Arc Raiders Grenade & Trap Tier List: Best Explosives Ranked

Table of Contents

1. Quick Tier List Summary
2. S-Tier Explosives (Must Use)
3. A-Tier Explosives (Strong Picks)
4. B-Tier Explosives (Situational)
5. C-Tier Explosives (Avoid)
6. Explosives by Use Case
7. Crafting Cost Analysis

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Quick Tier List Summary

S-Tier (Must Use)

Explosive	Type	Cost	Best For
Wolfpack	Grenade	High	Bosses, heavy ARC
Trigger ‘Nade	Grenade	Medium	Area denial, PvP
Deadline	Trap	High	Zone control, building clears
Blaze Grenade	Grenade	Medium	ARC crowds, DoT
Jolt Mine	Trap	Medium	Area denial, stun
Showstopper	Trap	High	Elite target deletion
Snap Blast Grenade	Grenade	Low	ARC stagger, interrupts
Smoke Grenade	Grenade	Low	Escape, stealth

A-Tier (Strong Picks)

Explosive	Type	Cost	Best For
Light Impact	Grenade	Low	General purpose, budget
Explosive Mine	Trap	Medium	Defensive positioning
Seeker Grenade	Grenade	Medium	Flying ARC, homing
Surge Coil	Trap	High	Area electrification

B-Tier (Situational)

Explosive	Type	Cost	Best For
Pulse Mine	Trap	Low	Detection, utility
Smoke Grenade Trap	Trap	Low	Static area denial
Lure Grenade	Grenade	Low	Distraction, positioning

C-Tier (Avoid)

Explosive	Type	Cost	Why Avoid
Gas Grenade	Grenade	Medium	Inconsistent, situational
Crude Explosives	Grenade	Low	Outclassed by Light Impact
Hornet Driver Trap	Trap	Medium	Unreliable, niche
Fireball Burner Trap	Trap	Medium	Too situational

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S-Tier Explosives (Must Use)

Wolfpack Grenade

Type: Homing Grenade Cost: ~1,500 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 3 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Extreme
Range	Long (homing)
Blast Radius	Medium
Cost Efficiency	A-tier (high cost, high reward)

Best For:

• Boss ARC (Matriarch, Queen)
• Heavy ARC clusters
• Elite PvP targets
• Emergency escapes (fire and run)

How to Use:

1. Lock onto target (1-second lock time)
2. Fire—missiles track automatically
3. Multiple Wolfpacks = faster deletion
4. Can be used while moving/retreating

Wolfpacks are the great equalizer. I’ve soloed Matriarch with 6 Wolfpacks + Heavy Ammo. They’re expensive, but they print boss loot. Always carry 3-5 for serious runs.

Pros:

• Homing = easy to use
• Massive damage vs heavy targets
• Can fire multiple for burst
• Works while retreating

Cons:

• Expensive to craft
• Overkill for light ARC
• Lock time delays deployment

Verdict: Mandatory for boss hunting. Craft Explosives Station to Level 3 ASAP.

Trigger ‘Nade

Type: Proximity Grenade Cost: ~800 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 3 required

Stat	Value
Damage	High
Range	Medium (throw)
Blast Radius	Large
Cost Efficiency	S-tier

Best For:

• Building clears
• Area denial
• PvP ambushes
• ARC crowd control

How to Use:

1. Throw into room/area
2. 2-second fuse, then proximity trigger
3. Anything in radius takes massive damage
4. Can combo with other explosives

Pros:

• Large blast radius
• Proximity trigger (no timing needed)
• Great for clearing buildings
• Reasonable cost

Cons:

• Can trigger prematurely
• Less damage than Wolfpack
• Requires positioning

Verdict: Best all-around grenade for PvP and PvE. Stock up on these.

Deadline

Type: Delayed Explosion Trap Cost: ~1,200 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 3 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Extreme
Range	N/A (placed)
Blast Radius	Very Large
Cost Efficiency	A-tier

Best For:

• Zone control
• Building denial
• Boss arena setup
• Escape route blocking

How to Use:

1. Place in strategic location
2. 3-5 second delay before explosion
3. Massive damage to everything in radius
4. Use to clear rooms before entering

Pros:

• Enormous blast radius
• Deletes entire areas
• Great for defensive setups
• Forces enemy repositioning

Cons:

• Delay gives time to escape
• Expensive
• Can’t be moved once placed

Verdict: Best trap for area denial. Essential for squad defense and boss setups.

