How to Defeat the The Queen in ARC Raiders Guide - Easiest Way Revealed
Taking on The Queen in ARC Raiders is absolutely one of the most thrilling—and rewarding—challenges the game offers. With the right plan, load‑out and positioning you can pull off the kill in surprisingly little time. This guide breaks down exactly how to do it: the bare minimum gear, the ideal load‑out, the best map location and fight strategy, and how to handle looting and escape safely. Whether you’re solo or teaming up, you’ll come away ready.
Taking on The Queen in ARC Raiders is absolutely one of the most thrilling—and rewarding—challenges the game offers. With the right plan, load‑out and positioning you can pull off the kill in surprisingly little time. This guide breaks down exactly how to do it: the bare minimum gear, the ideal load‑out, the best map location and fight strategy, and how to handle looting and escape safely. Whether you’re solo or teaming up, you’ll come away ready.
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ARC Raiders Guide: Where to Find Apricots & Lemons for Scrappy Upgrades
Ultimate Guide to the Best Settings in ARC Raiders for Performance, Clarity & Survivability
1. Why you should team up (and why solo is tougher)
Doing it in a trio is much quicker and safer. You’ll kill the Queen in around 5‑10 minutes if your team’s geared and coordinated.
Solo? Expect about 12-15 minutes, and every mistake costs more—it’s riskier.
Her laser attack is deadly; if you go down solo, there’s no friendly revive.
Crossing open terrain alone raises your exposure to other players.
The Queen drops 10‑15 Queen Reactors — and you might not even fit all of them if you manage the kill solo.
Bottom line: If you can run with friends or a group, you’ll spend fewer resources, have lower risk and enjoy the fight more. But if you’ve got the gear and want the solo challenge, we’ll walk you through it.
2. Load‑out Options
A. Bare Minimum Load‑out
Here’s what you’ll need at the very least to make it happen:
A Tier 1 Hullcracker (launcher weapon) with ~200 rounds of ammo. In one run it took about 176 shots (with some misses) to drop her.
A couple stacks of bandages + shield recharges, since you’ll likely get hit by fire or the laser.
A decent shield (blue or better) just to survive the laser.
A Hatch Key (so you can extract with loot).
A PvP weapon + ammo (just in case other players interfere).
Optional: a few door blockers if you’re going to fight inside a closed space (more on that later).
Note: Everything else beyond the launcher ammo is flexible. The only “must‑have” is the launcher with enough ammo.
A bare minimum load out to fight the ARC Raiders Queen.
B. Ideal Load‑out
If you want to make the fight smoother and faster, this is what you’d bring (and what worked for a clean ~12‑minute solo run):
Tier 4 Hullcracker (50% increased fire rate) so you shred her much faster.
A Tier 4 Anvil (or equivalent heavy weapon) for both PvP defence and to deal with smaller enemies that pop up.
Double Wolfpacks (high damage grenades) for rocketeers or adds so you don’t get derailed.
Hatch Key + door blockers so you can fortify your spot and extract safely.
Lots of healing gear + shield recharge items.
Over 200 launcher rounds for the Hullcracker.
In essence: you scale up from “bare minimum” to “real comfort zone” by improving those key weapons, ammo count, defensive gear, fortification tools and extraction tools.
A fully decked out loadout to fight the ARC Raiders Queen
3. Finding the Best Location & Setting Up the Fight
The right fight location can reduce chaos and increase success rate dramatically.
Preferably spawn in a fresh match, not mid‑game. If you spawn with just 20 minutes left or all the players are active, you’re at a disadvantage.
If you spawn on the opposite side of the map, it might be smarter to abort (use Hatch Key) and queue again. Time and risk multiply when you’re far away.
Once you’ve got a good spawn, head toward the designated building area—one example is on the Dam Battlegrounds map (north side, near the broken bridge).
Go inside a building with one or two door entrances you can control. Place door blockers or barricades (deployable cover) on both entrances. This gives you a safe zone, reduces player interference and gives you vantage points.
In that building you’ll have a handful of window ledges you can jump on to shoot from. These window positions become key in the fight.
Strategy:
Use one window as your primary firing angle, jump onto the ledge and fire.
When The Queen engages heavy attacks (rocket barrage or laser), pivot to the far back right window to reload/repulse and reposition.
Alternate between these windows as needed—doing so keeps you covered and maximises DPS.
The windows in the long hallway on the circled portion of the Dam Battlegrounds map here is a good spot to fight the Queen from.
4. Fighting The Queen: Tactics & Attack Patterns
Understanding her attacks and behaviour streamlines the fight.
Attack Patterns
Rocket Barrage (Mortar fire): She fires 2–5 mortars that land and explode after a delay into flaming area. You’ll see/hear cues. Dodge or reposition quickly.
