The Padded Stock is an Epic weapon modification in Arc Raiders. It is designed to improve weapon stability by reducing recoil and shot dispersion, making sustained fire easier to control. This guide explains what the Padded Stock does, how to get the blueprint, how crafting works, and when it is worth using.
What Is the Padded Stock?
The Padded Stock is a stock modification that focuses on recoil control rather than speed. Once equipped, it noticeably smooths out weapon handling, especially on automatic or hard-kicking guns.
Key effects:
- Reduces vertical recoil
- Reduces horizontal recoil
- Reduces per-shot dispersion
- Slower ADS speed
- Slower equip and unequip times
In simple terms, the Padded Stock trades handling speed for accuracy and control.
Padded Stock Stats Overview
| Attribute | Effect |
|---|---|
| Vertical Recoil | −15% |
| Horizontal Recoil | −15% |
| Per-Shot Dispersion | −20% |
| ADS Speed | −30% |
| Equip Time | +20% |
| Unequip Time | +20% |
| Rarity | Epic |
| Weight | 0.5 |
This makes it most effective on weapons where recoil is a bigger problem than aiming speed.
Compatible Weapons
The Padded Stock can be used on a wide range of rifles and heavy firearms, including:
Because of this wide compatibility, the blueprint is useful for many different loadouts.
How to Get the Padded Stock Blueprint
The Padded Stock is blueprint-locked, meaning you must unlock the blueprint before you can craft it yourself.
There are three known ways to obtain it:
- Scavenging. The blueprint or the mod itself can appear as loot during raids. This is inconsistent but possible.
- Vendor Purchase. The Padded Stock can be sold by the NPC vendor Tian Wen, depending on rotation and availability.
- Crafting (After Blueprint Unlock). Once the blueprint is learned, you can craft Padded Stocks at the workshop.
Crafting the Padded Stock
After unlocking the blueprint, crafting becomes the most reliable way to obtain this mod.
Crafting Requirements
| Ingredients | Requirements | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2× Mod Components | Gunsmith Level 3 | 1× Padded Stock |
| 5× Duct Tape | Padded Stock Blueprint learned |
Crafting is straightforward and relatively cheap for an Epic mod, especially if you already stockpile Mod Components.
For players who want a more direct option, some choose to Buy Arc Raiders Padded Stock blueprints from U4N instead of relying on random drops or vendor rotations. This can be useful if you already understand how the mod fits into your build and simply want consistent access for crafting, without spending extra raids searching for the blueprint.
Where to find the Padded Stock Blueprint
1. Looting During Raids
The Padded Stock blueprint does not have a fixed or guaranteed spawn location. Like most blueprints in Arc Raiders, it is obtained through random loot found during raids.
You can find it by:
- Searching weapon cases, backpacks, and other loot containers
- Exploring both main routes and side areas on maps
- Prioritizing higher-tier containers, which generally have better blueprint drop chances
Blueprint drops are random, so consistency matters more than visiting one specific spot.
2. Repeated Runs and Map Coverage
Because blueprint spawns are not fixed:
- Running multiple raids increases your chances
- Varying your routes helps you open more containers per run
- Clearing different map areas avoids relying on a single loot path
There is no confirmed “best” location, so volume and survival are the key factors.
Extracting With the Blueprint
Finding the blueprint is only half the process.
Once you pick it up:
- Keep it in your inventory
- Successfully extract from the raid
- Return to your base
If you die before extraction, the blueprint is lost.
After returning safely:
- Open your inventory or crafting menu
- Select the blueprint
- Choose Learn and Consume to permanently unlock it
Once learned, the blueprint is unlocked forever and does not need to be found again.
Recycling and Salvaging
If you no longer need the Padded Stock, you can break it down for materials.
| Method | Materials Gained |
|---|---|
| Recycling | 1× Mod Components, 1× Duct Tape |
| Salvaging | 2× Mechanical Components |
This makes it a decent fallback option if you need parts rather than credits.
When Is the Padded Stock Worth Using?
The Padded Stock is best suited for:
- Automatic weapons with strong recoil
- Medium to long-range firefights
- Players who prefer steady aim over fast ADS
It is less ideal for close-quarters builds where quick aiming and weapon swapping matter more than recoil control.
How to Use the Padded Stock Effectively
The Padded Stock is best suited for weapons where recoil control matters more than quick handling.
Recommended use cases
- Automatic rifles and SMGs
- Weapons used for mid-range sustained fire
- Loadouts focused on control rather than mobility
Less effective for
- Close-range, fast-swap builds
- Weapons that rely on quick ADS and snap aiming
Before equipping it, consider whether recoil or speed is more important for your playstyle.
The Padded Stock blueprint is a solid long-term unlock in Arc Raiders. While it slows down weapon handling, the recoil and dispersion reductions are meaningful and easy to feel in real combat. For players who value consistency and control, especially on heavier weapons, this mod is often worth the trade-off.
