Effective Weapon Strategies for Arc Raiders Players

BouncyBaboon

Arc Raiders can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to managing weapons, mods, and resources. Based on common player experience, this guide focuses on how things work in practice, giving you clear answers to the questions most players have.

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What Are Vertical Grip III and Gunsmith III, and How Do They Work?

In general, Vertical Grip III and Gunsmith III are upgrades that players use to improve weapon handling and overall performance. Vertical Grip III usually affects recoil control and aiming stability, making automatic and semi-automatic guns easier to handle during sustained fire. Most players equip it on assault rifles or SMGs for better control in mid- to long-range fights.

Gunsmith III, on the other hand, tends to focus on the overall customization of weapons. Players use it to unlock additional mod slots or improve the effectiveness of attached mods. In practice, combining Gunsmith III with Vertical Grip III is common, as the synergy allows your weapon to perform more consistently under pressure.

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What Do You Need to Upgrade These Items?

From experience, the typical requirements to upgrade to Vertical Grip III or Gunsmith III include a mix of materials and in-game currency. For example:

• 2x Mod Components: These are usually obtained from dismantling other weapons or finding them in mission rewards. Most players tend to stockpile mod components because upgrades can be resource-intensive.
  
• 5x Duct Tape: Duct tape is often scattered in missions or sold by vendors. Players generally keep a moderate amount because multiple weapon mods require it.
  
• $5000: In-game currency is always needed for upgrading. Most players recommend managing your money carefully, as upgrading multiple weapons can get expensive.
  
  

In general, players will prioritize upgrades that significantly improve handling or damage output first. Vertical Grip III and Gunsmith III fall into this category, especially if you favor precision and control over raw damage.

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How Should Players Approach Modifying Weapons?

Most players follow a simple approach when modifying weapons:

• Prioritize stability: Mods like Vertical Grip III are useful for controlling recoil, which is usually more noticeable in fast-paced encounters.
  
• Balance cost and benefit: Some mods may cost a lot of materials or money but provide minimal improvement. Players usually weigh whether the upgrade is worth it before committing resources.
  
• Synergize mods: Combining multiple mods that complement each other tends to give the best results. For instance, using Gunsmith III alongside Vertical Grip III often produces more consistent handling than using either alone.
  
  

In general, players upgrade what they use most often. Rarely used weapons might stay stock until you need them for a specific mission.

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Where Can Players Find the Materials?

Materials like mod components and duct tape usually come from multiple sources:

• Mission rewards: Completing objectives often grants these resources. Most players focus on missions that have higher chances of dropping the materials they need.
  
• Scavenging: Some maps have materials hidden in lootable containers or behind enemies. Players often explore thoroughly to avoid extra costs.
  
• Dismantling unused gear: This is a common tactic. Players dismantle older weapons or mods to recycle mod components and duct tape.
  
  

In practice, balancing your material inventory is important. Running out mid-upgrade is frustrating, so most experienced players keep a small stockpile.

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Is It Worth Spending Money on Items?

If you are considering external options, some players look for ways to buy Arc Raiders items cheap. Usually, the safest approach is to focus on in-game resources, but understanding the market can help if you want to save time or acquire specific upgrades faster. Most players still recommend prioritizing in-game progression first, as it teaches how upgrades actually affect gameplay.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on general player experience, here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Upgrading too many weapons at once: This can drain your materials and money quickly. Most players upgrade one or two main weapons first.
  
• Ignoring mod synergy: Installing mods without considering how they work together often results in wasted resources. Vertical Grip III alone may not feel as effective if the rest of the weapon setup is unbalanced.
  
• Neglecting basic weapons: Sometimes players focus on rare or high-tier guns while ignoring reliable starter weapons. Often, upgrading familiar weapons provides better immediate results.
  
• Hoarding resources unnecessarily: While stockpiling can be useful, hoarding every component slows progress. Most players keep only what’s realistically needed for the next set of upgrades.
  
  

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How Do Players Decide What to Upgrade First?

In practice, the decision usually comes down to three factors:

• Usage frequency: Weapons you use in most missions should be upgraded first.
  
• Combat effectiveness: Mods that improve handling, accuracy, or damage are prioritized. Vertical Grip III and Gunsmith III usually make this list.
  
• Resource availability: Players often choose upgrades that are feasible with materials on hand, rather than waiting for perfect components.
  
  

In general, a balanced approach is best. Upgrade your main weapon first, then work on secondary weapons if you have extra resources.

Arc Raiders’ mod and upgrade system can seem complex at first, but understanding how most players approach it helps simplify decisions. Focus on practical improvements, use materials wisely, and prioritize upgrades that affect performance most noticeably. Combining Vertical Grip III and Gunsmith III is usually a solid step for mid-level weapons, and keeping a small stock of mod components and duct tape prevents unnecessary delays. Whether you progress slowly through missions or explore ways to buy Arc Raiders items cheap, the key is to upgrade thoughtfully rather than rush everything at once.