Arc Raiders Beginner Loadout: What to Bring
For your first Arc Raiders quests, the core of a beginner loadout is a balanced primary weapon, a reliable sidearm, a healing item, and a grenade—prioritizing versatility and survivability over specialization. This guide breaks down what to bring, why, and how to adapt as you learn the game.
Background: Understanding Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person shooter developed by Embark Studios, set in a sci-fi world where players fight against ARC, a robotic threat. The game emphasizes teamwork, resource management, and tactical combat. While the game is still in development and details may change, the core loop involves completing objectives, fighting enemies, and extracting safely. Your loadout is your lifeline, so choosing the right gear is critical for both survival and mission success.
How Loadouts Work in Arc Raiders
In Arc Raiders, you customize your character with a primary weapon, a secondary weapon, and a set of tactical items. The game does not use a traditional class system; instead, you build your loadout from a pool of weapons and gadgets. This means you can adapt to any situation, but it also means you need to understand what each item does. Your loadout is not just about firepower—it’s about utility, healing, and crowd control.
What to Bring: A Beginner Loadout
For a beginner, the best approach is to start with a loadout that covers all basic needs without requiring advanced mastery. Here is a solid loadout that balances offense and defense:
- Primary Weapon: A mid-range assault rifle or SMG. These are versatile, easy to control, and effective in most combat scenarios. Avoid sniper rifles or shotguns until you are comfortable with map layouts and enemy behavior.
- Secondary Weapon: A pistol or a compact SMG. This is your backup for when you run out of ammo or need to switch quickly.
- Healing Item: A medkit or stim. Always carry at least one. You will take damage, and being able to heal mid-fight can be the difference between life and death.
- Grenade: A frag grenade or a flashbang. Grenades are excellent for flushing out enemies, breaking up groups, or creating a distraction. They are also useful for clearing objectives.
This loadout is not flashy, but it is effective. It gives you a tool for every situation, and it does not require you to master complex mechanics to be useful to your team.
How to Choose Your Gear
Choosing gear in Arc Raiders is about understanding your role in the team and the mission objectives. If you are playing with friends, coordinate to ensure you have a mix of firepower and utility. For example, if someone else brings a sniper rifle, you might want to bring an SMG for close-quarters combat. If the mission requires you to defend a point, consider bringing a turret or a shield. If you are playing solo, focus on self-sufficiency: a weapon for all ranges, healing, and a way to escape (like a smoke grenade).
Another factor is the enemy type. ARC robots come in various forms: some are fast and melee-focused, others are heavily armored. Your loadout should be able to handle both. A weapon with a high fire rate is good for fast enemies, while a weapon with armor-piercing rounds is better for heavy ones. If you do not have access to specialized ammo, a grenade can help soften up armored targets.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake beginners make is bringing a loadout that is too specialized. For example, bringing only a sniper rifle and a pistol might seem cool, but it leaves you vulnerable in close quarters. Another mistake is ignoring healing items. You will take damage, and without a way to heal, you will be a burden to your team.
Another issue is ammo management. Running out of ammo mid-fight is a death sentence. Always carry a secondary weapon that uses a different ammo type than your primary. That way, if you run out of one, you can still fight. Also, pick up ammo from fallen enemies and supply crates whenever you can.
Finally, do not forget to use your grenades. Many beginners hold onto them ‘for later’ and then die without using them. Grenades are powerful tools; use them to clear rooms, break up enemy groups, or cover your retreat.
Comparing Loadout Options
When comparing loadouts, think about the trade-offs. An assault rifle offers a good balance of range, damage, and fire rate, but it is not the best at anything. An SMG is great for close range but loses effectiveness at a distance. A shotgun is devastating up close but has a slow reload and limited range. A sniper rifle is powerful but leaves you vulnerable in close quarters.
For beginners, the assault rifle is the safest choice. It is forgiving and works in most situations. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with other weapons. For example, you might try a shotgun for close-quarters missions or a light machine gun for suppressive fire.
Cost and Unlocking Considerations
In Arc Raiders, you unlock weapons and items by progressing through the game and earning experience. Some gear may be locked behind level requirements or in-game currency. As a beginner, you will not have access to everything, so focus on unlocking a solid set of basics first. Prioritize a good primary weapon, a secondary, and a healing item. Once you have those, you can start experimenting with grenades and other gadgets.
It is also worth noting that some items are consumable, meaning you need to restock them between missions. Healing items and grenades are typically consumable, so make sure you have enough before heading out. You can usually restock at a base or hub area.
Safety and Teamwork Tips
While not a real-world safety concern, in-game safety is about staying alive. Stick with your team. Going solo is a quick way to get overwhelmed. Communicate with your teammates about enemy positions, and share resources if someone is low on ammo or health.
Also, be aware of your surroundings. ARC enemies can come from any direction, so keep an eye on your flanks. Use cover, and do not rush into open areas without checking for enemies. If you are low on health, fall back and let your team cover you while you heal.
Alternatives to the Standard Loadout
Once you are comfortable with the basics, you might want to try alternative loadouts. For example, a support loadout could include a healing gadget (like a med station) and a shield to protect teammates. A stealth loadout might include a silenced weapon and a smoke grenade to get past enemies undetected. A heavy loadout could feature a light machine gun and a deployable turret for holding positions.
These alternatives require more coordination and map knowledge, but they can be very effective in the right hands. As you play more, you will develop your own preferences and playstyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best weapon for a beginner?
An assault rifle is the best choice for a beginner because it is versatile and easy to control. It works at most ranges and is forgiving if your aim is not perfect.
Q: How many healing items should I bring?
Bring at least one healing item, but two is better if you have the inventory space. You never know when you will need a second heal.
Q: Are grenades worth carrying?
Yes, grenades are very useful. They can clear out groups of enemies, destroy weak points, and create diversions. Just be careful not to throw them too close to yourself or your teammates.
Q: Can I change my loadout mid-mission?
No, you cannot change your loadout once you are in a mission. You must choose before you deploy, so plan accordingly.
Q: What should I do if I run out of ammo?
If you run out of ammo, switch to your secondary weapon. If that runs out, look for ammo drops from enemies or supply crates. If you are completely out, stick close to your team and use melee or grenades.
Q: Is it better to be fast or heavily armored?
It depends on your playstyle. Fast characters can move quickly and avoid damage, but they are more fragile. Heavily armored characters can take more hits but are slower. For a beginner, a balanced approach is best.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.