Blaze Grenade

Type: DoT Grenade Cost: ~600 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Stat	Value
Damage	High (over time)
Range	Medium (throw)
Blast Radius	Medium
Cost Efficiency	S-tier

Best For:

• ARC crowds
• Area denial
• Damage over time
• Choking points

How to Use:

1. Throw at enemy cluster
2. Creates fire zone (5-second duration)
3. Enemies in zone take continuous damage
4. Blocks pathways effectively

Pros:

• DoT ticks through armor
• Area denial for 5 seconds
• Great vs ARC clusters
• Affordable

Cons:

• Lower burst than other grenades
• DoT can be avoided
• Less effective vs mobile targets

Verdict: Best value grenade for PvE. Stock 5-10 for ARC-heavy runs.

Jolt Mine

Type: Electric Stun Trap Cost: ~700 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 3 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Moderate
Range	N/A (placed)
Blast Radius	Small (stun is large)
Cost Efficiency	A-tier

Best For:

• Area denial
• Stun locking
• Defensive setups
• Escape routes

How to Use:

1. Place in doorway/corridor
2. Enemies trigger on proximity
3. Stuns + damages everything in range
4. Combo with other explosives

Pros:

• Stun effect is powerful
• Great for defensive setups
• Affordable
• Synergizes with team

Cons:

• Lower damage than Deadline
• Small blast radius
• Requires placement time

Verdict: Best defensive trap. Essential for squad holds and solo escape routes.

Showstopper

Type: Elite Trap Cost: ~1,800 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 3 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Extreme
Range	N/A (placed)
Blast Radius	Medium
Cost Efficiency	B-tier (high cost)

Best For:

• Elite target deletion
• Boss arena setup
• High-value ambushes
• PvP choke points

How to Use:

1. Place in expected enemy path
2. Trigger manually or on proximity
3. Massive single-target damage
4. Best used as finisher

Pros:

• Highest single-target trap damage
• Can delete elites instantly
• Manual trigger option
• Psychological deterrent

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Single-use
• Requires good prediction

Verdict: Niche but devastating. Use for boss setups and high-value PvP ambushes.

Snap Blast Grenade

Type: Stun Grenade Cost: ~400 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Low
Range	Medium (throw)
Blast Radius	Medium
Stun Duration	2-3 seconds
Cost Efficiency	S-tier

Best For:

• ARC stagger
• Interrupting attacks
• Escape windows
• Setup for heavy weapons

How to Use:

1. Throw at target/enemy cluster
2. 1-second fuse, then stun blast
3. 2-3 second stun window
4. Follow up with heavy damage

Pros:

• Cheap and spammable
• Reliable stun
• Interrupts boss attacks
• Great setup tool

Cons:

• Low damage
• Short stun duration
• Requires follow-up

Verdict: Best utility grenade. Carry 5-10 for boss fights and emergency escapes.

Smoke Grenade

Type: Visibility Denial Cost: ~300 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Stat	Value
Damage	None
Range	Medium (throw)
Duration	8-10 seconds
Cost Efficiency	S-tier (for utility)

Best For:

• Escape
• Stealth approaches
• Revive cover
• Repositioning

How to Use:

1. Throw between you and enemies
2. Smoke cloud blocks LOS for 8-10 seconds
3. Use to escape or reposition
4. Can combo with other grenades

Pros:

• Extremely cheap
• Reliable escape tool
• No skill required
• Universal application

Cons:

• No damage
• Temporary effect
• Can be shot through (reduced accuracy)

Verdict: Mandatory for solo players. 4 smoke grenades = 4 guaranteed escapes.

