mmoexp – Arc Raiders Weapon Guide: Is the Volcano the Ultimate PvE Pick?

In the ARC Raiders BluePrints buy community, there's been a lot of debate about which epic-tier weapon reigns supreme for PvE content. The developers have consistently praised the Betatina as the go-to PvE weapon, citing its high arc armor penetration. But after putting the Volcano to the test, it's hard not to argue that it might actually outshine the Betatina in certain PvE scenarios.

The Volcano: A PvP Legend Tested for PvE

The Volcano is already widely recognized as the top PvP weapon due to its high DPS output. But when it comes to PvE, its low armor penetration has made some players hesitant. Here's the catch: while the Betatina excels at shredding arc armor, pairing the Volcano with a support weapon like the Anvil changes the game. By stripping armor first, the Volcano's immense damage output can take down high-health enemies faster than almost anything else.

Testing Against Arc

The first tests involved weaker enemies, like the Wasp and Hornet. Even as a shotgun, the Volcano was incredibly effective. In most cases, it could take down these smaller enemies in just three shots, comparable to the Anvil, despite the Volcano being designed primarily for PvP.

Next up was the Leaper—a tougher enemy due to its armor plating. By first removing the armor with the Anvil, the Volcano unleashed pure damage and tore through the Leaper's health quickly. This confirmed the key strategy: strip armor first, then unleash the Volcano's DPS.

Bastion, Rocketeer, and Matriarch

The ultimate PvE test was the Bastion, which the Betatina took down in 40 seconds. Using the same armor-stripping approach with the Anvil, the Volcano reduced the Bastion even faster. Against the Rocketeer, it became a bit trickier due to armor and unpredictable movement, but the Volcano still delivered impressive results.

The final test was against the Matriarch, one of the toughest Arc enemies. By carefully removing armor and positioning strategically, the Volcano rapidly depleted the Matriarch's health. The only significant drawback was ammo consumption—the Volcano burns through ammo far faster than most weapons, making resource management critical.

Verdict: A PvE Beast With a PvP Legacy

The Volcano's performance in PvE highlights its versatility. While ammo limitations prevent it from being the undisputed top PvE weapon, its sheer DPS, when combined with a support weapon for armor stripping, makes it an incredible choice for tackling Arc enemies quickly.

Interestingly, its dual role as a top-tier PvP and highly effective PvE weapon demonstrates just how powerful it is in the hands of skilled players.

So, is the Volcano the best epic-tier PvE weapon? Perhaps not universally, but it certainly deserves a spot at the top of your arsenal. Pair it wisely, manage your ammo,with ARC Raiders BluePrints and it can make short work of almost any Arc threat.

What do you think—are you ready to give the Volcano a try in your next PvE run? Let us know in the comments!