ARC Raiders Best Weapons Tier List Guide (September 2026)

Discover the top guns in ARC Raiders with our tier list guide, covering PvP and PvE performance to help you choose the best weapons.

When you drop into a raid in ARC Raiders, your gear is always on the line. One mistake, one unlucky encounter, and that prized rifle is gone forever. That's why knowing which guns are worth the risk is crucial. With the current season in full swing and the Cold Snap update introducing new content, many players are rebuilding their arsenals from scratch. So, which weapons should you prioritize? Our tier list breaks down all 21 guns, including the new Aphelion Battle Rifle, to help you make informed choices.

## The Cream of the Crop: S-Tier Weapons

At the top of the food chain, S-tier weapons excel in both PvE and PvP scenarios. The Ferro, a high-power rifle, is a standout due to its ability to pierce ARC plating and obliterate enemies if you land your shots. It's also incredibly easy to craft, requiring only 5 Metal Parts and 2 Rubber, making it a reliable early-game powerhouse.

The Anvil is another S-tier gem, despite being an Uncommon-rarity hand cannon. It outperforms many Rare and Epic weapons, offering punchy damage with a fast fire rate and lightweight build. With 6 shots and strong armor penetration, it's a dependable choice against any threat. Its blueprint is a rare drop, but once you have it, crafting requires 5 Mechanical Components and 6 Simple Gun Parts.

For those who prefer assault rifles, the Tempest and Bettina are the best in class, but they're not for the faint of heart. Both require rare blueprints and expensive materials. The Tempest needs a Magnetic Accelerator, 3 Medium Gun Parts, and 2 Exodus Modules, while the Bettina demands 3 Advanced Mechanical Components, 3 Heavy Gun Parts, and 3 Canisters. These guns are reserved for experienced players who can handle their power.

## Strong but Situational: A-Tier Weapons

A-tier weapons are incredibly strong but have specific niches. The Equalizer and Hullcracker are devastating against ARC enemies but less effective in PvP. The Equalizer requires a Queen Reactor, 3 Magnetic Accelerators, and 3 Complex Gun Parts, while the Hullcracker needs a Magnetic Accelerator, an Exodus Module, and 3 Heavy Gun Parts.

Snipers like the Osprey and Jupiter are hard-hitting but cumbersome up close. The Osprey is cheaper, needing 2 Advanced Mechanical Components, 3 Medium Gun Parts, and 7 Wires, while the Jupiter demands 3 Magnetic Accelerators, 3 Complex Gun Parts, and a Queen Reactor.

If you prefer close-quarters combat, the Bobcat SMG is a beast, but its high recoil and poor range make it a handful. The Renegade, a lever-action battle rifle, offers a faster fire rate than the Ferro but suffers from long reload times. The Kettle, one of the first guns you can craft, is surprisingly versatile in both PvE and PvP, making it a reliable sidearm for early game.

## Middle of the Pack: B-Tier Weapons

B-tier weapons are outclassed by similar guns but still hold their own. The Stitcher, a common SMG, is a hallmark of free loadouts and can dish out surprising damage with its rapid-fire mag dumps. It's a solid sidearm for a Ferro or similar primary, but its recoil and range limitations hold it back.

The Rattler is a fine early-game assault rifle but gets replaced once you can craft better options. The Arpeggio and Burletta are painfully average, with the Arpeggio's three-round bursts being decent for PvP but less effective against ARC enemies. The Venator is more capable than the Burletta, but its rarity and crafting costs prevent it from climbing higher.

The Vulcano, an epic shotgun, can blast raiders to bits up close, but its extreme damage falloff and poor performance against armored ARC enemies make it a situational pick. Given its crafting cost, many players find it underwhelming.

## Weapons to Avoid: C-Tier

C-tier weapons should generally be avoided. The Torrente LMG hits hard but is only accurate when crouched and stationary, which is a death sentence in most firefights. The Hairpin pistol has a built-in silencer, but the damage tradeoff isn't worth it. These guns are outperformed by others that cost similar amounts to craft.

## Final Thoughts

Choosing the right weapon in ARC Raiders is about balancing performance with risk. The Ferro and Anvil are excellent starting points, offering high power without breaking the bank. As you progress, the Tempest and Bettina become worthwhile investments, but they require significant resources. Remember, the best weapon is the one you can use effectively and afford to lose.

Stay tuned for more guides, and good luck in your next raid!