Best ARC Raiders Weapons
In the highly competitive and brutal environment of ARC Raiders, the right choice of firepower is the single most critical factor determining your survival and extraction success. Unlike traditional shooters, the balance of weapons here is complex, demanding an understanding of ammunition type, range profiles, and enemy weaknesses. Jumping into the Rust Belt without knowing the current ARC Raiders Meta is a fast track to losing all your gear to a superiorly equipped opponent or an aggressive ARC patrol.
This ultimate ARC Raiders Weapons Tier List serves as your definitive guide to the game’s arsenal. We have analyzed current community feedback, in-game performance statistics, and our own extensive experience to rank every weapon. This guide explains which firearms excel against rival Raiders, which are most efficient at taking down heavy ARC armor, and where you should invest your rare upgrade materials. We aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to build the perfect loadout.
Whether you prefer close-quarters combat or long-range sniping, following this definitive guide will dramatically increase your kill-to-death ratio and significantly improve your ability to secure high-value zones. Use this ARC Raiders Weapons Tier List to ensure your next expedition is successful from the moment you drop down to the moment you safely extract.
Understanding the ARC Raiders Weapons Tier List
Every firearm in ARC Raiders possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses that collectively define its place in the current ARC Raiders Loadout meta. While personal skill can make almost any weapon viable, some options consistently outperform others due to superior damage output, reliable range, or specialized synergy with ARC machine weaknesses. Below is a breakdown of what each tier signifies, helping you understand how we rank them based on overall PvE and PvP Performance.
Our Weapons Tier List Breakdown is structured as follows:
- S - Tier: These are the absolute best weapons currently available. They dominate both PvE and PvP Performance thanks to exceptional damage and versatility. They are highly reliable, offer fast animations, and often form the backbone of any high-level ARC Raiders Loadout.
- A - Tier: Strong and consistent weapons that excel in most combat situations. While not as dominant as S-Tier, they provide excellent performance for players who understand their optimal range. They are perfect for both intermediate and advanced players looking for dependable alternatives.
- B - Tier: Solid mid-tier weapons that perform well when paired with the right strategy or complementary gear. They may lack the raw damage of higher tiers but can still be highly effective when used in specific roles, such as support or specialized damage against light ARC units.
- C - Tier: These weapons are situational and are usually outperformed by higher-tier options. They can be useful for niche builds, early-game progression, or specific missions where ammunition conservation is key, but they are rarely seen in competitive or endgame content.
- D - Tier: Weapons in this category are generally inefficient. They often suffer from poor handling, low damage output, or severe range limitations, making them difficult to use effectively against both Raiders and armored ARC threats. Use these only if you have no better alternative or as a challenge.
Keep in mind that while S-Tier weapons are generally the most efficient, mastering any weapon with the right upgrades and modules can lead to impressive results.
S-Tier: The Apex of the ARC Raiders Meta
These two weapons represent the absolute peak of the ARC Raiders Meta. The Anvil Hand Cannon delivers staggering precision damage in a compact package, making it deadly at mid-range against both Raiders and exposed ARC components. The Ferro – Single-Shot Heavy Rifle is unmatched for bursting down elite targets; its immense alpha damage allows experienced players to quickly dispatch high-priority ARC machines and secure long-range kills against players, making it a critical tool for any fireteam.
A-Tier: Strong and Highly Consistent Performers
A-Tier weapons are exceptionally strong and reliable. While they might lack the sheer situational dominance of S-Tier picks, the Kettle Semi-Automatic Rifle offers excellent sustained fire and the Osprey – Bolt-Action Sniper provides quick, consistent removal of distant targets. The Renegade and Jupiter are both top choices for intermediate players, providing high damage output that is effective against both player armor and medium ARC threats.
B-Tier: Reliable Mid-Range Loadout Staples
B-Tier weapons are solid choices, often found and utilized early on, and they perform well after some investment in upgrades. The Tempest and Rattler are both dependable full-auto Assault Rifles, offering easy-to-manage recoil. While the Arpeggio requires better aim for its burst fire, and the Venator is situational, all B-Tier options are excellent for mid-range skirmishes and focused ARC encounters.
C-Tier: Niche and Early-Game Tools
C-Tier weapons are primarily used during the early stages or when running low-risk, FREE Loadouts. The Burletta and Hairpin pistols, while lacking sustained power, are great for conserving primary ammunition. The Vulcano Shotgun can be effective in tight interiors, but its short range makes it impractical for general use across the larger maps. Try to upgrade or replace these weapons quickly.
D-Tier: Avoid If Possible
D-Tier weapons suffer from major drawbacks that make them inefficient for competitive play. The Il Torro Pump-Action Shotgun is simply too slow, the Torrente – LMG lacks the damage output to justify its mobility penalty, and the Equalizer – Beam Rifle (Energy) is situational at best. I strongly recommend replacing these with any B-Tier or higher option at the earliest opportunity, as they will put you at a severe disadvantage against skilled players and armored ARCs.
Many experienced players look for an ARC Raiders Boost to quickly overcome the early-game grind and immediately access top-tier content without spending dozens of hours collecting common materials.
S-Tier Weapons Explained: Dominance and Versatility
The weapons listed in the S-Tier are foundational to the current ARC Raiders Meta, offering unparalleled damage output and efficiency across nearly all engagement types. These are the tools that maximize your survival and extraction rate.
