In Arc Raiders, whether you’re clashing with enemy players in intense PvP battles or taking down hordes of ARC units in PvE missions, choosing the right grenades is the key to success. With a diverse array of options, it’s all too easy to waste precious resources on gear that fails to deliver in your chosen game mode. This Arc Raiders tier list unites both PvP and PvE grenade rankings from the best to worst. 

ARC Raiders PvP Grenade Tier List 2026

If you want to dominate in Arc Raiders PvP, there S-tier grenades are the most powerful and useful in the game. Whether you’re pushing enemy positions, defending a point, or repositioning to win, this tier list will help you pick the best grenades for your loadout. 

1. Trigger 'Nade - S Tier

The Trigger 'Nade is hands down the best PvP grenade in Arc Raiders—many players even call it broken. The biggest reason it’s S tier is its remote detonation: you don’t need it to hit something to explode. You throw it, wait for the perfect moment, and trigger it manually. This lets you set up traps (like throwing it on a doorframe) or detonate multiple grenades at once for massive burst damage. It also has great range—you can throw it far without it dropping too quickly—and it deals huge damage that can strip shields or one-shot weakened enemies. The only small downside is that you need to practice timing your detonation, but once you master it, this grenade is unbeatable. It’s perfect for ambushes, clearing rooms, or stopping enemy pushes cold.

2. Smoke Grenade - S Tier

Smoke Grenades are the best utility grenade for PvP—they’re not about damage, but about control. When thrown, they create a large (7.5m radius) smoke cloud that lasts 20 seconds, completely blocking line of sight. This is game-changing for repositioning: you can throw smoke to cross open areas without getting sniped, revive teammates safely, or loot boxes without being seen. In fights, smoke lets you reset a bad engagement—throw it down, and the enemy can’t see you, so you can heal or switch positions. You can also pair it with Tagging Grenades (more on those later) to see enemies inside the smoke while they can’t see you—this trick is almost broken. The smoke is cheap to craft (14x Chemicals + 1x Canister) and has no downsides. Even if you’re running other S-tier grenades, Big Smoke Grenades are worth adding for their unmatched support utility.

3. Trailblazer Grenade - A Tier

After its rework, the Trailblazer Grenade became a top PvP option. Instead of a single blast, it leaves a trail of gas clouds that explode one after another. When thrown at enemies (especially in hallways or tight spaces), these explosions stack for massive damage. A single well-placed Trailblazer can nearly one-shot a player, and three can take down tough ARC units (though we’re focusing on PvP here). It’s perfect for clearing long corridors or stopping enemy pushes—throw it down a hallway, and anyone trying to rush through will take heavy damage. You can buy up to three per day from merchants or craft them if you have the blueprint. The only downside is it’s a bit situational, if you’re fighting in open areas, it’s less effective, but in tight maps or chokepoints, it’s devastating.

4. Tagging Grenades - A Tier

Tagging Grenades are the most underrated grenade in PvP—they’re not about damage, but about vision. When thrown, they detonate after a short delay and tag all enemies in their 6m radius for 30 seconds. This means you can see their positions through walls, smoke, or dark corners. The best trick is to pair them with Big Smoke Grenades: throw smoke to block enemy vision, then throw a Tagging Grenade into the smoke. You’ll see enemies inside the smoke, but they can’t see you—this is a free way to get kills. They’re also great for finding enemies hiding in corners or flanking you. The only downside is they don’t deal any damage, so you need to pair them with other grenades or weapons, but their vision utility is worth it. If you want to outsmart enemies and control the map, Tagging Grenades are a must-try.

5. Heavy Fuze Grenade - B Tier

Heavy Fuze Grenades deal a lot of damage (80 total) with a 3-second fuse, but their long delay holds them back. When you throw them, enemies have plenty of time to move out of the 7.5m blast radius—so you often miss unless you catch someone off guard. They’re also expensive to craft (1x Explosive Compound + 2x Canister), which makes them less cost-effective than other damage grenades. That said, they’re still good for PvP if you use them correctly: throw them into rooms before rushing in, or place them on chokepoints where enemies can’t escape quickly. They’re also useful for finishing weakened enemies who are hiding. If you like high-damage grenades and don’t mind the fuse delay, Heavy Fuze Grenades are a solid choice.

