If you’ve spent any time in Arc Raiders, you’ve probably come across various weapon modifications that can make or break your loadout. One modification that gets mentioned often is the Compensator II. In this guide, I’ll break down what it does, how most players use it, and how to get it efficiently. This is aimed at players who want to understand the mechanics and make informed decisions rather than marketing hype.
What is the Compensator II?
The Compensator II is an uncommon weapon modification that targets per-shot dispersion, which basically means how much your bullets spread when firing.
In practice:
It reduces per-shot dispersion by 40%. This affects each individual bullet, making them land closer to where you aim.
It reduces maximum shot dispersion by 20%, which helps during longer bursts or automatic fire.
Most players notice a significant difference when using weapons with higher recoil or fast-fire rates. For example, guns like the Rattler or Stitcher tend to benefit more from a Compensator II than slower, heavy-hitting weapons.
Which Weapons Can Use It?
The Compensator II is not universal. In general, it can be attached to the following weapons:
Ferro, Kettle, Rattler, Stitcher, Anvil, Arpeggio
Burletta, Osprey, Renegade, Torrente, Venator, Bettina, Bobcat, Tempest
Most players focus on adding this mod to weapons that already have noticeable recoil issues. For instance, burst-fire weapons often perform much better with reduced dispersion, making headshots easier and damage more consistent.
How Do You Get the Compensator II?
There are two main ways to obtain the Compensator II in Arc Raiders: crafting and scavenging.
Crafting
To craft the Compensator II, you need:
2× Mechanical Components
4× Wires
Compensator II Blueprint
You also need Gunsmith level 2 to craft it. Most players recommend prioritizing crafting for consistent results because scavenging can be hit-or-miss depending on what enemies drop and the luck of the RNG.
Scavenging and Recycling
If you already have a Compensator II and don’t need it, recycling gives you:
1× Mechanical Components
1× Wires
Salvaging yields similar results. Most players recycle extra mods to save resources for higher-tier modifications.
How Effective Is It in Real Play?
The numbers in the game (40% per-shot reduction, 20% max shot reduction) are helpful, but the real-world effect depends on weapon choice and play style.
Automatic and burst-fire weapons: You’ll notice much tighter bullet grouping. This is especially useful when shooting at medium to long distances.
Semi-automatic weapons: The effect is less dramatic but still helps if you’re going for precision headshots.
High-recoil weapons: These benefit the most because the compensator mitigates vertical climb and spread.
Most players equip this mod not to increase raw damage but to improve accuracy and make fights more predictable. In general, it’s considered a quality-of-life improvement rather than a game-changer.
How to Choose Between Compensator II and Other Mods
There are multiple muzzle mods in Arc Raiders, and choosing between them depends on your priorities:
If you want accuracy: Compensator II is usually the best choice for rapid-fire weapons.
If you want damage: Other mods might increase damage per shot or critical chance.
If you want mobility: Some mods reduce weight or improve handling, which might matter more in fast-paced missions.
Most players weigh the accuracy boost against these trade-offs. For PvE missions, the accuracy advantage is often more noticeable, while in PvP, the difference can be subtle depending on engagement distance.
Where Players Usually Find Compensator II
In addition to crafting, many players look for pre-crafted items. Some players check specialized online communities or marketplaces, but the safest in-game approach is through crafting with the blueprint. For those who want convenience, there are also options such as the ARC Raiders items marketplace with low prices on U4N, which some players use to compare prices or find specific mods quickly. In general, relying on in-game crafting and scavenging ensures you don’t overspend or miss essential components.
Common Player Strategies
Here’s how most experienced players approach the Compensator II:
Pair with burst or automatic weapons: As mentioned, these guns benefit the most from reduced dispersion.
Prioritize crafting blueprints early: This ensures you always have the mod available when upgrading your favorite guns.
Recycle excess mods: Don’t let extra Compensator IIs sit in your inventory; recycling frees up components for other modifications.
Adjust playstyle: Even with reduced dispersion, players usually still fire in controlled bursts to maintain accuracy.
In general, the Compensator II is a subtle but consistent improvement, not a radical overhaul of your weapon’s performance.
The Compensator II is a reliable modification for players who want more consistent shots. Its effectiveness varies based on weapon choice and playstyle, but most players find it worth crafting for high-recoil and burst-fire weapons. Crafting ensures you have access to it when needed, while recycling extra copies keeps resources flowing.
Remember, mods like this are about small advantages that add up over time. In practice, using the Compensator II is about making your shots more predictable, not turning every gun into a laser beam. Experienced players focus on these incremental improvements to stay efficient in missions and maintain control during combat.
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