- Anvil Hand Cannon: This weapon is considered one of the Best ARC Raiders Weapons due to its incredible precision. It delivers massive, accurate damage, making it a viable primary choice for medium-range duels against Raiders and for surgically eliminating vulnerable ARC components. Its high burst potential rewards disciplined aimers.
- Ferro – Single-Shot Heavy Rifle: The Ferro provides devastating alpha damage, unmatched in the game. It is the perfect tool for rapidly bursting down heavy ARC units like Bastions or Queens. While it demands a calculated shot due to its single-shot nature, the result is nearly guaranteed elimination of high-priority targets, ensuring quick mission objective completion.
A-Tier Weapons Explained: Strong and Consistent Performers
The A-Tier Weapons maintain exceptional consistency and strength, easily outperforming the majority of the arsenal. While the S-Tier weapons may slightly edge them out in specific niches, these are the most dependable firearms for any loadout.
- Kettle Semi-Automatic Rifle: The Kettle is an outstanding workhorse. It offers a perfect balance of manageable recoil, high damage per shot, and a solid rate of fire, making it reliable for sustained mid-to-long-range harassment against Raiders. Its sustained damage profile also works wonders on medium ARC armor.
- Osprey – Bolt-Action Sniper: This weapon is the preferred choice for players focusing on long-distance support. The Osprey provides consistent one-shot potential against unshielded Raiders and is highly effective at disabling specific long-range ARC threats due to its reliable bullet velocity.
- Renegade – Lever-Action Battle Rifle: The Renegade is a satisfying, high-risk, high-reward option. It hits extremely hard and rewards aggressive players with devastating damage output at mid-range. Mastering its lever action animation and effective recoil control is key to unleashing its full power.
- Jupiter – Bolt-Action Heavy Sniper: As a heavy sniper, the Jupiter offers higher base damage than the Osprey, making it slightly slower but more effective against armored elite enemies. It serves as an excellent anchor weapon for fireteams needing penetrating power against heavy defenses.
Tips, Warnings, and Loadout Strategy
Even the highest-tier weapons require thoughtful integration into your loadout to maximize their effectiveness. Utilize these strategic tips and warnings to ensure optimal performance when facing the dangers of the Rust Belt.
- Tip: Prioritize Loadout Synergy: Always ensure your primary and secondary weapons cover different engagement ranges. Pair a long-range S-Tier Weapons rifle (like the Ferro) with a close-quarters A-Tier Weapons option (like a robust SMG) to maximize your versatility in all combat scenarios.
- Warning: Mind the Mobility Tax: Be aware that heavy weapons, especially LMGs and Heavy Snipers, significantly reduce your movement speed and stamina recovery. This penalty can make fast-paced PvP encounters or quick ARC evasion extremely difficult. Balance firepower with agility for high-risk runs.
- Advice: Focus on Weapon Optimization: When using FREE Loadouts, focus your limited upgrade materials on attachments that boost stability and reduce recoil. For highly-ranked weapons, prioritize maximizing damage and aiming-down-sights (ADS) speed to win critical duels.
- Tip: Ammunition Management is Key: A common beginner mistake is over-relying on a single weapon type. Stockpile varied ammo (light, medium, heavy) and switch weapons when facing different threats. Heavy ammo is excellent for stripping ARC armor, while lighter rounds are efficient for standard Raiders.
- Warning: Energy Weapons are Situational: Weapons like the Equalizer (D-Tier) use rare energy cells and often lack the burst damage needed for aggressive play. While they can be quiet, rely on ballistic weapons for consistent damage and tactical superiority in the current ARC Raiders Meta.
Conclusion
Understanding where your chosen firearm sits within the ARC Raiders Weapons Tier List is the most effective way to improve your performance and ensure successful extractions. The defining characteristic of the current ARC Raiders Meta is the dominance of high alpha-damage and precision weapons, such as the Ferro and Anvil, which excel at both quick player elimination and rapid ARC destruction.
Remember that while S-Tier weapons offer the best statistics, proper Weapon Optimization and smart Loadout Synergy are equally crucial. Always balance your heavy damage dealer with an agile secondary weapon, and continuously invest resources into the attachments that support your playstyle. By applying the knowledge from this tier list, you are now fully equipped to make calculated choices that grant you a decisive advantage in the Rust Belt.
If you are struggling to efficiently progress your Raider, specialized ARC Raiders Leveling Services can provide rapid character advancement and resource accumulation, allowing you to focus on high-stakes PvP encounters.
FAQ
The Anvil Hand Cannon and the Ferro – Single-Shot Heavy Rifle are considered the top S-Tier Weapons due to their extremely high burst damage and versatility in both PvP and against heavily armored ARC enemies.
Energy weapons, such as the Equalizer Beam Rifle (D-Tier), generally lack the quick burst damage and consistency of ballistic weapons. They also rely on rare energy cells, making Ammunition Management challenging in extended raids.
You should aim for Loadout Synergy. If your primary is a long-range weapon (like the Ferro), pair it with an agile, high-fire-rate secondary (like a strong A-Tier SMG) to effectively cover close-quarters combat and maintain mobility.
Yes, B-Tier weapons, such as the Tempest AR, remain highly viable. They require careful Weapon Optimization and are excellent for players who value manageable recoil and reliability over the high recoil and extreme damage of some S-Tier options.
Change Log
- 05.11.2025 - Best ARC Raiders Weapons published.