The main focus of buy arc raiders items here isn't just about stacking the most powerful DPS. Modern guns offer greater versatility and are capable of handling more than just raw damage. If you're losing matches to other players, it's normally because they beat you down with better positioning rather than because they had better equipment.

Weapon Performance Categories

Types of armor penetration and damage

Different ammo types work better against different enemies:

Heavy Ammo Due to its extremely high armor penetration it is able to smash both Arc machines and players. This is your weapon of choice to take on tough enemies.

Medium Ammo: Sits in the middle with moderate armor penetration. It's an excellent choice for PVP as well as Arc enemies.

Light Ammo: Tears through unarmed players but doesn't really scratch Arc machines. This is great for hunting players and not for fighting robots.

There are special energy rounds and launcher ammunition specifically designed for Arc units that are heavily armored.

Considerations on Mobility and Weight

The power of a weapon's weight affects both buy arc raiders coins:

Light-weight weapons (2-4kg) will allow you to take maximum loot and keep moving. Medium-weight options (5-8kg) are able to balance combat power and carry space, are a good choice for those looking to make a tradeoff. Weapons that are heavy (10-12kg) will limit loot and deplete stamina.

Stealth Mechanics

The stealth rating will determine how close you reach Arc enemies while shooting before they can notice you. Thanks to the built-in suppression the only weapon with an extremely superior stealth rating.

Starting Weapon Arsenal (Common Rarity)

You can build or purchase guns that require almost no resources, and use them for the duration of your game. The guns may not be as powerful as high-end guns in every situation however they're viable in late-game content.

The Ferro is one of the top guns in the game at any time. The Gunsmith only requires five pieces of rubber and five pieces of metal to construct it.

Combat Performance: This thing hits like a truck with high armor penetration, which makes it the ideal weapon to fight Arc opponents during the game. It is often able to kill another player in one go or even break their shields.

Downsides: You need to recharge after each shot, which leaves you vulnerable up close. Upgrades can cut down on loading time. The weight of 8kg is tough beginning, but becomes more manageable to manage when you increase your carry capacity.

The best weapon to use as the primary weapon to use in Arc combat at all skill levels. It is a great way to start player fights. Pair it with a rapid fire backup weapon for close-range.

Kettle (Assault Rifle)

Kettles are included in all free loadouts and cost virtually nothing to make (metal and rubber). You can also buy it from Tian Wen for around 800 dollars.

Combat Performance Even though it's semi-auto you can hurl shots quickly enough to destroy opponents. The 20-round mag gives you twice the Rattler's initial capacity. Each shot hits harder than the Rattler too.

Some disadvantages: Its low armor penetration makes this virtually unusable against Arc machineries. Reloading time is slower than other assault rifles. Its range performance isn't very good either.

Only for fights between players. Use it in conjunction with the Ferro for Arc encounters.

The Stitcher produces the most quality DPS among common weapons. It's accessible with all loadouts free of charge, or you can craft it from basic materials. Tian Wen sells it at 800 coins too.

Combat Performance: The firing rate will absolutely melt enemies who are not armored at close range. More agility over the Rattler mean you move faster during combat. A large magazine allows you to fight for longer without reloading.

The downsides are that recoil can make accuracy tough without training. You'll be wasting a lot of ammunition Arc opponents due to the weak armor penetration. It is best to use inside or in smaller spaces.

Close-quarters fighters who fight in tight spaces. Use an upgraded magazine and recoil-reduction muzzle attachment for best results.

The Rattler is the only fully-automatic weapon which can deal moderate damage to Arc armor. Bullets are loaded twice at a time when you reload. You can also cancel the reloading whenever you like.

Combat Performance: Handles Arc machines and players fairly well. More stable than the Stitcher, with less damage falloff, making it better at medium range. Moderate armor penetration allows you to harm stronger Arc units.

Cons: The magazine's 10-round capacity means that you have to refill the magazine frequently during long battles. The pure DPS is less than Stitcher.

Ideal Use: All-purpose main for beginners. Mid-range gun that can deal with the two types of enemies well.

The Hairpin is the most dangerous weapon for combat in Arc Raiders. You have to recock it after every shot, it does minimal damage, and armor penetration is terrible.

Combat Performance: Don't bring this to a real fight. It can kill indoor Arc opponents who are weak and die instantly. Its super-low weight and high agility rating means it uses almost no stamina when moving.

It is basically ineffective to any serious battle.

Best Use: stealth looting is a great way to avoid fighting. The built-in suppressor and the light weight is ideal in situations where you need to stealthily collect sources. Ideal for exploding weak Arc enemies you come across when shopping.

Mid-Tier Weapon Options (Uncommon Rarity)

They require a moderate amount of development to craft consistently but offer significant performance enhancements in certain circumstances. Most uncommon firearms provide only minor performance improvements over their common counterparts, but a few stand out.

The Anvil is a top-tier item despite its rare availability. Crafting needs are accessible through the most common materials. the option of purchasing vendor purchases is an alternative option.

Combat Performance: Sturdy armor penetration can slash through Arc's armor with ease. The 5kg weight makes it considerably lighter than Ferro with the same per-shot damage.

Limitations to Operational Performance: Close-range optimization means reduced effectiveness at extended distances as compared to rifles.

Recommended Usage: Universal sidearm effective in all situations. Functions as a primary weapon against Arc machines. The performance against other players. The light design permits the highest loot extraction, while maintaining high combat capabilities.

This weapon is competitive in player engagements because of its speedy firing rate and excellent accuracy. The 12-round magazine is bigger than the majority of pistol alternatives. The small size of the weapon is not a deterrent to enemies.

Limitations to Operation Insufficient armor penetration makes this weapon useless against Arc machines.

Arc Raiders' weapon selection is heavily influenced by intended gameplay, progression stage and availability of resources. Each weapon has its own advantages that experienced players can use to their advantage.

Successful raiders know their weapons' strengths, limitations and loadouts. They also alter their gear choices to change conditions. Be able to master a few weapons instead of trying to learn every option superficially.Arc Raiders Weapons Guide: Complete Tier List and Stats 2025