ARC Raiders Best Weapons Tier List

ARC Raiders Best Weapons Tier List Quick Summary:

• The weapon with the best time-to-kill is Venator, even after the nerfs.
• Tempest and Renegade are runner-ups with amazing accuracy and damage per bullet, plus they're pretty forgiving.
• Stitcher is a budget king and even after the nerfs is still viable.
• Best non-legendary weapons against ARCs are Anvil, Hullcracker, and Torrente.

If you want to have one of these weapons available at all times, be sure to check out our ARC Raiders Blueprints service. Get any of the weapons, augments, and shields to dominate in all fights.

 

 

 

ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List Explained

In this game, weapons can feel amazing or absolutely useless, depending on what you pick. Some guns reward accuracy and patience, while others reward being aggressive and going in guns blazing. Some of the guns in the game are so bad that it begs the question, what are they for? This tier list is built from my own expertise and observation of general trends in the top player space. Let’s have my ARC Raiders weapon tier list explained one section by one:

• S-Tier: These weapons are top of the food chain. Best damage and comfort. You’ll feel the power right away. They work well enough in every situation. If you find one, use it.
• A-Tier: Strong guns that perform well in most fights. They’re not broken, but they’re close. A-Tier weapons are reliable choices, but they're not as generally strong as S-Tier ones.
• B-Tier: These weapons can be quite specific in their role, but what they do, they do the best. They're not bad, but they require a certain approach.
• C-Tier: These guns are out of meta or undertuned. With time and patches, they might turn meta. For now, they're underwhelming.
• D-Tier: These weapons are not to be used under any circumstances. Using them is just begging to be returned to Speranza, legs-first.

While the game tries to pose each gun as an answer to a certain question, I'd say there are some clear winners that are just too good not to use them every run. If anybody tells you there's no meta, there is. No person with Ferro will outgun a Venator user, even if they're at a distance from one another.

ARC Raiders Gun Tier List

While this tier list is as objective as possible, I still consider that the best gun is not the one with the raw stats, but the one with the comfort of handling. Like, if you leave red flares behind you with Burletta, all power to you. In your hands, Tempest might feel like the biggest pea shooter if you're used to accurate and controlled aiming. But with that said, I stand on my words that there's a certain meta in the game. Here’s my ARC Raiders gun tier list:

I generally prefer having two guns, one as a main weapon, the other as a supporting tool. S and A-Tier guns can all be used as a main weapon, while B and C-Tiers are all good as supporting weapons. It's just that they're too specific to be the main gun to send raiders back to Speranza.

Best ARC Raiders Weapons Ranked

Now let me talk about the best of the best. The kings and queens of meta. I've carefully picked four weapons that fit the S-Tier the most and below I'll break down each of them. Here are ARC Raiders best weapons ranked:

• Venator
• Tempest
• Renegade
• Stitcher

While some guns really need attachments to work decently well, these weapons can be good from the get-go. I still suggest upgrading them at least a little bit, especially Tempest, as 1st level Tempest just kicks like a frenzied mule.

Venator

Venator is arguably the best weapon in ARC Raiders now. It's a hand cannon that fires two bullets at once for the cost of just one. Known for its high damage output and effectiveness against people and ARC armor plating. Yes, its handling is a bit slower after the nerfs. However, its power compensates for every downside you can possibly think of.

Here are some basic facts about Venator:

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Special Trait: Twin Shot
• Damage: 18
• Headshot Multiplier: x2.5
• Firing Mode: Semi-Auto
• Range: 48.4

The gun’s ability to deal significant damage is especially seen in close to mid-range engagements. You just need to be precise and deliberate in your shots. This is a powerful weapon that rewards accuracy and timing. Its high damage output makes it a team wipe machine. Though the developers have decreased its firing rate, it's still a monster both for PvP and PvE.

Tempest

Tempest is also among the best guns in ARC Raiders, thanks to its accuracy and reliability. It's the only true assault rifle in the game, dominating the mid-range combat. This weapon is very easy to handle, accurate, and deals good damage. It has almost no downsides. It might not be the best gun up close, but it's not made for that. It’s made to be an all-rounder weapon, and it deals with this task resplendently. The biggest problem with this weapon is that it's hard to find, so losing it hurts a lot.

Here’s what you need to know about Tempest first:

• Ammo Type: Medium Ammo
• Damage: 10
• Fire Rate: 36.7
• Firing Mode: Full-Auto
• Range: 55.9
• Stability: 78.9

It works best at mid-range. It can potentially deal with close-range encounters, unless your enemies have an SMG. Tempest uses medium ammo, which makes it deal with ARCs pretty well, too. It’s fast enough to kill people before they realise what happened. It's also accurate enough to call it a laser beam.

