Best Loadouts for Boss Fights in Arc Raiders

Boss fights are the ultimate PvE challenge in Arc Raiders. These encounters test your gear, skill, and preparation. The right loadout and strategy turn seemingly impossible fights into wins.

Published 28 March 2026. Updated 20 October 2026.

Boss Damage Weapons

High sustained DPS weapons outperform burst weapons against bosses because of their massive health pools. The Tempest is a top boss fight weapon. Large magazine sizes cut the number of reloads you make under fire.

Boss Fight Shields

The Heavy Shield is justified for boss fights because the damage is intense and sustained, and it blocks the largest share of each hit. Its movement penalty matters less when you fight from a held position.

Consumable Preparation

Bring maximum healing items. Carry at least one full health restore for emergencies. An Adrenaline Shot fully restores stamina mid fight. Damage boosting consumables can significantly reduce the overall fight duration, which is safer than a longer battle with more chances for mistakes.

Team Composition

For team boss fights, designate one player as the tank to draw boss aggression, one as the primary damage dealer, and one as the support with extra healing. Rotate tanking duty when the current tank needs to heal. Calling out when the armor plates come off, and the core is open, keeps everyone shooting the same target.

Plates First, Then the Core

On the Queen, shoot off the armor plates first, then aim for the red glowing core once it is exposed, and hit the yellow weak points on the legs; stick a Deadline on the head, or on the core once it is exposed. The Matriarch's own wiki page says skip her legs and break the faceplates until the core is exposed. When her energy shield comes up it absorbs every projectile and throwable fired from outside it, so hold fire until it falls, or step inside it and shoot the core. The Queen guide and the Matriarch guide cover the rest.