Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Best Horses And Horse Gear Guide

Horses aren’t just a luxury in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 — they’re essential. A good steed affects how fast you travel, how much loot you carry, and how well you fare in mounted combat. But not all horses are created equal, and pairing them with the right gear can dramatically improve their performance. In this guide, we’ll break down the best horses for every role and how to get the top gear to maximize your mount’s potential.

Best Horses for Every Role

When choosing a horse, you’re balancing four stats: Speed, Stamina, Courage, and Carry Capacity. Some horses excel at one role while others are truly versatile.

Erdel – Best for Pure Storage

If your only goal is haul weight and battle capability with minimal fuss, Erdel shines. Found in the south near Malov’s region, it has the highest carry capacity in the game and very high courage, meaning it handles combat pressure without panicking. The downside? It’s noticeably slower than most mounts. Still, if bulk looting and battlefield durability without speed concerns is your playstyle, Erdel earns its keep. Erdel is available for sale at the Maleshov stable.

Kasztanka – Best Mounted Combat Horse

For players who prioritize speed and combat first, Kasztanka is exceptional. This horse boasts an outstanding blend of high speed and courage, two stats that are fantastic for charging into or away from combat. Kasztanka also makes a fantastic race horse. However, that comes at the expense of capacity — Castana carries very little loot compared to other horses of similar quality. But if your focus is mounted fighting or racing without baggage, she’s your steed of choice. Kasztanka is available for sale at the Maleshov stable.

Meadow – Balanced For Speed and Stamina

Travel just south of the Bellain area near a caravan campsite to find Meadow. This mount hits a sweet spot: faster and with more stamina than many alternatives while only giving up a bit of capacity and courage. Gear can help offset its minor weaknesses, making this a great all‑purpose option.

Pisek Lad – Best All‑Around Horse

Finally, Pisek Lad — available from the horse trader in Kuttenberg (just west of the city on the road) — is widely considered the most balanced mount overall. It has solid stats in speed, stamina, and carry capacity, plus a strong courage level that keeps you mounted in tough fights. Unlike nostalgia favorites like Pebbles or Herring, Pisek Lad starts strong without needing time‑consuming perks to reach its potential.

Pebbles/Herring - Cheap Options

Want a good horse but don’t want to pay for them? Get Pebbles in one of the early main quests and just ride on it for about 35 kilometers and Pebbles gets a free and massive upgrade. While it won’t be as good as the other horses here it’s hard to beat free… and you can always sell the upgraded Pebbles for a huge mark up in price. The same goes for Herring, though you get it later on in the game.

The biggest downside to both Pebbles and Herring are their abysmally low Courage scores, so don’t expect either to make fantastic war horses.

Horse Gear: Get the Most Out of Your Mount

Outfitting a horse isn’t just cosmetic — every piece affects key stats. There are four core gear types: saddles, bridles, horseshoes, and caparisons/chanfrons.

Horseshoes – Extra Speed

One of the most impactful upgrades is racing horseshoes. If you find the set in a north of Suchdol by following the river through the woods to the watering hole, they give a flat +5 speed bonus — enough to counteract even heavy saddle penalties. You can also craft your own after finding a sketch near the horse trader’s table.

Saddles – Carry Capacity

There are two main high‑capacity saddles:

• Cracowian Saddle – +200 carry capacity

• Dragon Saddle – identical stats with a more stylish look

Both give a decent capacity boost with only moderate speed penalty, making them ideal for looters or merchants‑at‑heart.

Bridles and Chanfrons – Stamina, Speed and Courage

• Tournament Bridle: Great all‑around speed and stamina bonus — excellent for travel and general use.

• Holy Roman Empire Bridle: Excellent stamina boost with a small speed bonus.

• Dragon Chanfron: Best courage and protection for combat, though it slightly reduces speed.

Choosing between bridles and head armor depends on whether you want a fearless warhorse or a speedy courier.

Caparisons – Courage and Style

Caparisons enhance courage and sometimes capacity but usually at some cost to speed or stamina. Mixing and matching gear to fit your chosen role — racing, battle, or cargo — is key. As for getting Caparisons, check the horse traders for gear they are selling.

