How to Use the Stitcher SMG Effectively in Arc Raiders

  • Arc Raiders can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to picking and upgrading weapons. One common choice for new and intermediate players is the Stitcher, a fully-automatic submachine gun. Below, I’ll break down how it works in practice, what to expect when using it, and how most players handle upgrades, repairs, and crafting.


    What Is the Stitcher and How Does It Perform?

    The Stitcher is classified as a common SMG that uses Light Ammo. In general, it deals decent damage, but its low fire rate can make it tricky to control, especially at medium to long range. Most players find it effective in close-quarters combat, but less reliable in open areas.

    Here’s what you can expect from the stats in practical terms:

    • Damage: 7 per shot, which is moderate for early to mid-game. Enough to down weaker enemies quickly but slower against heavily armored ones.

    • Fire Rate: 45.3, relatively low for an SMG, meaning you need to pace your shots instead of holding down the trigger blindly.

    • Range: 42.1, suitable for indoor encounters or tight corridors. Long-range fights are usually less effective.

    • Stability and Agility: 45.3 and 73.8 respectively. In practice, this means it handles reasonably well while moving, and aiming while sprinting is manageable.

    • Stealth: 19, so it’s not a silent weapon. Most players won’t use it for sneaky approaches.

    In short, most players choose the Stitcher when they want a straightforward automatic weapon for aggressive, close-quarters play.


    How Do You Get the Stitcher?

    There are a few ways to acquire this weapon:

    1. Free Loadout: Some players get the Stitcher automatically when picking a free loadout, which is handy for beginners.

    2. Crafting: You can craft it using Metal Parts and Rubber Parts. Here’s a breakdown of the process in practice:

      • Stitcher I: 8× Metal Parts + 4× Rubber Parts → basic version.

      • Stitcher II: Upgrade Stitcher I with 8× Metal Parts + 12× Rubber Parts → reduces horizontal recoil and reload time slightly.

      • Stitcher III & IV: Further upgrades require Simple Gun Parts and Mechanical Components, improving durability, recoil, and reload speed.

    Most players focus on reaching at least Stitcher III because the reduction in recoil and reload time makes it feel significantly smoother to use during missions.


    How Do Mods and Attachments Work?

    The Stitcher allows for muzzle, underbarrel, light-mag, and stock modifications. In practice:

    • Muzzle and Underbarrel mods usually improve recoil control and stability. Most players equip these first because they directly affect how manageable the gun feels in combat.

    • Light-Mag mods slightly increase magazine size and reload efficiency.

    • Stock mods add stability when firing while moving or aiming down sights.

    The key here is that while stats on paper look modest, adding mods according to your playstyle—aggressive vs. cautious—makes a big difference. Most players avoid over-investing in cosmetic mods until they have a functional build.


    Repair and Durability

    Weapons degrade over time, and the Stitcher is no exception. Repairs require basic components:

    • Stitcher I: 3× Metal Parts + 2× Rubber Parts

    • Stitcher II: 6× Metal Parts + 6× Rubber Parts

    • Stitcher III: 12× Metal Parts + 1× Simple Gun Parts

    • Stitcher IV: 2× Mechanical Components + 2× Simple Gun Parts

    In practice, players usually wait until durability drops below 50% before repairing, because minor wear doesn’t noticeably affect performance. High-level upgrades, however, are worth keeping fully repaired due to their improved handling.


    Selling and Salvaging the Stitcher

    If you end up with extra Stitchers, you have options. Most players will either salvage components for crafting or sell them.

    • Sale prices: Stitcher I (800), Stitcher II (2,000), Stitcher III (3,000), Stitcher IV (5,000) in-game currency.

    • Component recovery: Each tier can be broken down into metal parts, rubber parts, or simple gun parts.

    Some players even choose to sell blueprints Arc Raiders for cash, particularly when they have duplicates or extra upgrades they don’t plan to use. This can be a steady source of currency without affecting gameplay progression.


    Tips for Using the Stitcher Effectively

    Based on general player behavior, here are some practical tips:

    1. Aim in short bursts: Because the Stitcher has a low fire rate and moderate recoil, firing in bursts prevents shots from going wild.

    2. Stay mobile: Its agility is high, so strafing and moving while shooting works better than standing still.

    3. Close-range advantage: Stick to indoor areas, corridors, or tight enemy clusters where its moderate damage and manageable recoil shine.

    4. Upgrade strategically: Prioritize recoil reduction and reload speed first. Durability comes second.

    5. Don’t expect stealth: Use other weapons for silent approaches. Most players pair the Stitcher with a quieter sidearm if stealth is needed.


    Crafting vs. Buying: What Players Usually Do

    Most players start with whatever loadout they’re given and gradually move to crafting the Stitcher. The main reason is resource efficiency: crafting allows you to control upgrades and reduces reliance on the marketplace.

    • Start with Stitcher I to familiarize yourself with its handling.

    • Upgrade to Stitcher II or III once you have enough materials, which improves practical usability.

    • By the time you reach Stitcher IV, the gun handles significantly better and feels more like a mid-tier SMG.

    The Stitcher SMG is a solid choice for early to mid-game Arc Raiders players who prefer close-range, fully-automatic weapons. Its low fire rate can be challenging, but with upgrades and proper mod use, it becomes more manageable. Most players approach it methodically—crafting step by step, prioritizing recoil reduction, and pairing it with mobility-based tactics. Repair and salvage are also key considerations, as these directly affect long-term efficiency. Finally, extra blueprints or weapons can be used strategically to generate in-game currency, with some players opting to sell blueprints Arc Raiders for cash as part of their resource management.