If you’re diving into Arc Raiders, one of the weapons you’ll often encounter is the Bobcat, an epic submachine gun. I’ve spent a lot of time using it in different scenarios, and this guide is meant to help players understand how it works, what to expect, and how to make the most of it in practice.

What kind of weapon is the Bobcat?

The Bobcat is a fully automatic SMG that uses light ammo. Most players find it useful for close- to mid-range combat because of its high fire rate. Here’s what you can generally expect from the stats:

• Damage: 6 per shot (low for SMGs)

• Fire Rate: 66.7 (very fast)

• Range: 44 (short-medium)

• Stability: 45.9 (moderate, meaning recoil is noticeable)

• Agility: 73.1 (high, good for movement)

• Stealth: 21 (not very quiet)

In general, the Bobcat is not a long-range weapon. Its low accuracy makes it harder to hit targets far away, but the fast fire rate lets most players overwhelm enemies at closer ranges. If you’re used to rifles or sniper-type weapons, remember that this SMG is designed for rapid bursts and mobility rather than precision.

How does it handle in combat?

In practice, the Bobcat is easy to handle at short distances. Most players will find that firing in full auto at longer ranges quickly spreads the shots and reduces efficiency. Here’s what you can expect in real gameplay:

• Recoil Management: The weapon’s stability is moderate, so aiming continuously without control will lead to shots drifting off-target. Most players counter this by short bursts or tapping rather than holding the trigger.

• Movement: High agility makes it easier to strafe and dodge while firing. Many players use the Bobcat in hit-and-run tactics.

• Stealth Considerations: Because stealth is low, using it for quiet approaches is usually ineffective.

Overall, it’s a weapon that rewards aggressive play and positioning over careful sniping.

Crafting and Upgrading the Bobcat

One of the most important things to know is that the Bobcat can be crafted and upgraded through several tiers, from I to IV. In general, most players follow this path:

1. Bobcat I – Crafted with 1x Magnetic Accelerator, 3x Light Gun Parts, and 2x Exodus Modules at Gunsmith 3. This version is blueprint-locked, so you’ll need to unlock it first.

2. Bobcat II – Upgrades add perks like 15% reduced max shot dispersion, 15% reduced horizontal recoil, 13% faster reload, and +10 durability.

3. Bobcat III – Further upgrades provide 30% reduced max shot dispersion, 30% reduced horizontal recoil, 26% faster reload, and +20 durability.

4. Bobcat IV – The final tier, usually preferred by experienced players, offers 50% reduced max shot dispersion, 45% reduced horizontal recoil, 40% faster reload, and +30 durability.

Repairing the weapon costs components, increasing with each tier. Most players keep a few backup components for repairs because the Bobcat sees heavy use in combat.

Scavenging and Salvaging

When a Bobcat is no longer needed, most players will salvage it to recover parts for future builds. Here’s how it works in practice:

• Bobcat I: Returns 2x Advanced Mechanical Components and 2x Light Gun Parts

• Bobcat II: Returns 3x of each component

• Bobcat III: Returns 4x of each

• Bobcat IV: Returns 5x Advanced Mechanical Components and 4x Light Gun Parts

Some players also sell their Bobcats for in-game currency. The sell price scales with upgrades:

• Bobcat I: 13,000

• Bobcat II: 17,000

• Bobcat III: 22,000

• Bobcat IV: 27,000

Because of these options, deciding whether to repair, upgrade, or salvage depends on your available components and current needs. In general, most players upgrade to at least Bobcat III before considering selling.

Mods and Attachments

The Bobcat allows multiple modifications. Most players focus on stability and handling rather than damage, since its base damage is low. Available mod slots include:

• Muzzle – Reduces recoil or modifies bullet behavior

• Underbarrel – Can improve stability or add secondary functionality

• Light-Mag – Increases magazine efficiency

• Stock – Affects recoil and aiming speed

In practice, players often combine these mods to make the weapon more controllable at mid-range while keeping the high fire rate advantage at close range.

Economic Considerations

Some players are also interested in trading or exchanging components. The game allows you to buy and sell arc raiders blueprints, which can help you access specific weapon builds faster. In general, experienced players treat the Bobcat as a core SMG that is worth investing in if they plan to play aggressively or frequently engage in close-range fights.

General Tips from Experienced Players

1. Use short bursts: Full-auto spray works at close range but quickly loses accuracy beyond 20-30 meters.

2. Pair with mobility perks: High agility means you can strafe and reposition quickly. Combine with speed perks for best results.

3. Upgrade gradually: Bobcat II or III is usually enough for most missions. Bobcat IV is ideal for endgame or heavily defended areas.

4. Manage components: Always keep spare Light Gun Parts and Mechanical Components. Salvaging old Bobcats is a good way to maintain your stock.

5. Mind ammo types: The Bobcat uses light ammo, which is generally easy to carry in bulk. Managing your ammo effectively can make a big difference in sustained fights.

The Bobcat is a versatile SMG that is best suited for players who favor mobility and rapid-fire combat. Most players find it effective in aggressive, close- to mid-range situations but less reliable at long distance. Upgrading and modding the Bobcat enhances stability and handling, which improves overall performance. By managing components and understanding the weapon’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make the Bobcat a key part of your loadout in Arc Raiders.