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A-Tier Explosives (Strong Picks)

Light Impact Grenade

Type: Basic Grenade Cost: ~200 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 1 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Moderate
Range	Medium (throw)
Blast Radius	Small-Medium
Cost Efficiency	S-tier

Best For:

• Budget loadouts
• ARC crowd control
• Spam throwing
• Forcing enemies from cover

Pros:

• Extremely cheap
• Can spam throw
• Decent damage for cost
• Unlocks at Level 1

Cons:

• Low damage vs heavy targets
• Small blast radius
• Outclassed by late-game options

Verdict: Best budget grenade. Stock 10-15 for early-game runs.

Explosive Mine

Type: Basic Trap Cost: ~400 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Moderate-High
Range	N/A (placed)
Blast Radius	Medium
Cost Efficiency	A-tier

Best For:

• Defensive positioning
• Doorway denial
• Escape route protection
• Budget area control

Pros:

• Affordable
• Good damage
• Easy to place
• Reliable trigger

Cons:

• Outclassed by Jolt Mine/Deadline
• No utility (pure damage)
• Visible to observant enemies

Verdict: Solid budget trap. Upgrade to Jolt Mine when possible.

Seeker Grenade

Type: Homing Grenade Cost: ~700 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Moderate
Range	Long (homing)
Blast Radius	Small
Cost Efficiency	A-tier

Best For:

• Flying ARC (Hornets, Wasps)
• Hard-to-reach targets
• Moving targets
• Budget homing option

Pros:

• Homing = easy to use
• Great vs flying enemies
• Affordable Wolfpack alternative
• Works while moving

Cons:

• Lower damage than Wolfpack
• Small blast radius
• Can miss agile targets

Verdict: Best anti-air grenade. Carry 3-5 for maps with heavy flying ARC.

Surge Coil

Type: Area Electrification Trap Cost: ~1,000 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 3 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Moderate (over time)
Range	N/A (placed)
Duration	10-15 seconds
Cost Efficiency	A-tier

Best For:

• Area denial
• Squad defense
• Boss arena setup
• Choke point control

Pros:

• Long duration
• Continuous damage
• Great for team setups
• Psychological deterrent

Cons:

• Expensive
• Stationary
• Can be avoided with positioning

Verdict: Strong squad trap. Less valuable for solo players.

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B-Tier Explosives (Situational)

Pulse Mine

Type: Detection Trap Cost: ~300 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Stat	Value
Damage	Low
Range	N/A (placed)
Detection Radius	Large
Cost Efficiency	B-tier

Best For:

• Enemy detection
• Early warning
• Map awareness
• Budget utility

Pros:

• Cheap
• Large detection radius
• Alerts to enemy presence
• Useful for solo awareness

Cons:

• Minimal damage
• Only alerts, doesn’t stop enemies
• Better alternatives exist

Verdict: Situational. Take for solo stealth builds, skip otherwise.

Smoke Grenade Trap

Type: Static Smoke Trap Cost: ~400 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Best For:

• Static area denial
• Pre-planned smoke coverage
• Defensive setups

Pros:

• Automatic trigger
• Good for pre-planned routes
• Decent duration

Cons:

• Less flexible than thrown smoke
• Requires setup time
• Thrown smoke is better for most uses

Verdict: Thrown Smoke Grenades are more versatile. Skip unless you have specific trap setups.

Lure Grenade

Type: Distraction Grenade Cost: ~350 coins per unit (crafting) Explosives Station: Level 2 required

Best For:

• Enemy distraction
• Positioning tricks
• Squad coordination

Pros:

• Creates audio distraction
• Can redirect enemies
• Useful for stealth

Cons:

• No damage
• AI doesn’t always respond
• Skill-intensive to use effectively

Verdict: Niche utility. Most players won’t find enough value.

