ARC Raiders is not a game in which you simply equip “any” weapon and hope that it will fit. Every decision in the loadout determines how safely you get through the topside – and whether you extract with a full bag or leave everything behind. In this guide, I’ll show you which weapons are currently particularly worthwhile, how to put together sensible loadouts and what you should pay attention to if you want to become gear-ready quickly.
How weapons & loadouts work in ARC Raiders
ARC Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter: You fight against ARC machines and other players, collect loot and try to extract alive. Your weapons belong to different classes (e.g. assault rifle, shotgun, sniper, special weapon) and use different types of ammunition. Each weapon has its own recoil, damage, range and handling – which is why some models work better as all-rounders, while others are clearly specialized for certain roles.
Your loadout essentially consists of:
- Primary weapon – your main solution for most fights
- Secondary weapon – backup for close combat, finishes or special situations
- Gadgets & Healing – e.g. grenades, auxiliary tools, healing items
- Armor/shields – determine how much you take before you fall
So you don’t want “the one best weapon”, but a setup that suits your playstyle, your squad role and the respective run.
Best weapons for the start – safe, strong & easy to control
In the beginning, it is not about hunting legendary weapons directly, but about building a stable foundation. The following weapons appear again and again in many tier lists as strong options for beginners and are comparatively easy to play:
Ferro – Strong anti-ARC rifle
Role: Precise anti-ARC weapon with high single-shot damage.
The Ferro is considered by many to be one of the best weapons if you want to take out targeted ARC units. With a precise hit, you can crack shields and large enemies very reliably – perfect for taking out machines quickly and then cleaning up with your second weapon. You pay for this with a slow reload time and a more tactical style of play: you aim, shoot, change position or weapon.
For you if… you like to play calmly, operate at a distance and prefer to hit in a controlled manner instead of playing spray & spray.
Rattler – All-round assault rifle for medium distances
Role: Solid all-rounder in the assault rifle slot.
The Rattler is a classic AR: good rate of fire, controllable recoil, reasonable range. It is included in several lists as an S- or A-tier all-rounder and is well suited for your first serious runs. Above all, you gain consistency – no crazy peaks, but reliable in many situations.
For you if… you are looking for a weapon that feels “just right” and works equally well in solo and squad runs.
Kettle & Stitcher – close combat friends for tight situations
Role: Aggressive options for short distances.
Kettle (semi-automatic rifle) and Stitcher (SMG) are good additions if you like to get up close and personal. The Kettle brings solid damage; the Stitcher rewards you for flanking enemies and falling into their side at close range. Neither are pure meta monsters, but they work once you’ve internalized the knockback and range.
For you if… you like to play buildings, interiors and close cover and want to get up close instead of just poking from far away.
Meta weapons for advanced users – if you want more control
Once you have blueprints, resources and some experience, you can move towards the more powerful meta weapons. Many big tier lists mention similar names over and over again – especially these models:
Anvil – Handcannon as a backup monster
Role: High-damage secondary weapon for finishing and duels.
The Anvil is a heavy pistol with brute damage. It’s ideal for finishing off battered opponents or taking out ARC units for good after a Ferro hit. Many players consider it to be one of the most powerful weapons in the game at the moment – especially if you have your Aim under control.
For you if… you want a strong secondary weapon that ends fights quickly as soon as you hit the right timing.
Vulcano – Shotgun for close-range dominance
Role: Burst damage in close combat, ideal for house fights & ambushes.
The Vulcano is listed as an extremely powerful shotgun in many S-tier lists. If you manage to lure enemies into tight corners or surprise them from cover, you can often resolve conflicts with one or two well-placed hits. It naturally falls off at a distance – so always play it together with a mid/long-range weapon.
For you if… you like to play aggressively, push and control spaces.
Tempest, Bettina & Bobcat – powerful primary weapons for raid all-rounders
Role: Primary weapons for medium distances, depending on preference.
Tempest is often cited as an extremely reliable all-round rifle – accurate, strong in PvP and easy to control. Bettina and Bobcat are also popular options if you prefer more rate of fire or different recoil. Which one feels best for you will depend heavily on your mouse/stick control and preferred engagement range.
For you if… you are looking for a reliable primary weapon as the core of your equipment that will carry in most situations.
Osprey, Jupiter & Equalizer – specialists for special castors
Role: Specialized weapons for long-range and anti-ARC play.
Osprey is the sniper rifle in the arsenal – ideal if you like to play at range, open fights or cover fire. Jupiter (legendary sniper) and Equalizer (legendary energy weapon) are considered endgame options with extremely high potential if you can get your hands on them. They are rarer, but offer you clear power spikes, especially against ARC units.
