Warframe: 10 Best Arch-Guns

Warframe offers an expansive arsenal of weapons, from energy-based pistols to colossal melee weapons, ensuring players are always equipped to face any challenge. Among these, Arch-Guns stand out as massive, high-powered weapons designed for destruction. While traditionally used in Archwing and Railjack missions, these colossal guns can also be deployed in atmosphere missions using a Gravimag, giving players even more ways to unleash their firepower.

Though the Arch-Gun category is smaller compared to other weapon types, the sheer power of these weapons makes them indispensable for certain missions and activities. Some Arch-Guns far exceed their counterparts, offering unmatched damage, unique mechanics, and versatility that make them valuable additions to any Tenno’s arsenal.

In this article, we’ll break down the 10 best Arch-Guns in Warframe, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and why they’re worth using. Whether you’re taking on hordes of enemies, destroying space threats in Railjack, or dominating atmosphere missions, these Arch-Guns are the ultimate tools for devastation. Let’s dive into the list!

#10: Mausolon

The Mausolon is a versatile and powerful Arch-Gun in Warframe, offering a balance of precision and explosive damage that makes it an excellent choice for both Archwing and atmosphere missions. As one of the most accessible Arch-Guns, the Mausolon is a reliable option for Tenno of all skill levels.

The Mausolon features two firing modes:
• Primary Fire: Fires high-damage, pinpoint-accurate rounds with solid critical and status potential, making it effective for taking down single targets or armored enemies.
• Alternate Fire: Launches an explosive projectile that deals massive AoE damage, perfect for clearing groups of enemies in tight spaces.

With high base damage and innate Radiation damage, the Mausolon excels against robotic and shielded enemies. Mods like Critical Focus, Automatic Trigger, and Dual Rounds amplify its already impressive performance, while adding elemental damage boosts its versatility against various enemy types.

The Mausolon is acquired by completing the “Rising Tide” quest and crafting it through the Railjack system. For Tenno looking for an adaptable Arch-Gun that shines in both precision and crowd control, the Mausolon is a solid choice that stands out for its reliability and power.

#9: Larkspur

The Larkspur is a dynamic Arch-Gun in Warframe that combines high-energy beams with explosive crowd control, making it a versatile choice for both Archwing and atmospheric missions. Its dual firing modes allow it to adapt to various combat scenarios, excelling at both single-target damage and clearing groups of enemies.

The primary fire emits a continuous energy beam with high status chance, perfect for melting heavily armored enemies and applying consistent status procs. The alternate fire launches an explosive orb that detonates on impact, dealing massive AoE damage and spreading status effects, making it ideal for crowd control in high-density missions.

With innate Radiation damage, the Larkspur is effective against shields and robotic enemies. Pairing it with mods like Dual Rounds, Critical Focus, and Automatic Trigger enhances its power and utility, while adding Corrosive or Viral boosts its effectiveness against tougher enemies.

The Larkspur can be acquired by crafting its blueprint from the Tenno Lab in the Clan Dojo. For Tenno seeking a versatile Arch-Gun that blends sustained firepower with explosive capabilities, the Larkspur is a strong addition to any arsenal.

#8: Kuva Grattler

The Kuva Grattler is a powerhouse Arch-Gun in Warframe, offering explosive firepower and exceptional versatility for both Archwing and atmospheric missions. As a Kuva variant, it features improved stats over the standard Grattler, including increased base damage, critical chance, and a customizable elemental bonus based on the progenitor Warframe.

The Kuva Grattler fires explosive rounds with a large AoE radius, making it ideal for clearing groups of enemies or dealing heavy damage to armored foes. Its high Impact damage and explosive potential excel against shields and clustered enemies, while its customizable elemental bonus can be tailored to handle various enemy types. Mods like Critical Focus, Dual Rounds, and Automatic Trigger enhance its critical potential and sustain, making it a devastating choice in high-level content.

The Kuva Grattler is acquired by defeating a Kuva Lich wielding the weapon and claiming it as your reward. For Tenno who enjoy explosive weaponry with immense damage potential and adaptability, the Kuva Grattler is a must-have Arch-Gun that dominates the battlefield with its overwhelming firepower.

