ARC Raiders features diverse weapon arsenal each serving distinct combat roles. Understanding weapon categories enables smart loadout decisions. This guide breaks down every weapon type with practical usage information.
Weapon Category Overview
Weapons organize into logical categories based on function and range. The table below summarizes all weapon types available:
| Category | Effective Range | Fire Rate | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Rifles | Medium-Long | Moderate | All-purpose combat |
| SMGs | Close-Medium | High | CQB and flanking |
| Shotguns | Close | Low | Building clears |
| Sniper Rifles | Long-Extreme | Very Low | Long-range elimination |
| LMGs | Medium-Long | Very High | Suppression fire |
| Pistols | Close | Moderate | Backup weapon |
| Energy Weapons | Variable | Variable | Special situations |
Assault Rifles The Versatile Choice
Assault rifles balance range damage and fire rate effectively. Perfect for beginners learning engagement distances. Reliable damage output across most combat scenarios. Ammunition common and easy to resupply. Attachment options allow customization for preferences. ARs reward good positioning and trigger discipline. Best first weapon category for new Reclaimers.
Submachine Guns Close Range Kings
SMGs dominate close quarters with high fire rates. Devastating damage when landing majority of shots. Movement speed remains high during engagements. Poor performance at extended ranges significantly. Ideal for aggressive flanking playstyles. Building and tunnel combat favors SMGs heavily. Pair with long-range weapon for coverage.
Shotguns Room Clearing Specialists
Shotguns deliver unmatched close range stopping power. Single shots eliminate unarmored targets instantly. Pellet spread requires precise positioning. Useless beyond ten meters effectively. Pump actions offer reliability over fire rate. Automatic shotguns forgive timing mistakes better. Map knowledge determines shotgun viability per raid.
Sniper Rifles Long Range Dominance
Sniper rifles control extreme distances single-handedly. One-shot potential against unarmored headshots. Requires exceptional aim and patience consistently. Vulnerable when enemies close distance. Team support protects sniper positioning ideally. Bolt-action offers higher damage per shot. Semi-automatic enables faster follow-up shots.
Light Machine Guns Suppression Masters
LMGs saturate areas with continuous automatic fire. Large magazines sustain prolonged engagements. Suppression enables teammate movement safely. Slow handling penalizes quick reactions. Bipod deployment improves accuracy significantly. Ammo consumption drains resources quickly. Best suited for defensive hold positions.
Pistols and Sidearms Emergency Tools
Pistols serve as reliable backup weapons universally. Fast draw speed saves close encounter lives. Limited damage requires accurate shot placement. Ammunition efficiency extends operational time. Some pistols accept suppressor attachments. Never enter raids without functional sidearm. Primary weapon failures make pistols lifesavers.
Energy Weapons Specialized Options
Energy weapons offer unique damage profiles and effects. No ammunition requirements using battery power instead. Overheat mechanics limit sustained fire differently. Rare ammunition types restrict resupply options. High tech appearance matches unconventional performance. Experiment after mastering conventional weapons. Niche roles suit specific team compositions.