Laser Beam: Deadly if you stay in line‑of‑sight. It can feel like a one‑shot kill. The moment you see it charging, get out of the window line‑of‑sight. Don’t risk extra shots.
Weak Points & Where to Shoot
Her face/head core is a solid target (especially for a straightforward approach).
The joints/legs are also weak spots and may yield faster kills if you target them—but are harder to hit.
If you’re using a high‑rate launcher like the Tier 4 Hullcracker, simply mag‑dumping at her face while staying safe is totally viable.
Step‑by‑Step Fight Routine
Fortify your windowed building with door blockers.
Get ready at the first window ledge.
Take shots at The Queen’s face (or leg joint if you prefer, if you hit your shots you could take her down more quickly).
When she fires the rocket barrage, dodge/move.
When she starts the laser, immediately move into cover and reload.
Return to the primary angle and resume shooting.
Continue until ~150–200 launcher rounds are gone (for solo runs). Then she goes down.
Watch for other players: if you heard “don’t shoot” emotes, be ready.
5. The Loot Phase & Extraction
This part can be the trickiest if you’re not prepared.
The Queen drops Queen Reactors (and other high‑tier loot) — you can get 10–15 of them.
Looting in the open is dangerous: other players may try to ambush you.
Use barricade kits to shield yourself while you grab loot.
Even after the kill, stay alert. Players may pretend friendly, then shoot you.
Then extract using the Hatch Key you brought. Don’t hang around in the extraction zone longer than needed.
6. Solo Tips vs. Team Tips
If Solo:
Make sure you’re confident with the building/angles and your ammo/gear.
Accept that you’ll carry extra resources (ammo, heals) because you have no support.
Be extra cautious of other players.
If in a Team (trio):
Assign roles: one stays at window A, one at window B, one covers extraction/looting or provides PvP defense.
Each bring less ammo/heals—they share the workload.
You’ll clear The Queen faster (5‑10 minutes) and extract with less risk.
Conclusion
Taking down The Queen in ARC Raiders isn’t an impossible task—it just demands preparation, positioning, and discipline. Whether you approach solo for the challenge or with a team for the speed and safety, following this guide gives you the best shot at success. Grab your load‑out, choose your stronghold, know when to shoot and when to duck, secure the loot, and extract. Get out there and claim those Queen Reactors—you’ve got this.
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Ultimate Guide to the Best Settings in ARC Raiders for Performance, Clarity & Survivability
If you’re diving into ARC Raiders and want a competitive edge, optimizing your settings can make a huge difference. From hearing footsteps more clearly to spotting enemies faster and minimizing visual clutter — the right tweaks help you extract alive more often. This guide walks you through 10+ must‑change settings across audio, accessibility, controller (if you use one), graphics, and display for PC (or console) players.
If you’re diving into ARC Raiders and want a competitive edge, optimizing your settings can make a huge difference. From hearing footsteps more clearly to spotting enemies faster and minimizing visual clutter — the right tweaks help you extract alive more often. This guide walks you through 10+ must‑change settings across audio, accessibility, controller (if you use one), graphics, and display for PC (or console) players.
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1. Audio Settings – Enable Night Mode
Navigate to Audio Settings.
Turn Night Mode to On.
Why? Night Mode compresses audio so loud sounds are reduced and quieter sounds (like footsteps) are boosted. That means you’ll hear approaching enemies more reliably.
This is the best setting to make you more effective in the game. You will have a much greater chance of hearing enemies nearby, especially enemy players.
Tip: Play with stereo headphones for better spatial awareness.
You should turn on the Night Mode Audio Arc Raiders setting.
2. Accessibility – Custom Crosshair
Go to Accessibility Settings → Custom Crosshair Options.
Enable Override Crosshair Shape.
Choose a crosshair shape and set the color to green (255 001) – green pops out in most environments.
Customize crosshair thickness, outline (I’d personally set outline to zero), opacity to 100 % for maximum visibility.
Why? A clear, consistent crosshair helps you know exactly when your shot is ready, especially in tight fights.
3. Controller Input – Tap to Interact
(For controller players)
Go to Settings → Controller → Interact/Reload Behavior.
Change from “Prioritize Interact” to Tap to Interact.
Why? Prevents accidentally interacting with loot containers when you meant to reload — that mistake often costs fights.
Important graphics settings in Arc Raiders.
4. Display/Graphics – Disable Motion Blur
In Graphics Settings, locate Motion Blur and turn it Off.
Why? Motion Blur can obscure moving targets and make tracking more difficult. Disabling it gives clearer visuals when turning quickly.
5. Field of View (FOV) – Maximize Awareness
In Graphics → Field of View, set value to 80 (the maximum).
Why? A wider FOV allows you to see more of your left and right periphery, helping spot patrolling ARC machines or enemy raiders before they spot you.