#7: Kuva Ayanga

The Kuva Ayanga is an explosive Arch-Gun in Warframe that excels at dealing massive AoE damage, making it a top-tier choice for both Archwing and atmosphere missions. As a Kuva variant, it boasts enhanced stats over the standard Ayanga, including increased base damage and a customizable elemental bonus based on the progenitor Warframe used to create it.

The Kuva Ayanga fires explosive rounds that deal massive Blast damage with a wide area of effect, making it particularly effective in crowd control and against heavily armored enemies. Its projectiles travel in an arc, rewarding players who can anticipate enemy movement and positioning. With high critical and status potential, this weapon shines when modded with Critical Focus, Dual Rounds, and Automatic Trigger, allowing for rapid and consistent destruction. Adding elemental mods like Viral or Radiation further boosts its effectiveness against specific enemy types.

To acquire the Kuva Ayanga, players must vanquish a Kuva Lich wielding the weapon. For Tenno seeking a devastating Arch-Gun capable of obliterating groups of enemies and dominating high-level missions, the Kuva Ayanga is a standout choice in both power and versatility.

#6: Corvas Prime

The Corvas Prime is a powerful and versatile Arch-Gun in Warframe, designed for players who value precision and devastating damage at close range. As the Prime variant of the Corvas, it features improved stats, including higher base damage, increased critical chance, and better reload speed, making it a standout option for high-level content.

The Corvas Prime fires explosive rounds with high base damage and solid AoE potential, excelling at clearing groups of enemies and dealing heavy damage to single targets. Its high critical stats allow it to scale effectively in tougher missions, especially when paired with mods like Critical Focus, Dual Rounds, and Automatic Trigger. Adding elemental mods such as Corrosive or Viral boosts its performance against armored and health-based enemies, ensuring versatility across all factions.

While the Corvas Prime’s range is optimized for closer engagements, its incredible damage output makes it a top-tier choice for Tenno seeking a reliable Arch-Gun. The Corvas Prime can be acquired by farming its parts from relics or trading with other players. For those looking to dominate in Archwing, Railjack, or atmosphere missions, the Corvas Prime delivers unmatched power and efficiency.

#5: Velocitus

The Velocitus is a railgun-style Arch-Gun in Warframe, designed to deliver devastating single-target damage with precision. Its charged-shot mechanic makes it one of the most powerful Arch-Guns available, perfect for taking down heavily armored enemies and high-value targets in both Archwing and atmosphere missions.

The Velocitus features two firing modes: the uncharged shot, which delivers quick projectiles for moderate damage, and the charged shot, which unleashes a high-damage energy beam with exceptional critical potential. Its charged shots excel at long-range engagements, making it ideal for Railjack and open-area missions.

With high base damage and critical stats, the Velocitus pairs well with mods like Critical Focus, Rubedo-Lined Barrel, and Automatic Trigger, enhancing its critical damage and fire rate. Adding elemental mods like Radiation or Viral boosts its effectiveness against shielded and armored enemies.

The blueprint for the Velocitus can be purchased from the Market. For Tenno who value precision and overwhelming power, the Velocitus is a top-tier Arch-Gun capable of delivering devastating damage in high-level content.

#4: Morgha

The Morgha is a powerful Arch-Gun in Warframe known for its explosive capabilities and versatility, making it an excellent choice for both Archwing and atmospheric missions. With its two distinct firing modes, the Morgha excels at both single-target destruction and crowd control, ensuring it adapts well to various combat scenarios.

The primary fire launches high-damage explosive shells that detonate on impact, dealing significant damage to enemies in a concentrated area. The alternate fire releases cluster grenades that scatter and explode over a wide area, making it perfect for clearing groups of enemies in high-density missions.

With innate Blast damage and strong critical and status potential, the Morgha pairs effectively with mods like Critical Focus, Rubedo-Lined Barrel, and Automatic Trigger, enhancing its damage output and firing rate. Adding Viral or Corrosive further increases its effectiveness against armored and health-based enemies.

