For players diving into Arc Raiders, understanding weapons is crucial. One of the common submachine guns you’ll encounter early on is the Stitcher. Based on how most players use it in practice, this guide will break down its strengths, weaknesses, crafting, and upgrades. The goal is to give you a clear sense of how it performs in actual gameplay.

What is the Stitcher, and how does it work?

The Stitcher is a fully automatic SMG that uses light ammo. In general, it’s considered a “common” weapon, meaning it’s widely available and relatively easy to craft or acquire.

Here’s what you can expect when using it in the field:

Damage: 7 per shot, which is moderate for an SMG. Most players find it reliable against early- to mid-game enemies.

Fire rate: 45.3. This is decent but lower than other SMGs. You need to pace your shots to maintain accuracy.

Range: 42.1. The weapon is best at close to medium ranges. It’s not ideal for sniping or long-range engagements.

Stability: 45.3. The recoil is noticeable, so controlling bursts is necessary, especially during extended fire.

Agility: 73.8. This is relatively high, making the Stitcher easy to maneuver with, which suits aggressive or mobile playstyles.

Stealth: 19. Very low stealth. If you are trying to avoid detection, you will likely need another weapon or suppressor mods.

Most players use the Stitcher for fast, mobile combat scenarios, often in squads where close-range skirmishes are frequent.

How do players usually craft and upgrade the Stitcher?

Crafting in Arc Raiders involves scavenging materials and using the appropriate workbench or workshop. Here’s the practical breakdown for Stitcher:

Stitcher I: 8x Metal Parts + 4x Rubber Parts → Gunsmith 1 or Workbench 1

Upgrades:

Stitcher II: Adds 16.6% reduced horizontal recoil, 13% faster reload, and +10 durability.

Stitcher III: Reduces recoil by 33.3%, reload by 26%, durability +20.

Stitcher IV: 50% reduced recoil, 40% faster reload, durability +30.

In practice, most players focus on reaching Stitcher III or IV as quickly as possible. The improvements in recoil and reload speed make the gun much easier to handle, especially in firefights where controlling the weapon is critical.

What mods are most useful?

The Stitcher allows modifications for the muzzle, underbarrel, light magazine, and stock. In general, players tend to prioritize:

Muzzle: To slightly reduce recoil and improve control.

Underbarrel: Often adds stability, which compensates for the Stitcher’s low inherent stability.

Light Mag: Increases ammo capacity without significantly affecting mobility.

Stock: Helps further control recoil, which is important for fully automatic weapons.

While these mods don’t turn the Stitcher into a long-range weapon, they do make it much more manageable in most combat situations.

How do repairs and durability work in practice?

Durability is an important factor that many new players overlook. The Stitcher’s repair costs increase with each upgrade tier:

Stitcher I: 3x Metal Parts + 2x Rubber Parts

Stitcher II: 6x Metal Parts + 6x Rubber Parts

Stitcher III: 12x Metal Parts + 1x Simple Gun Parts

Stitcher IV: 2x Mechanical Components + 2x Simple Gun Parts

Most players repair their weapons regularly to avoid being caught with a broken gun in combat. A good practice is to repair right after a tough mission, so you always have a ready weapon for the next fight.

How does the Stitcher compare to other SMGs?

In general, the Stitcher is weaker in raw damage and stealth compared to higher-tier SMGs. However, its mobility and ease of crafting make it attractive for early and mid-game stages. Most players use it as a starter SMG while they work toward more specialized weapons.

It’s worth noting that some players choose to buy Arc Raiders items cheap to upgrade or replace the Stitcher faster, especially if they want to reach the higher tiers without extensive scavenging.

Practical tips for using the Stitcher

Aim for bursts: Fully automatic fire can get out of hand. Short bursts reduce recoil and improve accuracy.

Close-range focus: Avoid engaging enemies at long distances. Stick to areas where you can maneuver easily.

Upgrade early: Getting to Stitcher III or IV is usually worth the resource investment. The recoil reduction alone makes a big difference.

Combine with other weapons: Most players carry a secondary weapon with higher range or stealth to complement the Stitcher.

Monitor durability: Don’t let your SMG break mid-combat. Regular repairs prevent frustrating downtime.


The Stitcher is a solid, mobile SMG for players who want a reliable weapon in close- to mid-range combat. It’s not the strongest SMG, but upgrades, mods, and proper handling make it effective for most missions. By focusing on bursts, maintaining upgrades, and combining it with a complementary weapon, you can use the Stitcher effectively through the early and mid-game stages. Understanding its quirks and strengths will help you make smarter tactical decisions during fights.