People spend hours farming the Renegade then run it into a Spaceport close-range fight. The tier list doesn’t matter if you don’t know when to use what.
Wrong weapon choice in Arc Raiders doesn’t just cost you a fight - it costs you your extraction. With 20+ weapons in the pool and Riven Tides adding four more, picking the right kit is harder than ever.
This tier list ranks every weapon S through D, with PvP and PvE notes, an ammo economy breakdown, and a progression path for players still building toward the top picks. Rankings are based on community consensus from arcraidermap.com, GamesRadar, FRVR, and KILLMATH TTK data.
Table of Contents
- How to Use This Tier List
- Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List - Full Rankings
- S-Tier Weapons - The Current Meta
- A-Tier Weapons - Strong Alternatives
- B-Tier Weapons - Viable With Context
- C and D-Tier Weapons
- Ammo Economy and What It Means for Your Loadout
- Weapons by Progression Stage
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use This Tier List
S-tier doesn’t mean “the only weapons worth using.” It means highest ceiling - these weapons perform at the top of their class when used correctly and scale well across most combat scenarios. A B-tier weapon in the right hands, in the right situation, can still win a fight against an S-tier weapon.
Two notes that apply throughout this list:
PvP vs PvE matters. ARC Raiders splits raid objectives into two categories: killing enemy Raiders (PvP) and clearing ARC machines (PvE). The best weapon against armor-plated ARC Devastators often isn’t the same weapon that wins a close-range 1v1. Where the split is significant, it’s called out under each weapon.
The meta is stable until October. Embark moved to a bi-annual update cadence in May 2026. The next major balance pass and weapon additions are scheduled for the Frozen Trail update in October 2026. Smaller live-service patches will tune individual weapons, but no full meta reset is coming before then. If you’re thinking about investing materials in upgrading a weapon, the current tier placements are a reliable guide for at least the next few months.
Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List - Full Rankings
Rankings are based on damage output, TTK, armor penetration, ammo economy, and crafting cost relative to performance.
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S - Best in game | Anvil, Venator, Dolabra, Renegade, Vulcano |
| A - Strong picks | Bettina, Bobcat, Tempest, Canto, Ferro, Stitcher |
| B - Solid / situational | Il Toro, Torrente, Arpeggio, Burletta, Jupiter, Osprey, Kettle |
| C - Niche use only | Equalizer, Hullcracker, Aphelion, Rattler |
| D - Avoid | Hairpin |
One note on the Dolabra and Equalizer: their placement varies across sources depending on how much weight you give PvE performance. If you prioritize PvE (boss raids, ARC clearing), both weapons rank higher than this list places them. The tiers here reflect general-use consensus for players doing a mix of both.
S-Tier Weapons - The Current Meta
Anvil
The Anvil is the consensus best weapon in Arc Raiders, and it’s not particularly close. At 40 damage per shot with strong armor penetration, it two-taps shielded Raiders with headshots and strips ARC plating reliably. It runs on heavy ammo, which limits how often you can spray freely, but every shot counts with the Anvil - it rewards players who fire deliberately rather than burning magazines.
PvP: The defining weapon of the current meta. Two headshots kills a shielded Raider. If you can land them consistently, you win most 1v1s regardless of what the other player is holding.
PvE: Excellent. Armor penetration makes it one of the cleaner tools for ARC machines at all tiers.
Venator
The Venator fires two bullets per shot with a 2.5x headshot multiplier, which makes it one of the few sidearms that can realistically win a fight against a primary weapon in close quarters. Its burst damage per trigger pull is genuinely threatening - the dual-shot mechanic means each pull connects with more total damage than the base stat suggests.
PvP: Best hand cannon for close-range PvP. The 2.5x headshot multiplier means landing consistent aim gets rewarded hard.
PvE: Less suited to armored ARC machines than the Anvil or Renegade. Use it as a secondary rather than a primary PvE tool.
Dolabra
The Dolabra is an energy shotgun added in Flashpoint with a dual-mode mechanic: hipfire spreads pellets for crowd clearing, while ADS collapses the spread into a focused beam for single targets. That makes it uniquely flexible for Riven Tides content, where the new large ARC boss requires focused damage that most shotguns can’t deliver.
