Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List: Top Picks
This article ranks the weapons in Arc Raiders from best to worst for general use, based on their stats and community consensus. You’ll get a clear tier list, plus details on each weapon’s strengths and how to choose the right one for your playstyle.
Weapon Tier List Overview
Arc Raiders is an upcoming free-to-play PvPvE extraction shooter, and while it’s still in development, the weapon balance is a hot topic. Based on the latest playtests and community feedback, here’s a general tier list. Remember that the meta can shift with patches, so treat this as a starting point.
- S-Tier (Top Tier): PKR General (assault rifle) – versatile and strong at all ranges.
- A-Tier (Strong): VK Rifle (marksman rifle), SHATTER (shotgun) – excellent in specific roles.
- B-Tier (Situational): PMC-9 (SMG), KAM (LMG) – good but outclassed in some scenarios.
- C-Tier (Weak): Pistols (like the RT-42) – only as a backup.
How the Tier List Works
Tier lists rank weapons based on their overall effectiveness in typical combat situations. This includes time-to-kill (TTK), accuracy, recoil control, magazine size, and versatility. A weapon that excels at close range but fails at medium range might be rated lower than a jack-of-all-trades rifle.
For this list, we’ve considered both PvP (player vs. player) and PvE (player vs. environment) performance, as you’ll face both in Arc Raiders. A weapon that shreds AI but struggles against players is less valuable than one that does both.
S-Tier Weapons
PKR General (Assault Rifle) – This is the current all-rounder champion. It has a high fire rate, manageable recoil, and decent damage per shot. It works well at close, medium, and even long range with a scope. Its 30-round magazine is enough to take down multiple enemies without reloading. If you can only master one weapon, this is it.
A-Tier Weapons
VK Rifle (Marksman Rifle) – This semi-automatic rifle deals high damage per shot and is very accurate at range. It’s perfect for picking off enemies from a distance or breaking the armor of tougher targets. The downside is its slow fire rate and small magazine, making it weak in close-quarters. Pair it with a shotgun or SMG for close-range defense.
SHATTER (Shotgun) – A pump-action shotgun that can one-shot unarmored players at close range. It’s devastating in tight corridors and buildings, but its effectiveness drops sharply beyond a few meters. It’s a great secondary for clearing rooms, but you’ll struggle in open areas.
B-Tier Weapons
PM-9 (SMG) – This submachine gun has a very high fire rate and good hip-fire accuracy, making it great for run-and-gun playstyles. However, its damage per bullet is low, and it burns through ammo quickly. It’s outshined by the PKR General in most situations, but it’s a solid choice for close-quarters combat.
KAM (LMG) – The light machine gun offers a huge magazine (100+ rounds) and sustained firepower. It’s excellent for suppressing enemies or mowing down groups of AI. But it’s slow to reload, has high recoil, and slows your movement speed. It’s situational – great for defense, less great for aggressive pushes.
C-Tier Weapons
RT-42 Pistol – The starting pistol is weak and has a small magazine. It’s fine for finishing off wounded enemies, but you should replace it as soon as you find anything else. It’s your last resort, not your primary.
How to Choose Your Weapon
Your choice should depend on your playstyle and the mission you’re about to undertake.
- Aggressive rusher? Go with the SHATTER or PM-9 for close-range dominance.
- Patient sniper? The VK Rifle is your best friend.
- Balanced player? The PKR General is the safest bet.
- Support role? The KAM can lay down suppressive fire for your team.
Also, consider your attachments. A scope can turn the PKR into a pseudo-sniper, while a suppressor can keep you off the radar. Experiment to find what works for you.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is sticking to a single weapon. In Arc Raiders, you’ll face varied threats, so having a loadout that covers different ranges is key. Another is ignoring recoil control – burst-firing at medium range is often more effective than holding the trigger. Finally, don’t neglect your secondary; a good shotgun can save you when an enemy rounds a corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon in Arc Raiders? The PKR General assault rifle is widely considered the best all-around weapon due to its versatility and reliability in most combat scenarios.
Is the shotgun good in Arc Raiders? Yes, the SHATTER shotgun is excellent at close range and can one-shot enemies, but it’s very limited at range. It’s best used as a secondary for clearing buildings.
Are marksman rifles worth using? Absolutely, the VK Rifle is a top pick for players who prefer a more cautious, long-range playstyle. It deals high damage and is very accurate, but you need to manage its slow fire rate.
How often does the meta change? The meta can change with every balance patch. Since the game is in development, expect frequent changes. Always check the latest patch notes and community discussions.
Should I use an SMG or an assault rifle? For most players, the assault rifle (PKR General) is a better choice because it’s more versatile. SMGs are only better in very close-quarters situations, so they’re a niche pick.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.