In the high-stakes world of Arc Raiders, every credit counts, and every weapon you bring into a raid could be your last. The extraction shooter genre demands a careful balance between performance and value—you need guns that pack a punch but won’t devastate your wallet when they’re inevitably lost. After countless raids, extensive research, and community feedback, we’ve identified the absolute best bang-for-your-buck guns in Arc Raiders that deliver exceptional performance without requiring a fortune to acquire or maintain.
The beauty of Arc Raiders’ weapon system lies in its accessibility—you don’t need legendary or epic weapons to dominate the battlefield. In fact, some of the most effective weapons in the game are common or uncommon rarity, costing mere pennies to craft and upgrade compared to their flashier counterparts. Whether you’re a new player looking to establish yourself or a veteran raider seeking to optimize your loadout without unnecessary risk, these five weapons will serve as the foundation of your success.
Understanding Value in Arc Raiders’ Weapon Economy
Before diving into our top picks, it’s crucial to understand what makes a weapon truly valuable in Arc Raiders’ unique economy. Unlike traditional shooters where rarity equals power, Arc Raiders operates on a risk-reward system where the best weapons are those that offer the highest performance-to-cost ratio.
Key Value Factors:
- Acquisition Cost: How easily and cheaply can you obtain the weapon?
- Upgrade Investment: What’s the cost to maximize the weapon’s potential?
- Performance Ceiling: How effective is the weapon when fully upgraded?
- Versatility: Can the weapon handle both PvE (Arc enemies) and PvP (player combat) effectively?
- Risk Factor: How devastating is it to lose this weapon in a raid?
The weapons on this list excel in all these categories, providing exceptional returns on minimal investment. They’re the kind of guns you can craft repeatedly without hesitation, upgrade confidently, and deploy knowing you’re bringing adequate firepower to any situation.
For more insights into Arc Raiders’ economy and progression system, check out our [/arc-raiders-beginner-guide/] for comprehensive coverage of the game’s core mechanics.
1. Ferro: The Unstoppable Budget Battle Rifle
Rarity: Common
Ammo Type: Heavy
Base DPS: 26
Base Damage: 40
Crafting Cost: 5 Metal Parts, 2 Rubber Parts
The Ferro stands as perhaps the most cost-effective weapon in all of Arc Raiders, earning its reputation as “this game’s Mosin” among veteran players. This common battle rifle delivers devastating single-shot damage that can one-shot most players and quickly dismantle Arc enemies, all while being incredibly cheap to craft and maintain.
Why the Ferro Delivers Exceptional Value:
- Insane Damage Output: With 40 base damage per shot, the Ferro hits harder than many rare and epic weapons
- Armor Penetration: Excels against heavily armored Arc enemies that would shrug off lighter weapons
- Minimal Investment: Can be crafted from basic materials found in almost every raid
- Upgrade Efficiency: Each upgrade significantly reduces reload time, making it even more lethal
Optimal Usage Strategy: The Ferro shines as a long-range opener and specialized Arc hunter. Pair it with a close-range weapon like the Stitcher or Kettle for the perfect budget loadout. Use the Ferro to break enemy shields or eliminate targets from distance, then switch to your secondary when things get up close and personal.
Community Pro Tip: “Ferro is this game’s Mosin. I run it with a silencer—that 40% decrease in sound is great when dealing with Arc.” – Reddit community feedback
The Ferro’s only real drawbacks are its single-shot nature and weight (8kg), but these are minor inconveniences compared to its overwhelming advantages. When you need maximum damage for minimum cost, the Ferro is unmatched.
2. Anvil: The Ferro’s Faster, Lighter Successor
Rarity: Uncommon
Ammo Type: Heavy
Base DPS: 65
Base Damage: 40
Acquisition: Found in Field Depots or crafted with uncommon materials
If the Ferro is Arc Raiders’ budget king, the Anvil is its crown prince—offering similar devastating damage in a more versatile package. This uncommon heavy pistol hits just as hard as the Ferro but fires faster, weighs less, and carries six rounds instead of one, making it significantly more effective in close-quarters combat.
Why the Anvil Offers Outstanding Value:
- Same Damage, Better Delivery: Matches the Ferro’s 40 damage per shot but with a 6-round cylinder
- Improved Mobility: Weighs less than the Ferro, allowing for better movement speed
- Faster Follow-up Shots: Higher fire rate means you can put more rounds on target quickly
- Still Budget-Friendly: While uncommon, Anvils are relatively common drops and reasonably priced
Performance Analysis: The Anvil’s 65 DPS puts it in the same league as much rarer weapons, yet it maintains the accessibility that makes budget weapons so appealing. It’s particularly effective against both Arc enemies and players, making it one of the most versatile weapons in the game regardless of price point.
