Getting around the unpredictable battlegrounds of X‑Isle in Arc Raiders is never just about quick aim or fast feet. It’s about knowing your tools inside out and picking the right ones for the job. Some guns will save your life, others will get you killed if you pull them out at the wrong time. You’ll quickly realise that every weapon has its moment, but only a few can carry you all the way to extraction. If you’re trying to stack the odds in your favour, understanding how each fits into your loadout is key — and if you’re looking for gear, ARC Raiders Items can give you a head start.
Situational Picks
These aren’t bad weapons, but they’re risky. They shine when the stars align, yet can leave you exposed when things get messy. In Arc Raiders, you don’t always get to choose the fight, so carrying one of these means you’re betting on specific scenarios.
Lupara – The Panic Button
The Lupara’s the sidearm you pull when you’re out of options. Small mag, weak at range, and barely scratches armoured targets. Sure, it’ll finish off someone already bleeding out or scare off a creature that’s too close, but in a straight fight it’s a gamble. The upside? It frees your main slots for heavier hitters. Just don’t expect it to win you a duel.
Bastion – Close‑Quarters Monster
In tight hallways or dense cover, the Bastion shotgun can end fights in one shot. It’s brutal up close. Step into open ground, though, and you’re in trouble. Slow firing, terrible range, and no forgiveness if you miss. Great for aggressive pushes inside buildings, but a liability anywhere else.
Reliable Workhorses
These are the guns most squads lean on. They’re adaptable, steady, and won’t let you down when fights shift from one range to another. If you don’t know what’s coming, these are safe bets.
T‑27 Kalyna – The Go‑To Rifle
The Kalyna’s a balanced assault rifle that just works. Manageable recoil, decent damage, and solid at both mid and close range. You can spray to suppress, pick your shots in a duel, or hold a choke point without feeling under‑gunned. It’s not the best at any one thing, but it’s good enough at everything to keep you alive. Many Raiders stick with it from day one to endgame.
Top Tier Extraction Gear
These weapons can flip a raid on its head. Used right, they control the pace, force enemy mistakes, and open the door to a clean getaway.
Strelka – The Long‑Range Problem Solver
One well‑placed shot from the Strelka can decide a fight before it starts. From hundreds of metres out, it’ll drop a target instantly. Perfect for locking down sightlines or picking off key threats. It’s slow to cycle and demands precision, but if you’ve got the patience and aim, you can dictate the battle from safety.
Javelin – The Disruptor
Not a gun in the usual sense, the Javelin launcher changes fights by stopping enemies in their tracks. Pin someone to a wall and they’re done. Break an enemy push, isolate a target, or even use it to move around or throw up quick cover. It’s about control, not damage, and in the chaos of X‑Isle, control wins raids. For anyone building a tactical squad, pairing this with other cheap Raiders weapons can be the difference between extraction and a respawn screen.