Best ARC Raiders Weapons β Ultimate Weapon Tier List (2026). Complete ARC Raiders weapon tier list. Find the best assault rifles, sniper rifles, SMGs, shotguns, and heavy weapons ranked by performance, versatility, and raid effectiveness.
The Tactical Assault Rifle MK3 is the best weapon overall due to its unmatched versatility, accuracy, and reliability across all engagement ranges and combat scenarios.
Complete ARC Raiders weapon tier list. Find the best assault rifles, sniper rifles, SMGs, shotguns, and heavy weapons ranked by performance, versatility, and raid effectiveness.
The MK3 dominates the weapon meta with its exceptional accuracy, controlled recoil, and high damage output. Performs brilliantly at medium range and remains effective at close and long range, making it the most versatile weapon in ARC Raiders.
The undisputed king of all ARC Raiders weaponsA devastating bolt-action sniper rifle with best-in-class damage per shot and armor penetration. Capable of eliminating fully armored targets with a single headshot from extreme ranges.
Highest single-shot damage in the gameHigh-rate-of-fire submachine gun optimized for close-quarters combat. Its compact size frees up inventory space while delivering devastating close-range DPS.
Best DPS at close range with minimal inventory costPump-action shotgun with devastating stopping power at close range. Each shell delivers massive damage, making it the premier weapon for room clearing and tight corridor engagements.
Highest close-range burst damageSuppressive fire weapon with a massive magazine capacity and sustained damage output. Ideal for holding positions, covering team extractions, and controlling engagement zones.
Best suppressive fire capabilitySemi-automatic marksman rifle bridging the gap between assault rifles and sniper rifles. Offers faster follow-up shots than bolt-action rifles with better range than assault rifles.
Perfect balance of range and fire rateLighter, more compact variant of the standard assault rifle with improved handling and aiming speed. Slightly reduced damage but superior mobility makes it ideal for aggressive playstyles.
Best handling and mobility among assault riflesUltra-compact SMG with exceptional hip-fire accuracy and the fastest fire rate in its class. Perfect as a secondary weapon for finishing damaged targets or tight-space engagements.
Fastest fire rate and best hip-fire accuracySemi-automatic shotgun offering faster follow-up shots than the M870 at the cost of reduced per-shot damage. More forgiving in fast-paced close-quarters engagements.
Best follow-up shot speed in shotgun classHeavy anti-materiel rifle capable of penetrating vehicle armor and fortified positions. Extremely high damage but slow handling and massive inventory footprint limit its practicality.
Highest raw damage output but situational useThe Tactical Assault Rifle MK3 is the best weapon overall due to its unmatched versatility, accuracy, and reliability across all engagement ranges and combat scenarios.
The Assault Carbine CQ-556 is excellent for beginners due to its forgiving handling, fast aiming speed, and solid damage output. It allows new players to learn raid mechanics without being punished by difficult weapon handling.
Yes, the XR-90 is highly effective for players who prefer ranged engagements. It excels in outdoor raid areas and can secure eliminations before enemies get close enough to return fire.
The Combat Shotgun M870 offers the highest burst damage at close range, while the Compact SMG-45 provides better sustained DPS. Both are excellent choices depending on your playstyle.
Bullet drop varies significantly by weapon class. Sniper rifles like the XR-90 have pronounced drop at extreme ranges, requiring precise holdover adjustments, while SMGs and shotguns have negligible drop within effective combat distances. The DMR-7 offers a good middle ground with manageable drop and higher velocity. Mastering each weapon's ballistics is essential for consistent long-range accuracy.
Assault rifles like the MK3 and CQ-556 support the widest range of attachments, including muzzles, grips, optics, and magazine modifications. Sniper rifles accept fewer attachment slots but benefit greatly from high-end scopes and bipods. The LMG HMG-60 is limited in customization but compensates with base stats and magazine capacity.
ARC Raiders features several ammo types: standard ball ammo for general use, armor-piercing rounds for heavily armored targets, hollow-point for unarmored enemies, and tracer rounds for improved accuracy at the cost of stealth. Armor-piercing rounds are recommended for endgame raids where most enemies wear high-tier armor, while hollow-point excels in early-zone PvP encounters.
The most effective weapon pairings cover complementary engagement ranges. The MK3 assault rifle pairs perfectly with the Compact SMG-45 for close-to-medium coverage. Sniper users should carry the MP9 SMG as a secondary for close-quarters defense. The Combat Shotgun M870 combined with the DMR-7 creates a devastating short-to-long range loadout suitable for all combat scenarios.
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