6. PC Upscaling – DLSS (NVIDIA) or Equivalent
If you have an NVIDIA card: Graphics → Upscaling Method → DLSS.
Change DLSS Mode from Auto to Quality.
DLSS Model: switch from CNN to Transformer (DLSS 4) for sharper image and better visuals & performance concurrently.
Why? The newer model gives improved clarity and keeps your frame rate high without sacrificing visibility.
7. Graphics Quality Tweaks for Performance & Visibility
Here are recommended settings for a balance of clarity and FPS:
Ray Tracing / Global Illumination: Set from Epic/Higher down to Static or Low. Big FPS hit otherwise.
Post‑processing: Set to Low. Minor visual loss, major FPS gain.
Effects (explosions, particles): Set to Low. You’ll barely notice the difference but you’ll gain FPS.
Foliage Quality: For competitive play, you can lower it (medium or low) so you’re not hiding behind bushes the enemy doesn’t see.
Global Illumination Resolution: Set to Low. Big performance cost with little visual benefit.
8. View Distance, Shadows & Textures
View Distance: Set to High if you have head‑room (for less pop‑in), otherwise medium.
Shadows: Having shadows at High may help visibility in darker areas — if FPS allows. Otherwise medium.
Textures: Set to High (or at least Medium) — you want good ground and object detail without sacrificing too many frames.
9. Miscellaneous Settings for Competitive Edge
Window Mode: Borderless Fullscreen for smooth alt‑tabbing and minimal hiccups.
V‑Sync: Disabled, unless you see screen‑tearing. This lowers input latency.
Frame Limit: Unlimited if your system can handle it, to maximise responsiveness.
For capture/overlay: Use a Simple overlay (frame count only) so you’re not bogged down by extra stats.
Audio chat: Consider setting Proximity or Party Chat to Toggle (rather than hold) but remember: toggling means you might accidentally broadcast to enemies if you forget it’s on.
10. Controller & Sensitivity (Optional for PC/Console)
Prefer Linear stick ramp (rather than Exponential) — linear is predictable, clean, good for precise aiming.
Tune your horizontal/vertical sensitivities to your comfort. Try around 13 (as a starting point) or whatever matches your mouse/cm per 360 if using a mouse.
Zoom/Scope sensitivity: you may reduce this a little so your aim doesn’t wildly swing when scoped in.
Conclusion
By applying these settings, you’ll be positioned to see clearer, hear better, and react faster in ARC Raiders. In high‑stakes raids where every fraction of a second counts, the small tweaks add up to bigger advantages.
On your next session: apply the changes, run a quick practice match, and adjust minor settings if something feels off (like crosshair size or sensitivity).
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Unlock Scrappy’s Upgrade: Hunt Mushrooms, Olives & Prickly Pears in ARC Raiders
Learn where to find mushrooms, olives, and prickly pears in ARC Raiders to level up Scrappy. This guide highlights reliable locations, spawn‑triggers, and efficient foraging loops.
In ARC Raiders, your feathered companion — Scrappy the rooster — is more than a mascot. He’s a key part of your progression: upgrading him unlocks extra benefits for your raider operations. To level him up, you’ll need to collect nature items like mushrooms, olives and prickly pears. These items may sound simple, but the post‑apocalyptic landscapes of ARC Raiders make them surprisingly elusive. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what these items are, how to recognize them, and where you’re most likely to find them so you can complete Scrappy’s upgrade path without wasting endless runs.
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What Are Mushrooms, Olives & Prickly Pears Good For in ARC Raiders?
Each of these nature items appears during your “topside” raids and is used to Train aka “Upgrade” Scrappy.
Mushrooms: These are fungus loot items that spawn in damp, shaded or flora‑rich zones. They often appear on tree trunks, planters or damp ground. They’re required for one of Scrappy’s higher tier upgrades.
Olives: Spawn at olive trees, usually on the ground beneath the trees or occasionally dropped by kicking the tree. They are part of the mid‑tier upgrade requirement for Scrappy.
Prickly Pears: These are fruits that spawn near cactus‑type plants in arid, sandy zones of the map. They’re more rare than the others and required along with olives for a major upgrade step.
Recognizing the visual cues in each zone helps: if you’re in a grove of olive trees, scan the base of the trees; in a cactus‑patch, search around the spiky plants. The spawn isn’t guaranteed every single run, so persistence and knowledge of where to look will save you time.
Best Locations to Find Mushrooms
Mushrooms spawn in areas with higher moisture or dense vegetation, even in a post‑desert world. One of the best cited zones is the map called Dam Battlegrounds, where inside the “Hydroponic Dome Complex” and nearby river trees you’ll often find mushrooms.