Horse Gear Setup Tips

🔹 For maximum speed, go light: minimal saddle, racing horseshoes, minimal Caparison, and a high‑speed bridle.
🔹 For combat readiness, favor courage and protection with a heavy chanfron plus bridles.
🔹 For carrying capacity, choose the biggest saddle you can handle and offset weight with racing shoes.

Quick Recap

Whether you want a brave battle mount, a reliable travel companion, or a load‑bearing workhorse, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has horses and gear to suit your playstyle. Track down horses like Erdel, Kasztanka, Meadow, and Pisek Lad to match your needs, then fine‑tune them with racing shoes, saddles, bridles, and chanfrons to unlock their full potential.

Ultimate Guide to the Dice Game in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Farkle)

The dice game in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a tavern mini‑game where you and an NPC take turns rolling up to six dice in pursuit of scoring combinations, aiming to reach a target point total (commonly 5,000 points) before your opponent. It’s essentially a variation on the classic game Farkle, full of risk‑vs‑reward decisions — you must decide when to bank your points or push your luck.

You can also bet Groschen (currency) on matches, and higher stakes offer higher rewards — but risk losing dice or badges if you lose. More on that below.

📍 Where to Find Dice Players

Dice matches are typically found inside taverns or similar social hubs in the game world. Some known examples (as players have reported) include:

• Tavern in Troska­witz

• Various inns and bars scattered across towns

Different NPCs have different levels of skill and betting limits, so part of the fun is seeking out higher‑stakes players once you understand the game.

Dice, Badges & Bets — What They Mean

Before you start playing, it’s essential to understand the components you can bring into the game:

Badges

Badges determine how high you’re allowed to bet in a match:

• No badge — basic betting limits

• Silver badge — mid‑tier betting range

• Gold badge — high stakes

Important:
You must own a badge of the appropriate tier to play at that bet level. For example, if a match requires a silver badge, you cannot participate without one.

Where do badges come from?

• Looting bodies

• Robbing bandits

• Finding them in stores or on the road

Badges are valuable — if you lose a high‑stake match while wagering your badge, you lose the badge and the Groschen bet too. So decide whether to risk them!

Dice Types

Besides badges, you can also equip special dice that carry unique effects. At the start of a match, you choose:

• Which badge (if any) you’re betting

• Up to six dice to play with

Different dice may alter probabilities or scoring — but most players begin with standard dice until they collect more and understand the effects.

📜 Dice Game Rules — How to Play

Here’s how a typical turn works:

Goal

Reach the target score (e.g., 5,000) before your opponent.

Rolling the Dice

1. Roll all available dice (up to six).

2. Set aside dice that form scoring combinations.

3. You then choose to either:

   • Bank (Score & Pass) — secure your points and end your turn.

   • Score & Continue — keep the points in play and roll the remaining dice.

❗If you roll and no scoring combinations appear, you bust — you lose all points earned this turn and your opponent goes next.

That’s where strategy shines — knowing when to cash in vs risk another roll.

Scoring

Here’s how scoring works in this typical dice game, though rules can vary slightly based on dice type:

Common Scoring Examples

• Single 1 → 100 points

• Single 5 → 50 points

• Three of a kind → higher score (value depends on number)

• Straight 1‑6 → 1500 points

• Full combinations give big bonuses

📊 Strategic Tips for Winning

Playing dice isn’t just luck — it’s about smart decisions.

Know When to Bank

✔ Good idea to pass when:

• You have few dice left and no easy combos left

• Your current stash is significant compared to total points required

• The risk of busting outweighs potential gain

❌ Risky to continue when:

• Only one or two dice remain (low chance to score)

• Your current points are already good

Example:

If you’ve scored with three dice and only have two left, you should probably score & pass — rolling two dice without guaranteed scoring is risky.

🧠 Sample Gameplay Scenarios

Here’s how a typical match can flow:

Early Roll

• You roll six dice.

• Say you get three 6s (a scoring combo).

• You keep those and choose to roll the remaining three.

Mid Game Risk

• You roll remaining three and get just a single 5.

• You can either:

  • Bank the accumulated points

  • Continue the risk for a better combo

Most players bank here — only three dice remaining, and risk of busting is high.

Clearing the Board

If you use all your dice in scoring combos (clearing them), you get to reroll all six and continue stacking points. This is the big scoring opportunity players hope for!

Observations From Real Matches

From actual gameplay experienced:

• Sometimes you’ll roll nothing and your turn gets skipped.

