ARC Raiders Best Weapons Guide — Complete Weapon Tier List 2026

The current ARC Raiders meta features a diverse weapon pool with clear tier separation. S-Tier weapons dominate across multiple engagement ranges and include the Tempest IV assault rifle for its exceptional damage per shot and controllable recoil, the Dolabra marksman rifle for one-shot headshot potential against mid-tier enemies, and the Venator IV SMG for unmatched close-quarters time-to-kill. A-Tier weapons are highly competitive with specific strengths: the Arpeggio IV offers the best magazine capacity among assault rifles, the Renegade IV shotgun devastates in CQB but struggles at range, and the Jupiter LMG provides suppressive fire capability for squad play. B-Tier weapons are viable but outclassed in their roles and include the Canto IV carbine and the Osprey IV battle rifle. Understanding where each weapon fits in the tier list helps you make informed purchasing decisions and optimize your loadout for each raid.

Assault rifles are the most versatile weapon class in ARC Raiders, performing well at medium range with manageable recoil profiles. The Tempest IV leads the category with 42 base damage, 650 RPM, and a 30-round magazine that can be extended with attachments. Its controllable recoil pattern makes it effective for both new and experienced players. The Arpeggio IV trades some damage per shot for a 40-round standard magazine and slightly higher fire rate, making it ideal for players who prefer sustained fire. The Canto IV carbine is a budget-friendly option with lower damage but excellent handling and reload speed. For most players, the Tempest IV represents the best balance of power, control, and versatility, while the Arpeggio IV is the top choice for aggressive playstyles that value magazine capacity.

For close-quarters combat, SMGs and shotguns offer unmatched stopping power. The Venator IV SMG is the top choice with 34 damage, 800 RPM, and excellent hip-fire accuracy that makes it lethal in building clearances and tight corridors. Its handling stats allow for quick aiming and movement while firing. The Renegade IV shotgun delivers devastating per-shot damage with the ability to one-shot lower-tier enemies at close range, but its slow reload and limited effective range require careful positioning. The Hullcracker IV is a pump-action alternative with higher per-pellet damage but slower fire rate. For most CQB scenarios, the Venator IV SMG is the more forgiving option, while the Renegade IV shotgun rewards precise aim and map knowledge with faster eliminations.

Attachments significantly impact weapon performance in ARC Raiders and can elevate a B-Tier weapon to A-Tier performance. The compensator muzzle reduces vertical recoil by up to 25% and is the single most impactful attachment for assault rifles. Angled foregrips improve aiming stability and reduce horizontal sway during sustained fire. Extended magazines add 8-12 rounds depending on weapon type, providing critical extra capacity in extended engagements. Red dot and holographic sights offer the best balance of target acquisition speed and precision for most engagements. Suppressors reduce audible range but slightly decrease damage — use them only in stealth-focused builds. Invest in attachments progressively as your budget allows, prioritizing recoil control and magazine capacity as your first upgrades.

Not every raid requires S-Tier weapons. Budget-conscious players can achieve excellent results with cost-effective loadouts that minimize financial risk. The Canto IV carbine is the best budget assault rifle at roughly one-third the cost of a Tempest IV while maintaining 80% of its combat effectiveness. The Osprey IV battle rifle offers solid medium-range performance at a budget price point, though its recoil requires some practice to control. For shotguns, the base Hullcracker IV is very affordable and effective against early-zone enemies. The key to budget loadouts is pairing affordable weapons with a few key attachments — a compensator and a basic sight can make even budget weapons competitive in most raid scenarios. Reserve your S-Tier weapons for high-difficulty missions and organized squad play.