PvP: Strong at close range. The hipfire spread wins indoor encounters. Be aware that energy ammo is less consistently available than medium or heavy - running two energy weapons on the same kit is a risk.
PvE: S-tier here specifically. The ADS beam mode is one of the better tools against the Riven Tides boss and elite ARC encounters. Armor-penetration focused players (Dolabra ADS, Equalizer, Anvil) are the early community recommendation for large ARC fights.
If your raids are primarily PvP-focused, the Vulcano is a more consistent pick at this slot - its 1.0s TTK in close quarters beats the Dolabra in straight gunfights. The Dolabra earns its S-tier place specifically when you need one weapon to handle both crowd clearing and focused boss damage in the same run.
Renegade
The Renegade is the premier mid-range weapon in the game. 35 damage, 12.3 DPS, a 2.25x headshot multiplier, and a 69m effective range make it the best balance of distance and damage in the current meta. It uses a lever-action chunk-reload mechanic, which limits sustained fire but means it’s never fully empty when you need it in a firefight.
PvP: Punishing at range. The headshot multiplier rewards accuracy and the 69m range is longer than most engagements in indoor zones. Where the Vulcano dominates close quarters, the Renegade dominates everything past 15m.
PvE: The top ARC elimination pick according to multiple sources. Reliable armor penetration and range mean you can engage ARC machines from outside their most dangerous threat zones.
Vulcano
The Vulcano is a semi-auto shotgun with the fastest TTK in the game - 1.0 seconds with three body shots, according to KILLMATH’s verified Patch 1.27.0 data. 49.5 damage per shot make it the king of close quarters. If a fight happens inside 15 meters in an indoor environment, the Vulcano wins it.
PvP: Dominant. The 1.0s TTK is the fastest achievable in Arc Raiders right now. In Spaceport tunnels, hotel corridors, or any tight indoor space, this is the weapon to have.
PvE: Less suited to open-zone ARC encounters where range and armor penetration matter more. Pair it with a Renegade or Anvil if you’re running mixed content.
A-Tier Weapons - Strong Alternatives
Bettina entered A-tier with the Riven Tides update. It’s an Epic heavy AR running on heavy ammo with a 22-round magazine, 16 damage (buffed from 14 in patch 1.26.0), and 7.5 DPS. Dispersion was tightened by 40% and ARC armor damage increased by 33% in the same patch - that’s what makes it genuinely useful rather than just higher on paper. The Gunsmith III recipe requirement is the main barrier to entry. It’s primarily a PvE pick, though the dispersion fix has opened a small PvP window at compound range for the first time.
Bobcat is an excellent close-range SMG with one of the fastest TTKs in the game at close range. The light ammo penalty in the current meta - where Shredder builds punish light-ammo users - is what holds it at A rather than S. Still excellent if you’re not running into Shredder-heavy lobbies.
Tempest is a full-auto AR that received meaningful recoil and damage improvements in Flashpoint. It’s the most accessible assault rifle with a genuine meta presence - manageable recoil, medium ammo, and improved ARC armor penetration make it a reliable all-rounder for players who want a primary that doesn’t require precise aim to function.
Canto is the first medium-ammo SMG in the game, added in Flashpoint. Medium ammo availability gives it better raid sustainability than the Bobcat, which matters on longer runs. It’s not the highest DPS option, but the ammo type alone earns it an A-tier slot for budget-conscious players.
Ferro is the budget king. 40 damage with heavy ammo at a crafting cost of 2 rubber and 5 metal parts - it hits harder than weapons costing ten times as much to produce. The 4.4 DPS is low, which limits its ceiling in extended firefights, but for players still building their kit, it’s an essential first craft.
Stitcher is the best entry-level automatic weapon. Craftable or buyable for 800 coins, it took a nerf but remains viable at close range. If you’re early in progression and need something that fires fast and doesn’t require a Gunsmith III bench, this is it.