6. Li'l Smoke Grenade - B Tier

Li'l Smoke Grenades are a smaller version of the Big Smoke Grenade—and they’re good for quick, cheap cover. They create a 2.5m smoke cloud that lasts 6 seconds, which is perfect for crossing small open areas, looting a body, or breaking a sniper’s line of sight. They’re super cheap to craft (5x Chemicals + 1x Plastic Parts), so you can bring multiple into every fight without worrying about wasting resources. The downside is their small size and short duration—they don’t block as much vision as Big Smoke Grenades, and they dissipate quickly. They’re a great backup if you can’t craft Big Smoke Grenades, but if you have the choice, the full-size version is better.

7. Blaze Grenade - B Tier

Blaze Grenades were once S tier, but a nerf in the recent update made them less powerful. They detonate on impact and cover a 10m area in fire that deals 5 damage per second for 10 seconds. In PvP, they’re still useful for trapping enemies in rooms or tight spaces—if an enemy is hiding in a corner, throw a Blaze Grenade, and they’ll have to move (taking damage) or stay and die. The fire also disorients enemies, making it hard for them to aim. The downside is the fire damage doesn’t stack as well on players as it does on ARC, so you need to use multiple grenades to get a kill. They’re also more useful in close-quarters fights—if you’re fighting in open areas, the fire won’t hit enemies as easily. If you like area denial and punishing campers, Blaze Grenades are a good pick.

8. Showstopper - B Tier

Showstopper is a great control grenade that stuns enemies on detonation. It has a short fuse, so it detonates quickly after being thrown, and it stuns players for 2 seconds (10 seconds for ARC). This is perfect for breaking enemy holds—throw it at a player hiding behind a corner, and the stun will force them out into the open, giving you a free shot. It’s also useful for stopping enemy pushes: stun a group of players, and your team can take them down one by one. The only big downside is the risk of stunning yourself if you throw it too close—so you need to be careful with your aim. It’s also less powerful than Jolt Mines (shorter stun time), but it’s a grenade (not a mine), so you can throw it directly at enemies. If you like control and want to make fights easier for your team, Showstopper is solid.

9. Shrapnel Grenade - C Tier

Shrapnel Grenades are underwhelming in PvP because they’re expensive and don’t deal enough damage. They require 1x Crude Explosives + 2x Steel Springs to craft—Steel Springs are some of the most valuable crafting materials in the game, so using them on Shrapnel Grenades is a waste. They deal 60 damage in a 6m radius, but their fragments are inconsistent—sometimes they hit enemies, sometimes they don’t. They also have a longer fuse than other damage grenades, so enemies can move out of the way. The only time they’re useful is for area denial—throwing them into chokepoints to force enemies to move—but even then, cheaper grenades like Light Impact Grenades do a better job. Save your Steel Springs for better items, and avoid Shrapnel Grenades unless you have no other choice.

10. Light Impact Grenade - C Tier

Light Impact Grenades detonate on impact, dealing 30 damage in a small (2.5m) radius. They’re cheap to craft (2x Plastic Parts + 3x Chemicals), which is their only strength. The problem is they deal very little damage—you need to throw multiple to kill an enemy, which exposes you to gunfire. Throwing one grenade is easy, but throwing three or four means you’re standing still and vulnerable. They’re also inconsistent—their small radius means you have to hit enemies directly to deal damage. The only time they’re useful is for finishing weakened enemies or dealing chip damage, but even then, better grenades like Sticky Grenades or Trigger 'Nades do a better job. They’re a good starter grenade if you’re new, but upgrade to higher tiers as soon as you can.

11. Gas Grenade - D Tier

Gas Grenades are the same as Gas Grenade Traps—they deploy a gas cloud that drains stamina. The only difference is they’re a grenade (not a trap), so you throw them instead of placing them. This makes them even worse for PvP. When you throw a Gas Grenade, enemies can see it coming and easily move out of the way. Even if it hits, the stamina drain doesn’t stop them from fighting. It’s also expensive to craft (4x Chemicals + 2x Rubber Parts) for almost no utility. You’re better off throwing a Light Impact Grenade or even a Li’l Smoke Grenade instead—both offer more value in PvP.

12. Lure Grenades - D Tier

Lure Grenades and Lure Grenade Traps are designed to distract ARC units by making noise, but they do nothing in PvP. Enemies aren’t fooled by the noise—they’ll either ignore it or use it to find your position. Lure Grenades don’t deal damage, stun, or provide cover, so they offer no utility in fights. The traps are laser tripwires that trigger a Lure Grenade, but again, the noise doesn’t help you in PvP. You’re better off using that tripwire slot for a Blaze Grenade Trap or an Explosive Mine. Save Lure items for PvE missions where you need to pull ARC units away from objectives.

