The recently released Shrouded Sky update in ARC Raiders basically crumbled the PvP meta. Player favorites like the Venator and Stitcher lost their place as PvP must-haves. Bringing these weapons in is just not worth it, thanks to the newest changes. On the bright side, other underutilized weapons can take center stage, allowing for greater loadout diversity. Here are some of the best weapons you can take into your next Raid to get the most out of your PvP experience.
Weapon Criteria
Choosing the best weapons in the game is not purely about DPS. It's also about ease of use, magazine size, cost-efficiency, and modularity. A weapon can have the best overall DPS statistically, but is not viable for PvP gameplay (Hullcracker).
Best Weapons for PvP Patch 1.17.0
Renegade (Best Overall Performance)
- Why: Great All-Rounder Weapon, Large Magazine
- Mods: Compensator 3, Extended Medium Mag 3, Stable Stock 3
The Renegade is an extremely versatile weapon. It can compete across all ranges and is extremely stable, with low shot dispersion, making it highly accurate. It rewards accuracy with punishing headshots and punishes players who miss shots thanks to its long reload times.
💡Pro Tip: Your character will chamber the next round even if you roll, use it to your advantage, and stay mobile to avoid being flanked.
Burletta (Best Budget PvP Weapon)
- Why: Cheap and Light, Stitcher Replacement
- Mods: Muzzle Brake 2, Extended Light Mag 3
The Burletta is widely considered to be one of the most underrated weapons in ARC Raiders. The Stitcher or Kettle often overshadowed it for budget builds. After recent nerfs, the Burletta finds itself on the meta pedestal.
💡Pro Tip: The weapon shoots fast but also has high dispersion; it's advised not to engage targets beyond 20 meters.
Bobcat (Best Weapon for Close Range PvP)
- Why: Close Range Room sweeper
- Mods: Compensator 3, Extended Light Mag 3, Vertical Grip 3, Kinetic Accelerator or Stable Stock 2
The Bobcat is a fan favorite weapon, with many calling it Stitcher's better older brother. Its extremely fast fire rate, coupled with a large magazine size, gives it an impressive TTK. It performs best in narrow corridors or areas without cover, as you can shower your enemies with an impressive hail of bullets. The problem with running the Bobcat as your main PvP weapon is the extreme cost behind it, as well as the fact that its blueprints are extremely rare.
💡Pro Tip: Bobcat performs best without aiming it. Use aggressive movement, such as constantly moving in really close to your opponent, to maximize damage.
Il Toro (Best Weapon for Ratting)
- Why: Great Ambush Weapon, Cheap
- Mods: Shotgun Choke 2, Extended Shotgun Mag 3, Vertical/Angle Grip 2 (Optional), Lightweight Stock/Kinetic Converter
For a while now, the ARC Raiders community has been begging Embark to nerf the Il Toro, and for good reason. This weapon is devastatingly effective at taking down players thanks to Shotgun Chokes. It turns a close-range weapon into a medium-range sledgehammer in the right hands. Also, rats love to hide behind corners and just turn other Raiders into Swiss cheese.
💡Pro Tip: The weapon does not really need a grip, since it is not a semi-automatic. Each shot resets your reticle, making it accurate and great for holding corners, thanks to it being a shotgun.
Anvil (Best Weapon for Accurate Players)
- Why: 2 Tap Players
- Mods: Compensator 2/3, Anvil Splitter (Optional)
Cowboy aficionados rejoice as the Anvil is still one of the best weapons available in ARC Raiders. This venerable handcannon can take out all kinds of enemies easily, regardless of whether it's an ARC or a player. It has a great range and can be easily hip-fired when push comes to shove. It's relatively inexpensive and can be run without mods.
💡Pro Tip: Do not ADS when peeking a corner. Your player model operates the weapon with 1 hand when not aiming, allowing you to maneuver the camera so that only your character's hand sticks out. This corner peek lets you shoot around the corner from a relatively safe distance, minimizing your chances of being spotted.