Location tip: Search around planters and tree clusters inside the hydroponic facility.
Alternate: On the same map, the “Water Treatment Control” top floor pipes also yield mushrooms, though spawn is less consistent.
Note: Mushrooms may appear more frequently when the “Lush Blooms” modifier is active (a world‑state that increases nature loot spawns).
If you’re farming mushrooms, try running a loop through the hydroponic dome then the adjacent river‑trees area, rinse and repeat until you accumulate the required amount for Scrappy.
An olive tree in Blue Gateyou can get olives from in Arc Raiders
Where to Hunt Olives
If you’re tracking olives, head to the map Blue Gate and specifically the area known as “Olive Grove.” This location is the most reliable for olive spawns.
Visual cue: Large olive trees, often grouped together at the outskirts of the grove.
Spawn behaviour: You’ll find olives laying under the trees; you can also kick some trees to make extras drop.
Note: Because this area is popular (many players know it), competition is high — you may encounter other raiders. A safe‑pocket loadout is encouraged.
Pro tip: While you’re in Olive Grove, pack light and be prepared for other players or bots. Your goal is speed: grab olives, move on, don’t linger in high‑traffic zones.
Finding Prickly Pears in the Wastelands
Prickly pears are the toughest of the trio. Your best map bets are either Dam Battlegrounds or Buried City. There are cactus patches all over the place on these maps.
Key spots:
Buried City: Head to the very southern edge of the map outside the city proper, into the arid cactus zone.
Dam Battlegrounds: Northern side, near the roads and outer perimeter, is a solid loop to find cacti.
What to look for:
Cactus plants: these are green/gray spiky plants that stand out in barren areas.
On the ground around them: the actual pear often lies next to the plant rather than on it.
Spawn is random: you might circle through a patch and find none, then next run you find several. Patience helps.
Bonus tip:
If the “Lush Blooms” modifier is active, you might also find nature baskets scattered around with prickly pears inside, increasing your chance.
Final Tips for Efficient Nature Farming
Loadout matters: Use the safe‑pocket augment if you’re collecting rare items. If you die, your precious mushrooms, olives or pears stay secured.
Route planning: Combine locations when possible. For example, you might start at Olive Grove for olives, then move to the cactus‑patch in Buried City for pears — this saves time versus running isolated loops.
Check world modifiers: If “Lush Blooms” is active, nature loot spawns are higher. Take advantage of these windows.
Avoid unnecessary conflict: In high‑traffic zones (Olive Grove, etc), don’t linger. Other players might contest the area and distract you.
Stay on the move: Because spawns are random and contested, keep a fast pace. Hop, collect, move, repeat.
Inventory management: Rare items might stack or have limits — keep slots free so you’re ready when you find them.
Multiple runs may be required: The spawn rate isn’t perfect. Factor in that you may need several raids to gather full sets of each item.
That’s it — a focused guide to finding Mushrooms, Olives and Prickly Pears in ARC Raiders so you can upgrade Scrappy without endless guesswork. 🐓
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How to Beat All ARC Enemies - Arc Raiders Guide
ARC Raiders throws you into an unforgiving sci-fi battlefield filled with relentless robotic enemies known as the Arc. From the sky-patrolling Wasp to the devastating Rocketeer and the massive Queen, every Arc enemy comes with its own unique behaviors, weaknesses, and high-stakes loot.
ARC Raiders throws you into an unforgiving sci-fi battlefield filled with relentless robotic enemies known as the Arc. From the sky-patrolling Wasp to the devastating Rocketeer and the massive Queen, every Arc enemy comes with its own unique behaviors, weaknesses, and high-stakes loot.
Whether you're a new raider or a seasoned squad leader, knowing how to counter each Arc efficiently is the key to survival. In this guide, we break down every ARC enemy, their attack patterns, weak points, and best strategies to defeat them—so you can stay one step ahead and maximize your rewards.
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How to Defeat the The Queen in ARC Raiders Guide - Easiest Way Revealed
The Wasp
The Arc Raiders Wasp
Small size doesn’t mean harmless — the Wasp floats around the skies and can turn your raid into a scramble if you underestimate it. It patrols in the air, often with other flying Arcs, scanning for sound and movement. When its search beam changes from blue to yellow, it’s preparing. Once it hits red, you’re in attack mode: it will charge in and unload a volley of light ammo attacks.
Weak points & strategy: Two good shots to either of the blade thrusters destabilises it. Even with one wing gone it keeps attacking, so your realistic goal is to destroy two thrusters. When you do, it crashes and explodes on impact.
Loot drops: Arc power cells (shield recharge material), light ammo, arc alloy, and a “wasp driver” item that sells well and is also used for a workbench upgrade.
