Players coming into ARC Raiders usually have the same questions: what items actually matter, which ones are worth spending time on, and what gear makes a real difference once you’re out in the field. After playing through multiple test phases and watching how most players behave, some clear patterns show up.
This article breaks things down in a practical way. It’s written from one player to another, focusing on how items are used in real matches rather than theory or marketing.
In general, players care about items that help them survive longer and extract safely. That usually means gear that improves combat consistency, reduces risk during exploration, or saves time between runs.
Most players focus on five main categories:
Weapons and weapon attachments
Armor and backpacks
Consumables
Crafting materials
Utility items
Cosmetic items exist, but they don’t affect gameplay, so experienced players usually ignore them when planning loadouts.
There isn’t a single “best” weapon, but some types are more popular than others.
Most players prefer weapons that are reliable and easy to control. Automatic rifles and SMGs usually see the most use because they work well in both PvE and PvP situations. Shotguns are strong up close, but risky if you misjudge distance. Sniper-style weapons are usually used by more experienced players who understand positioning.
In practice, players often look for:
Weapons with stable recoil
Guns that accept common attachments
Models that don’t burn through ammo too fast
A powerful weapon doesn’t help much if ammo is rare or the recoil makes it hard to land shots.
Attachments matter more than raw weapon stats in many cases.
Most players upgrade weapons gradually by adding optics, grips, and barrels. A basic rifle with good attachments usually performs better than a rare weapon with no upgrades.
Commonly used attachments include:
Low-zoom optics for flexible combat
Recoil-reducing grips
Barrels that improve accuracy rather than damage
In general, players prioritize control and visibility over raw damage numbers.
Armor and backpacks define how aggressive or cautious a run will be.
Most players don’t bring their best armor into every match. Instead, they rotate gear depending on risk. Light armor is common for scouting and resource runs, while heavier sets are saved for high-value objectives.
Backpacks are just as important. A bigger backpack lets you carry more loot, but it also makes extraction riskier.
In practice:
Small backpacks are used for quick, low-risk runs
Medium backpacks are the most common overall
Large backpacks are usually brought only with a plan
Players often lose more loot by being greedy than by poor combat decisions.
Consumables are easy to underestimate, but they save runs more often than weapons do.
Most players always carry:
Basic healing items
At least one emergency heal
Stamina or movement-related consumables
More specialized items, like buffs or resistance boosts, are usually carried only when players expect specific threats.
In general, players avoid filling inventory space with consumables unless they know they’ll use them.
Crafting materials don’t help during a fight, but they shape long-term progress.
Most players collect materials even on combat-focused runs because crafting unlocks consistent access to gear. Instead of relying on random drops, crafting lets players rebuild after losses.
Materials that are commonly prioritized include:
Components used for armor repairs
Weapon upgrade materials
Items tied to backpack crafting
Experienced players usually learn which materials are easy to replace and which ones are worth protecting during extraction.
Utility items don’t get much attention, but they often decide whether a run succeeds or fails.
Things like detection tools, escape utilities, or deployables are usually carried by players who think ahead. Newer players tend to ignore these until they see how often experienced players use them.
In general:
Utility items are used defensively, not aggressively
They help avoid fights rather than win them
Most players bring one or two, not a full set
Avoiding a fight usually leads to better loot than winning one.
Risk management is a core part of ARC Raiders.
Most players follow an unwritten rule: never bring gear you can’t afford to lose twice. This mindset keeps frustration low and progress steady.
Before a run, players usually ask:
What is my goal this match?
How likely am I to encounter other players?
Can I replace this gear easily?
Some players use external resources like U4N to understand item availability and relative value, but the decision of what to risk always depends on personal comfort.
Not always.
High-tier gear offers advantages, but it also changes how players behave. Many players become overly cautious when carrying rare items, which can reduce effectiveness.
In practice:
Mid-tier gear often gives the best balance
High-tier items are best used with a clear objective
Skill and positioning matter more than rarity
Most successful players lose plenty of good gear along the way.
The most common mistakes include:
Bringing too much gear into early runs
Ignoring consumables
Hoarding items instead of using them
Overvaluing rarity
ARC Raiders rewards learning through loss. Most experienced players got better by losing gear and understanding why.
Items in ARC Raiders matter, but how you use them matters more. Most players who stick with the game learn to value consistency, planning, and smart risk-taking over chasing perfect gear.
If you focus on practical loadouts, understand what items actually do in real situations, and accept that losses are part of the game, your progress will feel much smoother. Gear comes and goes, but experience carries over every run.