The Ultimate Guide to Arc Raiders Weapons: Best Guns Ranked for PvP & PvE

Whether you’re dropping into a raid or fighting against rival players, your choice of Arc Raiders weapons has a huge impact on how each encounter plays out. In a game where every bullet counts — and every mistake can cost you your loot — knowing which Arc Raiders guns dominate in various scenarios is essential.

This guide is based on real gameplay data, including PvP duels, PvE arc pressure, weapon handling, ammo efficiency, range performance, and real player success rates. No theory crafting or spreadsheets — just what works when it matters most.

Ranking Methodology: How We Judge the Best Arc Raiders Guns

To make sense of all the gun options in Arc Raiders, we measured them using several practical criteria:

PvP Efficacy

The most important metric — guns were evaluated on their ability to win fights against other players. High aim assists, quick kill potential, and ease of use under pressure all influence performance.

PvE Performance

How well weapons handle arc threats — from weak drones to heavily armored units — affects survivability and loot completion.

Ammo Efficiency

Carrying too much ammo restricts loot space. Guns that deal more with less ammo are more valuable.

Versatility

A gun that works across ranges and situations scores higher than one that only shines in niche spots.

Now let’s break down every major weapon you’ll encounter in Arc Raiders.

🔻 D Tier — Weapons to Avoid

These are guns that feel fun or unique, but simply don’t hold up when real stakes are on the line.

Hairpin

While some players enjoy how quirky the Hairpin feels, its performance stats tell a harsh story. It does roughly 20 damage per shot — a laughably low figure compared to other guns in its class — and its effective range barely stretches past ~38 meters. The weapon’s recoil and bloom make consistent hits difficult, especially in the heat of PvP. Because it fires light ammo and struggles to output meaningful damage, you’ll almost always want to drop this weapon as soon as you find anything better. Its only redeeming trait is comedic value — but that doesn’t win you fights.

Arpeggio (Burst AR)

The Arpeggio is a medium weapon that fires in three‑round bursts. In theory, this makes it accurate, but in practice it suffers from two major issues: slow follow‑up shots and constantly having to reacquire your target. While each burst can deal respectable damage, you’ll often find that other medium weapons — especially autos or semi‑autos — outpace the Arpeggio’s damage output due to smoother handling and easier control. In PvP, this burst nature becomes a liability at any range against weapons that don’t stop firing or fire a single very damaging shot. There are simply better guns to run.

Bettina (Slow AR)

The Bettina is an epic assault rifle that uses heavy ammo, giving it strong damage against both players and arc armor. Controlled bursts can deal serious damage, especially in PvE situations. However, recoil makes full‑auto fire unreliable, and the weapon demands careful shot pacing to be effective. While powerful, the Bettina is best suited for players willing to manage its costs and limitations rather than those seeking an efficient all‑rounder. It simply doesn’t perform in PvP at any range compared to much cheaper options, and isn’t so good at PvE that it shines in that respect either. It is underwhelming at everything and extremely expensive.

🔸 C Tier — Usable, but Underwhelming

These weapons aren’t terrible, but they don’t compare well to higher‑tier choices once the game progresses.

Burletta (Classic Sidearm)

The Burletta feels like what you’d expect from a classic pistol — lightweight, quick to draw, and easy to handle. It uses light ammo and has a 12‑round magazine, which makes it a useful secondary in a pinch. However, its damage output is underwhelming against both armored arcs and well‑shielded players. It can win fights against less experienced opponents, but against better players or tougher enemies, it will struggle. The Burletta excels in early game or as a supplementary weapon, but as your arsenal improves, it quickly feels like a backup rather than a contender. Though it is still on par or even better than a Kettle if fully upgraded and using an expanded magazine mod.