13. Wolfpack - D Tier

Wolfpack Grenades split into homing missiles that target ARC units, but they’re worthless in PvP. The missiles don’t track players well—they’ll fly past enemies or miss entirely. Even if they do hit, the damage (166x12) is spread out, so it won’t kill a player. They’re also expensive to craft (3x Explosive Compound + 2x ARC Motion Cores), which is a waste for PvP. Wolf Pack Grenades are great for taking down flying ARC units like Wasps or Rocketeers in PvE, but they have no place in a PvP loadout.

14. Seeker Grenade - D Tier

Seeker Grenades are homing grenades that target a single ARC unit, dealing 50 damage. They’re useless in PvP because they don’t home in on players—they only target ARC. Even if you throw one at a player, it will fly past them and target the nearest ARC unit (if there is one). They don’t deal enough damage to be useful, and they don’t provide any control. Save Seeker Grenades for PvE missions where you need to take down small ARC units quickly.

ARC Raiders PvE Grenade Tier List 2026

PvE fights are all about dealing consistent damage, controlling crowds, and surviving long enough to loot rewards. This Arc Raiders PvE tier list focuses on accessibility (how easy they are to craft or find), cost (resources needed), and PvE performance (how well they take down ARC). These S-tier grenades are the best of the best for PvE. They’re powerful, affordable, and make fighting ARC faster and safer. 

1. Wolfpack Grenade - S Tier

The Wolfpack Grenade is hands down the top PvE grenade—undeniably S tier. It splits into multiple homing missiles that lock onto ARC units, making it perfect for taking down flying enemies like Wasps, Snitches, and Hornets. A single Wolfpack can delete small ARC drones in seconds, and it deals solid damage to larger units like Rocketeers or Surveyors. Even better, it’s relatively cheap to craft once you have the blueprint (3x Explosive Compound + 2x ARC Motion Cores), and many players find the blueprint easily during missions (some even find 10+ in a single wipe). The missiles track ARC automatically, so you don’t need perfect aim—just throw it near a group of enemies, and watch the missiles do the work. The only small downside is it’s not great for single large bosses (like the Queen), but for crowds or flying ARC, it’s unbeatable. If you’re fighting ARC, Wolfpack is a must-have.

2. Snap Blast Grenade - S Tier

Snap Blast Grenades are another S-tier PvE staple—they’re sticky, powerful, and cheap. They stick to ARC units, walls, or the ground, detonating after a short delay to deal heavy explosive damage. This makes them perfect for taking down medium to large ARC: stick one to a Shredder, Bastion, or Bombardier, and it will deal massive damage (even more than some guns). The devs even included a quest that requires killing ARC with Snap Blasts—proof they’re designed for PvE. They’re easy to craft (2x Crude Explosives + 1x Magnet) and don’t cost much resources, so you can bring stacks into every mission. The sticky feature means you don’t have to worry about missing—just attach it to an enemy and let it detonate. Whether you’re fighting single targets or small groups, Snap Blast Grenades are reliable and effective.

3. Smoke Grenade - S Tier

You might be surprised to see a utility grenade in S tier, but Big Smoke Grenades are essential for PvE survival. They create a large (7.5m radius), long-lasting (20 seconds) smoke cloud that blocks ARC’s line of sight. This is game-changing for multiple reasons: you can use smoke to loot ARC corpses safely (without getting shot by other ARC), heal or reload during fights, or reposition to a better spot. Smoke also lets you escape if you’re overwhelmed—throw it down, and ARC will lose track of you. It’s cheap to craft (14x Chemicals + 1x Canister) and easy to find. Even though it doesn’t deal damage, it saves your life more times than any other grenade. The only small issue is smoke can be buggy sometimes (ARC might still aggro on you through it), but it’s still worth running. If you want to survive PvE missions and get more loot, Big Smoke Grenades are non-negotiable.

4. Seeker Grenade - A Tier

Seeker Grenades are a hidden gem for PvE—they’re cheap, effective, and perfect for taking down small ARC units. They’re homing grenades that target a single nearby ARC, dealing 50 damage on impact. This makes them ideal for clearing out Wasps, Snitches, or Surveyors—small enemies that are annoying but dangerous in groups. The blueprint is now easier to find (it spawns on Stella Montis), and it’s dirt cheap to craft. You’ll never use it to take down big bosses, but for its specific purpose (small ARC cleanup), it’s unmatched. The only downside is it’s situational—if you’re fighting large ARC, it’s less useful. But if you’re doing missions with lots of small drones, Seeker Grenades are a top pick. They’re worth putting in A tier because they’re affordable and excel at their job.

