Bantam Ammo-Saving Guide for Arc Raiders

This guide shows you how to use the Bantam in Arc Raiders without burning through your ammo reserves. You’ll learn the weapon’s ideal engagement range, firing discipline, and loadout choices that stretch every magazine. By the end, you’ll be landing more shots and spending less time scavenging for supplies.

What You’ll Need

• A Bantam rifle (any variant works, but the base model is used for reference)
• At least one spare magazine or ammo pack
• A clear understanding of your target’s armor type (light, medium, heavy)
• Optional: a scope with 2x–4x magnification for mid-range engagements

Step-by-Step

1. Check your ammo type. Open your inventory and confirm you’re using the correct ammunition for the Bantam. Standard rounds work for most targets, but armor-piercing rounds are better against heavy armor. Using the wrong type means more shots to kill, wasting ammo.
2. Set your fire mode. The Bantam has a semi-automatic and a full-auto mode. For ammo conservation, switch to semi-auto (tap the fire mode button) unless you’re in an emergency close-range fight. Semi-auto forces you to aim each shot, reducing wasted bullets.
3. Engage at medium range. The Bantam is most accurate at 30–60 meters. At this distance, you can hit headshots reliably without needing to spray. If a target is closer than 15 meters, consider switching to your sidearm or melee to save rifle ammo.
4. Aim for the head or weak points. The Bantam has moderate damage per shot. A headshot deals roughly double damage, so a well-placed shot can drop a light-armored enemy in one hit. For heavy armor, aim for exposed joints or the visor to maximize damage.
5. Fire in short bursts. If you must use full-auto, fire 3–5 round bursts. This keeps the recoil manageable and prevents over-spraying. Release the trigger between bursts to let the crosshair settle.
6. Use cover to reload safely. Reloading in the open often leads to panic firing when you’re caught off guard. Always reload behind cover or after confirming the area is clear. This prevents you from wasting the partial magazine you have left.
7. Track your ammo count. Keep an eye on the ammo counter in the bottom right corner. When you hit 10 rounds left, start looking for a safe spot to reload. Don’t wait until the magazine is empty, as you’ll be vulnerable.
8. Pick up ammo from fallen enemies. After a fight, search the bodies. Many enemies drop ammo boxes or spare magazines. This is the most efficient way to restock without crafting.
9. Upgrade your magazine capacity. If you have access to a workbench, install an extended magazine mod. A larger magazine means fewer reloads and less downtime, which indirectly saves ammo because you’re not wasting partial mags.
10. Know when to disengage. If you’re facing a heavily armored enemy or a swarm, it’s often better to retreat and reposition than to burn through all your ammo. A tactical withdrawal saves resources and lets you re-engage on your terms.

Common Mistakes

• Using full-auto as default. Full-auto is tempting, but it leads to over-spraying and missed shots. Switch to semi-auto for most encounters.
• Shooting at distant targets. The Bantam has significant bullet drop beyond 80 meters. Firing at enemies that far away is a waste of ammo. Close the distance or use a different weapon.
• Reloading too early. Reloading when you still have 20+ rounds in the magazine discards those bullets. Only reload when you’re below 10 rounds or in a safe lull.
• Ignoring armor types. Using standard rounds against heavy armor means you’ll need many more shots. Switch to armor-piercing rounds for those targets.
• Panic firing when surprised. When startled, players often hold down the trigger. This wastes ammo and reduces accuracy. Take a breath and aim for the chest or head.

Tips

• Practice recoil control. Spend time in the firing range (if available) to learn the Bantam’s recoil pattern. This helps you keep shots on target in real fights.
• Use the environment. Shoot from elevated positions or behind partial cover. This gives you a stable platform and reduces the chance of being hit, so you don’t have to fire as many shots to win.
• Pair with a high-damage sidearm. For close-range emergencies, carry a pistol or SMG with high damage per shot. This saves your Bantam ammo for medium-range fights.
• Share ammo with teammates. If you’re in a squad, coordinate who uses which ammo type. You can share spare ammo with each other, reducing overall waste.
• Use the Bantam’s penetration. The Bantam can shoot through thin walls and barriers. If you know an enemy is behind cover, you can land shots without needing to flank, saving time and ammo.

Troubleshooting

• You’re running out of ammo quickly. Check your fire mode—you might be stuck in full-auto. Also, confirm you’re not engaging at too long a range. If you’re still burning through ammo, consider switching to a different weapon for a while.
• Your shots aren’t hitting. This could be due to bullet drop or leading your target. Aim slightly above the target’s head at long range, and lead moving targets by a few meters. Practice in the firing range to get a feel for it.
• Enemies take too many shots to die. You might be using the wrong ammo type. Switch to armor-piercing rounds for heavy armor, or aim for weak points. If the enemy is a boss, consider using a different weapon with higher damage.
• You can’t find ammo to pick up. Some enemies drop ammo, but not all. Check every body, and also search supply crates and lockers. If you’re still low, craft ammo at a workbench using resources you’ve collected.
• Your magazine mod isn’t working. Make sure you’ve actually installed the mod and that it’s compatible with your Bantam variant. Some mods require a specific weapon level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bantam’s best fire mode for ammo conservation?

Semi-automatic is the best for conserving ammo, as it forces you to aim each shot. Full-auto should only be used in emergencies at close range.

How many shots does it take to kill a light-armored enemy?

Typically 2–3 body shots or 1 headshot, depending on the enemy’s health. Always aim for the head to minimize ammo usage.

Can I use the Bantam for long-range sniping?

It’s not ideal. The Bantam has moderate bullet drop beyond 80 meters, making long-range shots unreliable. Use a designated marksman rifle or sniper for that role.

Should I always reload when I’m not in combat?

Yes, but only if you’re safe. Reloading when you have a partial magazine discards the remaining rounds, so it’s better to wait until you’re low or in a secure position.

What’s the best way to get more ammo for the Bantam?

Looting enemies and supply crates is the most reliable method. You can also craft ammo at a workbench using common resources like scrap metal and gunpowder.

Does the Bantam have any special ammo types?

Yes, you can use armor-piercing rounds for heavy armor and hollow-point rounds for unarmored targets. These are more effective but also rarer, so use them wisely.

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