ARC Raiders Best Free and Custom Loadouts Guide

Building the perfect loadout in Arc Raiders can make the difference between extracting with valuable loot or watching your gear disappear into the void. Whether you're a fresh Raider learning the ropes or a seasoned veteran hunting for that perfect weapon combination, understanding how to craft effective builds is essential for survival in this unforgiving PvPvE landscape.

What Makes a Strong ARC Raiders Build?

Your loadout success depends on balancing three core elements: weapon synergy, utility selection, and risk management. The most effective builds complement your playstyle while adapting to the dynamic threats you'll face.

Every strong build starts with understanding weapon roles. Primary weapons handle your main engagement scenarios, while secondary weapons cover your weaknesses. For example, pairing a long-range Anvil with a close-quarters Stitcher gives you options at every distance.

Shield selection directly impacts your survivability approach. Light Shields offer mobility for hit-and-run tactics, Medium Shields provide balanced protection, and Heavy Shields turn you into a walking fortress at the cost of speed.

Budget Starter Builds That Actually Work

Starting fresh doesn't mean you're helpless. These proven budget combinations give new Raiders competitive options without breaking the bank.

The Mobility Speedster

• Primary: Ferro I with basic attachments
• Secondary: Kettle I for stealth operations
• Shield: Light Shield for maximum movement
• Focus: High mobility, solo play, team support

This build excels at quick loot runs and repositioning. The Ferro provides reliable damage output, while the Kettle handles silent takedowns when stealth matters more than firepower.

The Balanced Beginner

• Primary: Rattler I with stability mods
• Secondary: Stitcher I for close encounters
• Shield: Light Shield
• Focus: Versatile engagement ranges

Perfect for players learning engagement distances. The Rattler teaches burst fire discipline, while the Stitcher saves you when enemies get too close.

ARC Raiders Best Free and Custom Loadouts Guide

Mid-Game Power Builds

Once you've accumulated resources and unlocked better gear, these combinations provide serious firepower for tackling tougher challenges.

The ARC Hunter

• Primary: Anvil III/IV with precision attachments
• Secondary: Tempest I for versatility
• Shield: Medium Shield
• Utility: Ziplines, Shield Rechargers, Wolfpack Grenades

This setup destroys ARC machines efficiently. The Anvil punches through heavy armor, while the Tempest handles smaller threats and player encounters. Ziplines provide crucial mobility for repositioning against dangerous ARC units.

The Team Support Specialist

• Primary: Ferro IV with extended magazines
• Secondary: Arpeggio III for suppression
• Shield: Medium Shield
• Utility: Barricade Kits, Defib, Adrenaline Shots

Built for squad play, this loadout keeps teammates alive and mobile. The Arpeggio provides covering fire, while your utility items create tactical advantages and emergency saves.

ARC Raiders Best Free and Custom Loadouts Guide

Endgame Domination Setups

When you've mastered the fundamentals and built substantial resources, these premium builds offer maximum effectiveness for high-stakes encounters.

The Hypercarry Configuration

• Primary: Anvil IV with full attachments
• Secondary: Tempest I or Jupiter I
• Shield: Heavy Shield
• Augment: Raider Augment IV

This build turns you into a one-person army. The maxed Anvil handles any threat at range, while your secondary covers close encounters. Heavy shields keep you alive through sustained fights.

The Stealth Assassin

• Primary: Hairpin with silencer attachments
• Secondary: Stitcher with mobility mods
• Shield: Light Shield for speed
• Utility: Smoke Grenades, Photoelectric Cloak

Perfect for players who prefer avoiding fights until the perfect moment. The silenced Hairpin eliminates threats quietly, while smoke and cloaking provide escape options when things go wrong.

Specialized Situation Builds

Different scenarios demand specific approaches. These targeted builds excel in particular circumstances.

Queen Killer Setup

• Primary: Anvil IV for core damage
• Secondary: Tempest I for adds
• Utility: Wolfpack Grenades, Arc Power Cells, Barricade Kits

Designed specifically for Harvester events. The Anvil focuses the Queen's core while Wolfpack Grenades clear Rocketeers. Barricades control access points during the encounter.

Scavenger Run Configuration

• Primary: Any reliable weapon
• Secondary: Minimal investment
• Shield: Light Shield
• Focus: Maximum utility space for loot

When you're purely farming materials, minimize weapon investment and maximize carrying capacity. Even free loadouts work for pure scavenging missions.

ARC Raiders Best Free and Custom Loadouts Guide

Free Loadout Strategy

Don't overlook the Free Loadout option for specific situations. While it provides basic gear with limited inventory space, it's perfect for:

• Learning new maps without risk
• Completing delivery quests
• Pure scavenging runs
• Testing strategies

Free loadouts typically include an Uncommon Light Shield, basic weapons, limited healing items, and the Free Loadout Augment with 14 backpack slots. Remember, there's no safe pocket, so anything you find gets lost if you die.

Attachment and Modification Priorities

Smart attachment choices transform good weapons into great ones. Focus these upgrade priorities:

For Assault Rifles (Ferro, Anvil):

1. Stable Stock for recoil control
2. Vertical Grip for handling
3. Extended Magazine for sustained fights

For SMGs (Stitcher, Tempest):

1. Vertical Grip for close-range accuracy
2. Extended Magazine for multiple targets
3. Angled Grip for faster ADS

For Precision Weapons (Renegade, Venator):

1. Stable Stock for long-range stability
2. Optics for target acquisition
3. Extended Magazine for follow-up shots

Risk Management and Loadout Economics

Smart Raiders balance power with sustainability. Consider these economic factors:

High-Value Builds: Use only when you can afford multiple losses Medium Investment: Perfect for regular play sessions Budget Options: Ideal for learning and low-risk missions

Track your extraction rates with different builds. If you're losing expensive loadouts faster than you can replace them, step down to more sustainable options until your skills improve.

Building effective loadouts in Arc Raiders requires understanding your playstyle, the current meta, and smart resource management. Start with budget builds to learn the fundamentals, gradually upgrade as your skills and resources grow, and always have backup plans for when things go sideways. The perfect build is the one that gets you home with your loot intact.

For more Arc Raiders, check out our guide on How to Extract.