Best Cheap Build in Arc Raiders: Complete Guide

Arc Raiders is one of those games where every trip to the surface is a gamble. One unlucky fight, one third-party ambush, and suddenly the gear you spent hours crafting is gone forever. That’s exactly why running a cheap, reliable build isn’t just for beginners—it’s the smartest way to play. A budget setup gives you solid firepower, low crafting costs, and zero stress if things go south. You get the freedom to explore, push fights, and take risks without worrying about losing something valuable. In this article, we break down a simple but surprisingly strong loadout that delivers consistent damage, safe escapes, and steady progression without draining your resources. Here’s how to build a kit that costs almost nothing but still performs when it matters.

Best Cheap Build in Arc Raiders

A strong budget build in Arc Raiders is all about using gear that’s cheap to replace but still powerful enough to keep you alive topside. The goal is simple: run equipment you won’t cry over losing, while still having enough firepower and mobility to win fights, escape danger, and farm efficiently. Below is a breakdown of the best low-cost weapons, gadgets, healing items, and augments that give you the most value for the smallest investment.

Best Budget Weapons

Kettle

A super common light rifle that hits harder than people expect. It’s reliable, steady, and barely costs anything to mod, which makes it perfect for beginners and anyone farming materials.
Strengths: Clean semi-auto shots, low recoil, and great for controlled engagements.

Anvil

A heavy sidearm with big punch for very little cost. It shines in mid-range duels where landing a few accurate shots forces enemies to back off.
Strengths: High single-shot damage, great for poking and finishing targets.

Rattler

Cheap, easy to craft, and puts out solid DPS. If you prefer spraying down enemies instead of aiming carefully, this rifle fits right into a budget setup.
Strengths: Close-to-mid-range pressure, aggressive firefights, reliable sustained fire.

Torrente

One of the best DPS values you can get for almost no resources. Its accuracy and fire rate make it feel way more premium than it actually is.
Strengths: Melting targets in mid-range fights, great all-purpose pick for any raid.

Best Budget Gear

Barricade Kit

For almost no cost, you gain a life-saving piece of cover whenever you’re caught in the open. It dramatically increases your chances of surviving ambushes.
Strengths: Safe revives, holding angles, defending yourself in squads or solo.

Zipline

Movement is everything in Arc Raiders, and the Zipline gives you mobility upgrades for almost zero investment.
Strengths: Fast rotations, huge vertical escapes, quick repositioning.

Noisemaker

A cheap scouting tool that lets you bait, distract, or check areas without risking your life.
Strengths: Ambush setups, solo safety, recon on dangerous routes.

Shrapnel Grenades

These are extremely affordable yet hit surprisingly hard. You can craft them in bulk and never feel bad about using them.
Strengths: Breaking ARC armor, clearing groups, quick burst damage.

Smoke Grenades

Cheap, reliable utility that turns losing fights into escapes or allows you to revive teammates safely.
Strengths: Repositioning, stealthy movements, disengaging from bad situations.

Best Budget Healing

Herbal Bandages

A go-to healing option that’s very inexpensive and perfect for topping up health between engagements.
Strengths: Long runs, steady recoveries, low material cost.

Shield Chargers

Cheap and incredibly efficient, especially if you play aggressively and trade shields often.
Strengths: Fast recoveries, clutch saves, enabling re-peeks in gunfights.

Best Budget Augments

Looting Mk.1

Gives you more backpack space and carry weight, making it ideal for farming sessions where storage matters more than combat power.
Strengths: Longer scavenging runs, carrying extra loot, low-risk exploration.

Tactical Mk.1

Adds more Quick-Use slots, letting you run extra grenades and utility at the cost of tankiness.
Strengths: Gadget-heavy playstyles, more tactical options, flexible combat tools.

Combat Mk.1

A defensive augment that boosts shield efficiency but limits how much you can carry.
Strengths: Tankier frontline play, solo duels, shield-based defense.

Conclusion

A cheap build in Arc Raiders doesn’t have to feel weak, and this guide proves it. When you mix affordable weapons, reliable gadgets, and low-cost healing items, you end up with a kit that keeps you alive without risking anything valuable. It’s the perfect setup for farming runs, learning the game, or pushing deeper into dangerous zones without the stress of losing rare gear. By sticking to budget-friendly items that still hit hard, you can explore freely, win more fights, and save your best loot for when it really matters.