• Other times NPCs take big risks with few dice left — and bust.

• You’ll see combinations like:

  • Pairs and lone fives — not worth saving all of them

  • Triple combos or straights — great opportunities

Example choice:
Even if you have two fives, sometimes you keep just one five so you have more dice left to roll for bigger combos.

🎉 Special Wins & Combos

Full Straight

Rolling 1,2,3,4,5,6 in one go → 1500 points
If you then clear the board by using all dice, you continue rolling fresh — huge scoring day!

Clearing the Board

Rolling combos that use all dice allows you to reroll all six and keep accumulating points in the same turn — this is the most explosive scoring strategy.

⚠️ Risks with Badges

If you play with a badge and lose, you lose:

• The badge itself

• The groschen wager

So before betting your only silver or gold badge, consider whether the reward is worth the risk.

Tip: Some players save the game first before high‑stake matches — so they can reload if they lose a badge.

Final Tips for Beginners

✔ Start with low stakes until you understand scoring flow.
✔ Practice deciding when to bank points vs roll — that’s where winning comes from.
✔ Collect better dice and badges as you explore — they influence odds and potential rewards.
✔ Look for high‑level NPCs for bigger bets once confident.

The dice game in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a fun blend of risk, strategy, and luck — perfect for spending time between quests and tavern conversations. Knowing when to hold your points, when to press your luck, and how your badges and dice affect gameplay makes all the difference.

Songs of Syx Review: A Brutally Complex Colony Sim With Endless Replay

Songs of Syx is the city‑state simulator that’s earning massive buzz among strategy gamers for its staggering scale, deep mechanics, and absurd depth. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld had a chaotic, city‑building lovechild — this is it. But unlike those games, Songs of Syx transforms complexity into a visceral experience that’s both intimidating and endlessly rewarding.

In this professional review, we break down the systems, strengths, flaws, and why this game deserves attention from anyone who loves grand simulations.

🎮 What Is Songs of Syx?

Songs of Syx is a sprawling colony and city‑state building simulator developed primarily by a single creator over many years. The game challenges you to manage vast populations, intricate systems, and emergent chaos — all while keeping your citizens fed, happy, and loyal.

It blends massive economic simulation, warfare, diplomacy, and deep race mechanics into one giant sandbox where anything can go wrong — and usually does.

🏙️ Core Gameplay Mechanics

Population & Needs Management

At the heart of Songs of Syx is population simulation. Every individual citizen has unique needs and wants — from specific foods and housing to furniture and roads. Meeting these needs isn’t optional if you want loyalty and population growth.

If citizens aren’t happy, loyalty drops. If loyalty drops far enough, revolt becomes a real threat. Satisfaction isn’t just a number — it’s a survival requirement.

Race System & Diversity

One of the most engaging features is the diverse races available — each with distinct traits and societal roles:

• Crettonians: Peaceful pig‑like farmers who despise meat but excel at manual labor.

• Humans: Versatile and education‑loving but prone to social instability.

• Dondorans: Dwarf‑like miners and crafters requiring specific living conditions and lots of alcohol.

• Tilapy: Elven archers who love trees and hate almost everyone else.

• Gimmies: Violent bug people thriving on cannibalism and combat.

• Amia: Lizard folk who must live by water and make excellent troops.

• Argonosh: Legendary torturers who avoid work but excel as shock troops.

• Canours: Massive giants with long lifespans and devastating combat power.

These racial dynamics aren’t just cosmetic — they fundamentally alter how your society functions and impact everything from happiness to warfare.

🧠 Research & Tech Progression

Unlike many games where technologies stay unlocked forever, in Songs of Syx research must be continually supported. Once learned, tech can slip away unless your population keeps working on it.

Research happens in laboratories and libraries, unlocking everything from crop improvements to advanced goods like tools and furniture. But most races despise intellectualism — so you might find yourself forcing humans into scholarly work just to keep progress moving.

⚔️ Warfare & Diplomacy

Combat Systems

Songs of Syx isn’t just about peace and building. Armies clash with meaty, tactical combat — complete with flanking, charging, and gory detail. Archers rain arrows, catapults crush ranks, and formations matter.

You can train your own troops, but expect job queue disruptions and lost productivity when citizens aren’t doing their day jobs.