Community Wisdom: “Anvil hits as hard as a Ferro, but lighter and faster. The Anvil’s so strong it might need a nerf.” – Rock Paper Shotgun tier list
Upgrade Priority: Focus on reload speed and damage upgrades first. The Anvil benefits tremendously from even basic upgrades, quickly becoming a pocket-sized powerhouse that can carry you through entire raids.
For players who find the Ferro’s single-shot limitation frustrating, the Anvil represents the perfect next step—maintaining the budget-friendly nature while addressing the usability concerns.
3. Venator: The Surprisingly Affordable PvP Powerhouse
Rarity: Rare
Ammo Type: Medium
Base DPS: 66
Base Damage: 18 (per shot, fires two rounds simultaneously)
Acquisition: Surprisingly common drops for a rare weapon
The Venator breaks the mold of what a “budget” weapon can be. Despite its rare classification, this dual-firing pistol is remarkably common and economical, offering PvP performance that rivals much more expensive weapons. Its ability to fire two shots simultaneously gives it incredible time-to-kill (TTK) in close to medium range engagements.
Why the Venator Deserves Your Consideration:
- Exceptional PvP Performance: Outdamages most weapons in close-range encounters
- Higher Rarity Than Expected: Performs like an epic weapon but with rare weapon accessibility
- Economical Despite Rarity: More common and affordable than other rare weapons
- Versatile Engagement Range: Effective from close to medium distances
Strategic Advantages: The Venator’s unique firing mechanism—launching two rounds with each trigger pull—gives it a significant advantage in player combat. This burst potential allows you to eliminate opponents before they can react, making it one of the most feared weapons in PvP despite its reasonable cost.
Expert Analysis: “The Venator, a pistol that fires two shots at once, has been the bane of many players’ existence in PvP. Simply put, it outdamages pretty much every weapon besides a shotgun in close range while also being more versatile.” – PC Gamer
Acquisition Strategy: While technically a rare weapon, Venators drop frequently enough that you’ll likely acquire several through normal play. Focus on upgrading one as your primary PvP weapon while keeping backups for when (not if) you lose them in raids.
The Venator proves that you don’t need to grind endlessly for epic weapons to compete in PvP—this rare but accessible pistol delivers tournament-level performance at a budget-friendly price point.
4. Kettle: The Underestimated Semi-Auto Assault Rifle
Rarity: Common
Ammo Type: Light
Base DPS: 28
Base Damage: 10
Acquisition: Free in starting loadouts or crafted cheaply
Often dismissed by new players, the Kettle is secretly one of the best budget weapons in Arc Raiders when properly understood and utilized. This common semi-auto assault rifle offers exceptional accuracy, respectable damage, and the ability to be found in free loadouts—making it literally the most cost-effective weapon in the game.
Why the Kettle is a Hidden Gem:
- Zero Acquisition Cost: Available in free starting loadouts
- Surprising Stopping Power: Higher damage per shot than full-auto alternatives
- Excellent Accuracy: Semi-auto nature allows for precise shot placement
- Ammo Efficiency: Conserves ammunition compared to full-auto weapons
- Upgrade Potential: Transforms into a completely different weapon with attachments
The Kettle Transformation: What many players fail to realize is that the Kettle becomes a completely different weapon with basic upgrades and attachments. A fully upgraded Kettle with green attachments can compete with much rarer weapons, offering performance that belies its common classification.
Community Testimonial: “Kettle/Ferro is my go-to zero to hero build. I’ve contested Bettina’s, Bobcat’s, Anvils and so on with a trusty Kettle. And it melts. It has crazy damage and is VERY accurate.” – Reddit community feedback
Optimal Loadout Pairing: The Kettle truly shines when paired with a long-range specialist like the Ferro. Use the Ferro for distant engagements and Arc enemies, then switch to the Kettle for mid-range player combat. This combination gives you coverage at all engagement ranges for minimal investment.
Don’t let the Kettle’s common status fool you—this is a weapon that can carry you through entire raids and even victory screens, all without costing you a single credit.
5. Stitcher: The Close-Range Monster
Rarity: Common
Ammo Type: Light
Base DPS: 32
Base Damage: 7
Acquisition: Free in starting loadouts or crafted for minimal cost
Rounding out our list is the Stitcher, a common SMG that excels at what SMGs do best—dominating close-quarters combat. Like the Kettle, the Stitcher can be found in free loadouts, making it another zero-cost option that delivers exceptional performance in the right situations.
