Introduction
After 2020, we saw a massive shift in gaming, because before that, most games were either fully online or had a fully offline experience. But during the pandemic, things started to change in the gaming landscape, and more and more offline games began to have an online multiplayer mode, and most online games started to have a PvE mode. Because people were in their houses at all times, and they needed something to kill the boredom.
With that in mind, every game retained more players and encouraged them to spend a lot more time in their games than they would have initially. Of course, offline games work pretty differently while playing online and vice versa. Some games, like ARC Raiders, get released with both PvP and PvE modes.
In this blog, we are going to focus on the PvP mode of the game. I will go in-depth to explain how it works, how to excel at it, some tips, and what will make you a better raider in the game’s PvP mode.
If PvP encounters in ARC Raiders feel overwhelming or too punishing early on, some players choose ARC Raiders Leveling to learn PvP routes, loadouts, and survival strategies without losing gear repeatedly.
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What Is PvP in ARC Raiders?
So, just a brief intro about what the mode actually is and what you can expect before jumping into what you need to do to excel. It works pretty similarly to its intended PvE mode, where the primary goal is to shoot ARCs, destroy them, complete different quests, and loot resources in the process.
The added element in PvP is that other raiders also get involved in the process. You could shoot at them, or you could play along with them — it is up to you. That is the part which makes it trickier, because how can you trust someone with your in-game life when you have just met? Even if you do, how willing are you to bet that they won’t kill you if you get something good in your loot?
So, to navigate through this game mode with ease, you should follow the things I am about to list in this blog so you can stay on the advantageous side of things.
Best Weapons for PvP
So firstly, let’s talk about the main thing in any shooting game, which is the gun. Below is a list of the best weapons for PvP.
Best PvP Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Why? |
| Bettina | Assault rifle | It has strong medium-range performance and good ARC armor penetration |
| Tempest | Assault rifle | Great at mid range and performs well in both PvE and PvP modes |
| Arpeggio | Assault rifle | Great when fully kitted; good damage, decent range, and very versatile |
| Bobcat | Submachine Gun | A great SMG, and with grips and extended magazines, it is lethal at close range |
| Stitcher | Submachine Gun | As effective as the Bobcat but slightly cheaper |
| Il Toro | Sub-automatic shotgun | Considered an overpowered weapon |
| Venator | Pistol | Great at close range, and its double-barrel mechanic makes it a meta weapon |
| Anvil | Pistol | High per-shot damage, but requires good aim |
| Ferro | Battle rifle | Cost-effective while delivering good damage; ideal for new players |
| Renegade | Battle rifle | High damage, good fire rate, and an upgraded version; considered overpowered |
| Jupiter | Sniper | The best sniper in the game with great damage and ARC armor penetration |
This table highlights the strongest weapon choices for PvP encounters based on damage, range, and overall effectiveness.
Player Tip
If you struggle with recoil or panic spraying, stick to mid-range rifles instead of forcing close-range SMG fights early on.
Best Augments for PvP
Now let’s talk about the best augments to use in PvP mode. Before that, it’s important to understand what augments are and what they do. Augments are pre-raid equipment that decide your loadout by restricting weight capacity, backpack slots, quick-use slots, and shield compatibility.
Choosing the right augment is very important. Here are the best options:
Best PvP Augments
| Augment | Why? |
| Combat Mk. 3 | Ideal for aggressive playstyles; offers additional grenade slots for more utility |
| Tactical Mk. 3 | Best for defensive play; allows shield recovery while moving and adds an extra recharge slot |
| Looting Mk. 3 | Balanced option that provides extra weight capacity and safe pockets |
This table shows how different augments support aggressive, defensive, or balanced PvP playstyles.
Skills for PvP
Let’s talk about the essential skills you need to survive in player-versus-player environments. These skills improve your mobility, conditioning, and survival.
PvP Skill Breakdown
| Skill Category | Skills |
| Mobility | Marathon Runner and Youthful Legs reduce stamina cost and increase maximum stamina |
| Survival | Fight or Flight helps regain stamina while taking damage; Survivor’s Stamina regenerates stamina faster when critically hit |
| Conditioning | Looter’s Instinct and Silent Scavenge help find heals and ammo; Broad Shoulders increases carry weight |
This table outlines the most important skills for surviving PvP encounters.
Map Awareness & Positioning
Always stay in cover. Out in the open, you are an easy target for both ARCs and other raiders. Move from cover to cover — rock to rock — and never stay exposed for long. You also need to be hyper-aware of your surroundings and pay close attention to enemy footsteps.
Try to position yourself on high ground whenever possible. Taking advantage of verticality lets you see more of the map and makes hitting targets easier.
Expert Note
Good positioning wins more PvP fights than raw aim. High ground and cover reduce third-party ambushes significantly.
PvP Playstyle & Mindset
The main goal in PvP is survival. You are not there to brawl with other raiders. This is not Counter-Strike or Valorant, where you take every fight and peek every angle. Your focus should be on escaping with the loot, so avoid combat whenever possible.
Be cautious and treat every raider as a potential threat, because most of the time they will be. Constantly watch your back and only trust your squadmates.
Treat your loadout like a debt — something you may have to return — not something permanent. Managing the fear of losing gear is important, because you can recover losses within a few successful runs.
Yes, the Opens are open-entry and allow new teams to qualify every split.
First-Hand Experience
From live PvP runs, most players lose fights not because of bad aim, but because of poor positioning, overcommitting to fights, or trusting unknown raiders. Players who prioritize survival, disengagement, and extraction consistently progress faster and lose fewer kits.
FAQ
Is PvP harder than PvE in ARC Raiders?
Yes. PvP adds unpredictability because other raiders can attack, betray, or third-party at any time.
What matters more in PvP: weapons or positioning?
Positioning and awareness usually matter more than weapon choice, especially early on.
Should I avoid fights in PvP mode?
Yes. The goal is survival and extraction, not eliminating every raider you see.
Are augments important for PvP?
Yes. Augments directly affect mobility, survivability, and combat effectiveness.