2. The Hornet
The Arc Raiders Hornet
Flying alongside Wasps, the Hornet is a medium aerial threat with one nasty twist: it fires slow‑traveling electric darts. If one hits you, you’ll be stunned and take heavy damage.
Weak points & strategy:
Focus on the two back thrusters. Shooting both brings it down to the ground.
While it tries to face you, you can crouch or sprint in a circular pattern (especially sideways) to get shots at its sides.
When a dart is launched, you don’t need to dive — sprint left or right or use cover. Diving drains stamina.
Prioritize the Wasps first (if they’re present) while using cover to dodge the Hornet.
Loot drops: Arc alloy, arc power cells, medium ammo, and a “hornet driver” component that sells well and is also used for a workbench upgrade.
3. The Snitch
The Arc Raiders Snitch
The Snitch is not out to kill you — at least not directly. Instead, it scans large areas and calls in backup (typically Wasps + Hornet) the moment it spots you.
Weak points & strategy:
Its outer rotor‑wiper blades: shoot all three quickly and you’ll take it out before the reinforcements arrive.
Sometimes you might let it spot you intentionally if you’re hunting loot/XP and can handle the backup spawn.
Loot drops: Arc alloy, arc power cells, and a “snitch scanner” — a grenade‑type tool that can spawn Arc enemies when thrown (very handy).
4. The Leaper
The Arc Raiders Leaper
This one is pure chaos if you catch it in the open. The Leaper is a large, spider‑like machine that will literally leap long distances and chase you into tight spots. It stomps, it launches shock waves in an area around it, and it will end your raid if you get caught unprepared.
Weak points & strategy:
Bring lots of ammo — this fight takes time.
Find a small building or structure where the Leaper can’t fit inside. Get it to leap onto the building.
Focus on its legs. Wear down the leg armour (better with high arc‑penetration weapons/gadgets) until inner metal shows, then break the leg segments. Repeat until it falls.
If you’re out in the open, you’ll die — hide in cover or inside structure.
Loot drops: Mid‑tier weapon parts, crafting materials. The Leaper breaks into pieces when destroyed.
5. The Bastion
The Arc Raiders Bastion
Slow‑moving but deadly. The Bastion trades mobility for raw firepower — its high‑RPM minigun chews through armour and shields in seconds.
Weak points & strategy:
Its yellow‑marked kneecaps or the yellow cylinder on the back are the weak zones. Shooting these deals damage through armour.
Once those weaken, inner metal is exposed — you can then target its core.
Use a solid piece of cover. Also: Wasps and Hornets often back it up, so clear air threats first before focusing the Bastion.
Loot drops: High‑value crafting items; Bastion also breaks into many pieces when destroyed.
6. The Bombardier
The Arc Raiders Bombardier
This one brings indirect fire to you: large missiles that arc into the sky then land near your position like punishment from above. It’s usually accompanied by a Spotter drone that designates targets.
Weak points & strategy:
Same weak points as the Bastion: focus the yellow kneecaps or back cylinder on the Bombardier.
Engage from a roof or building so you limit its ability to arc its missiles at you.
Watch out: if a Rocketeer is nearby too, the combination can be brutal.
Loot drops: Big haul — rocket ammo (used for the Hullcracker launcher), bombardier cells (key for a workbench upgrade), and premium materials.
7. The Rocketeer
The Arc Raiders Rocketeer
One of the toughest foes — the Rocketeer fires huge missile barrages with massive AoE damage. Even well‑equipped squads can struggle if they misplay this one.
Weak points & strategy:
Aggro it into a strong building with minimal windows and a roof. Missiles will still go through doors/windows somewhat, so you want strong cover.
Listen for the missile lock audio cues. After each barrage you get a small window to poke at its thrusters.
Use high‑penetration weapons — wear down armour, target thrusters when safe.
Expect a lengthy engagement and attract attention (other raiders may show up).
Loot drops: Rocketeer drivers ( item for explosives bench), heavy gun parts.
Tip: Unless you really need the loot or you’re confident, you might want to avoid this one for now.
8. The Tick
The Arc Raiders Tick
Tiny but annoying — the Tick hides inside buildings (walls, ceilings, dimly‑lit rooms) and leaps at your face. It’s not the biggest threat but it’s easy to get caught off guard.
Weak points & strategy:
No real exposed weak point — just shoot it when it jumps.
If it latches on you, you’ll get a “hug zone”: you’ll have to rapidly tap a prompt to throw it off, then still kill it.
Loot drops: Tick pods — early‑game quest material and equipment bench upgrade resource.
9. The Pop
The Arc Raiders Pop
The Pop is the classic “run‑at‑you and explode” enemy. Easy to kill, but if you’re not paying attention it can end your shield and health in seconds.
Weak points & strategy:
Just take a quick shot at it when it rolls toward you; one shot often does the job.