Mercenaries & Warfare Strategy

Mercenaries are a viable strategy. They cost money, but they save lives and keep your populace working. Trade surplus goods to wealthy neighbors and use the funds to hire hardened fighters — a crucial tactic when raiders arrive.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy exists but feels unfinished. Peace treaties can demand unrealistic surrender terms, and sometimes doing nothing is better than choosing. Still, it adds another strategic layer beyond pure conquest.

🛠️ Infrastructure & City Needs

Basic Services

Your citizens need:

• Farms for food

• Warehouses for storage

• Toilets and bathhouses for sanitation

• Hospitals to treat injuries and disease

Neglecting sanitation invites plagues and unhappy, sick workers — a fast path to economic collapse.

Maintenance & Slavery

Buildings degrade without upkeep. Janitors and maintenance crews keep structures efficient. Less pleasant but effective: slavery. Enslaved populations perform dirty work without complaint — but ethically and socially, this choice adds tension.

🧠 Nobility & Religion

Social Hierarchy

Songs of Syx lets you elevate citizens to nobility, granting political power and resource production boosts. But don’t expect nobles to work — they demand service from others while giving minimal effort.

Religion

Religion influences happiness and social harmony. Unmet spiritual needs lower morale and can spark violent religious conflicts. Managing faith isn’t optional — it’s part of stability.

🎨 Aesthetics & Presentation

Graphics & Interface

Visually, Songs of Syx strikes a balance between readability and detail. Unlike Dwarf Fortress, the UI is intuitive, allowing players to quickly assess logistics, worker paths, and construction priorities without overwhelming menus.

Watching citizens scurry around your growing city — hauling goods, building structures, training troops — is visually satisfying and informative.

Soundscape & Music

The sound design is immersive. City noise grows with population; horses clatter, workers shout, and yes — the infamous toilet sound haunts long after you stop playing. The original soundtrack evokes medieval city vibes and reinforces atmosphere.

🛠️ Modding & Community

Because it’s written in Java, Songs of Syx has a vibrant modding scene. Fans have created new races, mechanics, and even massive expansions like Warhammer mods. Mods keep replay value high and let players tailor their experience to personal taste.

📈 Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

• Massive population simulation

• Deep racial variety

• Engaging combat and warfare systems

• Intuitive UI for complex systems

• Thriving modding community

• Incremental tech advancement

👎 Cons

• Diplomacy can feel undercooked

• Steep learning curve

• Early access quirks

• Some race interactions may feel grindy

💡 Value & Early Access

Songs of Syx offers immense value, especially considering the depth already implemented in Early Access. The demo is free on Steam — and it’s nearly the full game, just slightly behind the latest build. If you’re curious, trying the demo first is a smart move.

Songs of Syx is a monumental city simulator that delivers unmatched scale, depth, and emergent gameplay. It’s unforgiving, complex, and requires patience — but for strategy gamers who crave systems that intertwine and explode in unpredictable ways, it’s an absolute must‑play.

This isn’t just another simulator. It’s one of the deepest, most replayable colony sims ever made.

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!

Is Escape From Tarkov PvE Worth It? A Deep Dive for New Players

Escape From Tarkov is famous for its brutal PvP combat, punishing learning curve, and loot‑filled raids. You gear up, hit the battlefield… and then a player you never saw puts a round in your head. It’s part of the Tarkov experience, but it’s also a huge barrier for new players.

What if there was a way to learn the game, master the maps, and experiment with weapons without dying to someone camping in a bush? That’s where Escape From Tarkov’s PvE mode comes in.

Let’s break down what PvE actually is, how it’s different from PvP, and whether it’s worth your time.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Settings for Escape From Tarkov 1.0 – Max Visibility + FPS

• Mastering Scav Runs: The Ultimate Guide to Scavving in Escape from Tarkov 1.0

• Beginner’s Guide to Escape from Tarkov 1.0 — What New Players Need to Know

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What Is PvE in Escape From Tarkov?

PvE stands for Player vs Environment. Unlike the traditional Tarkov experience, where you face other players, PvE removes human opponents entirely.

✔️ You face AI enemies — scavs, bosses, and AI PMC characters
✔️ You keep your progress and gear (unlike offline)
✔️ You can join co‑op with friends
✔️ Traders, quests, hideout progression — all still work

In short, PvE lets you play Tarkov without the stress of human combat, giving you space to learn and grow. Though that doesn’t mean it is a completely challengeless game.