Renegade

Renegade is considered the strongest gun in ARC Raiders in the Battle Rifles category. It’s a lever-action weapon chambered for medium ammunition. It delivers consistent performance in mid and long-range combat scenarios, offering a balance between firepower and control.

With a damage output of 35 per shot, it can stop a rhino in its tracks. Combined with an effective range of 69 meters and a fire rate of 21, the Renegade is well-suited for engagements where precision and sustained fire are required. Its 8-round magazine necessitates strategic reloads, but it can easily be solved by installing any of the Medium Mags.

Check out a few facts about Renegade:

• Ammo Type: Medium
• Damage: 35
• Headshot Multiplier: x2.25
• Firing Mode: Lever-Action
• Range: 69
• Magazine Capacity: 8

Renegade is a fantastic gun for an accurate player. It breaks the armor fast enough and can be used as a sole weapon to fight off ARCs. It's even good in close situations, thanks to its high damage and decent fire rate. It’s accurate, dangerous, and easy to use in most fights. The damage is huge, so any raider who decides to mess with you will regret it instantly. If they won't leave, their flare will light up the sky.

Stitcher

Speaking of other ARC Raiders best weapons, Stitcher is a common-rarity SMG to take a look at. This is a reliable pick due to its effectiveness in mid-range combat, too. Stitcher uses light ammo and hits for 7 damage a shot. It spits ammo like no tomorrow, outperformed only by a Bobcat. It melts enemies up close and does decently well at medium range, too! This is a big plus for new players, yet experienced veterans also enjoy running with it.

Let’s begin with these facts about Stitcher:

• Ammo Type: Light
• Damage: 7
• Firing Mode: Full-Auto
• Range: 42.1
• Magazine Capacity: 20

Stitcher keeps things simple and steady. It’s a solid pick for close-range fights, but it kicks hard the longer you shoot. This is a PvP meatgrinder that puts to shame many other guns of higher rarity. It's not good enough to deal with big ARCs, but for something like Wasps, Pops, and Fireballs, this will do just fine.

 

 

ARC Raiders Best Weapons Overall

Venator is definitely the top weapon in ARC Raiders at the moment. But only if you can use its advantages to make the most out of them. It fires two rounds at a time, and your enemy definitely feels that. If you’re accurate and stay cool under pressure, Venator rewards you every time.

It uses medium ammo, and yes, it makes every shot count. With no full-auto option or rapid fire, you have to land every shot you take. But when that shot lands, oh, it lands, brother. Perfect for players who like to play aggressively and have enough aiming skill to control it in tight spaces.

This is why Venator is the best pick in ARC Raiders now:

1. Great against heavy targets and players both
2. Excels in situations when you are outnumbered
3. Good for players with good movement and accuracy skills

The rate of fire is fine after the nerfs. High enough to remain one of the most dominant weapons. You need to stay focused, not spray wildly. Venator's range gives it flexibility, too. It’s not just a close-range cannon. You can hold mid-range and still win.

 

 

What Weapon Type to Choose

Picking the right weapon type can shape how every fight plays out. Each type fits a different playstyle, so it’s smart to know what suits you best. Some guns are built for pure force, others lean on speed or control.

Your loadout should match how you move, shoot, and survive. Weapons also depend on ammo type, fire rate, and handling. Not every choice fits every raid. It’s all about balance and knowing your strengths before heading out.

Tips for Picking the Strongest Weapon

Picking the right weapon can take some time, as ARC Raiders has pretty unique shooting, where the majority of guns are either semi-auto, or so poor at landing shots that you'd prefer them to have a slower fire rate. No matter what, finding the distance at which you're comfortable playing will serve as the answer to what gun you want to use in this game. Here's how to pick the strongest weapon:

1. Match Your Weapon to Your Role: If you stick with your squad and push objectives, go for steady, mid-range guns. If you flank or go solo, use weapons built for burst or mobility.
2. Think About Ammo Type: Heavy ammo hits hard but runs out fast. Light ammo keeps you in the fight longer. Always weigh firepower against availability.
3. Don’t Chase Stats Alone: A weapon can look strong on paper but feel clunky in combat. Test guns and stick with ones that feel good, not just look good.
4. Factor in Reload Speed: A gun that hits hard but reloads forever can get you killed fast.
5. Adapt to the Map and Enemies: Use long-range rifles in open zones and close-range options in tight areas. Think about what you’re up against and adjust accordingly.

I'd say that you'll eventually learn what weapons to use on certain maps. For instance, picking a shotgun at the Blue Gate is not the best idea even if you're planning to go underground. Vice versa, picking an Osprey on Stella Montis isn't a great idea. But then again, nobody knows your playstyle better than yourself, so choose what feels most convenient, even if it's not the top of my tier list.

Read our other ARC Raiders guides:

• Best Settings
• How to Farm Coins
• Best Builds
• Beginner's Guide

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