Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List December 2025: Best Guns Ranked

Choosing the right weapons in Arc Raiders can mean the difference between successfully extracting with valuable loot and losing everything to ARC machines or enemy Raiders. With 20 different weapons available, each with unique stats, ammo types, and combat roles, knowing which guns to prioritize is crucial for your survival. This comprehensive Arc Raiders weapons tier list ranks every weapon from game-changing essentials to those better left in your stash, helping you build the perfect loadout for any situation.

Key Takeaways

• S-Tier weapons like Hullcracker, Anvil, and Ferro dominate both ARC enemies and PvP combat
• Heavy ammo weapons generally perform best against ARC machines due to superior armor penetration
• Light ammo weapons excel in PvP but struggle against armored ARC targets
• Late-game weapons like Tempest and Bettina offer the best all-around performance
• Early-game weapons such as Ferro and Rattler remain viable even in endgame content
• Weapon durability matters – legendary weapons require more maintenance but offer better performance

Understanding Arc Raiders Weapon Mechanics

Before diving into the tier list, it’s important to understand how weapons work in Arc Raiders. Each weapon uses specific ammo types that affect their effectiveness against different targets. The game features three primary ammo categories, each with unique penetration values against ARC armor and enemy Raiders.

Ammo Types Explained:

• Light Ammo: Low armor penetration, high fire rate, best for PvP
• Medium Ammo: Balanced penetration and damage, good all-around choice
• Heavy Ammo: Highest armor penetration, perfect for ARC machines
• Shotgun Ammo: Devastating close-range damage but poor range
• Energy Ammo: Unique properties with special effects
• Launcher Ammo: Explosive damage, specifically designed for ARC targets

Weapon durability also plays a crucial role. Higher rarity weapons degrade faster but offer better performance when maintained. This creates an interesting risk-reward dynamic where you must balance weapon power with maintenance costs.

Complete Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List

After extensive testing and analysis of all 20 weapons in Arc Raiders, we’ve ranked them based on overall effectiveness, versatility, and performance in both PvE and PvP scenarios. This tier list considers damage output, armor penetration, ammo availability, handling characteristics, and overall utility in different combat situations.

S-Tier: Game-Changing Weapons

These weapons represent the absolute best choices in Arc Raiders, offering exceptional performance that can single-handedly turn the tide of battle. If you find any of these weapons, prioritize their acquisition and maintenance.

Hullcracker

• Ammo Type: Launcher Ammo
• Damage: 100
• Range: 38.9m
• Pros: Highest single-shot damage in the game, specifically designed to destroy ARC machines, explosive rounds ignore most armor
• Cons: Useless against enemy Raiders, rare to find, expensive to maintain
• Best For: ARC boss fights, clearing groups of armored enemies

Anvil

• Ammo Type: Heavy Ammo
• Damage: 40
• Range: 50.2m
• Pros: Excellent armor penetration, high damage per shot, reliable backup weapon, performs well against all target types
• Cons: Small magazine size, requires precise aiming
• Best For: Close to medium range combat, backup weapon for snipers

Ferro

• Ammo Type: Heavy Ammo
• Damage: 40
• Range: 53.1m
• Pros: Incredible armor penetration, one-shots most enemies, cheap to craft and maintain, available early game
• Cons: Single-shot only, slow reload speed, heavy weapon
• Best For: Early to late game, ARC hunting, PvP opening shots

Bettina

• Ammo Type: Heavy Ammo
• Damage: 14
• Range: 51.3m
• Pros: Fully automatic heavy weapon, large magazine, excellent armor penetration, good damage output
• Cons: Slow fire rate for an auto weapon, expensive to maintain
• Best For: Sustained combat against ARC, medium-range engagements

Torrente

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 8
• Range: 49.9m
• Pros: Largest magazine in the game, good stability, decent fire rate, reliable performance
• Cons: Low per-shot damage, heavy weapon, struggles against heavy armor
• Best For: Suppressing fire, crowd control, sustained engagements

A-Tier: Strong Contenders

These weapons offer excellent performance and versatility, making them solid choices for most playstyles. While not quite reaching S-tier status, they’re more than capable of carrying you through successful raids.

