In ARC Raiders, not all weapons are meant to be flexible. Some are designed with a single goal in mind—absolute efficiency against the game's most dangerous threats. The Hullcracker is one of those weapons. This heavy launcher fires explosive projectiles that only detonate when they hit ARC units, making it a specialized but incredibly powerful tool when used in the right situations.

 

Unlike standard launchers that cause collateral damage, the Hullcracker is engineered specifically for mechanical enemies. It offers immense stopping power against ARC targets while remaining completely ineffective against anything else. This clear specialization defines how, when, and why the Hullcracker should be used.

 

Weapon Overview

 

The Hullcracker is a pump-action launcher that uses Launcher Ammo and delivers explosive force with every successful ARC hit. Its projectiles are inert until they make contact with ARC enemies, ensuring that each shot is deliberate and purposeful.

 

This weapon is not designed for versatility. Instead, it excels in ARC-heavy encounters where raw power, armor penetration, and reliability matter more than stealth or mobility. When deployed correctly, the Hullcracker can turn dangerous mechanical fights into controlled engagements.

 

Core Characteristics

 

Weapon Type: Heavy Launcher

Ammo Type: Launcher Ammo

Firing Mode: Pump-Action

Explosive Trigger: ARC impact only

 

Purchasing the Hullcracker

 

Players who want immediate access to the Hullcracker can buy it directly from Tian Wen for $30,000. This price places it among the most expensive weapons available, making it a significant investment of ARC Raiders Coins.

 

Before committing that amount of currency, players should consider how often they face ARC enemies. Spending such a large sum on a weapon that only works against one enemy type can be risky. However, for late-game players or those regularly engaging high-tier ARC threats, the Hullcracker justifies its cost through sheer effectiveness.

 

Durability and Handling

 

The Hullcracker has a durability rating of 100, meaning it can withstand repeated use in extended operations without frequent repairs. This makes it reliable for long missions where returning to safety isn't always an option.

 

Despite being a heavy weapon, it offers surprisingly strong handling stats. High stability ensures accurate follow-up shots, while its pump-action firing mode encourages controlled pacing rather than reckless firing.

 

Weapon Stats

 

Durability: 100

 

Ammo Type: Launcher Ammo

 

Magazine Size: 5

 

Firing Mode: Pump-Action

 

ARC Armor Penetration: Very Strong

 

Performance Metrics

 

Damage: 100

 

Fire Rate: 20.3

 

Range: 38.9

 

Stability: 97.2

 

Agility: 67.9

 

Stealth: 1

 

The Hullcracker's very strong ARC armor penetration is one of its defining features. It is built to punch through mechanical defenses that would shrug off lighter weapons.

 

Strengths of the Hullcracker

 

The Hullcracker is devastating when used as intended. Against ARC enemies, it delivers explosive damage with exceptional reliability.

 

Key Advantages

 

Explosive damage tailored specifically for ARC

 

Very strong armor penetration

 

High stability for precise shots

 

Safe explosive behavior with no accidental detonation

 

Because its rounds only explode on ARC impact, players don't need to worry about friendly fire or environmental hazards. This makes it especially useful in squad play during intense mechanical encounters.

 

Weaknesses and Limitations

 

For all its power, the Hullcracker has strict limitations that players must respect.

 

Notable Drawbacks

 

Completely ineffective against non-ARC targets

 

Extremely low stealth rating

 

Heavy and less agile than standard weapons

 

Limited magazine size

 

With a stealth value of just 1, the Hullcracker is not meant for subtle approaches. Once it's in use, enemies will know combat has begun. Players should plan accordingly and avoid relying on it as a primary weapon in mixed encounters.

 

How to Craft the Hullcracker

 

For players who prefer crafting over spending ARC Raiders Coins, the Hullcracker can be built without a blueprint, provided you meet the workstation and material requirements.

 

Crafting Recipe

 

1x Magnetic Accelerator

3x Heavy Gun Parts

1x Exodus Modules

 

These materials are considered high-tier ARC Raiders Items and are typically found in more dangerous zones or acquired through advanced contracts.

 

Crafting Requirements

 

Workbench: Gunsmith Level 3

 

Blueprint Required: No

 

The lack of a blueprint requirement is a major advantage, allowing experienced players to craft the weapon as soon as they have the necessary components.

 

Best Use Cases

 

The Hullcracker performs best in missions where ARC encounters are guaranteed. It is ideal for late-game raids, high-difficulty contracts, and any objective centered around mechanical threats.

 

Recommended scenarios include:

 

ARC-dominated mission zones

 

Boss encounters involving heavy ARC units

 

Squad-based operations needing burst damage

 

Planned engagements where ammo supply is secured

 

Pairing the Hullcracker with a secondary weapon for human enemies is essential to cover its limitations.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Hullcracker is a weapon built with absolute clarity of purpose. It is not flexible, subtle, or forgiving—but against ARC enemies, it is brutally effective. With high damage, very strong armor penetration, and explosive precision, it stands out as one of the most specialized ARC Raiders Items available.

 

Whether you spend a massive amount of ARC Raiders Coins to purchase it outright or invest time crafting it from rare components, the Hullcracker is a commitment. For players who understand its role and build their loadouts accordingly, it delivers exactly what it promises: controlled, devastating power against the most dangerous machines in ARC Raiders.