If you’re trying to evade, sprint away — its explosion has radius.
Loot drops: Basic crafting items, arc power cells, light ammo.
10. The Fireball
The Arc Raiders Fireball
A fire‑specialist arc that shows up inside buildings. If it gets near you, expect flamethrower damage and persistent fire zones on the floor.
Weak points & strategy:
Wait for its shell to open (signalling attack), then strike with a high‑penetration weapon.
Avoid standing in its flame zones — they burn you over time.
Loot drops: Fireball burners (used for quests/upgrades) and other crafting materials.
11. The Turret & The Sentinel
The Arc Raiders Turret
Turret
Wall‑ or ceiling‑mounted machine gun unit found indoors. It tracks you, fires heavily, and can be frustrating in close quarters.
Strategy: Use cover, wait for its reload pause, then peek and shoot.
Loot drops: Arc alloy, light ammo, simple gun parts.
Sentinel
A sniper‑turret version, found overlooking large areas. Its laser sight gives away its firing moment — use the cue to find cover, then counter‑shoot when it reloads.
Loot drops: Similar to Turret, with a little more value.
12. The Surveyor
The Arc Raiders Surveyor
Not hostile in the direct sense: the Surveyor rolls around, pauses to scan via a radar array. When the radar opens, it’s vulnerable. Hitting the array directly deals critical damage, but the surveyor will flee instead of fight back, making it a tough enemy to catch up to. It goes REALLY quickly. Using stunning equipment like the Showstopper can help keep it close.
Weak points & strategy: Wait for the scanning radar to open, shoot the exposed section, then follow it when it rolls away. Trying to force it while it’s moving is a waste of time.
Loot drops: Crafting items, arc power cells, recyclable materials.
13. The Shredder
The Shredder in Arc Raiders
A new menace on Stella Montis — the Shredder skims just above the ground and unloads a brutal close-range shotgun blast that can drop even seasoned Raiders in a couple hits. Heavily armored and far more dangerous up close than Ticks, Pops, or Fireballs, the Shredder punishes anyone who gets careless.
Weak points & strategy:
Pull it into open space if you can. Stella Montis’ tight alleys make Shredders far more lethal, so fight them where you have room to dodge that wide blast.
Snap Blast Grenades are the cleanest counter. They stick to surfaces, are cheap to craft or buy, and two well-placed grenades will delete a Shredder outright — just get clear before they pop.
If you’re forced to shoot, aim for the bottom thrusters. Hitting them can stun the Shredder or cause its blast to whiff entirely. Heavy-penetration weapons like the Ferro or Anvil can break through its armor plating quickly.
Solo players should treat Shredders with respect — or avoid them altogether. But as soon as a squad focuses fire, they fall fast. They don’t dart around like Wasps or Hornets, so lining up follow-up shots is trivial once you stagger them. Listen for their audio cues; hearing a Shredder before it hears you gives you the advantage.
Loot drops: Standard ARC scrap and components
Tip: Unless you’re confident or hunting for Trials, avoid getting surprised in tight corridors. Shredders thrive at close range — deny them that, and they’re just another busted ARC chassis on the ground.
14. The Queen & The Harvester
The Arc Raiders Queen, which protects the Harvester
Queen
A massive behemoth enemy (think apartment‑building size) seen during special events. It’s heavily armed (artillery pods, beam attacks) and designed for serious squads.
Strategy: You’ll need high‑tier gear, team coordination, and time. Not recommended solo. A very in depth strategy is required to defeat the Queen.
Harvester
The structure the Queen guards. Looting the Harvester vaults can give big rewards, but you’ll likely face the Queen or serious resistance.
Loot drops: Highest‑tier crafting materials, rare quest drivers, special event items. Another article specifically about the Harvester is coming.
15. The Matriarch
The Matriarch in Arc Raiders
A towering ARC monstrosity — the Matriarch is a colossal walker that dwarfs even the Queen. With long-range artillery pods, sweeping beam weapons, and thick armor plating, the Matriarch is a true endgame threat meant to overwhelm unprepared Raiders. It can even spawn more ARC to defend itself. You also migh tnotice the Rocketeers following it in the picture above.
A full article is on the way detailing how to defeat the Matriarch.
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How to Defeat the The Queen in ARC Raiders Guide - Easiest Way Revealed
Final Tip
No matter which Arc you face, keep these core rules in mind:
Choose weapons with high arc‑armour penetration when you expect big enemies (typically those that use heavy ammo).
Use cover and terrain smartly.
Prioritise weak points (thrusters, kneecaps, yellow markers) over spraying bullets.
Be aware of support units (Wasps, Hornets, Spotters) — don’t tunnel‑vision on the big one while smaller ones pick you off.
Know your loot — many Arcs drop drivers or materials that unlock workbench upgrades or are quest items.