For you if… you like to take on fixed roles in the squad – sniper, anti-ARC specialist or controlled backline player.
Example loadouts – how to get gear-ready faster
The following loadout examples are not rigid “meta-commands”, but directions that you can use as a guide. Adapt them as soon as you find other weapons, unlock blueprints or get to know your playstyle better.
1. solo all-rounder – safe & flexible
Primary: Rattler or Tempest
Secondary: Anvil
Gadget: at least one healing item, optionally a grenade
Style: Keep calm, choose your own fights, extract early rather than get greedy.
With this setup, you can reliably cover medium distances and, with the Anvil, have a strong answer for opponents who get too close to you or are already hit. Perfect if you’re traveling alone and don’t want to jump into every gunfight.
2nd ARC hunter – focus on machines & PvE
Primary: Ferro
Secondary: Bobcat or Bettina
Gadget: Grenades or tools that control ARC groups
Style: Prioritize large ARC units, break shields, then clean up with the secondary weapon.
Here you deliberately play the combination of high single damage (Ferro) and a fully automatic weapon for cleanup. Ideal if you plan runs against ARC opponents, farm loot and avoid PvP as much as possible.
3. aggressive squad pusher – close combat & space control
Primary: Vulcano
Secondary: Tempest or Rattler
Gadget: offensive tools (e.g. grenades) + healing
Style: push with the squad, break spaces, exploit tight angles.
With this combination, you take on the role of the spearhead: You go in at the front, use the Vulcano in close combat and fall back to Tempest/Rattler when opponents close distance or you can’t close fights.
Quick overview: Weapons & rollers in comparison
In this table you will find the most important weapons mentioned in the guide in compact form with their typical role – ideal if you want to get a quick overview before the next raid.
| Weapon | Type | Strengths | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferro | Rifle / Special | High single-shot damage, strong against ARC | ARC hunters, tactical solo players |
| Rattler | Assault rifle | Solid all-rounder, easy to control | Beginner, all-round raider |
| Kettle | Rifle | Good damage at short to medium range | Aggressive players, indoor spaces |
| Stitcher | SMG | High rate of fire in close combat | Flanker, close-range fights |
| Anvil | Handcannon | Extreme burst damage, strong finishing | Backup weapon in all builds |
| Vulcano | Shotgun | Dominant at short range | Push rolls, house fights |
| Tempest | Rifle | Precise all-rounder, good in PvP | Mid/lategame primary weapon |
| Bettina | Rifle | High damage at medium range | Offensively played builds |
| Bobcat | Rifle | High rate of fire, flexible | Player with good rebound handling |
| Osprey | Sniper | Long-range precision | Sniper roles, squad support |
| Jupiter | Legendary sniper | Very high damage, endgame option | Experienced sniper players |
| Equalizer | Legendary energy weapon | Strong against ARC, special handling | Anti-ARC specialists |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from the community
What is the “best” weapon in ARC Raiders?
There is no winner for every situation. Many tier lists currently see weapons like
Which weapon should I play first as a beginner?
If you’re new, you’re well served with Rattler or Kettle as your primary weapon – both feel familiar and give you space to learn the movement, radar and fights. Later you can switch to Ferro, Tempest & Co.
How important are blueprints & upgrades?
Very important. Blueprints allow you to reliably craft powerful weapons instead of hoping for drops. Upgrades at the weapon workshop improve handling, damage or comfort. When you find a weapon you love – invest in it.
Solo or squad – will my loadout change?
Yes, solo you need more flexibility: all-round primary weapon + strong secondary weapon and sufficient healing. In a squad, you can think more clearly in terms of roles (sniper, pusher, support) and tailor weapons more closely to a task.
Should I wait for legendary weapons?
No. Legendary weapons like Jupiter or Equalizer are strong, but rare. You’ll make more progress if you consistently upgrade solid epics and good blueprints instead of hoping for “perfect” loot forever.
Conclusion
ARC Raiders rewards players who consciously build their loadout instead of just relying on random drops. If you build a strong base of all-round primary weapons, a clear secondary weapon and a suitable role in your squad, you will quickly notice how your runs become more stable. Test weapons, listen to your aim, invest in blueprints and upgrades – then you won’t just survive on the topside, you’ll decide when and how you fight.
More ARC Raiders Guides
You can find more tips & strategies for ARC Raiders here:
The perfect starting point for understanding the topside and surviving your first raids safely.
This allows you to collect materials efficiently and systematically expand your gear.
