If you’ve been playing Arc Raiders for a while, you know that ammunition management is more than just having enough bullets. Among the different types of ammo in the game, Heavy Ammo often raises questions for both new and experienced players. This guide aims to break down how it works in practice, what you need to know about crafting and usage, and how most players approach it in missions.
What Is Heavy Ammo, and Which Weapons Use It?
Heavy Ammo is a special type of ammunition used by certain mid- to high-tier weapons. Specifically, in general, Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, and Hand Cannons can use it. Each weapon type consumes Heavy Ammo differently, which affects how you plan your loadout:
Assault Rifles: Usually fire in bursts or semi-auto with moderate damage. Heavy Ammo allows for stronger shots but is limited in quantity.
Battle Rifles: Often deal higher damage per shot but have slower firing rates. Heavy Ammo here is valuable for headshots and enemy weak points.
Hand Cannons: These tend to be slower and heavier, but Heavy Ammo makes each shot count, especially in boss fights or high-threat encounters.
Most players focus on keeping at least a few stacks of Heavy Ammo for tougher enemies or high-value targets because it can make the difference between clearing a wave and getting overwhelmed.
How Heavy Ammo Works in Practice
The practical side of Heavy Ammo involves three main considerations: weight, stack size, and consumption.
Weight: Heavy Ammo is light for what it does—each unit weighs only 0.05. This means carrying a full stack won’t slow you down significantly, so it’s common for players to keep multiple stacks in their inventory.
Stack Size: The maximum stack is 40 rounds. In general, this is enough for a few intense fights but not for prolonged missions where ammo drops are scarce.
Consumption: Some weapons, like Hand Cannons, use one round per shot, whereas Assault Rifles can fire multiple rounds per second. Most players notice that Heavy Ammo runs out quickly on fully automatic weapons, so planning your shots is important.
In practice, players often treat Heavy Ammo as a "special use" resource rather than a primary ammo type. You don’t want to waste it on standard enemies—save it for elites, mini-bosses, or situations where your regular ammo isn’t sufficient.
How to Get Heavy Ammo
There are a few ways players acquire Heavy Ammo, and each has pros and cons.
Crafting: Most players craft Heavy Ammo at Workbench 1, which requires:
3× Metal Parts
2× Chemicals This recipe produces 10 rounds per craft. Crafting in general is efficient if you already have surplus materials, but the yield is relatively small compared to usage in long missions.
Buying from Tian Wen: Heavy Ammo can also be purchased directly from vendors like Tian Wen. In general, players use this method when they don’t want to farm materials or when missions demand a quick top-up.
Drops in Missions: While less predictable, some missions drop Heavy Ammo in loot caches. Experienced players plan around these drops to avoid running completely out mid-mission.
It’s worth noting that some players look for cheap ARC Raiders blueprints from verified sellers on U4N to optimize their crafting. These blueprints can help make the crafting process more efficient or unlock additional ammo-related recipes.
Damage and Weapon Considerations
Not all weapons benefit from Heavy Ammo in the same way. Here’s a quick overview of common options:
Ferro (Common): Deals 40 damage, single-shot mode, range of 53.1. Most players treat this as a reliable starter option.
Anvil (Uncommon): Also 40 damage, single-shot, range 50.2. Slightly better stats for mid-level engagements.
Bettina (Epic): Deals 14 damage but fires automatically at 51.3 range. Players usually pair this with careful aim, as the lower damage per bullet is offset by high rate of fire.
In practice, Heavy Ammo works best in weapons that match your combat style. If you tend to take slower, precise shots, single-shot rifles like Ferro or Anvil will feel efficient. If you prefer spraying enemies in close range, automatic weapons like Bettina will consume ammo quickly, so carrying extra stacks is crucial.
Tips for Managing Heavy Ammo
Based on common player behavior, here are some practical tips:
Stack Wisely: Keep 2–3 stacks in your inventory if you plan on long missions. In general, overstocking isn’t necessary because ammo drops in missions usually supplement your supply.
Pair with Weapon Type: Don’t carry Heavy Ammo for every weapon—focus on your main mid- or long-range weapon.
Use Strategically: Most players save Heavy Ammo for stronger enemies or boss fights. Using it on basic enemies is generally considered wasteful.
Craft When Materials Are Plenty: Since crafting yields only 10 rounds, it’s efficient when you have excess Metal Parts and Chemicals. Otherwise, buying from vendors or relying on mission drops is easier.
Track Consumption: Automatic weapons burn through Heavy Ammo quickly. Experienced players often monitor ammo counts mid-mission to avoid getting caught empty-handed.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
Overusing Heavy Ammo on weak enemies: Since Heavy Ammo is limited, wasting it on basic mobs can leave you underprepared for elites.
Ignoring stack limits: Even if you have lots of materials, remember that each stack only holds 40 rounds. Multiple stacks are useful but have diminishing returns in inventory space.
Not matching weapon to ammo: Using Heavy Ammo in a weapon with low base damage or poor range is often inefficient. Most players optimize weapon/ammo combinations for maximum effect.
Heavy Ammo in Arc Raiders is a specialized resource best used strategically. While it is lightweight and easy to carry, its stack limits and consumption rates mean that planning is important. Most players acquire it through crafting, vendors, or mission drops and reserve it for mid- to high-tier weapons against stronger enemies. Using it wisely can significantly improve your efficiency in missions without unnecessary waste.
