprint after defeating Matriarch.

Aphelion's blueprint is one of the most difficult items to obtain in the game. The main way to obtain it is by dropping it from the core that remains in the center of the battlefield after defeating a huge ARC called a Matriarch. This core appears as a large spherical object, with a single blueprint stored in its center. Since only one person can obtain it per battle, it is a point where intense PvP is likely to occur.

Step-by-step instructions on how to get it

1. 1. Check map conditions: Matriarchs will only appear in high traffic areas where the map condition “A Matriarch has been sighted nearby” has occurred. It frequently appears on new maps such as Stella Monteith. Since patch 1.2.0, it has been implemented as a more powerful enemy than Queen.

1. 1. Preparation for subjugation: It is ideal to take on the challenge as a team. We will mainly use anti-large ARC weapons such as Hull Cracker and Equalizer, supported by Venator (weakened in patch 1.3.0). We will thoroughly stop them with explosives.

1. 1. Core collection timing: Immediately after the Matriarch is defeated, the sphere in the center of the battlefield will expand. Predict the final motion and secure your position before the battle begins. Determine the division of roles among multiple people (recovery staff, guard, decoy).

1. 1. PvP avoidance techniques: Hyenas tend to gather near the core. Seal off the area with Smoke or Deadline Mines and quickly retrieve it via zipline. The drop rate has increased in patch 1.3.0, but is still low (requires multiple rounds).

Points to note: After obtaining the blueprint, rare materials such as Matriarch Reactor are required for crafting. If it fails, it will be a total loss, so prepare for back-upload out. For solo players, it is recommended to aim at night maps when the population is low.

Aphelion's basic performance and status details

Aphelion is a Legendary Battle Rifle in the “Experimental” category, with fixed performance that cannot be upgraded. Since it uses energy bullets, it is possible to save on ball bullets. However, the issue is the small magazine capacity.

This is the main status

• • Firing mode: 2 bursts (2 shots fired at the same time)

• • Magazine capacity: 10 rounds (5 bursts)

• • Ammunition type: Energy clip (high ARC armor penetration)

• • Handling: Heavy/Cranky (Handling is heavy and behavior fluctuates depending on ADS depth changes)

• • Reload: Medium speed, but there is a delay after burst

• • Range: Ideal for short to medium distances (recoil effect will be greater at distances over 50m)

At close range, it has a shotgun-like diffusion effect. At medium range, it boasts accuracy comparable to that of a marksman. However, the recoil kick between bursts is strong and the miss rate is high. In PvE, you can effectively chip away at ARC armor, but reloading when you run out of bullets is fatal.

attachment: Not compatible as it is a fixed type. The disadvantage is that it cannot be customized, but it will compete on pure performance.

PvP performance evaluation: A high-risk, high-reward weapon for experts.

In PvP, the mainstream opinion is that it is “strong but difficult to use.” It has high decisiveness in 1v1 mid-range situations, and can aim for an instant kill with a headshot. However, burst misses tend to extend the TTK.

Practical review and strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• • Close range: Shotgun behavior provides outstanding instantaneous firepower. Burst damage is higher than Venator (after weakening).

• • Medium range: Instantly destroys shields with armor penetration. The behavior change depending on ADS depth is technical.

• • Advanced user potential: Demonstrates the highest performance depending on aim accuracy.

weakness

• • 10 bullets limit: Ends with 5 bursts. You are defenseless while reloading.

• • It is difficult to handle: It is heavy and has a delay after bursting, making it disadvantageous in close combat.

• • Against groups: It is weak against multiple opponents due to lack of sustained firepower.

PvP strongest build suggestion

• • Primary: Aphelion (medium range mainstay)

• • Secondary: Stitcher or Kettle (close range backup)

• • Tactical: Mk.2 Tactical Kit (smoke when shield is destroyed)

• • Consumables: Stamina stim (infinite stamina 10 seconds), monster parts (decoy when summoning ARC)

• • Skill tree: In-Round Crafting (improvised crafting), Paranoia emphasis (strengthening vigilance)

Tips for fighting

1. 1. Positioning: Aim for a burst from a high place. Perform trajectory deception with jump slide + weapon switch.

1. 1. Counter: Venator users take advantage of the reload gap. Group battles smoke and retreat.

1. 1. Practice method: Get used to aiming by going around the solo matriarch. Learn recoil patterns with videos.

PvE performance evaluation: Large ARC specialized weapon

In PvE, it is excellent against large ARCs (Matriarch, Bombardier). However, it is unsuitable for mopping up small fry or sustained warfare. The energy clip's armor penetration allows you to save on ball bullets. Recommended for boss farming only.

This is a practical review

• • Against Matriarch: Instantly destroys the core with a burst. Increases blueprint collection efficiency.

• • Weakness: Runs out of bullets and lacks large ARC firepower. The reload problem is serious.

• • How to use: Use with Hull Cracker. Performs supplementary fire with energy bullets.

It's a PvE build.

• • Primary: Aphelion + Hull Cracker

• • Shield: T3 green (lightweight)

• • Tips: Divide the ARC by throwing monster cores.

Thorough comparison with other weapons: Differences with Renegade Venator

item	Aphelion	Renegade	Venator (after 1.3)
firepower	Medium range burst high	Equivalent to instantaneous firepower	Big damage from one trigger shot↓
Number of bullets	10 shots (low)	abundance	Medium
handling	heavy	nimble	Good (weak and heavy)
PvP tier	BA	S++	S++→A
PvE	Boss specialization	mid-level	General purpose↓

Aphelion is a “technical version” of Renegade. The Venator nerf fills the gap at mid-range.

Comprehensive summary of players who should adopt Aphelion

Recommended players: Advanced player with high aim accuracy who prefers medium-range 1v1 play. Suitable for solo PvP and boss farms.

This is a comprehensive evaluation.

• • PvP: Strong (experts only). It is a hybrid of shotgun and marksman.

• • PvE: Large ARC only.

• • Legendary Value: Unique. It is valuable as a collection + technical weapon.

Aphelion is not a “powerful specialization” but a “technical weapon”. It has the potential to change the meta depending on practice. Repeat the rotation of the Matriarch and secure the blueprint. This is a weapon that will definitely upgrade your ARC Raiders life.