The Anvil stands as one of ARC Raiders' most coveted weapons, delivering devastating single-shot damage that tears through ARC armor like paper. This heavy-hitting hand cannon requires blueprint mastery to unlock, but once you've got the recipe down, you'll never want to enter a raid without one. Whether you're tired of buying expensive copies or want the satisfaction of crafting your own powerhouse, this guide covers everything from blueprint hunting to maxed-out upgrades.
What Makes the Anvil Special?
The Anvil isn't your typical sidearm. This single-action beast packs a serious punch with its 40 base damage and exceptional effectiveness against ARC armor plating. You're looking at a weapon that bridges the gap between precision and raw stopping power.
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Here's what sets the Anvil apart from other hand cannons:
Tip
The Anvil's slow fire rate demands precision, but each shot rewards accuracy with massive damage output, especially against armored targets.Finding Your First Anvil Blueprint
Blueprint hunting requires patience and strategic raid planning. Blueprints spawn randomly as loot throughout raid zones, making every container and defeated enemy a potential goldmine.
Blueprint Spawn Locations
You'll find Anvil blueprints in several key areas:
- Loot containers scattered across all raid maps
- Defeated ARC units (rare drops)
- High-value loot zones near objectives
- Supply caches in contested areas
Important
Blueprints must be extracted successfully to keep them. Plan your extraction route before engaging in risky blueprint hunts.
Learning vs. Selling Decision
Once you've extracted an Anvil blueprint, you face a crucial choice. Open your inventory, select the blueprint, and you'll see two options:
- Learn and Consume: Permanently unlocks the recipe for 0 cost
- Sell: Immediate 5,000 Raider Coins
Warning
Duplicate blueprints provide no additional benefit when learned. Always sell extras for the coin boost.
Crafting Your First Anvil
With the blueprint learned, you can craft Anvil I at your base. The requirements are straightforward but demand some material preparation.
Crafting Requirements
Info
Some builds show 6x Simple Gun Parts for initial crafting. Always check your in-game Gunsmith interface for the exact requirement.

Material Gathering Strategy
Mechanical Components come from:
- Refining basic materials at your Refiner
- Looting industrial containers during raids
- Breaking down unwanted gear
Simple Gun Parts are easier to acquire through:
- Regular crafting station outputs
- Common loot drops
- Trading with other players
Upgrade Paths and Optimization
The Anvil truly shines through its upgrade system. Each tier dramatically improves performance, transforming this already powerful weapon into a raid-dominating force.
Complete Upgrade Chain
[IMAGE: Anvil upgrade progression tree]
Heavy Gun Parts Acquisition
Heavy Gun Parts become essential for higher-tier upgrades. You can craft them at Refiner Level 2 using 4x Simple Gun Parts per Heavy Gun Part. Stock up early to avoid upgrade bottlenecks.
Tip
The fire rate improvements are game-changing. Anvil IV nearly doubles your damage output potential compared to the base version.Combat Applications and Tactics
The Anvil excels in specific combat scenarios where its unique characteristics shine brightest.
Optimal Engagement Ranges
Your effective range sits at 50.2 meters, making the Anvil perfect for:
- Medium-range ARC engagements
- Finishing wounded enemies
- Precision shots on weak points
- Supporting teammates from cover
ARC Armor Penetration Advantage
The Anvil's strong armor penetration makes it invaluable against:
- Heavy ARC units with thick plating
- Shielded enemies that resist other weapons
- Boss-tier targets during major encounters
Attachment System and Customization
The Anvil supports two attachment slots that can significantly enhance performance:
Available Attachment Slots
- Muzzle Slot: Compensators, silencers, and muzzle brakes
- Tech Mod Slot: Advanced modifications including the Anvil Splitter
Anvil Splitter Tech Mod
The Anvil Splitter represents the ultimate Anvil enhancement, requiring Gunsmith Level 3 and its own separate blueprint. This modification transforms your single shots into devastating multi-projectile attacks.
Cost Analysis: Crafting vs. Buying
Understanding the economics helps you make smart resource decisions.
Financial Breakdown
Buying from TianWen: 15,000 Raider Coins per Anvil ICrafting Cost: ~2,500 Raider Coins in materials (estimated) Recycle Value: 1,940 Raider Coins
Important
Once you've learned the blueprint, crafting becomes significantly more cost-effective than repeated purchases, especially for higher-tier versions.
Durability Management and Maintenance
Weapon durability directly impacts performance, making maintenance crucial for consistent results.
Durability Effects
- High Durability: Full performance and reload speeds
- Medium Durability: Slightly slower reloads
- Low Durability: Noticeably impaired handling
- Zero Durability: Weapon becomes unusable
Repair vs. Replace Strategy
When your Anvil shows wear:
- High-tier versions: Always repair due to upgrade investment
- Base Anvil I: Consider crafting fresh copies instead
- Emergency situations: Carry backup weapons for extended raids

Advanced Tips for Anvil Masters
Ammo Conservation Techniques
Heavy ammo can be scarce during extended raids. Maximize efficiency by:
- Prioritizing headshots for maximum damage per round
- Using the Anvil for high-value targets only
- Carrying secondary weapons for crowd control
Team Coordination Benefits
The Anvil works exceptionally well in coordinated teams:
- Tank players can draw aggro while you line up precision shots
- Support players can mark priority targets for your heavy damage
- Scout players can call out armor types for optimal target selection
Blueprint Farming Optimization
Maximize your blueprint hunting efficiency:
- Focus on high-density loot areas during off-peak hours
- Coordinate with teammates to cover more ground
- Prioritize extraction over extended looting when you find valuable blueprints
The Anvil represents more than just another weapon in your arsenal. It's a statement piece that demands respect from both ARC units and rival raiders. Master the blueprint system, invest in upgrades, and watch as this hand cannon transforms your raid performance from good to legendary.

