8 Best Weapons in Arc Raiders

Arc Raiders might be one of the most beginner-friendly extraction shooters out there, but make no mistake — surviving its chaotic world filled with deadly Arc machines and hostile players still requires serious firepower. Choosing the right weapon can mean the difference between escaping with valuable loot or losing everything in seconds.

In this guide, we’ll go over the best weapons in Arc Raiders, starting from budget-friendly options ideal for early raids to powerful high-tier guns that shine in late-game encounters. Since gear alone won’t carry you, mastering positioning, awareness, and teamwork is just as important as your loadout. Whether you’re farming materials, engaging PvE enemies, or facing off against rival players, these weapons will give you the best chance to survive, fight back, and dominate every encounter.

#8: Ferro

The Ferro may be a common-tier rifle, but don’t let that fool you — it’s one of the most reliable and cost-efficient weapons in Arc Raiders. You can craft it early on for just a few materials (five metal parts and two rubber parts), making it a go-to choice for new players or anyone rebuilding after a tough extraction.

What makes the Ferro shine is its impressive armor penetration and damage output. It’s incredibly effective against Arc units, often shredding through mechanical enemies with ease. In PvP encounters, it can even break shields or down opponents with a single precise shot, giving you a major edge in early engagements.

Its main drawback is its single-shot reload mechanic, which can feel sluggish in close-quarters fights. At 8kg, it’s also a bit heavy for early-game runs, but upgrades can greatly reduce reload times. Still, when used smartly with a strong secondary weapon, the Ferro remains one of the best all-round rifles for both survival and offense in Arc Raiders.

#7: Kettle

The Kettle might not look like much on paper, but it’s one of the most underrated rifles in Arc Raiders — especially for taking down enemy players. While its low armor penetration makes it less effective against Arc robots, this semi-automatic rifle absolutely shines in PvP thanks to its high fire rate and solid damage output.

What sets the Kettle apart is its 20-round magazine, giving it double the capacity of the Rattler while maintaining superior accuracy and recoil control. Even though it’s semi-auto, you can easily spam shots for consistent pressure, making it lethal in mid-range firefights. Its cheap crafting cost also makes it an ideal early-game or backup weapon when resources are tight.

Paired with a powerful armor-penetrating weapon like the Ferro, the Kettle becomes a perfect complement to any loadout. It’s a versatile, easy-to-use rifle that rewards fast reflexes and precision, proving that sometimes, simplicity is deadlier than fire rate alone.

#6: Stitcher

The Stitcher is one of the most reliable close-range weapons in Arc Raiders, offering an excellent balance of accessibility and firepower. As a fully automatic SMG, it boasts one of the fastest fire rates among starter weapons, allowing you to shred through enemies in tight quarters before they can react. Its recoil can be intense, but that’s a small price to pay for its devastating damage output at close range.

You can further enhance the Stitcher’s performance with attachments like a larger magazine and a recoil-reducing muzzle, turning it into a bullet hose that’s perfect for clearing interiors or ambushing opponents. Best of all, it’s easy to obtain — the weapon appears in free loadouts and can also be crafted using just a few metal and rubber parts, or purchased from Tian Wen for 800 coins.

Whether you’re raiding with friends or running solo, the Stitcher excels as a dependable backup or primary weapon for aggressive playstyles. Cheap, fast, and deadly, it’s a must-have SMG for anyone looking to dominate close-range encounters.

#5: Anvil

The Anvil stands out as one of the rare exceptions where an uncommon weapon in Arc Raiders truly outperforms expectations. While many green and blue-tier guns feel mediocre compared to their common counterparts, the Anvil is a powerhouse — easily one of the strongest hand cannons in the game.

Chambered with heavy ammo like the Ferro, the Anvil delivers devastating impact against both Arc units and enemy players. Its high damage per shot makes it perfect for close- to mid-range encounters, capable of dropping most targets in just a few well-placed hits. With six rounds in its cylinder, it offers a great balance between stopping power and reliability, rewarding players who can land precise shots under pressure.

Though it lacks the long-range potential of rifles, the Anvil excels in tight spaces and aggressive pushes. Whether you’re clearing interiors or defending extraction points, this weapon’s punch and versatility make it a top-tier sidearm — and arguably one of the best overall weapons for any stage of progression in Arc Raiders.