Torrente (LMG)

The Torrente is an interesting LMG choice — it boasts high damage per second (DPS) at close range and a huge (60-90 round depending on level) magazine that can shred players and arcs alike. However, its handling is unwieldy unless you are crouched, with a bullet spread and recoil pattern that demand constant adjustment. The Torrente also burns ammo quickly, forcing you to carry extra stacks that eat up valuable inventory space. In mid‑game fights, many players find themselves needing to reposition or reload at bad moments. While it’s not useless, it’s better suited for specific playstyles — largely stationary, close‑range suppression — rather than versatile combat. Still, a Torrente in the right place at the right time can destroy entire squads… as long as you don’t have to move much and they run into you.

Rattler (Automatic AR)

The Rattler turns its weaknesses into strengths. At base level, its 10‑round magazine and slow reload are noticeable drawbacks — but once upgraded, it becomes one of the most ammo‑efficient assault rifles in the game. Its accurate firing and deliberate shot pacing make it excellent for players who don’t spray‑and‑pray but rather control bursts carefully. Because medium ammo packs solid penetration and damage output, the Rattler becomes a solid gun for mid‑range skirmishes and sustained fights. Its relatively low upgrading cost means you can invest in it early and keep it viable throughout your loadout progression. Its main drawback is how slowly it reloads, instead of the entire magazine at once, just two bullets at a time.

Jupiter (ARC Fighting AR)

The Jupiter is a legendary energy weapon built almost entirely for PvE dominance. Each shot deals massive damage to arc armor, allowing it to one‑shot lighter enemies and rapidly strip armor from heavy targets like leapers and bastions. Despite energy ammo stacking very low, the weapon is surprisingly ammo‑efficient. Its downsides are clear in PvP. The Jupiter has a noticeable wind‑up before firing, making it predictable, and energy ammo performs poorly against players. With no mods or upgrades available, it lacks flexibility. The Jupiter is only good against ARC and is slightly better in PvP than other energy weapons, but not good enough at either to be top of its class.

🟡 B Tier — Solid Choices With Limitations

These guns are competent and can shine in the right hands or specific roles but aren’t top contenders overall.

Stitcher (SMG — Close Range Slayer)

The Stitcher earns its spot by excelling in close quarters. It uses light ammo and has an aggressive fire rate that, when aiming down sight with precision, can shred enemies quickly. However, without upgrades, the Stitcher feels underpowered due to low per‑bullet damage and a rapid ammo burn rate that leaves you reloading often. A well‑modded Stitcher — with foregrip, barrel, magazine, and stock — becomes much more stable, giving you surprising lethality in tight spaces. It’s not great at range, but in corridors and point‑blank fights, this SMG brings ferocity that many higher‑tier guns can’t match. If you want a great close range SMG that is cheap then a fully loaded Stitcher can easily compete with higher tier weapons.

Vulcano (Semi‑Auto Shotgun)

The Vulcano is essentially an upgrade over the base Il-Toro shotgun, with a six‑round semi‑automatic design that helps mitigate the slowdown most shotguns suffer. Up close, it can absolutely decimate shields, smaller ARC, and players, especially. The challenge comes when enemies create distance: Shotgun damage fall‑off in Arc Raiders is extreme, so at even mid‑range the Volcano isn’t very useful. Using the Volcano effectively means mastering movement, positioning, and close‑range aggression, or bringing another weapon along with it. It rewards those who push fights but punishes passive players who get caught out. This is ranked lower than the Il-Toro simply because of how expensive it is in comparison for relatively little improvement, though it is an improvement.

Ferro (Medium/Long Range Cheap Powerhouse)

The Ferro is one of the most balanced high‑damage rifles in Arc Raiders. Using heavy ammo, it can crack heavy shields in one or two shots and punch through thicker arc armor that other weapons merely scratch. Its slower fire rate means you need to make each shot count, but that’s where the Ferro shines — it rewards precision and patience. Mod slots for barrel, foregrip, and stock allow you to tune it for either long‑range duels or slightly closer engagements. In skilled hands, this rifle controls mid‑to‑long‑range fights and forces opponents to rethink how they approach you. As long as you don’t let your opponent get close the Ferro is very capable, but hard to master due to its slow aiming speed and need to reload after every shot. It would be a lower tier due to its short range limitations, but it is also extremely cheap, making it a great budget option.

