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Official ARC Raiders weapons artwork for the Kettle guide

Weapon guide

ARC Raiders Kettle Guide

The Kettle is a deliberate semi-automatic weapon for flexible medium-range fights, with enough close-range usability that official balance changes specifically pushed it away from behaving like an SMG.

Updated August 11, 2026 Official sources cited Community guide
8.5Base damage
450 RPMFire-rate cap
LightAmmo
Mid rangeBest role

Kettle Overview

The official Shrouded Sky notes describe the Kettle as a high-output weapon intended for medium range at a deliberate pace. Players had been using that versatility to force close-quarters fights, so Update 1.17.0 reduced base damage from 10 to 8.5 while preserving its high headshot incentive. Earlier, Update 1.11.0 reduced the achievable fire rate from 600 to 450 RPM to remove a macro-favored input advantage.

That makes the Kettle a flexible gun, but not a substitute for the Stitcher inside every room. Pace shots, work from cover and treat accuracy as the reason to choose it.

Damage, Fire Rate & Ammo

The numeric fields above use official balance notes for patch-sensitive damage, headshot, fire-rate or weight values. Ammo category is an in-game reference; magazine size and attachment effects should be checked on the current tooltip because the public official site does not maintain a complete static stat table.

Balance reference: Shrouded Sky - Patch Notes 1.17.0. Official values can change after this guide's review date.

Best Build & Skills

Best build direction: balanced Mobility and Conditioning. The Kettle benefits from reliable angle changes without forcing the full commitment of a close-range rush build.

  • Nimble Climber: reach windows and elevation faster to create medium-range sight lines.
  • Marathon Runner: spend less stamina rotating between cover.
  • Fight Or Flight: recover stamina after taking damage so a lost trade does not trap you.
  • Loaded Arms: reduce the encumbrance pressure of the equipped weapon.
  • Broad Shoulders: preserve extraction value when ammunition and loot accumulate.
Plan these skillsCompare weapons

How to Unlock Kettle

The public official weapon overview confirms that weapons can be found, specialized with attachments and upgraded in the Workshop, but it does not publish a permanent Kettle recipe or universal unlock level. Loot tables, trader access and crafting paths can move with live updates. Use the current in-game Acquire and Craft view as the final unlock authority.

Best Kettle Loadout

PrimaryKettle with handling or accuracy attachments that support deliberate follow-up shots.
UtilitySmoke or traversal utility to preserve the preferred medium-range gap.
DefenseA shield setup you can carry without losing the stamina needed to rotate.

How to Use Kettle

  1. Open from cover at medium range instead of sprinting into a Stitcher fight.
  2. Pace inputs so dispersion settles and headshots benefit from the Kettle's retained precision incentive.
  3. Relocate after revealing your angle; the weapon's versatility matters most when the opponent cannot pre-aim you.
  4. Against ARC, prioritize visible weak points and conserve shots for the extraction route.

Kettle FAQ

What is the current Kettle base damage?

The official Update 1.17.0 notes reduced Kettle base damage from 10 to 8.5.

What is the Kettle fire rate?

Official Update 1.11.0 reduced its maximum practical fire rate from 600 to 450 RPM.

Is Kettle better than Stitcher?

Neither wins every situation. Kettle is the better fit for deliberate medium-range angles; Stitcher is purpose-built for close quarters.

Official Sources

Official facts are cited directly. Build and loadout sections are community recommendations derived from those roles and the site's skill data.