Arc Raiders Weapon Mods Explained: Padded Stock Guide

[Pulsaris]

If you’ve been playing Arc Raiders, you’ve likely seen the Padded Stock modification appear in your loot or crafting menu. For many players, it can be confusing to decide whether it’s worth using, how it affects gameplay, and which weapons benefit most from it. In this guide, we’ll break down how the Padded Stock works in practice, based on what most players experience in the field.

What Does Padded Stock Actually Do?

In general, the Padded Stock is an Epic weapon modification designed to improve a weapon’s stability. In gameplay terms, this means:

15% Reduced Vertical Recoil – The gun kicks up less when firing continuously. This makes follow-up shots more manageable.

15% Reduced Horizontal Recoil – Side-to-side sway is slightly reduced, which is especially noticeable in automatic fire.

20% Reduced Per-Shot Dispersion – Each bullet stays closer to the center of aim, improving accuracy at mid-range.

On the flip side, there are trade-offs:

20% Increased Equip and Unequip Time – Switching to or from a weapon with a Padded Stock is slower. Most players notice this in fast encounters.

30% Reduced ADS (Aim Down Sights) Speed – Aiming down sights feels slower, which can be noticeable in close-quarters fights.

In practice, this mod is usually best for players who prioritize steady, controlled shooting over quick reaction shots. If you mostly engage at range or rely on sustained fire, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. For close-range rushes, some players may prefer faster handling mods instead.

Which Weapons Can Use Padded Stock?

Padded Stock isn’t universal. In general, it can be equipped on a range of rifles, SMGs, and heavy weapons. Some of the most commonly used compatible weapons include:

Ferro

Kettle

Rattler

Stitcher

Arpeggio

Il Toro

Osprey

Renegade

Torrente

Bettina

Bobcat

Tempest

Vulcano

Aphelion

Most players stick it on weapons that have noticeable recoil issues or are often used in sustained firefights. For example, automatic rifles benefit more than sniper rifles, since the reduced dispersion and recoil have a bigger practical effect when firing continuously.

How Do You Get Padded Stock?

In general, there are a few ways players acquire the Padded Stock:

Crafting – You need the Padded Stock blueprint. Most players will also need:

2× Mod Components

5× Duct Tape
These must be assembled at Gunsmith 3. Once crafted, you get one Padded Stock.

Buying from Vendors – Tian Wen sometimes sells this item. Availability can vary, so it’s something to check regularly.

Scavenging – Players occasionally find it as loot, though this is less reliable.

Some players who want to save time or materials will look for ways to buy arc raiders items cheap, which can include the Padded Stock. In practice, this is usually faster than crafting if you already have weapons ready to mod.

Is Padded Stock Worth Using?

Most players agree that Padded Stock is situationally useful:

Pros: Makes your shots more accurate and stable, especially in medium-range combat. Reduces the frustration of recoil when spraying.

Cons: Slows down your aim and weapon swaps, which can be critical in fast encounters or when switching weapons frequently.

In general, if you focus on weapons that you hold and fire for longer periods (like assault rifles or SMGs), the Padded Stock gives a noticeable benefit. For high-mobility playstyles or weapons that are often swapped in and out, the slowdown can feel more like a hindrance.

How Do Most Players Use Padded Stock?

From observing player behavior, a few trends stand out:

Mid-Range Engagements – Players attach Padded Stock to rifles and SMGs for encounters that aren’t extreme close-range. It’s especially common in cooperative modes where steady fire helps cover teammates.

Pairing With Optics – Since ADS speed is slower, many players combine Padded Stock with red-dot or holographic sights, where you’re aiming for accuracy rather than snap shots.

Layering Stability Mods – Some players combine Padded Stock with other recoil-reducing mods to maximize control. However, this increases equip time, so there’s a balance to strike.

Not for Quick Scenarios – Players rarely use it on shotguns or fast-switch weapons. The slower ADS and equip times make it impractical in situations where reaction speed is key.

Crafting and Salvaging Tips

When crafting, keep these points in mind:

Ingredients Matter – You need 2 Mod Components and 5 Duct Tape per Padded Stock. Most players prioritize stockpiling these materials before committing to crafting multiple mods.

Recycling – If you want to dismantle a Padded Stock, you get back 1 Mod Component, 1 Duct Tape, and 2 Mechanical Components. This is useful for freeing up inventory or trying different mods.

In practice, many players cycle between crafting and scavenging. Having at least one spare Padded Stock per frequently used weapon is common.

The Padded Stock in Arc Raiders is a practical stability mod with clear trade-offs. It’s not a universal solution, and its usefulness depends heavily on your weapon choice and playstyle. Most players use it to reduce recoil on automatic weapons and improve mid-range accuracy, while avoiding it on fast-switch or close-quarters setups.

Understanding its effects in practice — slower ADS and equip times versus more stable firing — helps you make informed decisions rather than blindly upgrading every weapon. Planning your crafting, scavenging, or purchasing strategy around these considerations is key to effective loadouts.