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C-Tier Explosives (Avoid)

Gas Grenade

Type: DoT Grenade Cost: ~500 coins per unit (crafting)

Why Avoid:

• Inconsistent damage
• Enemies can walk out of cloud
• Blaze Grenade does the job better
• Situational at best

Better Alternative: Blaze Grenade (more reliable DoT)

Crude Explosives

Type: Basic Grenade Cost: ~150 coins per unit (crafting)

Why Avoid:

• Outclassed by Light Impact
• Minimal damage increase over nothing
• Not worth the inventory slot

Better Alternative: Light Impact Grenade (+50 coins for +100% value)

Hornet Driver Trap

Type: Niche Trap Cost: ~600 coins per unit (crafting)

Why Avoid:

• Requires Hornet Drivers (farm-intensive)
• Unreliable damage
• Too situational

Better Alternative: Explosive Mine or Jolt Mine

Fireball Burner Trap

Type: Niche Trap Cost: ~600 coins per unit (crafting)

Why Avoid:

• Requires Fireball Burners (farm-intensive)
• Inconsistent activation
• Better traps available

Better Alternative: Blaze Grenade or Deadline

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Explosives by Use Case

Boss Hunting

Priority	Explosive	Quantity
1	Wolfpack	5-8
2	Snap Blast	3-5
3	Blaze Grenade	2-3
4	Trigger ‘Nade	2-3

Strategy: Wolfpacks for burst damage. Snap Blasts for stun windows. Blaze for DoT. Trigger ‘Nades for add control.

Solo Stealth

Priority	Explosive	Quantity
1	Smoke Grenade	4-6
2	Pulse Mine	2-3
3	Light Impact	2-3
4	Lure Grenade	1-2

Strategy: Smoke for escapes. Pulse for awareness. Light Impact for emergency ARC. Lure for distraction.

Squad Defense

Priority	Explosive	Quantity
1	Deadline	3-4
2	Jolt Mine	4-5
3	Surge Coil	2-3
4	Showstopper	1-2

Strategy: Deadline for zone denial. Jolt Mines for stuns. Surge Coils for area control. Showstopper for elite threats.

Budget Runs

Priority	Explosive	Quantity
1	Light Impact	8-10
2	Smoke Grenade	2-3
3	Snap Blast	2-3
4	Explosive Mine	2-3

Strategy: Light Impact for damage. Smoke for escapes. Snap Blast for utility. Mines for defense.

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Crafting Cost Analysis

Cost per Effectiveness Rating

Explosive	Cost	Effectiveness	Value Rating
Light Impact	200	6/10	S-tier (cheap + reliable)
Smoke Grenade	300	8/10 (utility)	S-tier (escapes are priceless)
Snap Blast	400	7/10	S-tier (stun is powerful)
Blaze Grenade	600	8/10	S-tier (DoT + area denial)
Seeker Grenade	700	7/10	A-tier (good vs flyers)
Jolt Mine	700	8/10	A-tier (stun + damage)
Trigger ‘Nade	800	9/10	S-tier (best all-around)
Deadline	1,200	9/10	A-tier (expensive but devastating)
Wolfpack	1,500	10/10	S-tier (boss deletion)
Showstopper	1,800	9/10	B-tier (niche, expensive)

Recommended Crafting Quantities

Game Stage	Light Impact	Smoke	Wolfpack	Trigger ‘Nade	Other
Early (0-25)	15-20	3-4	0	0	5 Snap Blast
Mid (26-50)	10-15	4-5	3-5	3-4	5 Blaze, 3 Jolt
Late (51+)	5-10	5-6	8-10	5-6	Full toolkit

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After testing every explosive across 150+ raids, here’s what matters:

• Wolfpack is mandatory for boss hunting. No exceptions. The damage output justifies the cost.
• Smoke Grenades are the best value explosive. 300 coins for a guaranteed escape is unbeatable ROI.
• Trigger ‘Nade is the best all-around grenade. Great for both PvP and PvE, reasonable cost.
• Budget players should spam Light Impact. 200 coins each means you can throw 10 for the price of 1 Wolfpack.

What to do next:

1. Craft 15-20 Light Impact Grenades as your foundation
2. Add 4-5 Smoke Grenades for escapes
3. Upgrade to Wolfpacks once you’re boss hunting
4. Keep a mixed toolkit (3-4 types) for versatility

Explosives in Arc Raiders aren’t just damage—they’re force multipliers. The right grenade at the right time wins fights that weapons can’t.

If you take one thing from this guide: Carry more grenades than you think you need. The “perfect time” to use them always comes sooner than expected.

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