ARC Raiders: Vertical Grip II vs Vertical Grip III – Which One Should You Choose?

  • January 19, 2026 10:36 PM PST

    What Do Vertical Grips Do?

    Before we dive into the differences between the Vertical Grip II and Vertical Grip III, it’s important to understand what these mods actually do. Vertical grips primarily help with recoil management. Recoil is the backward force that your weapon generates when firing, and it can cause your shots to go off target. The vertical grip helps reduce this effect, giving you more control over your weapon during rapid fire.

    In ARC Raiders, you’ll find that weapon mods like these are essential for mid-to-long-range engagements. Whether you’re fighting off swarms of Raiders or taking on tougher enemies, recoil management becomes key for sustained accuracy.

    Vertical Grip II – What’s It Offer?

    The Vertical Grip II is an uncommon underbarrel mod designed to moderately reduce vertical recoil. Here's what you need to know:

    Key Stats:

    • Recoil Reduction: 30% reduction in vertical recoil

    • Weight: 0.5

    • Blueprint: Available after reaching Gunsmith level 2.

    • Crafting Ingredients: 2 Mechanical Components and 3 Duct Tape.

    • Sell Price: 2,000 coins.

    The Vertical Grip II is perfect if you’re just starting to experiment with recoil management but don’t want to commit too many resources. It provides a solid reduction in recoil at an accessible price, making it a great early-game option.

    In practice, the Vertical Grip II works well on a variety of weapons and is compatible with several popular guns in the game, like the Ferro, Kettle, Rattler, and more. It’s a go-to option for players who want reliable performance without breaking the bank or investing too much into mods at an early stage.

    Vertical Grip III – What’s the Difference?

    The Vertical Grip III is an advanced version of its predecessor, offering more substantial recoil reduction. Let’s take a look at its stats:

    Key Stats:

    • Recoil Reduction: 50% reduction in vertical recoil

    • Weight: 0.5

    • Blueprint: Available after reaching Gunsmith level 3.

    • Crafting Ingredients: 3 Mechanical Components and 4 Duct Tape.

    • Sell Price: 4,000 coins.

    The Vertical Grip III takes the recoil reduction a step further with a 50% reduction, compared to the 30% from the Vertical Grip II. This makes it ideal for weapons that are known for high recoil, particularly when you need to maintain accuracy during extended bursts.

    In terms of practical use, the Vertical Grip III is especially helpful in mid-to-long-range combat, where controlling recoil is crucial for landing successive shots on targets. If you find yourself consistently fighting in situations where recoil is a constant issue, the Vertical Grip III could be the better choice.

    How Do They Compare in Practice?

    When choosing between the Vertical Grip II and Vertical Grip III, the most important factor is your playstyle and the weapons you’re using. Here's how the two grips compare in different scenarios:

    1. Recoil Management:

      • Vertical Grip II: Great for most weapons that don’t have excessive recoil. It’ll give you decent control without being overkill.

      • Vertical Grip III: Best suited for weapons with higher recoil, like rapid-fire guns or sniper rifles with heavy kickbacks. The extra recoil reduction helps maintain more consistent accuracy.

    2. Crafting and Cost:

      • Vertical Grip II: More accessible, with a lower cost in resources and coins. It’s a good choice if you’re early in the game and don’t want to invest too much.

      • Vertical Grip III: Requires a higher level and more resources to craft. It’s a significant investment, but if you need the extra recoil control, it’s worth the cost.

    3. Blueprint Availability:

      • Vertical Grip II: Available earlier, at Gunsmith level 2. This makes it a solid mid-tier mod for players who want to start modding their weapons early on.

      • Vertical Grip III: Available at Gunsmith level 3, so it’s for players who have advanced their crafting skills and have a solid supply of materials.

    Which One Should You Choose?

    • For Newer Players: The Vertical Grip II is a great starting point. It provides noticeable recoil reduction, helping you keep your shots on target without requiring a ton of resources. It’s perfect for players who are still learning the ropes of recoil control or who use weapons with moderate recoil.

    • For Advanced Players: If you’ve got more experience under your belt and use weapons with heavy recoil or find yourself engaging at longer ranges, the Vertical Grip III is the better choice. It offers a higher recoil reduction, which can be the difference between hitting a distant target and missing completely.

    Should You Buy or Craft?

    Both grips are available through crafting and can be purchased from the U4N marketplace. If you don’t want to spend the time crafting, there are ARC Raiders blueprints for sale at U4N marketplace, where you can buy the necessary blueprints or items. This can save you time, especially if you’re looking to get the Vertical Grip III for advanced recoil control, but be mindful that it will cost more than crafting it yourself.

    Vertical Grip II or III?

    In the end, the Vertical Grip II and Vertical Grip III both have their place in your modding toolkit. If you're just starting and need a moderate recoil reduction, the Vertical Grip II will do just fine. However, if you're aiming for the highest level of accuracy and are willing to invest more time and resources, the Vertical Grip III is the way to go. Consider your weapon choices, your playstyle, and your current crafting progress before deciding which one fits best into your loadout.

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