When I first started playing ARC Raiders, I made a big mistake.
I kept changing weapons without understanding why I was losing fights.
It wasn’t about damage.
It wasn’t about rarity.
It was about choosing the right weapon for the right situation.
In this complete ARC Raiders best weapons tier list and playstyle guide, I’ll explain:
- Best weapons for PvE and PvP
- Which guns are worth upgrading early
- Weapon tier list (S-Tier to B-Tier)
- How I personally choose my loadout
- Best weapons against heavy ARC enemies
- Upgrade priority strategy
If you are serious about surviving longer and ranking higher, this guide will help.
Why Choosing the Best Weapon in ARC Raiders Actually Matters
Many beginners search:
- Best guns in ARC Raiders
- ARC Raiders weapon tier list
- Which weapon to upgrade first in ARC Raiders
- Best PvE weapons, ARC Raiders
- best PvP loadout, ARC Raiders
And honestly… I searched for the same things.
Because ammo is limited.
Upgrades are expensive.
And mistakes are punished fast.
Choosing the wrong weapon wastes resources.
ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List (PvE + PvP Combined)
Below is a practical tier list based on performance, flexibility, and upgrade value.
S-Tier Weapons (Best Overall – High Priority Upgrade)
These are the weapons I personally prioritize.
1️⃣ Equalizer Assault Rifle
Best for: Balanced PvE + PvP
Why I love it:
- Stable recoil
- Good mid-range control
- Strong against ARC patrol bots
It works in almost every situation.
2️⃣ Anvil Heavy Rifle
Best for: Heavy ARC enemies
Why it’s powerful:
- High armor penetration
- serious damage per shot
- Effective against enforcers
If you struggle with heavy ARC units — this is your solution.
A-Tier Weapons (Strong but Situational)
3️⃣ Bobcat SMG
Best for: Close-range PvP
- Fast fire rate
- Excellent for flanking
- Weak at long range
I use this when playing aggressively.
4️⃣ Ferra Marksman Rifle
Best for: Long-range PvE
- High precision
- Great for targeting weak points
- Requires good aim
Perfect for players who prefer tactical positioning.
B-Tier Weapons (Beginner Friendly)
These are decent early game, but not a long-term priority.
- Basic starter rifles
- Low penetration SMGs
- Low magazine capacity weapons
Use them early, but don’t over-invest in upgrades.
ARC Raiders Weapon Playstyle Comparison – Which One Fits You?
This is where most guides fail.
They list weapons… but don’t explain who should use what.
Let me simplify it.
Tactical Player (Cover + Precision)
If you:
- Prefer safe positioning
- Target weak points
- Avoid rushing
Best choice:
- Ferra Marksman Rifle
- Equalizer AR
You will save ammo and survive longer.
Aggressive Player (Fast Push + PvP Focus)
If you:
- Like rushing enemies
- Prefer close combat
- Play PvP frequently
Best choice:
- Bobcat SMG
- Balanced AR with mobility upgrades
But remember, positioning still matters.
Defensive Survivor (Heavy ARC Zones)
If you:
- Farm high-threat areas
- Fight heavy ARC units
- Do boss encounters
Best choice:
- Anvil Heavy Rifle
- High armor penetration builds
Heavy ARC enemies punish low penetration weapons.
Best Weapons to Upgrade First in ARC Raiders
This is the part most people get wrong.
Do NOT upgrade randomly.
My Upgrade Priority Strategy:
1️⃣ Upgrade reload speed first
2️⃣ Improve stability
3️⃣ Increase damage only after control improves
4️⃣ Upgrade one main weapon — not three
Spreading upgrades slows progress.
Focus wins.
Best Weapons Against Heavy ARC Enemies
If you’re searching:
- best weapon against ARC enforcers
- How to defeat heavy ARC machines
- best gun for armored enemies ARC Raiders
The answer is simple:
Use high penetration rifles.
Heavy ARC units have strong outer armor but exposed cores.
Low-damage fast weapons struggle against them.
Slow but powerful shots are better here.
My Personal Loadout Strategy (What I Actually Use)
When I enter mid-to-high threat zones:
- Primary: Equalizer AR
- Secondary: Heavy rifle (Anvil type)
- Backup: Utility or explosive
Why?
Because flexibility keeps me alive.
I don’t choose weapons for damage alone.
I choose weapons for control.
Common Mistakes Players Make
❌ Upgrading low-tier weapons too much
❌ Ignoring recoil control
❌ Fighting heavy ARC with SMGs
❌ Not matching weapon to playstyle
The right weapon reduces stress.
The wrong one increases frustration.
Final Thoughts – How I Finally Improved in ARC Raiders
Once I stopped copying random tier lists…
And started understanding:
- My playstyle
- Enemy types
- Upgrade efficiency
Everything changed.
ARC Raiders rewards smart decisions.
Not just fast reflexes.
If you are feeling stuck, maybe it’s not your skill.
Maybe it’s just your weapon choice.
And that’s fixable
FAQ – ARC Raiders Best Weapons Guide
What is the best weapon in ARC Raiders?
Equalizer AR is considered one of the most balanced weapons for both PvE and PvP.
Which weapon should I upgrade first in ARC Raiders?
Upgrade a stable assault rifle first before investing in situational weapons.
Are SMGs good against heavy ARC enemies?
Not recommended. Heavy rifles with armor penetration perform much better.
Is weapon tier list important in ARC Raiders?
Yes, because resources are limited and smart upgrades save time and scrap.
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