5. Trailblazer Grenade - A Tier

After its rework, the Trailblazer Grenade became a top PvE option. It leaves a trail of gas clouds that explode one after another, dealing massive damage to ARC in tight spaces. It’s perfect for interior maps (like Stella Montis) or corridors—throw it down a hallway, and any ARC walking through will take stacked explosion damage. A single Trailblazer can nearly one-shot a Shredder or Surveyor, and it’s great for crowd control. It’s a bit expensive to craft, but the damage is worth it. The only downside is it’s less effective in open areas—if you’re fighting ARC in a field, it won’t hit as many enemies. But in tight missions, it’s devastating. If you like crowd control and high damage, Trailblazer is a great pick.

6. Trigger 'Nade - A Tier

Trigger 'Nades are solid for PvE, but they’re slightly held back by their cost (more expensive than Snap Blasts). They’re remote-detonated, so you can throw them on ARC units or near groups, then detonate when the timing is perfect. They stick to ARC (like Snap Blasts) and deal huge damage—great for taking down large units or bosses. Many players save them for PvP (where they’re broken), but they’re still effective in PvE. The remote detonation lets you avoid wasting damage (you can wait until multiple ARC are near before detonating). The only downside is the higher crafting cost—you might not want to use them as liberally as Snap Blasts. But if you have extra resources, Trigger 'Nades are a powerful A-tier option for PvE.

7. Light Impact Grenade - B Tier

Light Impact Grenades are the cheapest and most accessible PvE grenade—you don’t need a blueprint, and they’re dirt cheap to craft (2x Plastic Parts + 3x Chemicals). You can even craft them mid-mission if you run out. They detonate on impact, dealing 30 damage in a small radius. While the damage is low, it adds up—some players have even used stacks of them to kill the Queen. They’re perfect for new players or casuals who don’t want to spend rare resources. The only downside is you need to throw multiple to kill medium or large ARC, which can be time-consuming. But for their cost and accessibility, they’re solid. If you’re on a budget or just starting out, Light Impact Grenades are a great B-tier pick.

8. Blaze Grenade - C Tier

Blaze Grenades were once S tier for PvE, but they’ve been nerfed and are now underwhelming. They detonate on impact, covering an area in fire that deals 5 damage per second for 10 seconds. The fire damage is inconsistent against ARC—especially large units with multiple hitboxes. They’re also more expensive to craft than better options like Snap Blasts. While they can still deal damage to small ARC or weaken larger units, there are cheaper, more effective grenades. 

9. Heavy Fuze Grenade - C Tier 

Heavy Fuze Grenades deal solid explosive damage but have a 3-second fuze that holds them back. When thrown at ARC, the long fuse gives them time to move out of the blast radius—so you often miss. They’re also more expensive than Light Impact Grenades and less effective than Snap Blasts. They can be useful for landing damage on stationary bosses (like the Queen), but even then, Snap Blasts or Trigger 'Nades are better. The only upside is they bounce, which can help you hit ARC around corners. But overall, they’re underwhelming for PvE. They’re C tier, use them only if you have extra resources and no better options.

10. Li'l Smoke Grenade - D Tier

Li'l Smoke Grenades are useless for PvE. They create a small (2.5m radius) smoke cloud that lasts only 6 seconds—too small to block ARC’s line of sight. ARC can still shoot you through the small cloud, so it doesn’t help with survival or looting. The big Smoke Grenade is cheap and far more effective, so there’s no reason to use Li’l Smoke in PvE. 

11. Gas Grenade - D Tier

Gas Grenades and Gas Mines are PvP-focused and useless for PvE. They create a gas cloud that drains stamina—but ARC doesn’t have stamina. The gas does no damage to ARC, so it’s a complete waste of resources. They’re expensive to craft (4x Chemicals + 2x Rubber Parts for Gas Grenades) and offer zero utility in PvE. Avoid them entirely—swap them out for any other grenade (even Light Impact) for PvE.

12. Lure Grenade - D Tier

Lure Grenades and Lure Grenade Traps are designed to distract ARC, but they don’t work well. They make noise to draw ARC’s attention, but this is rarely useful—you either want to kill ARC quickly or avoid them. The noise doesn’t stun or damage ARC, and it might even draw more ARC to your location. They’re a waste of inventory space and resources. Save them for specific PvE missions where you need to pull ARC away from objectives.