What Is Launcher Ammo in Arc Raiders?

[SillySquirrel]

Launcher Ammo is a rare ammunition type mainly used by the Hullcracker launcher. In general, players treat it as a specialized resource rather than something you spray freely. Its main strength is how effective it is against ARC armor, which is why most players save it for tougher enemies instead of regular scavenging.

Launcher Ammo has a weight of 0.1 per unit and stacks up to 24 rounds. That sounds light, but in practice it still competes with healing items, crafting parts, and other ammo types in your backpack. Because of that, players usually don’t carry a full stack unless they are planning a specific fight.

Why Is Launcher Ammo Considered Rare?

Launcher Ammo is classified as Rare, and most players feel that rarity during normal runs. You don’t stumble into large amounts of it by accident. Instead, you usually get it by crafting or buying from traders, and both options cost resources that could be used elsewhere.

Compared to rifle or SMG ammo, Launcher Ammo is less forgiving. Missed shots feel expensive, and wasted ammo often means a lost opportunity later in the run. This is why many experienced players treat each shot as a decision, not a reflex.

Which Weapons Use Launcher Ammo?

At the moment, the primary weapon using Launcher Ammo is the Hullcracker.

In practice, the Hullcracker is a situational weapon. Most players don’t bring it for casual exploration. They bring it when they expect armored ARC enemies or need burst damage in a short window.

Here are the key stats players usually care about:

Damage: 100

Firing Mode: Pump-action

Range: About 38.9

Because it’s pump-action, the Hullcracker rewards timing and positioning. Launcher Ammo fits that design: high impact, slow usage, limited supply.

How Effective Is Launcher Ammo Against ARC Enemies?

Launcher Ammo is described as extremely effective against ARC armor, and that lines up with how it performs in real fights. Most players notice that armored enemies drop significantly faster compared to using standard firearms.

That said, effectiveness depends on hit placement and timing. Launcher Ammo doesn’t magically fix bad positioning. If you shoot too early or miss weak points, you still waste a valuable round.

In general, players use Launcher Ammo to:

Break armor quickly

Finish dangerous enemies before they overwhelm the squad

Save time during high-risk encounters

How Do You Get Launcher Ammo?
Buying From Tian Wen

Launcher Ammo is sold by Tian Wen, and buying it is usually the fastest method if you have the coins. As of the current balance:

6 Launcher Ammo costs 4,500 Coins

Sell price is 250 Coins per ammo

Earlier versions were more expensive per unit, and many veteran players still remember when buying launcher ammo felt painful. The current pricing is more reasonable, but it’s still not cheap.

Some players who are short on time choose to buy arc raiders coins to avoid grinding runs just for ammo, but most players earn enough naturally through normal gameplay.

Crafting Launcher Ammo

Crafting is the more common long-term solution.

Current crafting recipe:

1× ARC Motion Core

2× Crude Explosives

Produces 6× Launcher Ammo

Crafted at Workbench 1

No blueprint required

In practice, crafting is usually cheaper than buying, but only if you already have the materials. ARC Motion Cores are often the limiting factor, and most players don’t waste them unless they plan to use the Hullcracker soon.

Is Crafting or Buying Better?

This depends on how you play.

Most solo players prefer crafting, because they can plan around materials and avoid spending coins.

Squad players often buy ammo before a run, especially if the group plans a difficult objective. Coins are easier to pool mentally, while materials feel more personal.

In general:

Craft if you already have the parts

Buy if you need ammo immediately

Avoid selling crafted ammo unless you’re desperate for coins

How Has Launcher Ammo Changed Over Time?

Launcher Ammo has gone through several balance changes that experienced players definitely noticed.

Patch 1.3.0 Changes

Buying changed from 10 ammo for 6,000 Coins to 6 ammo for 4,500 Coins

Sell price increased from 200 Coins to 250 Coins

Crafting recipe changed to require ARC Motion Core + Crude Explosives

Crafting became available without a blueprint

Patch 1.2.0 Changes

Value increased from 100 Coins to 200 Coins

Crafting requirements were adjusted multiple times

In general, these changes pushed Launcher Ammo toward being a deliberate, planned resource instead of something you casually stockpile.

How Do Most Players Use Launcher Ammo in Runs?

Most players don’t load into a raid planning to fire every round. Instead, they usually:

Carry 6–12 ammo, not a full stack

Save it for armored ARCs or emergencies

Switch to other weapons once armor is broken

Launcher Ammo is often treated as a tool, not a main damage source. If you rely on it for every fight, you’ll run out fast and feel under-equipped later.

Is Launcher Ammo Worth Carrying?

For most players, the answer is yes, but selectively.

It’s worth carrying if:

You expect armored enemies

You are running the Hullcracker intentionally

You know when to disengage instead of forcing fights

It’s usually not worth carrying if:

You are just looting casually

You don’t plan to fight ARCs

You struggle with ammo discipline

Launcher Ammo rewards restraint more than aggression.

Common Mistakes Players Make With Launcher Ammo

Some mistakes show up again and again:

Overusing it on weak enemies

Missing shots due to panic

Crafting ammo without a plan to use it

Selling ammo too early for quick coins

In general, players improve with launcher ammo once they slow down and think of it as limited artillery rather than regular ammo.

Final Thoughts on Launcher Ammo

Launcher Ammo is one of those resources that feels bad when wasted and great when used correctly. It’s powerful, rare, and expensive enough that it forces smarter decisions.

Most experienced players don’t judge launcher ammo by damage numbers alone. They judge it by how many problems it solves per shot. If you treat it that way, it usually earns its place in your inventory.