Bobcat vs Rattler in Arc Raiders
The Bobcat, an SMG, and the Rattler, an assault rifle, are two of the most popular close range picks in Arc Raiders. They get there in opposite ways: one through volume of fire, the other through harder, steadier hits.
Published 28 March 2026. Updated 20 October 2026.
Bobcat I vs Rattler I: base stats side by side
Base tier stats for Bobcat I and Rattler I, only where a source confirms the value for both. Upgraded tiers differ.
| Stat | Bobcat I | Rattler I |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon class | SMG | AR |
| Ammo type | Light Ammo | Medium Ammo |
| Damage | 6 | 9 |
| Fire rate | 1006 RPM | 500 RPM |
| Magazine size | 20 | 12 |
| Effective range | 44 m | 56.2 m |
| Stability | 45.9 | 72.2 |
| Headshot multiplier | 2x | 2x |
| ARC armor penetration | Very Weak | Moderate |
| Firing mode | Fully-Automatic | Fully-Automatic |
| Noise level | Loud | Loud |
What each costs to craft
Bobcat I
Gunsmith level 3, 45 seconds.
- 1 x Magnetic Accelerator
- 3 x Light Gun Parts
- 2 x Exodus Modules
Rattler I
Gunsmith level 1, 20 seconds.
- 16 x Metal Parts
- 12 x Rubber Parts
Damage Output
The Rattler hits harder per bullet, while the Bobcat fires about twice as fast from a larger magazine. When ammo is short, the Rattler gets more out of each round. When a fight is decided by who lands the most hits in a second, the Bobcat's volume of fire matters most.
Handling and Speed
The Rattler has slightly better draw speed and sprint to fire time, making it marginally better for reaction based combat. The Bobcat handles well but takes a fraction longer to bring up from sprint. In practice, both are among the fastest handling weapons in the game.
Recoil Patterns
The Rattler has the much higher sourced stability rating, so it stays on target more easily through a burst. The Bobcat trades that steadiness for its fire rate, which makes extended bursts harder to keep on target.
Magazine Size
The Bobcat carries the larger magazine and fires faster, so it puts more rounds downrange before a reload. Because the Rattler fires at about half the rate, its smaller magazine actually lasts slightly longer on a held trigger.
Overall Value
The Bobcat wins on fire rate and magazine size; the Rattler wins on damage per bullet and stability. Pick the Bobcat for close quarters where volume of fire decides it, and the Rattler when you want controlled, accurate bursts. Note they use different ammo, Light for the Bobcat and Medium for the Rattler.
Verdict
Neither is strictly stronger. The Bobcat is the volume pick: faster fire and a bigger magazine. The Rattler is the control pick: harder hits per round and far steadier recoil. Both are top close range options that you cannot go wrong with.