Hullcracker vs Equalizer: Best Special Weapon in ARC Raiders? (Full Comparison)

Introduction to Special Weapons in ARC Raiders: What Makes Them Unique?

Special weapons occupy a category of their own in ARC Raiders, offering power, mechanics and battlefield utility that traditional rifles, shotguns or SMGs simply cannot match. Whether you’re clearing waves of ARC machines, suppressing raider squads or holding extraction zones under pressure, these rare tools shape the flow of combat in ways no standard weapon class can replicate. This section sets the stage for a deeper ARC Raiders special weapon comparison, helping players understand why these two select weapons  the Hullcracker and the Equalizer  stand apart in terms of design philosophy, tactical purpose and overall impact.

Unlike common loadout options, special weapons introduce unique firing modes, extreme burst potential and strategic roles tailored for high-intensity encounters. They are engineered for the moments when your team needs overwhelming force, not steady damage. From pump-action heavy launchers to high-RPM energy weapons, special weapons in ARC Raiders redefine what “combat advantage” means by prioritising area denial, crowd control, and sustained suppression.

What makes them truly unique is how they reshape your playstyle. While standard guns emphasise accuracy and consistency, special weapons demand timing, positioning and awareness. They reward coordinated team strategies, defensive setups and aggressive pushes in ways that mirror raid-boss encounters and large-scale firefights across the game.

By understanding the identity and battlefield role of special weapons before reviewing stats and damage profiles, players can better evaluate which one fits their preferred mission structure and squad composition. As we progress into deeper mechanical analysis later, this foundation will help determine how each weapon stands in the broader ARC Raiders special weapon comparison — and which one offers the greatest impact depending on your tactical needs.

Damage, Fire Rate & Armor Penetration Breakdown for ARC Raiders Special Weapons

When analysing the most powerful gear in ARC Raiders, special weapons occupy a unique category in the game’s arsenal. These aren’t standard rifles or common sidearms — they are high-impact tools designed to deliver overwhelming burst damage, exceptional firepower or superior utility in the toughest encounters. For players searching for a reliable ARC Raiders special weapon comparison, understanding how damage, fire-rate and armor penetration interact is essential for choosing the right tool for raids, open-field battles or high-risk extraction missions.

Special weapons in ARC Raiders typically serve one of three combat roles: high-explosive destruction, sustained mid-range pressure or weak-point targeting against ARC machines. Because each special weapon is built around a distinct damage model, evaluating them requires looking beyond raw numbers and understanding their practical impact in real scenarios.

Damage Output: Instant Impact vs Sustained Power

Special weapons come with higher base damage values than standard firearms, but the way they deliver that damage varies. Some rely on explosive payloads that can wipe clustered enemies instantly, while others deliver controlled precision damage ideal for breaking ARC armor plates or destroying weak points. When choosing your best option, consider whether you need a one-shot tool for crowd-control or a precision-focused weapon that excels in long engagements.

Fire Rate: How Fast You Can Apply Pressure

Unlike regular rifles, special weapons often operate with slower fire-rates due to their heavy-caliber shells or mechanical reload systems. A high-damage launcher may fire slowly but clears entire areas, while a rapid-firing energy weapon may compensate for lower per-shot damage with constant pressure. Evaluating fire-rate is essential when deciding whether you want burst dominance or sustained DPS in your ARC Raiders special weapon comparison.

Armor Penetration: The ARC Machine Equalizer

ARC units are heavily armored, and not every weapon type performs equally well against them. Some special weapons are engineered specifically for armor penetration, making them invaluable during boss fights or ARC-dense missions. Others excel against human raiders but fall off against plated ARC units. Understanding penetration ratings helps you avoid situations where your weapon feels powerful on paper but underperforms against real threats.

Why These Metrics Matter

Damage, fire-rate and armor penetration work together to determine how effective a special weapon feels in real combat. A weapon with high damage but poor armor penetration may fall short against ARC machines. Meanwhile, a high fire-rate weapon might shine in PvP skirmishes but struggle in boss encounters. For this reason, comparing these stats side-by-side is essential when deciding which special weapon fits your mission and playstyle.

Why Special Weapons Matter in ARC Raiders : (Role, Utility & Team Impact)

Special weapons play a defining role in ARC Raiders, shaping how players approach raids, support teammates and counter both human raiders and ARC machines. In any ARC Raiders special weapon comparison, these weapons consistently stand out because they are designed not just for raw damage, but for strategic impact — offering unique utility, battlefield control and squad-based advantages that standard rifles or SMGs cannot provide.

Unlike regular weapons, special weapons introduce tactical layers that directly influence how your team engages, retreats, or holds ground. Their specialised functions allow you to break enemy formations, open push pathways, disable armored ARC units, or provide covering fire during extraction phases. Understanding their strategic purpose is essential if you want to build a balanced loadout that adapts to dynamic combat scenarios.

One major reason special weapons matter in ARC Raiders is their ability to counter specific threats. Some models excel at piercing ARC armor with focused shots, while others deliver explosive pressure ideal for crowd control or suppressing aggressive raider squads. This diversity ensures that every special weapon brings distinct value in team composition, whether you’re playing anchor, support, assault or overwatch.

Another advantage is their situational utility. Special weapons can dictate the pace of a battle: controlling choke points, forcing enemy repositioning, or breaking entrenched defenses. When analyzing any ARC Raiders special weapon comparison, this utility often outweighs pure DPS since it allows your entire squad to act with greater confidence and freedom.

Finally, special weapons dramatically influence team impact. A well-timed explosive strike can open a route for flankers, while a precision special weapon can eliminate high-value targets before they pressure your frontline. These tactical moments create synergy within the squad, amplifying both survivability and mission success.

In short, special weapons matter in ARC Raiders because they amplify your strategic presence on the battlefield. They provide power, control, and team-oriented utility that no other weapon class can replicate — making them essential in any advanced loadout and a core focus of any serious ARC Raiders weapon comparison.