In Arc Raiders, weapons play a major role in shaping how you approach missions and fights. One weapon that often comes up in discussion is the Bobcat, an Epic submachine gun (SMG) that many players use in early-to-mid gameplay. Here’s a practical breakdown of how it works, how to upgrade it, and what you should know if you want to use it effectively.
What is the Bobcat, and how does it perform?
The Bobcat is a fully-automatic SMG that fires Light Ammo. Its main characteristics are:
High fire rate but low accuracy – In general, the Bobcat fires very quickly, making it effective for short-range engagements, but its shots spread out more than other SMGs if you’re not controlling recoil.
Damage and armor penetration – It does 6 damage per shot and has very weak ARC armor penetration, meaning it struggles against heavily armored targets. Most players use it against standard enemies rather than bosses or high-armor units.
Stability and agility – Stability is moderate (45.9) and agility is high (73.1), so you can move and shoot fairly quickly, which works well for hit-and-run tactics.
Stealth – Its low stealth (21) means you will almost always alert enemies when firing.
The weapon comes with slots for Muzzle, Underbarrel, Light-Mag, and Stock modifications, which can help manage recoil and increase reload speed. Most players prioritize reducing horizontal recoil and improving dispersion to make the gun more controllable in sustained fire.
How do I get the Bobcat?
The Bobcat requires a blueprint to craft. Players usually obtain blueprints through gameplay progression or by trading safely through official in-game methods. One way that’s commonly mentioned in the community is to buy ARC Raiders blueprints safely on U4N, which allows you to get the necessary blueprint without risk of losing items or running into scams. Once you have the blueprint, you’ll need a few crafting materials:
Bobcat II–IV: Upgrade versions require the previous Bobcat tier plus Advanced Mechanical Components and Light Gun Parts.
Most players focus on upgrading to Bobcat III or IV because the perks at higher tiers make a noticeable difference in handling:
Bobcat II perks: 15% reduced max shot dispersion, 15% reduced horizontal recoil, 13% faster reload, +10 durability
Bobcat III perks: 30% reduced max shot dispersion, 30% reduced horizontal recoil, 26% faster reload, +20 durability
Bobcat IV perks: 50% reduced max shot dispersion, 45% reduced horizontal recoil, 40% faster reload, +30 durability
In practice, upgrading beyond Bobcat III is usually only worth it if you regularly use it in missions or need the extra durability for longer fights.
How do I maintain and repair the Bobcat?
Durability is an important aspect that new players sometimes overlook. Each Bobcat tier has a repair cost in materials:
Bobcat I: 2× Advanced Mechanical Components, 1× Light Gun Parts
Bobcat II: 3× Advanced Mechanical Components, 3× Light Gun Parts
Bobcat III: 4× Advanced Mechanical Components, 4× Light Gun Parts
Bobcat IV: 5× Advanced Mechanical Components, 4× Light Gun Parts
Most players repair their Bobcat between missions to avoid losing performance, especially if you’ve invested in higher-tier upgrades. In general, keeping the gun near full durability makes recoil and dispersion easier to control.
Can I recycle or salvage the Bobcat?
Yes. Recycling and salvaging give back some of your materials. For example:
Bobcat I: Recycling gives 2× Advanced Mechanical Components and 2× Light Gun Parts; Salvaging gives 2× Light Gun Parts
Bobcat IV: Recycling gives 5× Advanced Mechanical Components and 4× Light Gun Parts; Salvaging gives 5× Light Gun Parts
Most players use recycling if they want to recover as many components as possible. Salvaging is more of a minimal recovery option, usually done if you just need a few parts.
How does it feel in combat?
In practical terms, most players describe the Bobcat as a run-and-gun weapon. Because of its high fire rate and light ammo consumption, it’s excellent for clearing waves of enemies at close range. However:
At longer ranges, the spread of bullets makes it unreliable. You usually have to move in closer or rely on controlled bursts.
Against heavily armored units, the Bobcat struggles, so combining it with heavier weapons or explosives is common.
Movement and agility are its main strengths. Players often dodge and strafe while firing to make the most of its mobility.
In team play, the Bobcat works best as a support weapon to suppress groups of enemies rather than solo tanking.
Tips for using the Bobcat effectively
Focus on short-range fights. Its high fire rate is wasted at long distances.
Upgrade recoil and dispersion first. Even a small reduction in spread makes a big difference when firing continuously.
Keep ammo stocked. Light Ammo burns fast, so make sure you manage your supplies during missions.
Combine with a high-damage secondary weapon. Many players carry a sniper or AR for tougher enemies.
Repair after each mission. Even moderate durability loss can noticeably increase recoil and reduce effectiveness.
Should I invest in the Bobcat?
In general, the Bobcat is useful if you like fast-paced combat and mobility-focused gameplay. Most players find it effective in standard missions but eventually pair it with heavier weapons for late-game encounters. If you are new to crafting and upgrading, prioritizing Bobcat II or III is usually sufficient. Upgrading to Bobcat IV is more for those who want maximum efficiency and durability for extended runs.
The Bobcat is a reliable, high-speed SMG in Arc Raiders that works best in close-range combat. Its main drawbacks are low accuracy at long range and weak armor penetration. Upgrades significantly improve handling and reload speed, and repairing it regularly keeps it performing optimally. While it’s not the top-tier choice for endgame alone, it remains a solid weapon for mobility-heavy players. For acquiring it safely, especially the blueprint, one practical option is to buy ARC Raiders blueprints safely on U4N, which is widely recognized in the community.
