The Anvil has a different role after receiving its Amplified upgrade in ARC Raiders. Instead of relying only on its hard-hitting single-action shots, players can now choose between two specialized paths: X-Rounds for increased damage against ARC armor or Anvil Splitter for a multi-projectile firing pattern. These upgrades serve different purposes, and choosing the wrong one can leave the weapon poorly suited to the encounters you face most often.

X-Rounds: A Stronger Focus on ARC Armor

X-Rounds is the more straightforward choice for Raiders who want to specialize in fighting ARC machines. The upgrade increases the Anvil’s base damage by 5 and its damage against ARC armor by 33%. In exchange, it reduces bullet velocity by 50%, increases vertical and horizontal recoil by 30%, and lowers the headshot damage multiplier by 10%.

Those trade-offs make positioning especially important. The slower projectile is less forgiving against moving targets, so firing from a stable position and allowing for target movement becomes more valuable. Rather than taking hurried shots from maximum distance, look for opportunities to engage from a range where you can place your shots consistently.

X-Rounds is particularly appealing when your objective involves damaging armored ARC enemies. It gives the Anvil a clearer PvE specialization, although it does not remove the need to identify vulnerable opportunities and manage your ammunition carefully.

Anvil Splitter: A Different Firing Pattern

Anvil Splitter changes the weapon more dramatically. Each shot produces four weaker projectiles instead of a conventional single projectile. The upgrade improves base dispersion and dispersion recovery, but each projectile deals 70% less damage, while aimed-down-sights dispersion increases by 40% and the headshot damage multiplier decreases by 40%.

This is not simply a direct damage upgrade. The altered projectile pattern changes how you should approach each shot, and the reduced damage per projectile makes it important to understand how the projectiles connect with a target.

Players considering Anvil Splitter should test the pattern against different target sizes and distances. Avoid assuming that the additional projectiles automatically translate into better damage against every enemy. Consistent hits and suitable engagement distances matter more than the visual impression of a wider shot.

Choosing the Right Amplified Anvil Path

The two upgrades are mutually exclusive, so your decision should reflect your main combat objective.

• ARC armor damage: Choose X-Rounds if your priority is fighting armored ARC enemies and you can manage the reduced projectile velocity.
• Alternative projectile behavior: Consider Anvil Splitter if you prefer experimenting with the Anvil’s multi-projectile pattern and can adapt your aim accordingly.
• Resource-conscious progression: Compare the costs and benefits before committing materials to a specialized upgrade.
• Mixed PvE and PvP raids: Consider which encounters occur most frequently in your usual routes instead of expecting one configuration to excel in every situation.

A reliable set of ARC Raiders Items, including ammunition and recovery supplies, also helps support a specialized Anvil loadout. The weapon’s slower single-action firing rhythm makes missed shots costly, so preparation and careful positioning are important parts of its overall effectiveness.

Upgrade Planning and Long-Term Weapon Value

Amplification is a meaningful investment rather than a cosmetic change. Before committing to the Anvil, make sure your Gunsmith and Research Station progression supports the upgrade, and review the available paths before spending the required materials.

Players who want to spend less time working through demanding progression goals may also consider ARC Raiders Boosting as an optional assistance service. It can be relevant to players seeking help with progression objectives, but the service details and compatibility with the game’s rules should always be checked beforehand.

The Anvil’s strongest advantage is its ability to specialize. X-Rounds emphasizes ARC armor damage, while Anvil Splitter changes the weapon’s projectile behavior and introduces a different set of trade-offs. Choose the path that matches your regular encounters, practice with it before risking valuable equipment, and build the rest of your loadout around the role you expect the Anvil to perform.