Aphelion Breakdown

Overview

The Aphelion is a newly implemented Legendary Battle Rifle in ARC Raiders, known for its unique 'high velocity energy rounds'. Initially perceived as underwhelming by some players, this weapon boasts incredible stopping power, especially against ARC enemies, and can be highly effective in PvP when used correctly. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Aphelion, from its stats and optimal attachments to its strengths and weaknesses in different combat scenarios, and how to craft it.

Aphelion Overview & Acquisition

• The Aphelion is a Legendary Battle Rifle firing high-velocity energy rounds.
• It was initially an ultra-rare drop, but its blueprint drop rates have been significantly increased.
• You acquire the Aphelion blueprint by looting the core of the Matriarch once you defeat her.

Weapon Mechanics & Stats

• The Aphelion fires in a 2-round burst mode.
• It has a magazine size of 10 shots, meaning 5 bursts per magazine.
• When firing, it consumes 2 ammo per 'click' (one burst).
• Reloading the weapon consumes a single Energy Clip and fully recharges the magazine.
• The weapon features 'Strong' ARC Armor Penetration and a special 'Experimental' trait.
• It has high stopping power due to its high-velocity rounds, causing enemies to flinch and even flip.

Optimal Attachments

• The Aphelion has noticeable recoil, primarily vertical. The first shot lands where aimed, while the second shot tends to go slightly up and to the left.
• **Vertical Grip:** To mitigate the vertical recoil, a Vertical Grip is highly recommended. For instance, a Vertical Grip III significantly reduces vertical recoil by 44%.
• **Stable Stock:** A Stable Stock (e.g., Stable Stock II) helps improve dispersion and recoil recovery time, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
• It is worth investing in attachments to improve the weapon's accuracy and control.

PvP Effectiveness & Playstyle

• The Aphelion is incredibly effective in PvP, especially at mid-range.
• **Close Range:** Avoid direct close-range engagements as it can lead to issues due to the burst fire and recoil.
• **Long Range:** It can be effective at long range if you crouch to reduce recoil further.
• **Mid-Range Sweet Spot:** This is where the Aphelion truly shines. Play around cover, peeking to get your two-round burst off, then retreating to let the recoil reset.
• **Time to Kill (Body Shots):**
• **Light Shield:** 3 clicks (6 hits total).
• **Medium Shield:** 3 clicks (6 hits total).
• **Heavy Shield:** 4 clicks (8 hits total). Heavy shields offer significant resistance.
• Playing around the burst delay, similar to using a shotgun like the Anvil, allows for effective peek-shooting tactics.
• Combining the Aphelion with a close-range weapon (e.g., Venator, Vulcano, Stitcher) can compensate for its close-quarters combat weaknesses.

PvE Effectiveness (ARC Weaknesses & Strengths)

• **Highs (Strengths):**
• **Armor Stripping:** The Aphelion is excellent at stripping armor from ARC enemies, particularly flying types and specific components of larger ground units.
• **Stopping Power:** Its high-velocity rounds cause flying enemies (Hornets, Wasps, Snitches) to flinch and flip, interrupting their attacks and leaving them vulnerable.
• **Rocketeers:** It's considered one of the best weapons for dealing with Rocketeers due to its ability to disrupt their rocket fire.
• **Turbines:** Effectively strips armor from Turbines, allowing for follow-up damage with other weapon types. Can also directly target their core.
• **Leapers:** Can break apart Leaper legs and dismantle their core eye, rendering them non-functional.
• **Lows (Weaknesses):**
• **Raw Damage:** While excellent at stripping armor, the Aphelion lacks raw damage to quickly finish off stripped enemies compared to other energy weapons. Often requires switching to a different weapon for the killing blow.
• **Bastions & Bombardiers:** These are the toughest targets. Breaking their joints or batteries takes too much effort with the Aphelion; a different caliber weapon is recommended for these targets once armor is stripped.
• For general ARC killing, the Aphelion is best used in combination with a different gun that can finish enemies once their armor has been stripped and they are stunned.

Crafting the Aphelion

• To craft the Aphelion, you first need to acquire its blueprint from the Matriarch's core.
• You will also need Gunsmith Level 3.
• The required resources are:
• 3x Magnetic Accelerator
• 3x Complex Gun Parts
• 1x Matriarch Reactor
• Acquiring the Matriarch Reactor is currently the most challenging part of crafting this weapon due to its rarity.