Osprey (Sniper Rifle)

The Osprey sits in a niche many players overlook: a mid‑to‑long‑range rifle with moderate weight, decent ammo efficiency, and surprisingly strong handling. Not to mention, this weapon has a fantastic Scope. The Osprey’s moderate recoil and built‑in optic make it easier for players to consistently land hits at distance. While it doesn’t punch as hard on ARC as dedicated heavy weapons, its ammo use is efficient and it can deal steady damage to both players and arcs when aimed. In coordinated teams or when played by sharpshooters, the Osprey can control sightlines and support teammates effectively, even if it’s not top‑tier solo. Just be careful to make sure you unscope and chamber another round after each shot.

Tempest (Reliable Mid-Range Dominator)

The Tempest is one of the most consistent assault rifles in Arc Raiders. Using medium ammo, it delivers strong damage with a recoil pattern that’s easy to control in both tap‑fire and full‑auto situations. If you engage first, the Tempest will win most medium‑range PvP fights. It performs well against ARCs when weak spots are targeted. Its weight and high crafting cost are the main downsides, but for players who can afford it, the Tempest remains a decent choice for reliable PvP and PvE performance.

🔥 A Tier — Win More Fights, More Often

These guns are strong choices that outperform most others in the right context.

Renegade (Medium Range Hybrid)

If the Ferro is precision, the Renegade is efficiency. With medium ammo and a lever‑action design, this rifle trades a bit of raw power for a faster follow‑up shot rate and easier handling in dynamically changing fights. It feels right in the sweet spot between a sniper and an assault rifle — you can hold angles at 50–150 meters, then transition into closer engagements without feeling undergunned. The Renegade’s ammunition is abundant enough to sustain extended fights, and its suppressor capability lets you pick targets without immediately revealing your position. If you can reliably hit your shots, especially on the head, this weapon is effective at all ranges.

Aphelion (Burst Fire AR)

The Aphelion brings burst fire into the dance, giving medium‑range players an option that’s neither fully automatic nor purely single shot. Its bursts deliver solid chunk damage, and in good hands this creates a rhythm that’s tough for enemies to counter. It’s not mechanically overwhelming to use, which makes it approachable for players scaling up from beginner to intermediate skill levels. Though it doesn’t dominate like some S‑tier picks, it earns its place due to reliable damage spread and being energy based, making it great against ARC enemies.

Anvil (Heavy Revolver)

The Anvil is a superb example of how a “sidearm” can outperform expectations. This heavy ammo revolver packs a massive punch, capable of chunking player shields or tearing into arc armor in surprisingly few shots. Its slower handling and reload force you to be deliberate, but once you master its timing, it becomes a lethal secondary weapon or even a primary in medium engagements. It also has a unique tech mod slot that can alter its firing pattern dramatically — swapping straight bullets for four‑projectile shots that mimic a tight shotgun spread. It takes some skill to use, especially against players, but it is a fantastically affordable all around option that does great against ARC and players as long as you land your hits. When mastered the Anvil is a weapon you can use in any situation, though it still struggles at very long ranges.

🏅 S Tier — Guns That Define the Meta

These weapons consistently win fights, outperform competitors, and give you a tactical edge in most scenarios.

Kettle (Versatile Assault Rifle)

The Kettle is one of the most effective and well‑rounded weapons in the game. It uses light ammo for faster shots, a solid firing rate, and a smooth recoil pattern that rewards tap‑firing into medium ranges. The Kettle performs well in PvP — capable of melting shields and outgunning many opponents — while still maintaining enough control to handle smaller PvE ARCs. Its four mod slots (barrel, foregrip, magazine, stock) give you access to suppressors and stability upgrades, making it flexible for both stealth runs and open combat. Because it’s relatively easy to upgrade and maintain, it’s become a favorite among players who want consistency without compromise.