The Best Guns in ARC Raiders – What to Use, When & Why
Discover the top weapons in ARC Raiders, learn how to pick the right gun for each scenario, and maximise your performance in raids and PvP.
If you're diving into ARC Raiders — check it out here: official website and its Steam page — you quickly realize that weapon choice isn’t just an after‑thought: it’s central to survival. You're heading into a high‑stakes PvPvE extraction environment where you’re up against both AI (the ARCs) and other human Raiders. The right gun can mean the difference between walking away with loot, or walking away with nothing.
In this guide I’ll break down:
Why your weapon choice matters in ARC Raiders
The best all‑round weapons you should absolutely know
Situational picks: what to use for stealth, for rush fights, for heavy ARC armour
How to upgrade and customise your guns for maximum impact
How your loadout fits into team and extraction strategy
Let’s get started.
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The inventory of a Raider with two good and modded weapons (Anvil, Il Toro) that complement each other.
Why Weapon Choice Matters in ARC Raiders
In ARC Raiders you’re not just fighting human players — you’re fighting robotic ARCs, looting materials, and trying to extract with your haul. That means your weapon system needs to meet multiple demands:
Versatility vs Specialisation: Some guns are great general‑purpose options, others excel only in niche scenarios (e.g., stealth, anti‑ARC heavy armour). Choose accordingly.
Weapon Stats & Mechanics: Ammo type, magazine size, reload pattern, armour‑penetration against ARCs, weight (which affects mobility/loot capacity) all matter. For example, heavier weapons slow you down and limit loot carry.
Upgrade System: Even a lower‑rarity gun can be competitive if upgraded properly. Relying simply on “rarity = best” is a mistake.
Team & Extraction Strategy: Are you going in stealth to loot quietly? Rush‑clearing ARCs? Holding extraction zones against other Raiders? Your gun should support that role.
Understanding these factors will help you pick a weapon that matches your style and the mission at hand, rather than just grabbing “the best” one blind.
Top All‑Round Guns (Best for Most Situations)
Here are weapons that deliver solid performance across multiple mission types — if you can get them, they’re excellent anchors for your loadout.
Anvil (Uncommon Hand Cannon)
High damage per shot (~ 40 at uncommon rarity), strong armour‑penetration for ARCs.
Relatively lightweight (≈ 5 kg) compared to heavier rifles or shotguns — which helps when you’re looting.
Works well in both PvP (player vs player) and PvE (player vs ARC) contexts. According to tier lists, it’s arguably one of the best “general use” weapons you can craft early.
Tip: Use this as your go‑to if you’re uncertain about your mission type. Good balance of power and versatility.
Kettle (Common Assault Rifle, Light Ammo)
Frequently highlighted as one of the best beginner/early game choices. It uses light ammo (which is more abundant) and handles well.
20‑round base magazine size (at common rarity) gives more shots before reload.
Slightly weaker against heavy‑armour ARCs at range, but its mobility makes it ideal for mixed engagements.
Tip: If you’re still working up your weapons bench and crafting materials, this is a strong safe pick.
Rattler (Common Assault Rifle, Fully Automatic)
A more aggressive assault rifle choice. Fully automatic, decent stability, reasonable damage, and reasonable range. Effective against ARCs and Raiders.
Magazine size is smaller (e.g., 10 rounds at base) so you’ll want to plan reloads or quickly finish fights. Still, a few upgrades gives you enough ammo to take down another raider without reloading.
Tip: Choose this if you’re comfortable with fast‑paced fights and favour mid‑range scramble fights. A good all rounder of a weapon if you’re not a fan of other options like the Kettle and want an easier time against ARC enemies.
The Kettle is a good and cheap option for PvP and light ARC hunting in Arc Raiders.
Situational Picks — What to Use When
Sometimes you’ll face a specific scenario where one of the more specialised weapons shines. Knowing when to pull them out gives you the edge.
3.1 Long‑Range & Sniper Roles
Osprey (Rare Sniper Rifle): Built‑in long‑range scope, high damage for single shot engagements. Great for picking off ARCs or enemy Raiders from safe distance.
Ferro (Common/Uncommon Battle Rifle): Single‑shot rifle with heavy ammo, high per‑shot damage — good for precision. But slow reload means less forgiving.
Tip: Always pair with a more “mobile” gun for close encounters.
3.2 Close‑Quarters & Aggressive Play
Il Toro (Uncommon Shotgun): Extremely high damage at close range, but limited range and heavy weight (~8 kg). Great for ambushes or tight interior sections.
Bobcat (Epic SMG): Rapid fire, great for close‑to‑mid engagements especially against players. Lower damage vs heavy armour though.