Jupiter

• Ammo Type: Energy Clip
• Damage: 55
• Range: 71.7m
• Pros: Highest damage sniper rifle, excellent range, energy ammo has unique properties, strong against ARC
• Cons: Very slow fire rate, expensive to maintain, rare to find
• Best For: Long-range ARC hunting, boss damage

Osprey

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 45
• Range: 80.3m
• Pros: Longest range in the game, excellent accuracy, good damage output, versatile sniper option
• Cons: Small magazine, bolt-action limitation, medium armor penetration
• Best For: Long-range combat, reconnaissance, picking off priority targets

Venator

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 18
• Range: 48.4m
• Pros: Fires two shots per trigger pull, good damage for a pistol, lightweight, decent armor penetration
• Cons: Small magazine, consumes ammo quickly, not ideal for sustained combat
• Best For: Backup weapon, close-range burst damage

Tempest

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 10
• Range: 55.9m
• Pros: Fully automatic, excellent fire rate, good accuracy, large magazine, versatile performance
• Cons: Low per-shot damage, expensive to maintain, struggles against heavy armor
• Best For: PvP combat, close to medium range engagements

Renegade

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 35
• Range: 68.8m
• Pros: High damage for a battle rifle, excellent range, good armor penetration, lever-action is satisfying
• Cons: Slow fire rate, small magazine, heavy weapon
• Best For: Medium to long range combat, precision shooting

Vulcano

• Ammo Type: Shotgun Ammo
• Damage: 49.5
• Range: 26m
• Pros: High damage, semi-automatic, good range for a shotgun, tight spread pattern
• Cons: Small magazine, severe damage falloff at range, shotgun ammo limitations
• Best For: Close-range combat, building clearing

B-Tier: Viable Options

These weapons are functional and can perform well in specific situations, but they generally lack the versatility or raw power of higher-tier weapons. Use them if you have no better options or if they specifically complement your playstyle.

Il Toro

• Ammo Type: Shotgun Ammo
• Damage: 67.5
• Range: 20m
• Pros: Extremely high close-range damage, pump-action allows for controlled firing, satisfying to use
• Cons: Very short range, poor armor penetration, slow fire rate, single-shot
• Best For: Extreme close-range combat, surprise attacks

Hairpin

• Ammo Type: Light Ammo
• Damage: 20
• Range: 38.6m
• Pros: Built-in silencer, good damage for a light ammo weapon, lightweight, stealthy option
• Cons: Very weak armor penetration, single-shot only, limited effectiveness against ARC
• Best For: Stealth gameplay, PvP ambushes

Bobcat

• Ammo Type: Light Ammo
• Damage: 6
• Range: 44m
• Pros: Very high fire rate, large magazine, lightweight, good for suppressing fire
• Cons: Very low damage, poor armor penetration, struggles against all but the weakest targets
• Best For: Close-range PvP, suppressing unarmored enemies

C-Tier: Below Average

These weapons have significant limitations that make them less desirable choices. While they can still be used effectively in the right hands, you’ll generally want to replace them with better options as soon as possible.

Arpeggio

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 9.5
• Range: 55.9m
• Pros: Burst fire pattern, good range, decent stability, medium ammo penetration
• Cons: Low damage per burst, awkward firing pattern, outclassed by other medium ammo weapons
• Best For: Medium-range suppressive fire, controlled engagements

Rattler

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 9
• Range: 56.2m
• Pros: Fully automatic, good range, decent stability, readily available early game
• Cons: Low damage, small magazine, requires upgrades to be competitive
• Best For: Early game, learning weapon mechanics

Stitcher

• Ammo Type: Light Ammo
• Damage: 7
• Range: 42.1m
• Pros: High fire rate, good for close range, available early, lightweight
• Cons: Very weak armor penetration, low damage, poor accuracy at range
• Best For: Early game PvP, close-quarters combat

Equalizer

• Ammo Type: Energy Clip
• Damage: 8
• Range: 68.6m
• Pros: Fully automatic energy weapon, excellent range, unique ammo type, good stability
• Cons: Very low damage, requires energy clips, poor armor penetration
• Best For: Long-range suppressive fire, energy ammo builds

D-Tier: Avoid These Weapons

These weapons are generally not worth using except as last-resort options. They have significant drawbacks that make them inferior to almost every other weapon in the game.