Il-Toro (Heavy Hitter Shotgun)

The Il-Toro is the quintessential close‑range terror: a slow‑firing, pump‑action shotgun that deals massive damage. Landing just one or two shots on an enemy can instantly turn the tide of a fight — whether it’s cracking shields or scoring a kill. Due to its slower firing speed and significant fall‑off at range, the Toro demands aggressive play and smart positioning; you have to close distances and take fights on your terms. When mastered, it feels like a reward system — someone caught at point‑blank range often doesn’t walk away. This is the ultimate point blank weapon.

Venator (Elite Pistol Champion)

Though technically a sidearm, the Venator pushes past average pistols to hold its own against rifles and SMGs. Its two‑shot burst mechanic — firing a pair of medium ammo rounds with each trigger pull — means headshots or quick follow‑ups can decimate enemy shields before they know what hit them. It can run through its magazine quickly, but is still easy to handle and deals fantastic damage. It demands deliberate aiming, but this precision playstyle makes it significantly more rewarding than many auto weapons. Its only drawback is a lack of barrel mods (and thus no suppressor), which means you’ll give away position more often — but with how effective it is, that’s a trade many players are happy to make.

Bobcat (Close-Range PvP Monster SMG)

The Bobcat is one of the most dangerous Arc Raiders guns in close‑quarters combat. Its extremely high fire rate allows it to shred player shields and health in seconds, making it ideal for aggressive pushes and tight interiors. Using light ammo, it fires fast but burns through magazines quickly, so fights are often decided almost instantly. With four mod slots, including a barrel for suppressors, the Bobcat becomes even deadlier when properly kitted. Its weaknesses are range and ammo efficiency — it struggles against armored arcs and performs poorly at medium distance. In skilled hands, though, it is the strongest PvP SMG in the game.

🧨 Specialized Arc Raiders Weapons — ARC Destroyers

Some guns don’t fit traditional PvP roles, but remain powerful niche tools.

Hullcracker (Arc Armor Specialist)

The Hullcracker is a dedicated anti‑arc device — its explosive shells obliterate arc armor with huge penetration. This makes it invaluable in PvE raids when your mission priority is disabling or eliminating heavily armored arc units, such as when fighting the Queen. Its slow firing, unique projectile curve, and deliberate pacing make it challenging in PvP, but in a team composition built around arc removal, it shines. Because reloads and handling cost precious time, it is best paired with a more standard weapon for personal defense.

Equalizer (Experimental Beam Weapon)

As one of the rare energy ammo weapons, the Equalizer stands apart with a beam that melts armor at extreme range. It’s not a PvP fav — energy ammo doesn’t deal good damage to players — but in long‑range ARC destruction, it has few rivals. The beam’s high accuracy and sustained fire make it efficient at sniping down the armor on large ARC enemies such as the matriarch. It is heavy and unwieldy, but can be indispensable in coordinated raids where ARC are the target.

Final Verdict: Best Arc Raiders Guns for PvP & PvE

These guns cover every playstyle: up‑close brushing corpses with shotgun blasts, controlling sightlines with rifles, and executing surgical hits from medium range. A balanced loadout often includes one primary weapon for your engagement style and a secondary to handle specific fights. Though that is kind of expensive, so bringing one more versatile weapon is often the better choice. It’s up to you to decide.

Choosing the right Arc Raiders weapons isn’t just about raw firepower — it’s about understanding how they feel, how they perform under pressure, and how they synergize with your playstyle. Whether you’re a stealth sniper, a rush‑down aggressor, or a tactical mid‑range controller, this guide breaks down what you need to know to win more fights and complete more raids.

Now it’s your turn — gear up, choose wisely, and bring the fight to the enemy. Raiders, let’s go!