Tip: Use these when you expect tight spaces (interior of facility, underground zones), or when you want to blitz into an extraction under fire. Be cautious about ARCs with heavy armour.
3.3 Heavy‑Armour / Anti‑ARC Specialists
Anvil (mentioned above) — due to its strong armour penetration, it’s one of the best all‑rounders for heavy‑armour targets.
Hullcracker (Epic Grenade Launcher): Exceptional against ARCs (heavy armour) but almost useless vs players. Big trade‑off.
Equalizer (Legendary Beam/Energy Weapon): Large magazine (50 rounds) but low player DPS; built for late‑game “raid the boss ARC” style.
Tip: If you know the mission will involve high‑tier ARC enemies (bosses, heavy units) or you're farming heavy loot, bring one of these “specialist” weapons — but only as a second slot or when you’re confident in your backup.
Upgrading & Customising Your Guns
Even the best gun won’t carry you if you leave it at base level. Upgrades and attachments matter immensely.
Every weapon can be upgraded by right clicking on them in your inventory, though you may need to upgrade your gunsmith bench — boosting stats like magazine size, reload speed, stability. Upgrading a weapon makes it MUCH better, and earlier upgrade levels will require components that are easy to find.
Resource economy: Mechanical Components, Metal Parts, Rubber Parts are required for upgrades. You’ll greatly benefit from running missions with the aim to collect upgrade mats, not just salvage.
Attachments: Many weapons support upgrades/mods like extended mags, stabilizers, suppressors (for stealth). Add attachments for easy bonuses.
Tip List:
Early game: Focus on upgrading a mid‑tier gun (e.g., Kettle or Rattler) rather than chasing rare drops you can’t craft or upgrade yet.
Mid game: When crafting rare weapons, ensure you also have the resources to keep them upgraded — a rare gun without upgrades often under‑performs a well‑upgraded uncommon.
Always consider your second weapon slot: one gun for general, one for specialist (close‑quarters, sniping, heavy‑ARC). Though taking a single more versatile weapon will be the more economical choice.
Use real‑loadout tests: Try weapons in live raids, see how you die and adjust: e.g., if you die at mid‑range because your gun lacks range or ammo, consider that.
Shotguns like the Il Toro are also a powerful up close PvP option in Arc Raiders.
Loadout Strategy & Team Synergy
Your weapon is just one piece of your broader raid strategy. Consider the following:
Role in team: If you're the “scout/looter”, you may favour a lighter, agile gun. If you're the “holder” at extraction, maybe a heavier gun suited for fights.
Ammo compatibility: Light vs medium vs heavy ammo types matter. Light ammo guns tend to do better against players but worse against ARC, while heavier weapons tend to penetrate ARC armor plating and deal good damage against them.
Map & Enemy Expectations: Know the map: are you likely to face tight corridors, open terrain, long sight‑lines, many ARCs or many players? Adapt your weapon choice accordingly.
Upgrade investment decisions: If you and your team are going into a high‑risk run together, coordinate: e.g., one brings long‑range gun, one close‑quarters gun, one support/looter.
Conclusion
Weapon choice in ARC Raiders is less about “what’s popular” and more about what fits your mission, your playstyle, and your team.
Here are your key takeaways:
Choose a strong all‑rounder (like the Anvil or Kettle) — that gives you a reliable baseline.
Have situational backups: snipers for long‑range, shotguns/SMGs for close quarters, anti‑ARC for heavy‑armour.
Invest in upgrades — a well‑upgraded uncommon may outperform a rare you never touch.
Adapt your loadout to the raid: map, team role, expected enemies matter.
If you apply these principles, you’ll not only survive more raids — you’ll dominate more of them. Good luck out there — may your extraction elevator ride sweetly with full bags of loot.
FAQs
Q: What gun should I start using as a beginner in ARC Raiders?
A: Begin with a weapon that uses more common ammo (light or medium) such as the Kettle or Rattler, upgrade it as you go, and avoid relying solely on rare drops until you’ve upgraded your workshop.
Q: Is rarity always the best indicator of a weapon’s power?
A: No — while rarer weapons have better base stats/features, upgrades, ammo availability, and your comfort with the weapon matter just as much. A heavily upgraded common may outperform a neglected uncommon.
Q: How often should I upgrade my weapons?
A: As soon as you can. Early upgrades cost less but provide huge performance gains (e.g., larger mag size, better stats) that help you survive longer. Upgrade the weapon you are using right now, not only the “future weapon”.
Q: Which weapon types are best for PvP vs PvE in ARC Raiders?
A: In PvE (against ARCs) you want high armour‑penetration, good range, and ammo suited for large targets (e.g., Anvil, Hullcracker). In PvP (against other players) Versatility, stability, and movement matter — weapons like the Kettle or Rattler are solid. But of course, combinations and team roles shift this.
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