ARC Raiders Bantam and Stiletto Weapons Guide

The Frozen Trail update introduces two new weapons to ARC Raiders: the Bantam and the Stiletto. Both are Uncommon weapons, but they serve different purposes in combat. The Bantam is a heavy-ammo revolver designed for powerful shots and close-range encounters, while the Stiletto is a light-ammo battle rifle that favors accuracy and controlled shooting.

Players can obtain these weapons through several methods, including trader purchases, the Frozen Trail Reward Pass, raid loot, and bartering. Collecting ARC Raiders BluePrints is another option for players who want to craft these weapons themselves. Choosing the right acquisition method can save time and resources, especially if you want to try the weapons without spending hours searching for blueprints.

How to Get the Bantam in ARC Raiders

There are three main ways to obtain the Bantam: purchasing it from Tian Wen, unlocking it through the Reward Pass, or finding the weapon or its blueprint during raids.

1. Purchase Bantam I From Tian Wen

The most direct option is to visit Tian Wen and check her available inventory. Bantam I has been listed for around 11,400 coins, making it a convenient choice if you want to test the revolver immediately.

Buying the weapon saves you from relying on random loot, but it does not automatically unlock the blueprint. If you want to craft additional copies later, you will need to find and learn the corresponding recipe.

Before spending your coins, consider whether you have enough resources left for ammunition, healing supplies, and other essential equipment.

2. Unlock Bantam I Through the Frozen Trail Reward Pass

Bantam I is available at Tier 4 of the Frozen Trail Reward Pass. If you are already progressing through the reward track, this is a straightforward way to obtain the weapon without purchasing it directly.

Earn Reward Points through normal progression and claim the weapon when you reach the required tier. This option is particularly useful for newer players who would rather save their coins for other equipment.

3. Find the Bantam or Its Blueprint During Raids

The Bantam and its blueprint can appear in raid loot. When searching for either one, prioritize containers associated with weapon loot, including:

Weapon cases

Raider Caches

Lockers and storage containers

Loot containers inside larger buildings

Areas with multiple buildings and containers are useful starting points because they allow you to search several locations during one expedition. However, there is no guaranteed Bantam Blueprint spawn, so be prepared to make multiple attempts.

If you find the blueprint, extract safely and learn it in Speranza. Obtaining the weapon itself does not automatically unlock its crafting recipe.

How to Get the Stiletto in ARC Raiders

The Stiletto has similar acquisition options, but its barter is particularly useful if you want a fully upgraded version without starting from the base weapon.

1. Barter for Stiletto IV

The Stiletto IV barter requires the following ARC Raiders Materials:

8 Candleberries

2 Cable Strippers

2 Mini Pumps

This is an appealing option if you already have the required materials and want to skip the normal upgrade progression for that copy of the weapon.

Before making the exchange, check the current trader interface to confirm that the barter is available and that the requirements have not changed. If you are still working toward important facility upgrades, consider whether those materials would be more valuable elsewhere.

2. Unlock Stiletto I Through the Reward Pass

Stiletto I is available at Tier 8 of the Frozen Trail Reward Pass. This provides another way to obtain the rifle without depending on random drops.

If you are already earning Reward Points, continue progressing through the pass and claim the weapon when it becomes available. Remember that this is the base version, so you will still need to upgrade it if you want to reach Tier IV.

3. Search for the Stiletto and Its Blueprint

The Stiletto and its blueprint can also be found through raid loot. Search weapon cases, Raider Caches, lockers, and other relevant containers as you explore.

Rather than repeatedly searching a single building, plan a route that covers several loot locations. This makes it easier to collect other useful resources while looking for the rifle.

As with the Bantam, finding a Stiletto does not automatically unlock its blueprint. Secure the recipe, extract successfully, and learn it in Speranza if you want to craft additional copies.

Bantam Review: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Bantam is a double-action revolver that uses Heavy Ammo and holds eight rounds. Its main appeal is its hard-hitting shooting style, which makes it an interesting option for close-to-mid-range encounters.

