ARC Raiders New Gun Canto Combat Guide: Unlocking a New Battlefield Asset

In the adrenaline-fueled world of ARC Raiders, every new content update captures players' attention. Recently, the developers introduced two new weapons at once, and among them, a compact submachine gun (SMG) called the Canto has quickly become a hot topic thanks to its unique characteristics. Today, we bring you a detailed combat guide for the Canto to help you make the most of this new battlefield asset.

First Look at Canto: Small Frame, Hidden Power

At first glance, the Canto's compact size might lead you to underestimate it. But once you pick it up and dive into the action, you'll realize this gun is far from ordinary. In the new game mode where massive legendary monsters are guarded by fearsome ARCs, the Canto has emerged as a powerful tool for players facing down these deadly threats.

Recommended Combat Loadouts

To fully understand the Canto's performance, I teamed up with friends in the firing range to test three different loadouts, then took them into Stella Montis for real combat trials. Here's a breakdown of each configuration and its best use cases.

1. Budget Green Loadout: Affordable First Impressions

♦ Configuration: Gun upgraded to Tier 4 only; all attachments are green quality.

♦ Performance: Early on, with a good spawn point, this loadout feels manageable. However, once other squads appear, the Canto's weakness at long range becomes apparent, making it difficult to hold defensive positions. But in close-quarters combat, it shines. Its fast fire rate and respectable damage output let you dominate up close and suppress enemies quickly.

♦ Best For: Players on a budget or those primarily engaging in close-range fights. Ideal for early-game resource scarcity, tight corridors, or indoor combat scenarios.

2. Full Blue Attachments with Recoil Stock: The Balanced Choice

♦ Configuration: All blue-quality attachments with a recoil-absorbing stock.

♦ Performance: This setup feels the most balanced overall. While it lacks the devastating close-range punch of the budget build, its stability is significantly improved, making it a reliable choice in chaotic fights. Even when facing multiple enemies, it helps you hold your ground and maintain consistent damage output.

♦ Best For: Versatile combat scenarios—whether close-range, mid-range, or chaotic multi-enemy engagements. Perfect for players seeking steady performance without investing heavily in top-tier gear.

3. High-End Loadout: A Close-Range Demon

♦ Configuration: Equipped with a Kinetic Converter for the ultimate high-end build.

♦ Performance: The Kinetic Converter makes the gun harder to control, but it transforms the Canto into a close-range monster. As long as you're aggressive and land your shots, victory is almost guaranteed. The serious damage output can drop enemies in an instant, leaving them with no chance to fight back.

♦ Best For: Skilled players who excel at close-quarters combat and enjoy aggressive playstyles. Ideal for pushing objectives, raiding enemy camps, or any scenario requiring a quick, decisive breakthrough.

Resource Management: Watch Your Ammo

The Canto has one significant drawback: it burns through ammo at an alarming rate. In one test, I brought over 400 rounds into battle and came out with almost nothing left. In subsequent runs, even bumping that to 500 or 600 rounds still felt insufficient. Ammo management is critical.

♦ Conserve Shots: Choose your firing moments wisely based on enemy distance and numbers. At long range, avoid spraying—wait for enemies to close in or find a better angle. In close combat, control your firing rhythm to avoid unnecessary waste.

♦ Look for Supplies: Always keep an eye out for ammo caches on the map. After defeating enemies, quickly loot their bodies for additional ammunition.

Combat Strategies: Against ARCs and Players

1. Fighting ARCs

The Canto performs admirably against ARCs—perhaps this is exactly why the developers introduced an SMG for this purpose. Since ARCs move relatively slowly, you can use Canto's fast fire rate and agility to engage them at close range. Use terrain for cover, avoid their attacks, and strike when the moment is right.

2. Player vs. Player (PvP)

The Canto holds its own in PvP as well. Each loadout offers different advantages, so choose your tactics based on your setup and the enemy's behavior. For example:

♦ High-end loadout users can play aggressively, using high burst damage to eliminate foes quickly.

♦ Balanced loadout users can adopt a more measured approach, wearing down opponents and waiting for counterattack opportunities.

Final Thoughts

After extensive testing, the Canto left a strong impression. It's a double-edged sword—devastating at close range, but hampered by high ammo consumption and weak long-range performance. It may not completely replace classics like the Bobcat, but it certainly gives players more options.

For players who love collecting ARC Raiders Items, the Canto is definitely worth trying. And to acquire powerful weapons and resources in the game, ARC Raiders Coins play a crucial role. They help you upgrade weapons faster and purchase valuable gear, giving you an edge on the battlefield.