Why the Stitcher Makes the Cut:
- Free Acquisition: Available in starting loadouts, no crafting required
- High Fire Rate: Shreds enemies at close range with its rapid-fire capability
- Large Magazine: 20-round default capacity gives you plenty of firepower
- Upgrade Synergy: Benefits tremendously from extended magazine and recoil control upgrades
- PvP Specialist: Absolutely devastating in building interiors and close-quarters encounters
Performance Breakdown: The Stitcher’s 32 DPS might not seem impressive on paper, but its high fire rate and large magazine make it incredibly effective in practice. In close-range engagements, the Stitcher can eliminate opponents before they have time to react, making it a favorite among aggressive players who prefer to fight up close and personal.
Community Strategy: “I think Stitcher with extended mag is better for PvP?” – Reddit community discussion
Attachment Priority: If you choose to invest in the Stitcher, prioritize these attachments in order:
- Extended Magazine (increases capacity from 20 to 30+ rounds)
- Recoil-reducing muzzle attachment
- Grip for better control
With these basic upgrades, the Stitcher transforms from a decent free weapon into a close-range powerhouse that can compete with much rarer and more expensive SMGs.
Tactical Usage: The Stitcher works best as a secondary weapon paired with something like the Ferro or Anvil. Use your primary weapon for mid-to-long range engagements, then switch to the Stitcher when entering buildings or engaging in close-quarters combat. This combination gives you the best of both worlds—precision at distance and overwhelming firepower up close.
Comparative Analysis: Budget vs. Premium Weapons
To truly understand the value these budget weapons provide, let’s compare them directly against some of the game’s premium options:
| Weapon | Rarity | DPS | Acquisition Cost | Risk Factor | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferro | Common | 26 | Minimal | Low | Excellent vs Arc, Good vs Players |
| Anvil | Uncommon | 65 | Low | Low | Excellent vs Arc, Excellent vs Players |
| Venator | Rare | 66 | Medium | Medium | Good vs Arc, Excellent vs Players |
| Kettle | Common | 28 | None | None | Poor vs Arc, Excellent vs Players |
| Stitcher | Common | 32 | None | None | Poor vs Arc, Excellent vs Players |
| Bettina | Epic | 45 | High | High | Excellent vs Arc, Excellent vs Players |
| Tempest | Epic | 37 | High | High | Good vs Arc, Excellent vs Players |
| Vulcano | Epic | 130 | Very High | Very High | Good vs Arc, Excellent vs Players (close range) |
As this comparison clearly shows, our budget weapons deliver 70-90% of the performance of epic weapons at a fraction of the cost and risk. The Ferro and Anvil actually outperform many epic weapons against Arc enemies, while the Venator matches or exceeds epic weapons in PvP combat.
Advanced Budget Loadout Combinations
Now that we’ve covered the individual weapons, let’s explore some powerful loadout combinations that maximize value while minimizing cost:
The Zero-to-Hero Combo: Kettle + Ferro
Cost: Virtually free
Strengths: Complete engagement range coverage, zero financial risk
Weaknesses: Requires weapon switching, poor Arc damage with Kettle
This combination, highly recommended by the community, gives you everything you need for success in both PvP and PvE. The Ferro handles long-range engagements and Arc enemies, while the Kettle dominates mid-range player combat. Since both weapons can be acquired for free, you can run this loadout indefinitely without worrying about financial loss.
The Aggressive Budget Build: Stitcher + Anvil
Cost: Low (Stitcher free, Anvil reasonably priced)
Strengths: Dominant close-quarters combat, high damage output
Weaknesses: Limited long-range capability
For players who prefer aggressive, in-your-face playstyles, this combination offers tremendous close-quarters firepower. The Stitcher shreds enemies at point-blank range, while the Anvil provides the punch needed for slightly longer engagements. It’s particularly effective in building-heavy areas where close-quarters combat is unavoidable.
The PvP Specialist: Venator + Kettle
Cost: Medium (Venator requires some investment, Kettle is free)
Strengths: Exceptional PvP performance, good engagement range coverage
Weaknesses: Weaker against Arc enemies
This loadout focuses entirely on player combat, making it perfect for PvP-focused raids or when you’re specifically hunting other players. The Venator provides incredible close-to-mid range damage, while the Kettle offers accuracy and control for slightly longer engagements.
