ARC Raiders Kettle Guide

The Kettle is a compact, fully automatic SMG in ARC Raiders that rewards aggressive players who enjoy close-quarters combat and quick repositioning. While it doesn't boast the blistering fire rate or raw stopping power of some top-tier weapons, the Kettle fills a very specific niche: a lightweight, accessible firearm that's easy to acquire early and remains useful when handled with intention. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from performance and handling to crafting, economy considerations, and ideal playstyles.

 

Weapon Overview

 

At its core, the Kettle is a fully automatic SMG that uses Light Ammo. It deals respectable damage per shot, but its lower fire rate compared to other SMGs means you'll need to stay on target to make every bullet count. Control can be tricky for new players, especially during sustained fire, but with practice the recoil becomes predictable enough to manage in close engagements.

 

The Kettle can be purchased from Tian Wen for $2400, making it a solid option for players who want a reliable gun without draining their stash of ARC Raiders Coins. Its affordability also means it's less painful to lose during risky runs, which is a big deal in an extraction-focused game where every drop matters.

 

Core Stats at a Glance

 

Here's what defines the Kettle on a mechanical level:

 

Durability: 100

Ammo Type: Light Ammo

Magazine Size: 20

Firing Mode: Fully Automatic

ARC Armor Penetration: Very Weak

 

Performance Metrics:

 

Damage: 7

Fire Rate: 45.3

Range: 42.1

Stability: 45.3

Agility: 73.8

Stealth: 19

 

These numbers paint a clear picture. The Kettle shines in mobility and agility, allowing fast strafing and quick transitions between cover. However, its very weak ARC armor penetration makes it less effective against heavily armored enemies, especially in prolonged fights where higher-tier weapons will outclass it.

 

How the Kettle Feels in Combat

 

In real encounters, the Kettle performs best up close, where its manageable recoil and solid damage can overwhelm lightly armored targets. The 20-round magazine is on the smaller side, so reload timing is crucial, spraying without a plan will leave you exposed.

 

The relatively low stealth score also means this isn't a weapon for silent approaches or ambush-heavy play. Instead, it favors direct, fast-paced skirmishes, where movement and positioning matter more than raw DPS. If you like flanking, pushing corners, and forcing quick trades, the Kettle can absolutely hold its own.

 

Crafting the Kettle

 

One of the Kettle's biggest advantages is how easy it is to craft. You don't need a blueprint, and the workbench requirements are minimal.

 

Crafting Recipe:

8× Metal Parts

4× Rubber Parts

 

Workbench Requirements:

Gunsmith Level 1

Workbench Level 1

 

Blueprint Required: No

 

This makes the Kettle an excellent fallback weapon. If you're short on cash or saving ARC Raiders Coins for higher-tier gear, crafting a Kettle from spare ARC Raiders Items is often the smarter move. The materials are common, and the low entry requirements mean you can rebuild quickly after a failed run.

 

When to Use the Kettle

 

The Kettle is ideal for:

 

Early to mid-game runs

Budget loadouts

Close-quarters maps and interiors

Players prioritizing speed and agility

 

However, you may want to switch weapons if:

 

You expect heavily armored ARC units

You're engaging at medium to long range

You need strong armor penetration

 

Because its ARC armor penetration is very weak, the Kettle struggles in late-game scenarios unless paired with smart positioning or backup gear that can crack tougher defenses.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Kettle isn't a flashy powerhouse, but it doesn't try to be. It's a reliable, accessible SMG that fits perfectly into the early economy and remains relevant for players who understand its strengths and limits. Whether you buy it outright from Tian Wen or craft it using spare materials, the Kettle offers consistent value without demanding rare resources or expensive upgrades.

 

If you're managing your stash carefully, balancing risk, and making the most of your ARC Raiders Items, the Kettle is a dependable companion, especially when every run counts.