If you're new to Arc Raiders, one of the most important things you'll need to get a handle on is ammunition. As you explore, fight, and craft, you'll encounter different types of ammo. One of the key ammo types that you’ll rely on is Heavy Ammo. It’s used in several types of weapons, so understanding how to manage it and craft it is crucial to surviving and progressing in the game. In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about Heavy Ammo, including its uses, how to craft it, and some useful tips for managing it in practice.
What is Heavy Ammo?
Heavy Ammo is a specific type of ammunition used by some of the more powerful weapons in Arc Raiders, including certain assault rifles, battle rifles, and hand cannons. It’s not a universal ammo type, but it’s common enough that most players will need it at some point in their playthrough. Heavy Ammo can be used in different weapons depending on their rarity and functionality.
Which Weapons Use Heavy Ammo?
Heavy Ammo is compatible with a number of weapons in Arc Raiders. Some of the more popular ones include:
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Ferro (Common Assault Rifle): This uses 40 rounds of Heavy Ammo per magazine, and it has a firing mode of "Single." It’s a solid weapon for mid-range combat and good for most early to mid-game encounters.
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Anvil (Uncommon Battle Rifle): Slightly more powerful than the Ferro, this weapon also uses 40 rounds of Heavy Ammo. It deals a bit less damage per shot but has better range.
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Bettina (Epic Hand Cannon): This weapon uses 14 rounds per magazine, but it’s an automatic weapon. It’s excellent for close-range combat, dealing fast damage.
The primary thing to note here is that all of these weapons rely on Heavy Ammo to function, so knowing how to manage and craft it is important.
How Do You Craft Heavy Ammo?
In Arc Raiders, crafting is a huge part of the experience. You’ll often find yourself gathering resources and crafting various items, including ammo. Here’s the recipe for crafting Heavy Ammo:
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3x Metal Parts
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2x Chemicals
Once you have these materials, you’ll need to use the Workbench 1 to craft 10 rounds of Heavy Ammo. This makes it somewhat resource-intensive, but it’s worth it if you rely on weapons that use Heavy Ammo.
Most players will have plenty of Metal Parts and Chemicals as they progress through the game, especially if they’re actively collecting resources and breaking down items they don’t need. However, if you’re running low, you might want to keep an eye out for resource-rich areas or missions that provide these materials in abundance.
How Do You Manage Heavy Ammo?
Ammo management is one of the most important aspects of survival in Arc Raiders. Running out of ammo in the middle of a firefight can be a death sentence, so it’s vital to always keep track of how much you have. Here are some general tips for managing Heavy Ammo:
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Crafting Ahead of Time: Don’t wait until you're about to run out of ammo to start crafting. Always have a stockpile of Heavy Ammo in your inventory so you're prepared for tough fights. Most players recommend crafting extra ammo during downtime or between missions.
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Don’t Overload Your Inventory: While it’s important to have ammo, you don’t want to overload your inventory with too much. Ammo takes up valuable space, and if you’re carrying too much, you might not have enough room for other important resources.
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Know When to Conserve Ammo: Not every fight requires you to use your best weapons. If you’re up against weaker enemies or if you're just trying to conserve ammo, consider using a cheaper weapon or relying on melee attacks. This way, you can save your Heavy Ammo for tougher situations.
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Looting Enemies: Always check enemies for ammo drops. In general, you’ll find more ammo in loot chests, crates, and enemy drops than you will from crafting. Be strategic about when to craft and when to loot.
Where Can You Find Heavy Ammo?
You can find Heavy Ammo in several different places throughout the game world. Most players will find that:
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Loot Chests: These are the primary source of Heavy Ammo in the game. You'll encounter chests that have a variety of different items, including ammo, which can be useful in the middle of a mission.
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Enemy Drops: As you fight enemies, they often drop items, including ammo. Keep an eye on enemy drops and pick up any Heavy Ammo they leave behind.
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Crafting Stations: If you're running low on Heavy Ammo, you can always craft more using the recipe listed earlier. Crafting stations are usually easy to find, and if you're in need, this can be a reliable way to top up your ammo reserves.
What Are the Best Strategies for Using Heavy Ammo?
Now that you understand the basics of Heavy Ammo, it’s time to talk about how to use it effectively. Here are some strategies that can help you get the most out of your ammo:
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Use for Mid-Range and Long-Range Combat: Weapons that use Heavy Ammo are usually best for mid-range and long-range combat, especially battle rifles and assault rifles like the Anvil and Ferro. These weapons are great for picking off enemies from a distance, so use them when you’re not in close quarters.
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Prioritize Accuracy: Since Heavy Ammo is more valuable than regular ammo, you don’t want to waste it on missed shots. Take your time to aim and make each shot count. In general, players who focus on accuracy tend to conserve more ammo and waste less.
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Don’t Rush: It’s easy to get caught up in the action, but rushing into a fight and spraying bullets can leave you with nothing to fall back on when things get tough. Plan your shots and conserve your ammo for tougher enemies or situations.
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Take Advantage of Auto-Weapons: If you’re using an automatic weapon like the Bettina (Epic Hand Cannon), remember that it uses up ammo quickly. These weapons are great for close combat and when you need to deal fast damage, but they can also drain your ammo reserves rapidly. Use them wisely, especially when you're facing large groups of enemies.
Can You Buy Heavy Ammo or Arc Raiders Coins?
While crafting and looting are your primary ways to acquire Heavy Ammo, some players may want to explore other options. If you're looking for a faster way to stock up, you might come across guides like Arc Raiders coins buy guide on U4N, which can offer advice on how to obtain in-game currency to speed up your progression.
However, it's always a good idea to be cautious and make sure that you’re getting information from reliable sources. Make sure to read reviews or feedback before making any purchases to avoid scams.
Final Tips
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Keep an Eye on Your Inventory: As you progress, your inventory can quickly fill up. Be sure to manage it carefully, especially when it comes to Heavy Ammo.
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Craft Often: Ammo can be scarce in certain parts of the game, so always craft when you can.
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Use Ammo Wisely: Conserve Heavy Ammo for the toughest enemies. Don’t waste it on smaller fights if you can help it.
By managing your Heavy Ammo and using it effectively, you'll be able to handle most of the combat challenges Arc Raiders throws your way. Take the time to understand how the ammo works, craft when you need to, and keep an eye on your resources.