In ARC Raiders, the Tempest assault rifle has quickly become a favorite for players facing both relentless ARC swarms and intense PvP battles. As an Epic rarity, fully automatic weapon that uses medium ammo, it balances a high fire rate with solid damage and manageable recoil, letting you stay on target during chaotic raids. Early 2026 tier lists consistently place it in S-tier, noting its versatility across ranges and reliability even after balance updates like the Hurricane patch. Whether you're playing solo or in a squad, getting comfortable with the Tempest can make tough encounters and loot runs much smoother ARC Raiders Coins.

What makes the Tempest stand out is its steady performance against robotic ARC enemies. Its moderate armor penetration is enough to shred patrols without wasting heavy ammo. Patch 1.17 videos show that upgrading it to level IV improves handling and damage, making its full-auto mode better for sustained mid-range fights in industrial ruins or underground areas. Players appreciate that its medium ammo lets them keep firing longer than heavier weapons like the Bettina.

Getting a Tempest blueprint isn't too difficult if you focus on raider hotspots—weapon cases, ammo boxes, and enemy backpacks from high-level drops are good sources. Once you have it, craft it with basic materials like metal and circuits, then upgrade at your gunsmith to reduce recoil and boost fire rate. Many players pair it with cost-efficient commons like Rattler as a backup, keeping ammo flexible during long sessions. If luck isn't on your side, player markets often have blueprints for trade.

In PvP, the Tempest performs well thanks to decent hip-fire accuracy and a fast time-to-kill at close to mid-range. Even after Season 3 nerfs, it still ranks above SMGs like Stitcher for sustained duels, since they lose damage over distance. Switching between bursts helps control spread, and medium ammo makes aggressive plays safer without dumping a full mag. Target upper chest or headshots—crit multipliers make it melt shields faster than precision rifles like Renegade.

For PvE, the Tempest pairs well with close-range weapons like Bobcat or Stitcher, letting you cover flanks while clearing ARC clusters. Guides suggest it over Kettle beyond early missions, as its Epic stats scale better in late-game encounters. In groups, it works well as a primary suppressor—the sound blends with squad fire, keeping stealth viable longer. With upgrades, it can rival S-tier picks like Venator for horde clears, without relying on RNG-heavy blueprints.

Customization keeps the Tempest relevant through patches. Scopes improve mid-range precision, grips boost close-quarters stability, and mobility perks help dodge ARC leaps. Medium ammo converters keep uptime high. Its main weakness is long-range damage compared to snipers like Osprey, so switch to battle rifles like Ferro for overwatch. Even so, it remains A-tier in 2026 metas, outperforming nerfed options like Equalizer in practical raids.

The Tempest fits ARC Raiders' fast-paced gameplay—reliable, upgrade-friendly, and deadly in skilled hands. Whether grinding for blueprints solo or trading for an edge, it's a solid addition to any loadout ARC Raiders gear. Its medium ammo efficiency makes it a staple for new seasons, showing that Epic rarity doesn't always mean endgame-only. Grab one, upgrade it smartly, and raid with confidence—players wielding Tempest rarely leave empty-handed.