What is the Extended Barrel?

The Extended Barrel is an Epic weapon modification that primarily increases bullet velocity. In simpler terms, it makes your shots travel faster. According to the in-game stats, it gives a 25% increase in bullet velocity, but this comes at a cost of 15% more vertical recoil.

Practically, what this means is that your bullets will reach targets faster, which can improve accuracy at long ranges. On the other hand, the gun will kick upward slightly more when firing, which you need to manage if you’re taking multiple shots quickly.

This mod is compatible with a wide range of weapons, including Rifles and Assault Weapons like Ferro, Rattler, Stitcher, Anvil, and Osprey, among others. If your goal is to engage enemies at distance or make hits on moving targets more reliable, the Extended Barrel is often the go-to choice.

How Does Bullet Velocity Affect Gameplay?

Bullet velocity is one of those stats that isn’t always obvious at first. Many players focus on damage per shot, but faster bullets reduce the lead you need to give moving targets.

For example:

• Without the Extended Barrel, you may have to aim slightly ahead of a fast-moving enemy to hit them.

• With the Extended Barrel, your shots get there quicker, so aiming becomes more straightforward.

In practice, this is particularly useful in team fights or against large enemies where missing shots can be costly. Even if the recoil increases, most players find the tradeoff worthwhile for guns that already handle recoil well.

Which Guns Work Best with Extended Barrel?

Not all guns benefit equally from the Extended Barrel. Based on typical player experience:

• High-rate-of-fire weapons like the Rattler or Stitcher: The mod can make tracking moving targets easier, but recoil can become noticeable, so a controlled burst is often recommended.

• Single-shot or semi-auto weapons like the Ferro or Arpeggio: The velocity boost is most noticeable here because each shot carries more weight, and the added recoil is manageable.

• Heavy weapons like the Anvil or Torrente: These guns already have strong recoil. Adding an Extended Barrel can make them harder to control, so consider pairing the mod with recoil-reducing attachments.

In short, the best candidates are mid-to-long-range rifles that you already handle comfortably. Using it on weapons with unstable recoil is possible but requires more skill to keep shots on target.

How Does the Recoil Change Feel?

The 15% vertical recoil increase sounds minor on paper, but in practice, it can take some adjustment. Players who are used to tapping the trigger will likely not notice a big difference. However, if you’re holding down fire for full-auto spraying, the weapon will climb faster.

Tips from experienced players:

• Compensate manually: Pull your aim slightly down during bursts to counteract the extra vertical kick.

• Pair with other mods: Some muzzle or stock modifications can reduce recoil while keeping the velocity benefit.

• Practice with bots: Before heading into real missions, test the combination in a safe environment to get used to the change.

How to Get the Extended Barrel

There are three main ways to acquire an Extended Barrel:

1. Crafting: You need a blueprint, which may be unlocked through missions or scavenging, along with the following ingredients:

   • 2× Mod Components

   • 8× Wires You also need a Gunsmith level 3 to craft it. Crafting ensures you get a mod that you know the stats of, but it requires gathering materials first.

2. Scavenging: Occasionally, you can find Extended Barrels in the world as loot. Players often get them from supply crates or enemy drops. The rarity of the mod means it doesn’t appear on every run, but scavenging is free if you are exploring regularly.

3. ARC Raiders item shop: For players who want a quicker option, the Extended Barrel sometimes appears in the ARC Raiders item shop. Prices vary depending on in-game currency availability, but this is the fastest way to obtain it without farming materials or unlocking a blueprint.

Can You Recycle or Salvage the Mod?

Yes. If you no longer need an Extended Barrel, you can break it down to recover resources:

• Recycling gives back 1 Mod Component and 1 Wire.

• Salvaging returns 2 Mechanical Components.

This is helpful for players who are managing inventory or switching mods to optimize other guns. In practice, many players save recycling for lower-priority mods, while salvaging is used for higher-tier crafting resources.

Is the Extended Barrel Worth It?

The answer depends on how you play:

• Long-range and precision shooters: Almost always yes. Faster bullets improve hit registration and reduce leading on moving targets.

• Close-range, high-rate-of-fire players: Maybe. You’ll need to manage the recoil, which can make sprays less predictable.

• Mixed-play styles: Test it on a few guns first. Often, players find one or two rifles benefit most, while leaving other weapons stock or with other attachments.

In general, the Extended Barrel is considered a solid investment for mid-to-long-range combat but isn’t mandatory for every loadout.

Practical Tips for Using Extended Barrel

1. Adjust your aiming habits: Since bullets arrive faster, aim slightly differently compared to stock barrels.

2. Combine with recoil-reducing mods: Stocks or muzzle brakes can offset the extra vertical recoil.

3. Watch your engagement range: This mod is less noticeable in close quarters where bullet travel time isn’t a factor.

4. Use in PvE and PvP differently: In PvE, consistent hits on bosses are easier with faster bullets. In PvP, the mod can help against moving players, but recoil management becomes more critical.

The Extended Barrel is one of those mods that rewards understanding and practice. On the right gun, it makes shots feel more responsive and accurate at range. On guns with high recoil, it can make spray patterns more challenging, so pair it with other attachments or adapt your firing technique.

For many players, acquiring it through crafting or scavenging is ideal, but the ARC Raiders item shop provides a quick alternative for those who want it immediately. Overall, knowing when to use it and on which gun is more important than having one on every weapon.

By understanding how bullet velocity and recoil interact in practical combat, you can make the most of this mod and improve your efficiency in ARC Raiders missions.

Meta Breakdown: Arc Raiders Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive) Blueprint Guide