ARC Raiders is an extremely popular PvPvE extraction shooter. The game features frequent PvP battles between players as they collect resources and aim to escape from a devastated world. In particular, the difference between winning and losing in PvP is weapon selection and its use. If you choose the right weapon, you can turn around even the odds.
In this article, we will focus on the three most powerful weapons that have received overwhelming praise in the PvP environment -- Venator, Anvil, and Renegade -- and provide a thorough explanation of their tier rankings, detailed specs, upgrade methods, acquisition routes, recommended builds, and specific strategies. Mastering these can increase your winning rate by more than 20%. Based on the latest patch information, actual battle data after nerfing is reflected. We will deliver useful content for everyone from beginners to advanced users.
- PvP strongest weapon tier ranking (latest)
- 1. Venator | The new champion of PvP sidearms, a broken DPS that fires two shots at the same time
- 2. Anvil | Large ammunition hand cannon, devastating firepower with 40 damage per shot
- 3. Renegade | Lever action precision shooting king, dominating medium and long distances
- 3 weapon comparison table
- Optimal weapon usage depending on situation
- Recommended PvP loadout examples
- Latest patch information
- FAQ
- summary
PvP strongest weapon tier ranking (latest)
PvP tiers are evaluated based on time to kill (TTK), maneuverability, armor penetration, and cost performance. Tier SS is the top environment, and Venator, Anvil, and Renegade are all SS-class. A characteristic of Arc Raiders is that common weapons are strong, and the appeal is that you can become strong from the beginning without relying on high rare weapons.
| Tier | weapon name | type | Main strengths | PvP appropriate distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS | stitcher | SMG | Strongest short-range DPS | short distance |
| SS | kettle | AR | High accuracy at medium distances | medium distance |
| SS | anvil | HG (hand cannon) | Instant firepower/penetration power | short to medium distance |
| SS | Venator | HG (Pistol) | 2 shots at the same time/lightweight | short to medium distance |
| SS | Renegade | BR | High precision lever action | medium to long distance |
| S | Vulcano | S.G. | Close range blow | short distance |
| S | Ferro | BR | Single shot high power | medium to long distance |
| A | Tempest | AR | Balanced type | medium distance |
| B | rattler | AR | Good cost performance | medium distance |
1. Venator | The new champion of PvP sidearms, a broken DPS that fires two shots at the same time
The Venator is a semi-auto pistol that has the unique ability to fire two shots at the same time with one trigger. Since it only consumes one bullet, its instantaneous DPS is top class among all weapons. It is lightweight, weighing only 5kg, and can be quickly swapped from your main weapon. Demonstrates unparalleled strength when waiting in a corner at close range or jumping out to shoot. Although it has been adjusted with recent nerfs (decreased firepower, slight increase in weight), it still reigns as an indispensable sidearm for PvP.
Specification details (at Lv.IV upgrade)
| item | value | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| damage | 18 (×2 shots) | Can be instantly killed with the head |
| firing rate | 51.38 (+66%) | Faster even after nerf |
| magazine | 10 (expandable) | medium sized ammunition |
| Penetration power | moderate | Effective for medium ARC |
| weight | 5kg | It is the lightest class |
| reload | -50% | It's super fast |
Strengths/Weaknesses
- Strengths: High damage can be achieved by minimizing exposure time. It fills the main reload gap and greatly improves PvP survivability. It is excellent in terms of cost performance and is easy to obtain from the beginning.
- weakness: Not suitable for long distances. Weak against heavily armored ARC (suitable for PvE support).
upgrade path
- I → II: Firepower +22%, Reload -16%, Durability +10 (Materials: 1 advanced mechanical part, 2 medium gun parts)
- II → III: Firepower +44%, Reload -33%, Durability +20
- III → IV: Firepower +66%, Reload -50%, Durability +30
Possible at Gunsmith Lv.1. We recommend increasing the durability to 130.
How to get it
- Crafting: There is a high chance of blueprints dropping in Raider Cache and the new map "Stella Monteith".
- Collected: Dropped from enemies after mid-game.
PvP fighting example
- Waiting at the corner: While reloading the main AR, instantly swap and melt the enemy with a double burst. It is possible to kill within 0.5 seconds of exposure.
- Infight: Performs a rapid fire attack from the waist during a surprise attack inside a building, keeping TTK to less than 1 second.
- quick peak: Repeats peak → burst → hide action at medium distance. You can achieve a hit rate of over 90%.
Recommended build
- Main: Kettle (medium range) + Venator (sub)
- Shield: Medium size (considering weight balance)
- Attachment: Angle grip (improved stability)
2. Anvil | Large ammunition hand cannon, devastating firepower with 40 damage per shot
The Anvil is a revolver-type hand cannon, and its biggest selling point is its 40 damage per shot and high penetration. Headshots instantly melt enemies. It weighs only 5kg and is a versatile champion that can be used in both PvP and PvE. Although it is a large ammunition, it has high fighting ability and can create a "win on first hit" rule.