B-Tier Weapons - Viable With Context
| Weapon | Type | Best Use | Why Not Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Il Toro | Pump shotgun | Indoor PvP | Nerfed in patch 1.20; requires precise positioning to land value |
| Torrente | LMG | ARC squad clearing | High magazine but slow mobility makes you a target in PvP |
| Arpeggio | Burst AR | Medium range | Can kill with 2 chest + 1 headshot in one burst, but low DPS if the burst misses |
| Burletta | Pistol | Backup / secondary | Consistent and quick to reload; poor armor pen limits ARC use |
| Jupiter | Energy sniper | PvE only | High single-shot damage; energy clip recharges but energy ammo scarcity limits PvP runs |
| Osprey | Sniper rifle | Long range | 80m range and 2.5x headshot multiplier, but outclassed by Renegade at most engagement distances |
| Kettle | AR | Budget only | Formerly S-tier; fire rate capped at 450 RPM and damage reduced in patch 1.11.0 |
The Kettle entry is worth flagging separately: if you were playing before the nerf, adjust your expectations. It’s still craftable and usable in early-game, but don’t invest upgrade materials into it expecting pre-nerf performance.
C and D-Tier Weapons
Equalizer is a Legendary energy rifle with strong penetration for PvE. Some sources place it higher based on ARC boss performance. The consensus placement here is C-tier because it’s outclassed in PvP at almost every range and the energy ammo cost makes it expensive to run regularly. If you’re building a dedicated PvE boss kit, it’s worth reconsidering.
Hullcracker is a launcher that delivers the highest single-shot damage in the game (100 DMG, 33.8 DPS) against ARC machines. It’s S-tier for PvE anti-ARC specifically. It sits in C because the bounce mechanics are unpredictable enough in PvP that most experienced players avoid it in those scenarios. Keep one in your stash for emergencies.
Aphelion is a Legendary dual-shot energy battle rifle added in Riven Tides. It’s interesting in concept - dual-shot energy bursts with 25 damage and 3.8 DPS - but the Renegade or Bettina deliver better output for the same or lower material cost. Worth experimenting with if you have a spare blueprint, but don’t prioritize it.
Rattler is a medium-ammo AR with a small magazine and an unusual 2-bullet reload mechanic. It generally underperforms in most scenarios.
Hairpin is a D-tier light pistol that requires 3 headshots or 7 body shots to kill a Raider. Its only practical use case is an ambush where you land multiple headshots from stealth before the target reacts. Avoid as a main loadout weapon.
Ammo Economy and What It Means for Your Loadout
Weapon choice in Arc Raiders isn’t just about damage numbers - ammo availability per map affects how much you can actually fire during a raid. Running two weapons that both use energy ammo, for example, compounds scarcity in a way that can leave you underpowered at critical moments.
| Ammo Type | S/A Tier Weapons That Use It |
|---|---|
| Heavy | Anvil, Bettina, Ferro |
| Medium | Renegade, Tempest, Canto |
| Light | Bobcat, Stitcher |
| Energy | Dolabra, Equalizer, Jupiter (B-tier) |
The strongest pairing from an ammo economy standpoint is Renegade (medium) + Anvil (heavy) - two different ammo types, both S-tier, covers close-to-long range. Budget alternative: Ferro (heavy) + Stitcher (light) covers both ammo pools at minimal crafting cost.
Avoid stacking two energy weapons in the same kit unless you’re running a dedicated boss raid with teammates who can cover your ammo gaps.
Weapons by Progression Stage
Not everyone reading a tier list is running full S-tier gear. Here’s how to think about weapon choices at each stage.
Early game: Stitcher or Kettle are your primary options - both craftable early, both effective enough to learn combat fundamentals with. Don’t worry about hitting the S-tier picks yet. Focus on map knowledge and extraction habits.
Mid-game: Renegade or Ferro as your primary (both craftable with accessible materials), with an Anvil added when heavy ammo becomes more consistently available. The Renegade is the upgrade target to aim for - once you’re running it comfortably, you’re competitive in most lobbies.
