Kettle
A deliberate semi-automatic option whose official fire-rate cap and base damage were rebalanced in 2026.
Open entry
Weapons database
ARC Raiders Weapons Guide
Compare ARC Raiders guns by role, current official balance values, build fit and loadout purpose. Start with verified facts, then choose for the fight you expect.
3Detailed guides
1.39.0Notes reviewed through
Role-basedTier method
OfficialBalance citations
Featured Weapon Guides
Each page separates official balance facts from community build recommendations, with patch-sensitive fields clearly labeled.
Stitcher
An automatic close-quarters weapon balanced around fast pressure, positioning and controlled dispersion.
Open entryVenator
A high-performing precision pistol with strong headshot incentive, upgrade scaling and meaningful carry weight.
Open entryBest Weapons by Role
A useful tier list starts with the job, not a single universal ranking.
| Combat role | Shortlist | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Close quarters | Stitcher | Officially described as a close-quarter weapon; best when positioning gets you inside its effective pressure window. |
| Deliberate mid range | Kettle | Official notes distinguish it from the Stitcher by encouraging paced, medium-range shots and headshot accuracy. |
| Precision sidearm | Venator | A pistol with strong headshot incentive and upgrade fire-rate scaling, balanced by meaningful weight. |
| Simple automatic rifle | Rattler | The official game overview names the Rattler as a straightforward automatic rifle. |
| Close-range shotgun | Vulcano | The official overview identifies the Vulcano as a close-range shotgun option. |
| Energy weapon | Equalizer | Officially cited as an example of ARC Raiders' higher-tech energy weapon category. |
Tier-list note: ARC Raiders is updated frequently. Treat a weapon's role, ammo economy and route fit as more durable guidance than a fixed S-to-D ranking.
How Weapons Progress
The official overview confirms three separate improvement levers: attachments, workshop upgrades and loadout specialization.
Weapons are only one part of a Raider setup. Attachments change handling, Workshop upgrades improve a weapon over time, and skills support the movement, stamina, carrying and recovery needed to use that gun well. The skill tree does not simply add a universal damage multiplier, so each detailed guide recommends skills for positioning and sustain rather than claiming unsupported DPS bonuses.
Official Sources
Primary sources used for names, roles and current balance values.
- Everything You Need to Know About ARC Raiders Official ARC Raiders source
- Shrouded Sky - Patch Notes 1.17.0 Official ARC Raiders source
- Patch Notes 1.11.0 Official ARC Raiders source
- Patch Notes 1.3.0 Official ARC Raiders source
- Live Update 1.39.0 Official ARC Raiders source