How PvE Differs From PvP

Here’s the biggest change:
👉 No other human players.
That means no unpredictable ambushes, no cheaters, and no “face‑shot out of nowhere.”

But PvE isn’t just easy mode — the AI can be very challenging, especially if you peek the same corner twice. They flank you, respond to sound, and will still punish mistakes. Though let’s be honest, they’re much easier to deal with than human players, but still offer enough of a challenge to give you some interesting encounters while you learn the game.

Here are the main differences:

PvE

• No human enemies

• Persistent progress (keeps loot & XP)

• Great for learning

• AI still challenging for a beginner

• Less stressful

PvP

• Human opponents (unpredictable)

• High risk, high tension

• Core Tarkov experience

• Faster adrenaline

• Harder for beginners

Why PvE Is Perfect for New Players

1. Lose the “Gear Fear”

One of the biggest hurdles in Tarkov is fear of loss. You finally find a sick weapon build — and then boom, an unseen player ends your raid.
In PvE, you can take your favorite gear into raids without that crippling anxiety. Try new weapons, armor, and attachments. Learn what works for your playstyle.

2. Learn Maps Like a Pro

Maps in Tarkov are HUGE and complex. In PvP, exploring them confidently without being gunned down is almost impossible for newbies.

PvE lets you:

• Walk around without constant danger

• Memorize landmarks & extract points

• Discover high‑tier loot spots

• Practice map routes at your pace

This alone can dramatically improve your success in PvP later. Though in the PvP mode you can also learn the maps through the “Offline” game mode where progression is neither gained nor lost, so using PvE isn’t strictly necessary to learn the maps.

3. Master Quests & Progression

Some quests in Tarkov feel like cryptic nightmares — especially with players hunting you while you try to plant items or find hidden spots.

In PvE:
✔️ Quests are manageable
✔️ You can focus on objectives
✔️ Traders and hideouts progress
✔️ No fear of losing quest items

This builds confidence and ensures you don’t get stuck on quests early on.

4. Practice Advanced Combat Skills

The AI in PvE isn’t just standing around — they will:

• Investigate sound

• Flank you

• Shoot with accuracy

You WILL die — but each death teaches you something real.

PvE is a less punishing training ground that still feels like Tarkov combat.

PvE Technical Stuff You Should Know

When starting PvE:

Server Types

• Local Mode: Hosted on your computer — quick raids, depends on hardware

• BSG Servers: Hosted by Battlestate — more advanced AI and smoother experience

For the best AI experience, choose BSG servers when you start a raid.

Purchasing & Access

PvE isn’t part of the base Tarkov game for every edition — you must own it:

🎫 Edge of Darkness / Unheard Edition: PvE included
🎫 Standard Edition: PvE available as a separate paid add‑on

Once owned, a toggle appears in the main menu to switch between PvP and PvE characters.

Each character has separate progress, so you can enjoy both modes independently.

Is PvE Worth Buying?

Yes — especially for new players.
If you’re brand new or returning after a long break, PvE gives you:

✅ A safer environment to learn
✅ Real progression that matters
✅ Less stress & more enjoyment
✅ A stepping stone to PvP success

That said, PvE isn’t the classic Tarkov experience. Some players feel removing PvP dilutes the thrill. But if the goal is learning, fun, and comfort, it’s absolutely worth it.

Final Verdict

Escape From Tarkov PvE is more than “easy mode.”
It’s a training ground — a place to learn, experiment, and build confidence before stepping back into the unforgiving world of PvP.

If you:
🎯 Want to learn maps and mechanics
🎯 Aren’t ready for ruthless PvP yet
🎯 Prefer a less stressful Tarkov experience

Then PvE is absolutely worth trying.

When you’re ready to face human players again, PvP will feel less terrifying and a lot more rewarding.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Settings for Escape From Tarkov 1.0 – Max Visibility + FPS

• Mastering Scav Runs: The Ultimate Guide to Scavving in Escape from Tarkov 1.0

• Beginner’s Guide to Escape from Tarkov 1.0 — What New Players Need to Know

• Top 7 Best Budget Weapons in Escape From Tarkov (2026 Guide)