ARC Raiders: Best Guns for Every Style

Weapons form the core of combat strategy in ARC Raiders, a high-stakes third-person shooter where survival depends on picking the right gun for the job. Players face deadly ARC machines and rival Raiders in intense extraction battles where each weapon category shines under different circumstances. This guide covers the top guns in the game, their strengths, how to upgrade them, and how to build effective loadouts.

Best guns for close, mid, and long range combat

Anvil hand cannon: Powerhouse at close to mid-range

The Anvil excels in raw stopping power, firing heavy rounds that inflict significant damage per shot. It’s perfect when confronting enemies up close or at mid-range where precision shots can quickly down foes before they react. With a moderate 6-round magazine and manageable recoil, it rewards players who can aim well. Additionally, it supports suppressor mods for stealth tactics. Ammo scarcity means shots should count.

Rattler assault rifle: Reliable mid-range workhorse

The Rattler remains a favorite for its consistent damage (around 9 per bullet) and versatile fully automatic fire. Although starting with a small 10-round magazine, upgraded versions become much deadlier with extended mags that increase ammo capacity up to 22 rounds. It uses medium ammo, which balances availability and effective damage against ARC armor, making it ideal for well-rounded playstyles.

Vulcano shotgun: Devastating short-range damage

For close-quarters domination, the Vulcano’s semi-auto firing delivers heavy burst damage ideal for clearing rooms and chokepoints. Its damage output (~49 per pellet) outperforms many rifles at short distances but quickly falls off beyond 26 meters. This shotgun thrives in aggressive playstyles where getting close is key but demands good ammo management due to limited shotgun shells.

Osprey sniper rifle: Top long-range precision

The Osprey is preferred for players who excel at long-range engagements. It fires medium ammo rounds that deal around 45 damage per shot, with an 8-round magazine that supports several follow-ups before reload. Its bolt-action firing balances accuracy and speed, enabling reliable headshots that often result in one-shot kills on unarmored enemies.

How to upgrade weapons effectively

Step 1: Gather upgrade materials

To upgrade guns, collect essential materials like Metal Parts, Rubber Parts, Mechanical Components, and Advanced Gun Parts by looting, dismantling gear, or crafting. Higher tier upgrades require increasingly rare materials harvested from high-risk areas and defeated ARC machines.

Step 2: Use the Weapon Bench

Bring your weapons to the Weapon Bench to increase their tier level. Upgrades improve magazine size, reload speed, stability, and handling, enhancing overall combat performance without necessarily increasing base damage.

Step 3: Attach mods and accessories

Equip attachments like suppressors for stealth, extended magazines for longer engagements, or foregrips for recoil control. Some rare weapons allow advanced "tech mods" that alter firing mechanics for unique effects.

How to choose your loadout

• Balance between weapon weight and expected mobility needs.
• Equip a close-range shotgun or SMG like the Bobcat or Vulcano alongside a mid-range assault rifle or sniper.
• Choose ammo types based on expected enemy type: use heavy ammo weapons against ARC machines and medium ammo for mixed fights.
• Upgrade favorite weapons fully before crafting new ones to maximize resource efficiency.

Budget-friendly weapon recommendations

If resources are limited, a Stitcher SMG combined with Ferro pump-action shotgun offers a versatile and cost-effective combo. The Stitcher delivers rapid fire to handle groups, while the Ferro disintegrates armored enemies with powerful single shots. Both are inexpensive to craft and upgrade.

Top ARC Raiders guns (table)

Other strong contenders

• The Kettle semi-auto rifle is a solid choice for controlled, precise shots at mid to long range, offering better ammo efficiency and accuracy.​

• The Bobcat SMG is fast-firing and great for close to mid-range encounters, though its low damage per shot means it’s best for spraying down weaker enemies.​

• The Torrente LMG provides sustained fire and a high-capacity magazine, making it ideal for squad-based play or defending extraction points.

Focus on upgrades and practice on weapons that suit your combat style rather than chasing every new gun. The Anvil and Rattler lead the meta due to their balance of damage, rate of fire, and versatility, but reliable shotguns and sniper rifles excel in more specialized roles. Experiment with attachments and loadouts during free-loadout runs to find the best combination for your gameplay experience.