#4: Vulcano

The Vulcano is the definition of close-range dominance in Arc Raiders. While shotguns typically lack versatility due to the game’s frequent mid-range encounters, the Vulcano breaks that rule with its exceptional stopping power and precision. This semi-automatic shotgun features a tight pellet spread and massive burst damage, capable of instantly deleting enemy players or Arc units at point-blank range.

Its quick fire rate gives you more control and follow-up potential compared to other shotguns, making it one of the most lethal weapons in confined spaces. However, its effectiveness drops sharply at longer distances, so pairing it with a reliable long-range weapon like the Ferro, Bettina, or Renegade is highly recommended.

In the right hands — and within the right range — the Vulcano can turn any close encounter into a one-sided fight. It’s the ultimate secondary weapon for aggressive players who like to push forward and finish fights fast.

#3: Tempest

The Tempest is one of the most well-rounded and reliable weapons in Arc Raiders, essentially functioning as an upgraded version of the Rattler with far better precision and handling. Using medium ammo, it performs exceptionally well in PvP while still maintaining solid effectiveness against Arc enemies. What sets the Tempest apart is its incredible accuracy and stability — every shot feels controlled, giving it a level of consistency that cheaper rifles like the Kettle or Stitcher can’t match.

Its balanced fire rate and high damage make it a deadly choice for both close and mid-range encounters, allowing players to adapt seamlessly to shifting combat situations. Whether you’re ambushing players or defending a position, the Tempest delivers dependable performance across the board.

The only real drawback is durability — being an epic-tier weapon, it deteriorates faster and requires costly repairs. Still, for those who can afford the upkeep, the Tempest is easily one of the best all-purpose weapons in Arc Raiders, offering the perfect mix of precision, damage, and control.

#2: Bettina

The Bettina stands as one of the most powerful and dependable weapons in Arc Raiders, serving as a fully automatic heavy assault rifle that bridges the gap between raw power and control. Sharing the same heavy ammo type as the Ferro and Anvil, the Bettina packs serious punch — enough to shred through both Arc units and enemy players with ease.

Where the Bettina truly excels is in mid-range combat. Its slower rate of fire makes it less ideal for close-quarters fights, but the consistent recoil pattern and high damage output make it incredibly effective for taking down tougher enemies like Queens, Bombardiers, and Bastions. It’s a weapon built for players who prefer precision and sustained firepower over frantic spraying.

Whether you’re raiding Arc zones or engaging rival players, the Bettina’s versatility and stopping power make it an elite-tier choice. Reliable, hard-hitting, and efficient — this rifle dominates when used by players who know how to control its deliberate pacing.

#1: Hullcracker

The Hullcracker is easily the most specialized and devastating weapon in Arc Raiders, built exclusively for tearing through Arc armor. As a grenade launcher, it fires explosive rounds that only detonate upon impact with Arc machines — making it completely ineffective against human players but absolutely lethal when used for its intended purpose.

True to its name, the Hullcracker excels at obliterating heavily armored enemies, dealing enormous burst damage that can melt even the toughest Arc bosses in seconds. It’s the perfect choice when preparing for high-level encounters against massive Arc threats like the Bastion or Queen, where raw firepower and armor penetration matter most.

However, its one-dimensional design means you’ll need a solid backup weapon for PvP or general combat, as it won’t help you against raiders. Still, when used strategically in coordinated runs or PvE-focused missions, the Hullcracker becomes an unmatched powerhouse — the ultimate Arc destroyer in your arsenal.

Conclusion

The best weapons in Arc Raiders aren’t just about raw power — they’re about balance, strategy, and adaptability. From beginner-friendly tools like the Ferro and Stitcher to high-tier beasts like the Tempest, Bettina, and Hullcracker, every weapon shines when used in the right situation. Whether you’re clearing out Arc hordes, holding your ground against rival raiders, or tackling boss-level threats, the key is knowing which gun complements your playstyle and mission. Mastering each weapon’s strengths and weaknesses will make every extraction smoother and every fight more rewarding — because in Arc Raiders, your survival depends on the gear you trust the most.