Established: Full S-tier loadout becomes achievable. Anvil + Renegade covers the largest range of scenarios. Add Dolabra for boss raid runs where ARC beam damage is needed. Keep a Hullcracker in reserve for ARC emergencies.
Upgrading matters as much as weapon choice. A level 4 Bobcat outperforms a level 1 Vulcano in most matchups. Don’t neglect upgrade progression while chasing rarity.
Key Takeaways
- The S-tier is Anvil, Venator, Dolabra, Renegade, and Vulcano - and it’s been stable since Flashpoint with no significant changes expected until October
- Bettina is the standout addition from Riven Tides, entering A-tier as a legitimate heavy ammo PvE option
- Dolabra and Equalizer placement shifts depending on PvP vs PvE focus - don’t treat their tier positions as fixed if you run boss-heavy content
- Ferro is the best budget weapon in the game - 2 rubber and 5 metal parts for 40 damage is genuinely exceptional value
- Don’t stack two energy weapons in the same kit without a plan for ammo scarcity
- Kettle was S-tier before patch 1.11.0; don’t invest upgrade materials expecting that level of performance now
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon in Arc Raiders?
The Anvil is the consensus best weapon in Arc Raiders as of the Riven Tides meta. It delivers 40 damage per shot with strong armor penetration, two-taps shielded Raiders with headshots, and performs well against ARC machines. The Renegade is the top alternative if you prefer mid-range engagements over close quarters.
What weapons are S-tier in Arc Raiders?
The S-tier in the current Riven Tides meta consists of five weapons: Anvil (hand cannon), Venator (pistol), Dolabra (energy shotgun), Renegade (battle rifle), and Vulcano (semi-auto shotgun). These are the weapons with the highest performance ceilings in both PvP and PvE.
Is the Renegade good in Arc Raiders?
Yes - the Renegade is one of the strongest weapons in the game and the top PvE pick for ARC elimination. Its 2.25x headshot multiplier, 69m range, and lever-action chunk-reload mechanic make it the best mid-range option in the current meta. The Ferro is a cheaper alternative that uses heavy ammo, making the two a strong pairing rather than direct substitutes.
What happened to the Kettle in Arc Raiders?
The Kettle was an S-tier weapon before patch 1.11.0. Embark capped its fire rate at 450 RPM and reduced its damage output, dropping it to B-tier. It’s still usable as a budget AR, but upgrading it expecting pre-nerf performance is a waste of materials.
What is the best budget weapon in Arc Raiders?
The Ferro is the best budget weapon in the game. It costs 2 rubber and 5 metal parts to craft and delivers 40 damage - comparable to weapons that cost significantly more to produce. The Stitcher is the best budget close-range option, craftable or available for 800 coins.
Is the Dolabra worth using in Arc Raiders?
Yes, particularly for PvE content. The Dolabra’s dual-mode mechanic - hipfire for crowd clearing, ADS for a focused beam - makes it one of the strongest weapons against the new large ARC boss in Riven Tides. For PvP, it’s strong at close range but energy ammo availability is a limiting factor.
What Arc Raiders weapons are best for PvE?
The top PvE weapons are Renegade (ARC elimination), Dolabra (boss and elite ARC encounters), Anvil (armor penetration), and Hullcracker (anti-ARC burst, if bounce mechanics are manageable). Bettina is the best A-tier PvE option for sustained, multi-objective raids.
What changed in the Riven Tides weapon meta?
Riven Tides added four weapons: Aphelion (Legendary energy battle rifle, C-tier), Bettina (Epic heavy AR, A-tier), Arpeggio (Uncommon burst AR, B-tier), and Burletta (Uncommon pistol, B-tier). The S-tier roster didn’t change. The biggest meta shift is Bettina entering the heavy-ammo PvE conversation and the Canto providing a medium-ammo SMG alternative to the Bobcat.
When is the next Arc Raiders balance patch?
Embark moved to a bi-annual major update cadence in May 2026. Smaller live-service balance passes are expected every two to three weeks through the summer, but the next significant meta shift is the Frozen Trail update in October 2026. The current tier placements are reliable through at least that point.
