ARC Raiders Venator Guide

The Venator is one of the most unconventional pistols available in ARC Raiders. On paper, it's a semi-automatic sidearm, but in practice it behaves more like a compact burst weapon, firing two shots with every trigger pull. This unique firing behavior gives the Venator surprising stopping power, allowing it to punch well above its weight when handled correctly.

In this guide, we'll break down the Venator's stats, combat role, crafting requirements, and how it fits into the broader progression and economy of ARC Raiders, especially when you're deciding how to spend ARC Raiders Coins and which ARC Raiders Items are worth investing in.

Weapon Overview

The Venator uses Medium Ammo, immediately setting it apart from most pistols, which typically rely on lighter rounds. This choice signals its intended role: not a last-resort backup, but a serious secondary weapon capable of standing its ground in real fights.

Despite being semi-automatic, the Venator fires two shots per trigger pull, creating a burst-like effect that rewards accuracy and timing. When both shots connect, the damage output can be devastating for a pistol, especially against lightly to moderately armored enemies. Its compact form factor and high agility make it easy to wield, reposition with, and swap to during chaotic engagements.

Full Stat Breakdown

Here's a closer look at the Venator's key stats:

Durability: 100

Ammo Type: Medium Ammo

Magazine Size: 10

Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic (double-shot per trigger)

ARC Armor Penetration: Moderate

Performance Stats:

Damage: 18

Fire Rate: 36.7

Range: 48.4

Stability: 61.3

Agility: 76.4

Stealth: 12

These numbers highlight the Venator's identity clearly. Its high damage per shot and moderate armor penetration make it far deadlier than most pistols, while its strong agility score allows for quick movement and fast reaction times. The tradeoffs come in magazine size and stealth, 10 rounds disappear quickly, and this is not a weapon designed for quiet eliminations.

Combat Performance and Playstyle

In combat, the Venator shines as a precision-based sidearm. It rewards players who can land shots consistently, as missing even one half of the double-shot significantly reduces its effectiveness. When used well, however, it can drop enemies faster than expected, especially in close to mid-range encounters.

The Venator pairs exceptionally well with slower or heavier primary weapons. If your main firearm struggles in tight spaces or requires reload downtime, swapping to the Venator can keep pressure on enemies without sacrificing mobility. Its high agility allows you to strafe, reposition, and disengage quickly, ideal for clutch moments when movement matters more than sustained fire.

That said, ammo management is critical. The small magazine size means you'll be reloading often, and Medium Ammo is more valuable than light pistol rounds. Smart players use the Venator selectively, saving it for decisive engagements rather than prolonged firefights.

Crafting the Venator

Crafting the Venator is a mid-game investment and requires both a blueprint and higher-tier materials.

Crafting Recipe:

2× Advanced Mechanical Components

3× Medium Gun Parts

5× Magnets

Workbench Requirements: Gunsmith Level 2

Blueprint Required: Yes

These requirements make the Venator a deliberate choice rather than an impulse craft. Advanced components and Medium Gun Parts are often needed for other valuable upgrades, so players must decide whether to convert those ARC Raiders Items into a specialized sidearm or sell them for ARC Raiders Coins to fund other progression paths.

Economy and Loadout Considerations

From an economic perspective, the Venator sits in an interesting spot. It's not cheap to craft, but it also doesn't carry the same replacement cost as a full-sized primary weapon. This makes it appealing for players who want a powerful backup without risking their entire loadout on a single run.

Using the Venator effectively can actually save ARC Raiders Coins over time. Its burst damage allows you to finish fights quickly, reducing ammo consumption and minimizing the risk of extended engagements that lead to mistakes. When paired with careful extraction planning, it can help preserve both your gear and your stash of ARC Raiders Items.

However, it's not a universal solution. Players who rely heavily on spray-and-pray tactics or who struggle with precision aiming may find the Venator unforgiving.

When the Venator Excels

Best use cases:

Secondary weapon for mid-to-late game runs

Close to mid-range engagements

Players with strong aim and trigger discipline

Loadouts that value mobility

Less effective when:

Fighting large groups without cover

Engaging at long range

Conserving Medium Ammo is a priority

Final Verdict

The Venator is a high-skill, high-reward pistol that blurs the line between sidearm and primary weapon. Its double-shot firing mechanic, strong damage, and moderate armor penetration make it a lethal option in the right hands, while its agility ensures it always feels responsive and mobile.

If you're thoughtful about how you spend ARC Raiders Coins and selective about which ARC Raiders Items you turn into crafted gear, the Venator can be a powerful addition to your arsenal. It's not meant for everyone, but for players who value precision, speed, and smart decision-making, the Venator delivers far more than its compact size suggests.