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Every time you begin a Topside raid in Arc Raiders, your experience will likely be different. This is because you start in new locations each time and face various Arc machines and moving players. Many events during a raid depend on luck.
However, you can influence your chances by choosing the right loadout, especially early on. While there’s no perfect setup, your choice of augment, weapons, and quick-use items should match how you prefer to play.
### Best Augments for Beginners
Augments are key items in your loadout as they determine how many slots you have in each category and what kind of shields you can carry. You start with the best augment, and here’s what each one is good for:
| Augment Name | Best For |
| — | — |
| Looting Mk. 1 | Best for looting, with the highest weight capacity (50) and most slots for normal items. It only allows light shields. |
| Combat Mk. 1 | A good all-around choice with decent inventory space and the ability to use medium shields. |
| Tactical Mk. 1 | Focused on survival with an extra quick-use slot for healing or throwable items, but limited inventory space. |
For beginners, Looting Mk. 1 usually works best since you don’t yet have medium shields that the other two augments support. After leveling up and completing some quests, you can unlock the blue versions of these augments, which add extra slots depending on the item type. For example, Looting Mk. 2 provides three slots for trinkets, but these are best saved for later, as they’re rarer in early, dangerous raids.
### Best Guns for Beginners
No matter which augment you pick, you’ll always have two gun slots. Early on, you can craft or find up to four different guns. Each has a specific use based on your style:
| Gun Name | Description |
| — | — |
| Stitcher | Good for beginners, with automatic fire, but low damage. |
| Ferro | A basic sniper, capable of high single-shot damage; requires good aim due to reloading after each shot. |
| Rattler | Versatile; fires multiple shots without automatic fire, but each shot is powerful. |
| Hairpin | Not yet available in free loadouts, but great for stealth with its silencer. However, sneaking isn’t often worth it because of game sounds and damage trade-offs. |
The Rattler feels particularly effective early on, as it quickly dispatches both Arc machines and players.
### Best Quick-Use Items for Beginners
Unlike augments and guns, your quick-use options are limited but vital. The main items to carry early are bandages and shield rechargers, as they help you heal and stay safe. Using loot like fabric to heal is an option, but it’s better to carry at least five bandages since healing during fights is usually too risky.
Other helpful items include binoculars for scouting, allowing you to assess danger without exposing yourself. Grenades and smoke bombs can also give you a tactical advantage when needed.
### Early Game Safe Pocket Guide
Regardless of your augment choice (except the free one), you’ll always have one safe pocket slot on the right side of your inventory. Anything stored here will return to your hideout even if you’re taken down during the raid. Managing this slot properly is crucial.
At the start of a raid, you should avoid placing items in the safe pocket. Focus instead on collecting keys, blueprints, or upgrade items, and store them here to bring back. Since early raids tend to knock you out often, keeping this slot free for important objects is a wise strategy.
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