Burletta

• Ammo Type: Light Ammo
• Damage: 10
• Range: 41.7m
• Pros: Decent stability, lightweight, acceptable magazine size
• Cons: Very weak armor penetration, low damage, single-shot, outclassed by other pistols
• Best For: Emergency backup only

Kettle

• Ammo Type: Light Ammo
• Damage: 10
• Range: 42.8m
• Pros: Large magazine, semi-automatic, decent stability
• Cons: Very weak armor penetration, low damage, poor performance against ARC
• Best For: Early game when no other options available

How to Choose the Best Weapons for Your Playstyle?

Selecting the right weapons in Arc Raiders depends heavily on your preferred playstyle, team composition, and mission objectives. Different weapons excel in different situations, and understanding these nuances will help you build the perfect loadout for every raid.

For ARC Hunting: If your primary goal is to hunt ARC machines and complete objectives, prioritize weapons with heavy ammo or launcher ammo. The Hullcracker is unmatched for ARC boss fights, while the Ferro provides excellent early-to-mid game performance against armored targets. Pair these with a medium ammo weapon like the Tempest for versatility against mixed threats.

For PvP Combat: When focusing on eliminating enemy Raiders, light and medium ammo weapons generally perform better. The Tempest offers excellent automatic fire, while the Osprey provides unmatched long-range capabilities. Consider carrying a close-range option like the Vulcano for building clearing and ambushes.

For Balanced Loadouts: The most successful Raiders typically carry one weapon optimized for ARC hunting and another for PvP combat. A popular combination is the Ferro (for ARC) plus the Tempest (for PvP), giving you excellent coverage for all situations. Alternatively, the Anvil serves as a fantastic all-around backup weapon that performs well in both scenarios.

What Are the Best Weapon Combinations in Arc Raiders?

Creating effective weapon combinations is key to success in Arc Raiders. The best loadouts typically complement each other’s strengths while covering each other’s weaknesses. Here are some proven combinations that work well in various situations.

Anti-ARC Loadout:

• Primary: Hullcracker (for maximum ARC damage)
• Secondary: Anvil (for close-range ARC and PvP)
• Strengths: Devastating against all ARC types, good armor penetration
• Weaknesses: Vulnerable to long-range PvP encounters

Balanced Loadout:

• Primary: Ferro (for ARC hunting and opening PvP shots)
• Secondary: Tempest (for sustained PvP combat)
• Strengths: Excellent versatility, good performance in all scenarios
• Weaknesses: Requires good aim to maximize effectiveness

PvP-Focused Loadout:

• Primary: Osprey (for long-range engagements)
• Secondary: Vulcano (for close-quarters combat)
• Strengths: Dominates PvP encounters, good range coverage
• Weaknesses: Less effective against heavy ARC units

Early Game Loadout:

• Primary: Ferro (craftable early, excellent against ARC)
• Secondary: Rattler (readily available, decent all-around performance)
• Strengths: Accessible, cost-effective, versatile
• Weaknesses: Outclassed by late-game weapons

When Should You Upgrade Your Weapons?

Knowing when to upgrade your weapons in Arc Raiders is crucial for maintaining combat effectiveness while managing resources efficiently. Weapon upgrades should be based on performance needs rather than simply chasing higher rarity.

Early Game (Levels 1-10): Focus on mastering basic weapons like the Ferro and Rattler. These weapons remain effective even in later stages, and investing in their early upgrades provides better returns than constantly switching to new weapons. Prioritize damage and reload speed upgrades for these foundational weapons.

Mid Game (Levels 11-20): Start incorporating higher rarity weapons like the Tempest and Bettina into your loadouts. These weapons offer significant performance improvements but come with higher maintenance costs. Balance your investment between upgrading existing weapons and acquiring new ones.

Late Game (Levels 21+): Legendary and epic weapons become more viable at this stage. The Jupiter and Hullcracker offer unique capabilities that can justify their high maintenance costs. However, don’t abandon well-upgraded lower rarity weapons – a fully upgraded Ferro can still outperform a poorly maintained legendary weapon.

Where Can You Find the Best Weapons in Arc Raiders?

Finding the best weapons in Arc Raiders requires knowing where to look and understanding the game’s loot systems. Weapons can be acquired through several methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Crafting: The Gunsmith in your workshop allows you to craft weapons using materials collected during raids. This method provides reliable access to weapons but requires significant resource investment. Focus on crafting weapons that align with your playstyle and complement your existing loadout.