Upgrade Strategies for Maximum Value
The true potential of these budget weapons is unlocked through smart upgrading. Here’s how to maximize your investment:
Upgrade Priority Tiers
Tier 1 Upgrades (Do These First):
- Damage upgrades (increase lethality)
- Magazine capacity (reduce reload frequency)
- Reload speed (improve combat flow)
Tier 2 Upgrades (Do When Resources Allow):
- Recoil control (improve accuracy)
- Bullet velocity (better long-range performance)
- Weight reduction (improve mobility)
Tier 3 Upgrades (Nice-to-Have):
- Specialized attachments (silencers, specialized ammo types)
- Cosmetic upgrades (if you care about appearance)
Resource Management Tips
- Focus on One Weapon at a Time: It’s better to have one fully upgraded budget weapon than three partially upgraded ones
- Prioritize PvP Weapons: If you play primarily for PvP combat, upgrade weapons like the Venator and Stitcher first
- Keep Backup Weapons: Always maintain backup versions of your primary weapons in case of loss
- Use Free Loadouts: Take advantage of free loadouts containing Kettles and Stitchers to save resources
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Budget Weapons
Even the best budget weapons can underperform if used incorrectly. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:
Mistake 1: Underestimating Common Weapons
Many players dismiss common weapons like the Kettle and Stitcher because of their rarity, only to be defeated by opponents who’ve mastered them. Never underestimate a well-upgraded common weapon.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Upgrades
Budget weapons benefit tremendously from upgrades. A fully upgraded Kettle performs like a completely different weapon compared to its base version.
Mistake 3: Poor Loadout Synergy
Each budget weapon excels in specific situations. Trying to use a Stitcher for long-range combat or a Ferro for close-quarters building fights will lead to frustration. Match your weapons to your intended engagement ranges.
Mistake 4: Overcommitting to Expensive Repairs
The beauty of budget weapons is that you can replace them cheaply. Don’t spend excessive resources repairing a damaged budget weapon when crafting a new one might be more economical.
Conclusion: Dominating Arc Raiders on a Budget
The 5 best bang-for-your-buck guns in Arc Raiders—Ferro, Anvil, Venator, Kettle, and Stitcher—prove that you don’t need legendary or epic weapons to dominate the battlefield. These budget-friendly options deliver exceptional performance across all engagement ranges and combat scenarios, all while maintaining the financial accessibility that makes them perfect for both new and experienced players.
What makes these weapons truly special is their ability to compete with and often outperform much rarer and more expensive alternatives. The Ferro and Anvil deliver devastating damage against Arc enemies, the Venator provides PvP performance that rivals epic weapons, and the Kettle and Stitcher offer zero-cost options that can carry you through entire raids.
The key to success in Arc Raiders isn’t about finding the rarest or most expensive weapons—it’s about understanding the game’s economy and making smart choices about where to invest your limited resources. By focusing on these budget powerhouses, you’ll build a sustainable progression path that doesn’t leave you bankrupt after a single raid loss.
Remember, the best weapon in Arc Raiders is the one you can afford to lose while still maintaining competitive performance. These five guns embody that philosophy perfectly, offering maximum firepower for minimum cost. Master them, upgrade them wisely, and you’ll find yourself climbing the ranks of Arc Raiders without ever breaking the bank.
For more comprehensive guides on Arc Raiders and other extraction shooters, be sure to explore our [/extraction-shooter-guides/] section, where we cover everything from beginner tips to advanced strategies for dominating the competitive scene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Weapons in Arc Raiders
Are budget weapons really viable in late-game Arc Raiders?
Absolutely! Many veteran players prefer budget weapons even in late-game because they offer comparable performance to rare weapons with much less financial risk. A fully upgraded Ferro or Anvil can compete with epic weapons in most situations.
What’s the single best budget weapon for new players?
The Ferro is arguably the best starting weapon. It’s cheap to craft, incredibly powerful against Arc enemies, and can one-shot most players. It teaches valuable lessons about shot placement and resource management.
How do I get blueprints for weapon attachments?
Attachment blueprints drop randomly from various sources including Field Depots, enemy drops, and quest rewards. Focus on opening loot caches and completing quests to build your blueprint collection.
Should I repair damaged budget weapons or craft new ones?
It depends on the weapon and damage level. For common weapons like the Kettle and Stitcher, it’s often cheaper to craft new ones. For higher-value budget weapons like the Anvil and Venator, repairs might be more economical.
Can I really compete against players with epic weapons using only budget guns?
Yes! The skill gap in Arc Raiders is significant, and a skilled player with budget weapons will consistently defeat unskilled players with epic gear. Focus on positioning, strategy, and shot placement rather than relying on weapon rarity.
What’s the most underrated budget weapon in Arc Raiders?
The Kettle is by far the most underrated. Many players dismiss it because it’s common and semi-auto, but a fully upgraded Kettle with good attachments can outperform much rarer weapons in player combat.
How important are weapon upgrades for budget guns?
Upgrades are crucial for budget weapons. A fully upgraded budget weapon often performs 50-100% better than its base version, sometimes even surpassing unupgraded rare and epic weapons.
What’s the best budget loadout for solo players?
The Kettle + Ferro combination is ideal for solo players. It provides complete engagement range coverage, costs virtually nothing to acquire, and performs well against both Arc enemies and other players.