ARC Raiders Best Weapons Guide: Top 5 Guns for December 2025 Meta

Last Updated: December 2025 | Cold Snap Update (1.7.0)

Choosing the right weapon in ARC Raiders can mean the difference between extracting with valuable loot or losing everything to hostile Raiders and ARC machines. With the recent Cold Snap update bringing balance changes and new survival mechanics, the weapon meta has shifted. Here are the five guns you should prioritize in December 2025.

Quick Weapon Overview

#1 - Anvil: The Budget Powerhouse

The Anvil proves that rarity does not determine effectiveness. This Uncommon-tier pistol delivers 40 damage per shot, matching weapons of much higher rarity. Its low crafting and repair costs make it accessible to players at any progression stage.

What sets the Anvil apart is its armor penetration capability. Against heavily armored ARC units, this pistol strips protective plating efficiently while conserving ammunition. The slow fire rate demands accuracy, but skilled players will find it rewarding.

Best situations: Versatile backup weapon, armor-stripping, budget-conscious loadouts

#2 - Ferro: Maximum Value

The Ferro represents the best value proposition in ARC Raiders. As a Common-rarity battle rifle dealing 40 damage per shot, it outperforms expectations at every stage of the game. New players can acquire it early, while veterans continue using it alongside legendary gear.

Its break-action design means slower follow-up shots, but each round counts. Against ARC machines, the Ferro can strip armor plates with single hits, making it indispensable for farming runs. Pair it with a faster secondary for Raider encounters.

Best situations: Mid-to-long range combat, ARC farming, early game progression

#3 - Bettina: Endgame Dominance

The Bettina sits atop the PVE weapon hierarchy. Embark Studios confirmed in the Cold Snap patch notes that this Epic assault rifle remains "the highest performing PVE weapon at its rarity." The December update buffed its magazine from 20 to 22 rounds and reduced reload time to 4.5 seconds.

Most significantly, durability burn rate dropped dramatically. Where the Bettina previously depleted after roughly 12 magazines, it now lasts approximately 26 magazines before requiring repair. This change makes the expensive crafting cost more justifiable for serious players.

Best situations: Extended PVE sessions, high-tier ARC encounters, endgame loadouts

#4 - Vulcano: Close Quarters King

When fights move indoors or enemies close distance, the Vulcano dominates. This Epic semi-automatic shotgun delivers 49.5 damage per shot with enough fire rate to eliminate threats before they can respond. In Raider-versus-Raider encounters at close range, few weapons match its lethality.

The Vulcano excels in the Cold Snap update's indoor-focused survival gameplay. With frostbite mechanics pushing players toward sheltered areas, close-quarters combat frequency has increased. Having this shotgun ready provides insurance against ambushes.

Best situations: Indoor combat, PVP encounters, defensive positioning

#5 - Jupiter: Precision at Distance

For players preferring engagement at range, the Jupiter sniper rifle offers unmatched single-shot damage at 55 per hit. This Legendary weapon rewards patience and positioning, allowing skilled users to eliminate high-value targets before they become threats.

The Jupiter particularly shines against dangerous ARC units. Engaging powerful machines from safe distances reduces risk while still dealing significant damage. Combined with the Snap Hook gadget for repositioning, snipers can control engagements effectively.

Best situations: Long-range ARC hunting, overwatch positioning, high-value target elimination

Honorable Mentions

• Hullcracker (100 damage) - Devastating against ARC bosses but ineffective against Raiders
• Tempest Smoother handling than Bettina, preferred by PVP-focused players
• Kettle Budget assault rifle rewarding precise aim
• Osprey Alternative sniper with solid performance

Recommended Weapon Combinations

FAQ

What weapon should new players prioritize?

Start with the Ferro and Anvil combination. Both are accessible early, inexpensive to maintain, and remain viable throughout your progression. This loadout handles most situations while teaching fundamental gunplay.

Are Heavy ammo weapons better than Light ammo?

Heavy ammo weapons generally deal more damage per shot but fire slower. For ARC hunting, Heavy weapons like the Anvil and Ferro excel at armor penetration. Light ammo weapons suit sustained firefights against Raiders.

What changed in the Cold Snap update?

The December 2025 Cold Snap update (1.7.0) buffed the Bettina significantly with improved magazine size, faster reload, and drastically reduced durability consumption. The Rattler also received a magazine increase. New frostbite mechanics encourage indoor combat.

For more information, visit the official ARC Raiders website.

Game Information