The Morgha blueprint can be obtained from Father in the Necralisk on Deimos. For Tenno seeking a dynamic Arch-Gun that blends powerful AoE damage with versatility, the Morgha is a standout weapon capable of dominating any battlefield.

#3: Fluctus

The Fluctus is a unique Arch-Gun in Warframe, renowned for its ability to fire wide, energy-based projectiles that pierce through enemies and obstacles. This feature makes the Fluctus an exceptional choice for both Archwing and atmospheric missions, particularly in scenarios requiring crowd control and precision.

The Fluctus fires massive, horizontal energy waves with high base damage and innate Punch Through, allowing it to hit multiple enemies and bypass cover effortlessly. This makes it highly effective in dense enemy formations or against targets that are difficult to reach. With solid critical and status stats, the Fluctus works well with mods like Critical Focus, Dual Rounds, and Rubedo-Lined Barrel, boosting its already impressive damage output. Adding Corrosive or Radiation ensures versatility against various enemy types.

This Arch-Gun is particularly effective in open areas or missions where large groups of enemies need to be neutralized quickly. The Fluctus blueprint is available in the Tenno Lab of the Clan Dojo. For Tenno who value a blend of crowd control and high-powered precision, the Fluctus is an outstanding Arch-Gun that excels in any mission type.

#2: Imperator Vandal

The Imperator Vandal is a highly versatile and powerful Arch-Gun in Warframe, boasting a combination of high fire rate, solid critical stats, and impressive range. As the enhanced version of the standard Imperator, the Vandal variant features improved base stats, making it a reliable choice for both Archwing and atmospheric missions.

The Imperator Vandal excels at sustained fire, delivering consistent damage with its rapid-fire projectiles. Its high critical chance and multiplier make it highly effective against both single targets and groups of enemies, especially when paired with mods like Critical Focus, Rubedo-Lined Barrel, and Dual Rounds. Adding elemental mods such as Viral or Corrosive increases its versatility, enabling it to handle a wide variety of enemy types.

Its excellent accuracy and range make it ideal for long-range engagements, while its high fire rate ensures it remains effective in fast-paced combat scenarios. The Imperator Vandal is obtainable as a reward from specific events or through trading with other players. For Tenno seeking a versatile and high-performing Arch-Gun that excels in both offense and utility, the Imperator Vandal is an outstanding choice for any mission type.

#1: Cortege

The Cortege is an immensely powerful Arch-Gun in Warframe, designed for Tenno who want overwhelming firepower and versatility in both Archwing and atmosphere missions. With its unique mechanics and high damage potential, the Cortege stands as the ultimate choice for dominating any battlefield.

The primary fire unleashes a continuous energy beam with high critical chance and status potential, making it perfect for sustained damage against armored and health-based enemies. The alternate fire launches a cluster of explosive rounds, dealing massive AoE damage and making it ideal for clearing groups of enemies in tight spaces.

With innate Heat damage and strong status capabilities, the Cortege pairs exceptionally well with mods like Critical Focus, Rubedo-Lined Barrel, and Automatic Trigger. Adding Viral or Corrosive mods further enhances its effectiveness against a variety of enemy types, making it versatile for high-level missions.

The Cortege blueprint is available from Father in the Necralisk on Deimos, requiring components from Isolation Vaults. For Tenno who value raw power, sustained damage, and explosive crowd control, the Cortege is the definitive Arch-Gun and a must-have for any arsenal.

Conclusion

Arch-Guns in Warframe may be a niche weapon category, but their sheer power and versatility make them indispensable for both Archwing and atmospheric missions. From the explosive devastation of the Cortege to the precision and sustained firepower of the Imperator Vandal, these weapons offer unique advantages that cater to a variety of playstyles. Whether you need overwhelming AoE damage, pinpoint accuracy, or crowd control, the Arch-Guns on this list stand out as the best tools for dominating any mission type.

By investing in the right mods and learning each weapon’s strengths, Tenno can unlock the full potential of these massive armaments. Experiment with these Arch-Guns to find the perfect fit for your arsenal and enjoy unleashing unparalleled firepower across the Origin System.