ARC Raiders Anvil Amplified Guide: How to Upgrade It and Increase Damage

ARC Raiders' Frozen Trail 2.0 update introduced Weapon Amplification, a new progression system that lets players push eligible weapons beyond their standard upgrade path. But amplification is not simply a damage boost. Each weapon has its own upgrade branches, and choosing the wrong one can change how it performs in combat.

The Anvil V is a useful example. Its X-Rounds amplification trades projectile speed and recoil control for stronger damage against ARC armor, making it an option worth considering for players who want to specialize in fighting mechanical enemies.

Here is how to unlock Anvil amplification, what changes when you upgrade it, and when the investment makes sense.

How to Unlock and Craft Anvil V

Anvil V is the amplified version of the Anvil hand cannon. Reaching this stage requires more than owning the weapon and collecting a few crafting materials.

First, unlock the Outpost and progress your Gunsmith to Level 4. You also need a Level 4 Research Station to access the relevant amplification research. The Anvil requires an Amplification Module Mk. III, which must match its weapon tier.

The general process is:

● Prepare the weapon: Obtain an Anvil and complete its normal upgrade progression to the required level.

● Unlock amplification: Upgrade the necessary workstations and obtain the compatible Amplification Module Mk. III.

● Amplify the weapon: Open the Gunsmith's weapon upgrade interface, select the Anvil, review the required materials, and confirm the amplification.

● Research and select a branch: Use the Research Station to unlock the relevant amplification research, then gather the additional materials required by your chosen modification.

The Research Station and Gunsmith serve different purposes. The former unlocks research options, while the latter handles weapon upgrades and amplification. Completing research does not automatically provide every material needed to modify each individual gun.

Before confirming your upgrade, inspect the displayed requirements and durability. Amplification increases maximum durability by 70 points, but you should not assume that every weapon will emerge fully repaired. Starting with a nearly broken Anvil can leave you facing an expensive repair afterward.

Anvil V X-Rounds: What Happens to Its Damage?

The most important decision is which amplification branch suits your intended targets.

The X-Rounds modification changes the Anvil's projectile behavior and improves its performance against ARC armor. According to the current weapon data, its main changes include:

These changes make the Anvil more specialized rather than universally stronger.

The additional base damage is useful, but the more important benefit is the increased damage against ARC armor. This makes X-Rounds worth evaluating for players who regularly engage armored mechanical enemies.

However, the reduced projectile velocity makes leading moving targets more difficult, especially at longer distances. The additional recoil also makes follow-up shots less forgiving.

Do not interpret the damage bonuses as a guaranteed reduction in the number of shots needed to kill every ARC enemy. Actual results depend on the target's armor, hit location, weapon behavior, and the damage rules applied to that enemy.

X-Rounds or Anvil Splitter: Which Should You Choose?

Anvil V also offers the Anvil Splitter branch, which changes the hand cannon's firing behavior by splitting its ammunition into multiple weaker projectiles.

This is a different approach to damage, not a straightforward upgrade over X-Rounds.

X-Rounds is the more specialized option when your goal is to improve performance against ARC armor. Anvil Splitter changes how the weapon distributes its damage and can affect its accuracy and headshot effectiveness. Its reduced projectile damage means you should not judge it simply by the number of projectiles fired.

Consider your primary targets before committing resources. If you want a more specialized anti-ARC weapon, X-Rounds is the more direct choice. If you are interested in a different firing pattern, investigate the Splitter's full stat changes and test whether they suit your combat style.

Important: Amplification choices can conflict, and installed modifications are not freely interchangeable. Review the complete upgrade path before spending rare materials.

Is Anvil V Worth the Investment?

Anvil V makes the most sense when you already understand the base weapon, have the resources to maintain it, and know which combat role you want it to fill.

For players who frequently fight ARC enemies, X-Rounds offers a meaningful specialization through its armor-damage bonus. For players who rely on the Anvil for precise shots against other Raiders, its reduced projectile velocity, additional recoil, and lower headshot multiplier may outweigh those benefits.

Also consider the ongoing cost. Amplified weapons require specialized repair resources, so their value depends on how often you use them and how reliably you can maintain them. A powerful weapon that you cannot afford to repair is not necessarily a better long-term choice.

Before upgrading, compare the material investment with your current progression goals. You may get more value from improving your existing loadout first rather than rushing toward the highest weapon tier.

Prepare for Your Next ARC Raiders Run

Weapon Amplification adds more depth to ARC Raiders' equipment progression, but the best upgrade is the one that complements your playstyle rather than simply displaying a higher tier.

The Anvil V X-Rounds path is worth considering for Raiders who want to specialize in ARC armor damage. Check its drawbacks, prepare the required materials, and make sure you can maintain the weapon before committing to the upgrade.

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