What Makes the Bantam Worth Using?

The Bantam offers several advantages:

Strong shots: Its heavy-ammo profile makes it an appealing option when dealing with armored ARC enemies.

Close-range handling: Its hip-fire characteristics can be useful when you need to react quickly during an encounter.

Budget-friendly loadouts: It provides another option for players who do not want to risk expensive equipment in every raid.

Flexible secondary weapon: It can serve as a backup when your primary weapon runs low on ammunition.

The revolver rewards players who take their time and make their shots count. It can be effective when you understand its range and position yourself appropriately.

Where Does the Bantam Struggle?

Its eight-round capacity is the most obvious limitation. Missed shots can quickly leave you at a disadvantage, especially when facing multiple enemies.

The Bantam is also less suitable for long-range engagements, where its accuracy and effective range become more noticeable limitations. Players who prefer to keep their distance may find a rifle easier to use.

Verdict: The Bantam is worth considering if you prefer aggressive combat and want a hard-hitting, relatively accessible revolver. It works best when you play to its strengths instead of treating it like a long-range weapon.

Stiletto Review: Is It a Good Early-Game Rifle?

The Stiletto is a semi-automatic battle rifle that uses Light Ammo. With a 16-round magazine, it provides more room for missed shots than the Bantam and is better suited to controlled mid-range engagements.

What Makes the Stiletto Useful?

The Stiletto's main strengths include:

Accurate shooting: Its manageable initial recoil makes it easier to line up shots at medium distances.

A larger magazine: Sixteen rounds give you more flexibility during an encounter.

Accessible ammunition: Using Light Ammo can make it convenient to maintain during regular raids.

Beginner-friendly handling: Its semi-automatic firing mode encourages deliberate shots rather than uncontrolled spraying.

For players who are still learning how to manage engagements, the Stiletto offers a straightforward shooting experience. It can also serve as a practical alternative to more expensive weapons while you build up your equipment.

What Are Its Limitations?

Although the Stiletto handles well initially, sustained firing can become harder to control. Shooting too quickly may reduce accuracy, particularly when tracking moving targets.

Its damage output can also become less competitive as you progress and gain access to more specialized weapons. It is best viewed as a useful early-progression option rather than an automatic long-term investment.

Verdict: The Stiletto is a solid choice for players who value accurate shooting, manageable recoil, and a larger magazine. The Stiletto IV barter is especially appealing if you have the required materials and want to skip the normal upgrade process for that weapon.

Bantam vs. Stiletto: Which Should You Choose?

The decision largely depends on your preferred combat style.

Choose the Bantam if you:

Prefer aggressive close-range encounters.

Want a heavy-ammo revolver with strong shots.

Value its hip-fire handling.

Need an affordable secondary weapon.

Choose the Stiletto if you:

Prefer controlled shooting at medium range.

Want a larger magazine.

Feel more comfortable using a conventional rifle.

Need a practical weapon for early progression.

Neither weapon currently supports Weapon Amplification. You can still upgrade both through their normal progression systems, but you should not expect to unlock the fifth quality level or a dedicated amplification tree.

For most newer players, the Stiletto will feel more familiar because of its rifle-style handling. The Bantam is more specialized, but it can be rewarding if you prefer its heavier shots and close-range playstyle.

The Bantam and Stiletto offer two different approaches to weapon progression in ARC Raiders. The Bantam focuses on powerful shots and close-range utility, while the Stiletto provides a more conventional experience built around accuracy and controlled firing.

For the quickest route to the Bantam, check Tian Wen or progress through the Frozen Trail Reward Pass. If you want the Stiletto, consider the Stiletto IV barter when you have the required materials, or unlock the base version through the Reward Pass.

Blueprint hunting remains useful if you want to craft additional copies, but it should not be your only option. Choose the acquisition method that fits your resources, learn each weapon's limitations, and avoid spending heavily on upgrades until you know which one suits your playstyle.

The U4GM Team