Specification details (at Lv.IV upgrade)
| item | value | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| damage | 40 | It's instant death with the head. |
| firing rate | +75% | will be faster |
| magazine | 6 | It's a large ammunition |
| Penetration power | strength | Breaks through ARC heavy armor |
| weight | 5kg | Excellent handling |
| distributed recovery | -18.75% | Achieves stable shooting |
Strengths/Weaknesses
- Strengths: Ignores shields with penetration power. You can strike a reversal blow in PvP. Crafts are cheap and easy to carry around at all times.
- weakness: The magazine is small and it is not fully automatic (single shot).
upgrade path
- I → II: Firepower +25%, variance -6.5%, durability +10
- II → III: Firepower +50%, dispersion -12.5%, durability +20
- III → IV: Firepower +75%, dispersion -18.75%, durability +30
The materials are mainly large gun parts.
How to get it
- Crafting: Obtain early blueprints (Raider Cache in Dam Battlegrounds)
- Drop: Occurs frequently.
PvP fighting example
- First shot settled: At the peak, perform one torso → head follow. Achieves TTK of 0.8 seconds.
- Against ARC simultaneously: Prioritize enemy players in PvE melee battles.
- shoot and run: Fires one shot → immediately hides repeatedly.
Recommended build
- Main: Anvil + Stitcher (close range backup)
- Shield: Small (emphasis on mobility)
3. Renegade | Lever action precision shooting king, dominating medium and long distances
Renegade is a battle rifle with medium ammunition. With 35 damage per shot + high accuracy, you can dominate mid- and long-range shooting battles. The upgrade improves the rate of fire and provides SMG-like DPS even at close range. Although it weighs 10 kg, it is versatile if you use shielding.
Specification details (at Lv.IV upgrade)
| item | value | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| damage | 35 | High head bonus |
| firing rate | +75% | It will be a rapid-fire SMG class. |
| magazine | 8 | medium sized ammunition |
| Penetration power | moderate | ARC processing is good |
| Range | 68.8 | Stable at long distances |
| stability | 85.7 | It's outstanding |
Strengths/Weaknesses
- Strengths: High accuracy and no need for deviation shooting. Stable kills are possible at medium range. Excellent for both PvE and PvP.
- weakness: It is heavy and weak at close range (sub is required).
upgrade path
- I→II: Firepower +25%, Dispersion -16.6%, Durability +10 (Advanced Machine 1, Medium Gun 2)
- II → III: Firepower +50%, dispersion -33.3%, durability +20
- III → IV: Firepower +75%, dispersion -50%, durability +30
Possible at Gunsmith Lv.1.
How to get it
- Craft: 2 advanced mechanical parts, 3 medium gun parts, 5 oil (gunsmith 3)
- Drop: Can be obtained from enemies in the middle.
PvP fighting example
- quick peek sniper: Performs continuous lever fire from cover. Achieve a 95% hit rate.
- medium range shooting: Control recoil with finger-cutting shooting.
- shoot and run: Wipe out the enemy with 8 shots per mag.
Recommended build
- Main: Renegade + Venator
- Shield: Medium
3 weapon comparison table
| item | Venator | anvil | Renegade |
|---|---|---|---|
| optimal distance | Near to medium | Near to medium | Medium to far |
| DPS | strongest | high | High after up |
| weight | 5kg (light) | 5kg (light) | 10kg (weight) |
| penetration | Medium | strength | Medium |
| Cost performance | S++ | S++ | S+ |
Optimal weapon usage depending on situation
- Close encounter (inside a building): Venator (instantaneous DPS)
- medium range shooting: Renegade (accuracy)
- Reversal blow:Anvil (penetrating firepower)
- PvE melee:Anvil (ARC compatible)
Recommended PvP loadout examples
- general purpose solo: Anvil (main) + Venator (sub) + Medium Shield + Hull Cracker (for ARC)
- team middle distance: Renegade + Stitcher + Small Shield
- Early cost performance: kettle + anvil
Latest patch information
- Venator: Maintains SS despite slight decrease in firepower and slight increase in weight.
- Anvil/Renegade: Relative increase due to strengthening trend.
FAQ
Q: Where should beginners start?
A: We recommend Anvil. Crafts are cheap and can be used immediately.
Q: How should I manage my ammunition?
A: Priority should be given to bringing 80 medium and large size guns.
Q: Do I need high rare weapons?
A: No need. It can fight well with common reinforcement.
summary
Weapon selection accounts for 90% of PvP in Arc Raiders. Use Venator's abnormal DPS, Anvil's piercing firepower, and Renegade's precision fire depending on the situation to dramatically increase your winning rate. If you build around these, you can consistently win on any map. Refine your skills further through practice and rise to the top. Information will be updated from time to time.
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