Arc Raiders Rattler Guide: How This Assault Rifle Actually Performs

[WhisperWillow]

The Rattler is a common, fully automatic assault rifle that uses Medium Ammo. Most players first encounter it very early, often through Free Loadouts. Because of that, it tends to be one of the first automatic weapons people learn to use properly.

In general, the Rattler sits in the middle of the weapon lineup. It is not a high-end rifle, but it is reliable and predictable. The damage per shot is low compared to rarer weapons, but the fire rate and accuracy make up for it in close to medium fights.

How does the Rattler feel to use in real raids?

In practice, the Rattler feels steady. The stability stat is high, and recoil is easy to control even when firing full-auto. Most players can stay on target without needing advanced recoil control.

The biggest thing you notice right away is the reload behavior. The Rattler reloads two bullets at a time, not a full magazine. Usually this means:

Reloading takes longer than expected

Reloading mid-fight can get you killed

You need to plan reloads more carefully than with other rifles

Most experienced players reload behind cover and avoid partial reloads during combat unless absolutely necessary.

Is the damage good enough?

The base damage is 9 per shot, with a 2.0x headshot multiplier. On paper, that looks weak, but in real use it balances out.

In general:

Body shots take time, especially against armored enemies

Headshots matter a lot

Sustained fire is more important than burst damage

Against light ARC units and unarmored enemies, the Rattler performs well. Against heavier targets, most players rely on consistent headshots or coordinated fire rather than raw damage.

What range does the Rattler work best at?

The Rattler performs best at close to medium range.

Usually:

Close range: Very effective if you keep firing

Medium range: Still accurate with controlled bursts

Long range: Damage drop-off and recoil make it inefficient

Most players avoid long-range fights with this weapon unless they have no better option.

How important are magazine upgrades?

Magazine size is one of the most important factors for the Rattler.

Base magazine sizes:

Rattler I: 12 rounds

Rattler II: 16 rounds

Rattler III: 20 rounds

Rattler IV: 24 rounds

Because of the reload system, larger magazines dramatically improve survivability. Most players try to upgrade at least to Rattler II or III as soon as possible. A larger magazine means fewer reloads, which directly reduces risk during combat.

Is crafting the Rattler worth it?

Crafting the Rattler is cheap compared to most weapons. It uses common materials like Metal Parts, Rubber Parts, and later Mechanical Components.

In general:

Early-game players benefit the most from crafting it

Materials are easy to replace if you lose the weapon

Gunsmith 1 is enough for all upgrades

Most players craft Rattler I or II versions early and stop upgrading once they move on to stronger rifles.

How durable is the Rattler?

Durability improves with each upgrade tier:

Rattler I: +50 durability per repair

Rattler IV: +65 durability per repair

Repair costs stay reasonable, but higher tiers require more mechanical parts. Usually, players repair the weapon only if they plan to keep using it for multiple raids. Otherwise, it may be cheaper to recycle or replace it.

Should you upgrade or replace it later?

This depends on your playstyle.

Most players:

Use the Rattler as a starter or backup weapon

Replace it once higher-damage rifles become available

Keep one as a low-risk option for farming runs

Because the Rattler is common and easy to replace, it is rarely treated as a long-term main weapon.

Is selling or salvaging better?

The Rattler has different sell values depending on tier:

Rattler I: 1,750

Rattler IV: 7,000

Salvaging provides useful materials, especially at higher tiers. In practice:

Early tiers are usually recycled for Metal Parts

Higher tiers are salvaged for Mechanical Components

Most players choose based on what materials they are currently short on, not the raw sell price.

Does the Rattler benefit from mods?

Yes. The Rattler supports muzzle, underbarrel, and stock modifications.

In general:

Stability and recoil mods help more than damage mods

Stealth is already low, so stealth builds rarely use it

Mods make the weapon feel smoother but don’t change its role

Most players do not invest heavily in mods for this weapon unless they have spare parts.

When do players look for alternatives?

Usually, players stop relying on the Rattler when they:

Need higher armor penetration

Want faster reloads

Start fighting heavier ARC units regularly

At that point, the Rattler becomes a fallback weapon rather than a main choice. Some players may still keep one around when they buy arc raiders items for different loadouts, simply because it is predictable and cheap to replace.

Final thoughts from regular use

The Rattler is not exciting, but it is dependable. Most players respect it because it teaches good habits: positioning, reload timing, and headshot discipline. It rarely surprises you, for better or worse.

If you are early in Arc Raiders, the Rattler is usually worth using. If you are later in the game, it becomes a practical, low-risk option rather than a centerpiece of your build.

Patch Analysis: Arc Raiders Extended Light Mag 2 Blueprint Locations & Guide