Looting: Weapons can be found throughout the game world in various locations. High-value areas like military bases, research facilities, and ARC installations tend to have better weapon spawns. Pay attention to environmental clues that might indicate hidden weapon stashes.

Purchasing: Tian Wen and other vendors offer weapons for sale, though their inventories are limited and prices can be high. This method provides immediate access to weapons but can strain your finances. Save your coins for weapons that significantly enhance your capabilities.

Enemy Drops: Defeating elite enemies and completing challenging encounters can reward you with high-quality weapons. These drops are often randomized but tend to be better than standard loot. Focus on hunting specific enemy types known to drop the weapons you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best weapon to kill ARCs in Arc Raiders?

The Hullcracker is the best weapon for killing ARC machines in Arc Raiders. Its launcher ammo deals explosive damage specifically designed to destroy ARC armor, dealing 100 damage per shot – the highest in the game. For more accessible options, the Ferro and Anvil both use heavy ammo with excellent armor penetration, making them highly effective against ARC targets throughout the game.

What are the S-tier weapons in Arc Raiders?

The S-tier weapons in Arc Raiders are Hullcracker, Anvil, Ferro, Bettina, and Torrente. These weapons offer exceptional performance, versatility, and effectiveness against both ARC machines and enemy Raiders. Hullcracker excels at ARC destruction, Anvil serves as a powerful backup weapon, Ferro provides early-game dominance, Bettina offers sustained heavy damage, and Torrente delivers superior suppressive fire capabilities.

How does weapon durability work in Arc Raiders?

Weapon durability in Arc Raiders decreases as you use weapons in combat. Higher rarity weapons degrade faster but offer better performance when maintained. You can repair weapons at your workshop, though the cost depends on the weapon’s rarity and current condition. A weapon at 0% durability becomes unusable until repaired, so it’s important to monitor your weapon condition during long raids.

What’s the advantage of legendary weapons over purple ones?

Legendary weapons in Arc Raiders offer superior base stats, unique properties, and better upgrade potential compared to purple (epic) weapons. They typically have higher damage output, better accuracy, and special characteristics that set them apart. However, they also degrade faster and cost significantly more to maintain, making them a high-risk, high-reward investment for experienced players.

Which weapons are best for PvP vs ARC enemies?

For PvP combat, light and medium ammo weapons like the Tempest and Osprey perform best due to their high fire rates and good accuracy against unarmored targets. Against ARC enemies, heavy and launcher ammo weapons like the Hullcracker and Ferro excel because of their superior armor penetration. Many successful Raiders carry one weapon optimized for each scenario to handle all threats effectively.

What are the best weapon attachments for each gun?

The best weapon attachments depend on your playstyle and the weapon’s intended use. For close-range weapons like the Vulcano, extended magazines and recoil-reducing attachments work well. Long-range weapons like the Osprey benefit from accuracy improvements and scope upgrades. General-purpose weapons like the Tempest perform well with balanced attachment setups that improve multiple stats without significant drawbacks.

How do I get better weapons in Arc Raiders?

You can get better weapons in Arc Raiders through four main methods: crafting at the Gunsmith, looting from high-value areas, purchasing from vendors like Tian Wen, and receiving drops from elite enemies. Focus on areas with higher difficulty levels for better weapon spawns, invest in your Gunsmith level to unlock better crafting recipes, and save your coins for weapons that significantly enhance your combat capabilities.

Conclusion

Mastering the Arc Raiders weapons tier list is essential for success in this challenging extraction shooter. By understanding which weapons excel in different situations and how to build effective loadouts, you’ll significantly improve your chances of surviving raids and extracting with valuable loot. Remember that the best weapon combinations balance ARC-killing power with PvP effectiveness, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups until you find what works best for your playstyle.

Whether you’re hunting ARC machines with a Hullcracker, engaging in long-range PvP with an Osprey, or providing suppressive fire with a Torrente, this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make informed weapon choices. Keep practicing with different weapons, upgrade your favorites strategically, and always be prepared to adapt your loadout to meet the challenges of each unique raid.

For more Arc Raiders strategies, check out our guides on the best items to loot for profit, every ARC enemy type, and field depot locations. For additional weapon statistics and detailed mechanics, visit the official Arc Raiders Wiki.