Arc Raiders is a fast-paced extraction shooter that’s quickly gained traction across the gaming community. If you want to stay competitive, having the right weapons makes all the difference when taking down ARC Machines and other players. Whether you’re crafting gear, buying it outright, or scoring a lucky drop, weapon choice matters.
Here’s our Arc Raiders weapon tier list to help you pick the best tools for every raid.
Arc Raiders features a total of 21 weapons, each built for different situations. Some excel at shredding ARC Machines, while others are better suited for taking down rival players. In the tier list below, S-tier weapons stand at the top, offering the strongest performance against both ARCs and humans. If you can’t get your hands on those, A- and B-tier weapons are solid alternatives that can still carry a raid. It’s best to avoid D-tier guns altogether, as they struggle to compete in most encounters.
Anvil sits at the top of the Arc Raiders weapon pool thanks to its massive damage output and effectiveness against ARC armor plating. This single-action hand cannon hits hard and can tear through enemies with just a few well-placed shots. While its handling is slower than most pistols, the raw power more than makes up for it. Anvil shines in mid-range engagements, where accuracy is rewarded and every shot counts.
This SMG is built for close-range dominance, firing light ammo with high damage and a rapid rate of fire that melts enemies fast. By default, it can be a little tough to control, but a grip and barrel attachment quickly smooth things out. With the right setup, the Bobcat turns into a relentless close-quarters weapon that punishes anyone who gets too close.
If you want a reliable mid-range powerhouse, the Renegade is an easy pick. This lever-action rifle reloads in chunks instead of single rounds and delivers heavy damage with every shot. Its steady DPS makes it especially strong in PvP stand-offs, letting you control space at mid-range and punish enemies who try to push or peek.
Venator is a standout pistol built for close- and mid-range fights. It boasts a fast time-to-kill and is a top-tier choice before diving into PvP encounters. Firing two shots at once, it delivers burst damage that outpaces nearly every weapon in Arc Raiders at close range, second only to shotguns. Even better, it’s relatively easy to find and affordable, making it an S-tier option without the usual risk or cost.
Vulcano earns its S-tier spot thanks to the highest burst damage in Arc Raiders. This semi-automatic shotgun is devastating in close-range fights, deleting enemies in seconds if you land your pellets. It absolutely dominates tight engagements, though it struggles more against heavily armored ARC units.
While some weapons shine in PvP or against ARC armor, Bettina excels at both. This assault rifle delivers strong armor penetration and reliable DPS, making it a dependable primary in nearly any situation. With a solid fire rate, great stability, and consistent damage output, Bettina stands out as one of the best all-around weapons in Arc Raiders.
Ferro is a common battle rifle that punches well above its weight, thanks to its low cost and high damage output. You can even craft it at the Gunsmith using just two rubber parts and five metal parts, making it easy to run consistently. With strong armor penetration, Ferro performs exceptionally well against ARC enemies and is just as deadly in PvP, capable of shredding shields or securing quick kills.
Osprey is a long-range sniper rifle built for both PvP and PvE encounters. It hits hard with every shot, making it one of the most reliable long-range weapons in Arc Raiders. With a built-in scope, it excels at punishing careless peeks and controlling open sightlines from a distance.
This fully automatic SMG is built for up-close chaos, boasting a rapid rate of fire and heavy recoil that shreds enemies at close range. With an upgraded magazine and a recoil-reducing muzzle, it becomes far more manageable and incredibly lethal. You can craft the Stitcher using a handful of metal and rubber parts or purchase it from Tian Wen for 800 coins, making it an accessible and dangerous option for close-quarters fights.
Tempest is a solid pick for players who prefer close- to mid-range fights on Arc Raiders console. This fully automatic assault rifle performs well in both PvP and PvE, offering reliable damage and control. While it doesn’t shred ARC armor as effectively as Bettina, it still holds its own as a versatile, easy-to-run option.
Aphelion is a Legendary-tier battle rifle that fires two shots at once and delivers solid burst damage. While it can hit hard, its performance doesn’t fully justify the high cost. Compared to Aphelion, the Renegade offers nearly the same power with far more versatility, making it the smarter pick for most raids.
This burst assault rifle offers decent range and moderate armor penetration, but it falls short where it matters most. Its low damage and slow rate of fire make it hard to justify, which is why most players skip it in favor of stronger, more reliable options.
Burietta offers solid stability and range while staying lightweight with a respectable magazine size. However, its poor armor penetration and low damage hold it back in most encounters. That lack of stopping power is why it settles into the B-tier rather than competing with stronger options.
This pump-action shotgun hits hard at point-blank range, making it deadly once enemies get too close. It feels heavier and slower than other shotguns and struggles against ARC armor, but in tight buildings and confined spaces, it can be an absolute menace.
Jupiter is a bolt-action sniper rifle built for high-damage precision on Arc Raiders Xbox. It hits hard and can chunk enemies in just a few shots, but it truly shines when you land clean hits on tougher ARC enemies from a safe distance.
This light machine gun excels in PvE thanks to its large magazine and high rate of fire, making it great for clearing ARC enemies. It can still hold its own in PvP, but it performs best when you’re up close and applying constant pressure.
That wraps up our Arc Raiders weapon tier list. Every weapon has its place, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the one that feels right in your hands. With the right attachments, you can push any solid pick even further and make it more lethal in the field. Arc Raiders on PS5 delivers a standout extraction shooter experience, especially for players who thrive on high-stakes combat and smart loadout choices.