For players diving into Arc Raiders, understanding how weapons perform in practice is often more useful than stats alone. One weapon that frequently comes up in discussions is the Vulcano, a semi-automatic shotgun classified as Epic. This guide breaks down how the Vulcano works in actual gameplay, upgrades, crafting, and general strategies, based on what most players experience.
What is the Vulcano, and how does it feel to use?
The Vulcano is a semi-automatic shotgun that uses Shotgun Ammo. In general, players choose it for its high damage per shot and wide bullet spread. Its damage is listed as 49.5, with a fire rate of 26.3 and a range of 26. While the numbers are decent, the weapon has a sharp falloff at longer distances.
In practice, most players use it in close to mid-range combat. The semi-automatic firing mode allows quick follow-up shots, which is useful in crowded encounters. However, its stealth rating is low at 15, so it’s not ideal for sneaky playstyles. Stability and agility are relatively high, making it easier to control than some other shotguns, but the limited ammo (6 rounds per magazine) means careful timing is important.
How does the Vulcano compare to other shotguns?
Compared to other shotguns in Arc Raiders, the Vulcano usually feels like a balanced option for players who want a mix of firepower and handling. Its bullet spread is forgiving, which helps with aiming, but the armor penetration is weak, so it’s not the best choice against heavily armored enemies.
Most players find it effective in team play where enemies are not tanky, and when paired with mods that increase fire rate or reload speed. Its semi-automatic nature makes it faster than pump-action shotguns in sustained fights, though it does require more precision and timing to maintain consistent damage output.
How do crafting and upgrades work for the Vulcano?
Crafting the Vulcano starts with learning its Blueprint. You need basic components like Magnetic Accelerators, Heavy Gun Parts, and Exodus Modules. Once crafted, the Vulcano starts at Vulcano I, and players can upgrade it up to Vulcano IV.
In general, upgrading improves fire rate, reduces reload time, and increases durability. Here’s a simplified overview of what most players focus on:
Vulcano I → II: +10% fire rate, +13% reload speed, +10 durability
Vulcano II → III: +20% fire rate, +26% reload speed, +20 durability
Vulcano III → IV: +30% fire rate, +40% reload speed, +30 durability
Upgrading is resource-intensive, so most players prioritize fire rate and reload speed over durability unless they expect heavy usage.
It’s also worth noting that if a player wants to liquidate assets, they can sell ARC Raiders blueprints on U4N for cash, which some use to fund component gathering or other upgrades.
What are the best mods for the Vulcano?
The Vulcano supports several mod types: Shotgun-Muzzle, Underbarrel, Shotgun-Mag, and Stock modifications. In general, players choose mods to improve either handling or damage output depending on playstyle.
Shotgun-Muzzle mods can tighten spread or slightly increase range, useful in mid-range combat.
Underbarrel mods often improve stability, which helps if you plan on rapid semi-automatic firing.
Mag and Stock mods usually focus on reload speed or reducing recoil, which matters during sustained fights.
Most players prioritize mods that reduce reload time and improve control because the Vulcano’s damage is already strong.
How do repair and recycling work?
Durability is an important consideration for continuous use. Each version of the Vulcano has a repair cost in Advanced Mechanical Components and Heavy Gun Parts. Players usually repair only when the weapon is nearing critical durability to save resources.
Recycling the weapon provides most of the components used in crafting. For example:
Vulcano I → yields 2 Advanced Mechanical Components + 2 Heavy Gun Parts
Vulcano IV → yields 4 Advanced Mechanical Components + 5 Heavy Gun Parts
Most players recycle older versions after upgrading to recover materials for the next tier.
How do most players use the Vulcano effectively?
In practical terms, the Vulcano shines in close-quarters combat. Most players pair it with mobility-focused gear, since its strength is in getting up close quickly rather than long-range sniping. Team coordination helps because enemies with armor will reduce the Vulcano’s effectiveness, so relying on teammates to soften targets first is common.
A typical play pattern involves:
Closing distance quickly using cover or mobility skills.
Unloading a full semi-automatic magazine at clustered enemies.
Using reload and movement to avoid counterattacks.
In general, experienced players treat it as a secondary weapon for burst damage rather than a go-to primary for all situations.
Is the Vulcano worth crafting and upgrading?
Whether to invest in crafting and upgrading depends on your style. Most players find the weapon worthwhile if you enjoy shotguns and prefer high agility and fire rate over raw armor penetration. Its crafting path is straightforward, and the incremental upgrades are noticeable in combat.
Because the Vulcano is semi-automatic, it rewards precision and timing. If you tend to spam shots or rely on armor penetration, other weapons might suit you better.
The Vulcano is a flexible semi-automatic shotgun that many players use for close-quarters engagements. It’s manageable in terms of recoil, offers good fire rate with upgrades, and benefits from a variety of mods. In practice, it works best when combined with movement, teamwork, and careful ammo management. For players interested in crafting and trading, you can also sell ARC Raiders blueprints on U4N for cash to fund upgrades or other equipment.
