ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List
April 2026 — Post-Flashpoint (Patch 1.22)
Rankings based on community consensus from 6+ sources including GamesRadar, ArcStatus, SkyCoach, and SCUF. Covers PvP and PvE performance after the Flashpoint update.
Flashpoint Meta Shifts
- Shredders now appear on all maps, punishing light-ammo-only loadouts
- New Dolabra energy shotgun immediately entered S-tier for PvE
- Canto SMG gives a strong medium-ammo alternative to Bobcat
- Tempest AR received major buffs to recoil, damage, and ARC armor pen
Massive single-shot damage, strong armor pen. 2 headshots to kill. Consensus S-tier.
DMG
40
DPS
10.9
Ammo
Heavy
Fires 2 bullets per shot. 2.5x headshot multiplier. Best hand cannon for PvP.
DMG
18
DPS
11
Ammo
medium
New Flashpoint energy shotgun. Hipfire for crowds, ADS for focused beam. Best new PvE weapon.
DMG
0
Ammo
energy
Lever-action battle rifle. 2.25x headshot multiplier, 69m range. Chunk-reload.
DMG
35
DPS
12.3
Ammo
medium
Semi-auto shotgun. Highest burst damage in game. 3 body shots to kill.
DMG
49.5
DPS
21.7
Ammo
Shotgun
0.6s TTK close range. Still excellent but light ammo punished by Shredder meta.
DMG
6
DPS
6.7
Ammo
light
Full-auto AR. Greatly improved recoil, damage, and ARC armor pen in Flashpoint.
DMG
10
DPS
6.1
Ammo
medium
New Flashpoint medium-ammo SMG. Better raid sustainability than Bobcat.
DMG
0
Ammo
medium
Heavy AR. Strong armor pen for PvE. Poor accuracy limits PvP use.
DMG
14
DPS
7.5
Ammo
Heavy
Budget king. Craftable battle rifle. Excellent armor pen for the price.
DMG
40
DPS
4.4
Ammo
heavy
Budget SMG. Rapid fire, craftable or 800 coins. Nerfed but still viable.
DMG
7
DPS
5.3
Ammo
light
Pump shotgun. Nerfed in 1.20 but still strong with precise positioning.
DMG
67.5
DPS
16.1
Ammo
shotgun
LMG. Large magazine, great for ARC clearing. Surprise attack specialist.
DMG
8
DPS
7.8
Ammo
medium
Burst rifle. Can kill with 2 chest + 1 headshot in a single burst.
DMG
9.5
DPS
1.4
Ammo
medium
Light pistol. Underrated consistency, quick reload. Poor armor pen.
DMG
10
DPS
4.7
Ammo
light
Energy railgun. High single-shot damage. Energy clip recharges. PvE only.
DMG
60
DPS
7.7
Ammo
Heavy
Sniper rifle. 80m range, 2.5x headshot multiplier. Outclassed by Renegade.
DMG
45
DPS
13.3
Ammo
medium
Formerly S-tier AR. Nerfed with fire-rate cap + damage reduction. Budget option.
DMG
10
DPS
4.7
Ammo
Light
Legendary energy rifle. Strong penetration for PvE but not meta-defining.
DMG
8
DPS
4.4
Ammo
Energy
Launcher. S-tier PvE anti-ARC but bounce mechanics too unreliable for PvP.
DMG
100
DPS
33.8
Ammo
launcher
Legendary dual-shot battle rifle. Solid burst but outmatched on value.
DMG
25
DPS
3.8
Ammo
energy
Pistol. Small magazine, unusual 2-bullet reload. Generally underperforms.
DMG
9
DPS
5
Ammo
medium
ARC Raiders Weapon Tier List Guide
This weapon tier list is updated for the Flashpoint update (Patch 1.22), released March 31, 2026. The meta shifted significantly with Shredders now appearing on all maps, making light-ammo-only loadouts less comfortable. Two new weapons were added: the Dolabra energy shotgun and Canto SMG.
The Anvil remains the consensus best weapon in ARC Raiders, with its massive single-shot damage and strong armor penetration making it effective in both PvP and PvE. The Venator is its main competitor, firing two bullets per shot with a 2.5x headshot multiplier.
For budget players, the Ferro is the best value weapon in the game. It can be crafted with just 2 rubber and 5 metal parts, yet offers excellent armor penetration comparable to weapons costing ten times as much. The Stitcher is another strong budget option for close-range PvP.
Rankings are based on community consensus from GamesRadar, ArcStatus, SkyCoach, SCUF Gaming, Eldorado, and AOEAH. Where sources disagree, weapons are placed at the tier most commonly assigned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best weapons in ARC Raiders?
The top 5 weapons after Flashpoint are: Anvil (hand cannon), Venator (hand cannon), Dolabra (energy shotgun), Renegade (battle rifle), and Vulcano (semi-auto shotgun). For budget builds, the Ferro and Stitcher offer the best performance per coin.
What changed in the weapon meta after Flashpoint?
Shredders now appear on all maps, making light-ammo weapons less viable as your only option. Medium and heavy ammo gained value. The Tempest AR received major buffs. Two new weapons (Dolabra and Canto) both entered the meta immediately.