Complete tier list with DPS values, loadout tips, and meta analysis — updated for Season 2.
Season 2 of ARC Raiders has completely shaken up the weapon meta with a massive balancing patch. Some weapons received significant buffs, others got nerfed hard — and the community has settled on new favorites. In this guide, you'll learn which weapons currently dominate the meta and which ones you should leave in your stash.
This tier list is based on DPS values, community feedback from our Tier Voting, and our own gameplay experience. We consider not just raw damage output, but also handling, ammo availability, and versatility across different scenarios.
Before we dive into the tier list, here are the most important Season 2 balance changes that shaped the current meta:
Our tier list uses seven ranks — from absolute dominance (S++) to last resort (D). Rankings factor in DPS, versatility, ammo availability, and performance across different scenarios including PvP close-quarters, mid-range, long-range, and boss fights.
The Tempest remains the best all-around weapon in the game. With a DPS of 367, reliable range of 55.9, and excellent accuracy, it's the safe pick for any situation. The Tempest uses Medium Ammo, which is abundant on every map. Whether you're doing solo runs or playing in a squad — the Tempest belongs in every loadout.
📍 Blueprint Location: Buried City (Night Raid) — Search drawers and filing cabinets in the Grandioso Apartments and the building near the Abandoned Highway Camp. Extremely rare drop — go in without gear for a Safe Pocket run!
The Bobcat has the highest fire rate of any weapon in the game and absolutely dominates close-quarters combat. With 400 DPS, it melts enemies in seconds. Since the Season 2 patch, its recoil was slightly improved, making it even deadlier. Perfect for aggressive players who love to push.
The Venator is the best sidearm in the game and punches way above its weight class. Using Medium Ammo with semi-auto fire mode, it offers excellent ARC penetration at medium range. Many experienced players use the Venator as a reliable secondary for finishing off weakened enemies or as a primary in budget runs.
The Renegade delivers the highest DPS in the entire game: 735. Yes, you read that right. This lever-action beast is absolutely devastating at medium range. The catch? You need to land every shot — the lever-action mechanism makes follow-up shots slower. For players with good aim, the Renegade is unbeatable.
The Anvil is a CQC monster that uses Heavy Ammo. In tight spaces — inside buildings, POIs, and around extraction points — it can one-shot enemies at point-blank range. The Anvil shines in Buried City's narrow alleyways and Dam's corridor sections. Pair it with a mid-range weapon for maximum coverage.
The Ferro has the highest single-shot damage at 40, with a range of 53.1. It's a break-action rifle that works brilliantly as a secondary for opening fights — land the first hit with Ferro, then switch to your primary. Best of all, it's free to craft, making it ideal for budget loadouts.
The Vulcano is the Anvil's younger sibling. Slightly less damage but more forgiving with a wider spread. Uses Heavy Ammo. A solid pick if you can't find an Anvil blueprint.
The Il Toro fills the marksman role nicely with Heavy Ammo and excellent accuracy at range. Great for overwatch positions on open maps like Blue Gate or Spaceport's launch pad area.
The Hullcracker is the ultimate anti-ARC specialist. It destroys drones and bosses efficiently but is not viable for PvP. Bring it specifically for boss fights and ARC-heavy conditions.
The Aphelion uses Energy Clips and offers a unique playstyle. Decent damage but energy ammo is rare and the weapon feels inconsistent compared to medium ammo alternatives. Niche pick for energy-focused builds.
The Jupiter was once a top-tier sniper but the Season 2 reload nerf hit it hard. Still capable of one-shot headshots, but the increased reload time makes follow-up shots painful. Il Toro is often the better choice now.
The Torrente is an okay SMG that lives entirely in the Bobcat's shadow. If you find one early in a raid and have no Bobcat, it'll get the job done — but always swap to a Bobcat when possible.
Both the Burletta and Equalizer are outclassed by the Venator in every way. Low damage, poor range, no reason to pick them unless you literally have nothing else.
The Stitcher is completely overshadowed by the Bobcat. Less DPS, smaller magazine, worse handling. There's zero reason to choose it over the Bobcat.
The Osprey sniper and Bettina AR are both outdated. The Bettina was completely replaced by the Tempest after the buff — there's no reason to use it anymore. The Osprey lacks the one-shot potential to justify its slow fire rate.
The Kettle (DPS 280, the lowest of any assault rifle), the Rattler, and the Hairpin pistol are the weakest weapons in ARC Raiders. Only pick these up if you just dropped in and literally can't find anything else. Replace them at the first opportunity.
A weapon alone doesn't make a good loadout. Here are our top recommendations for complete loadout builds:
The Tempest covers mid-range while the Anvil dominates close-quarters. Combined with medium armor, you get the perfect balance of mobility and firepower. Bring Vita Sprays and a Blaze Grenade for maximum versatility.
For players with good aim: Il Toro for long-range picks, Bobcat for emergency CQC. Heavy armor recommended since you'll often be in stationary positions. Ideal for overwatch roles on maps like Dam or Spaceport.
Maximum damage at every range. Bobcat shreds in CQC, Renegade punishes at mid-range. This loadout requires good aim and fast decision-making — but rewards you with the highest kill potential in the game. Light armor for maximum mobility.
Both weapons are cheap to craft. The Ferro opens fights with a massive first hit, the Venator finishes them. Perfect for zero-risk runs on Buried City or when you're trying to rebuild your stash after a losing streak.
If you only want to master one weapon: Tempest. It's the most versatile weapon with the best value-to-performance ratio. For experienced players, the Renegade is worth learning — its high skill ceiling rewards you with the highest DPS in the game.
For budget-conscious raiders, the Ferro + Venator combo is incredibly cost-effective. And for aggressive pushers, nothing beats the Bobcat in close quarters.
Check out our complete weapons database for detailed stats, or use the Damage Calculator to run your own calculations. You can also see live community rankings on our Tier Voting page.