Bantam is a compact revolver introduced in ARC Raiders with the Frozen Trail update. It uses heavy ammunition and offers an option for players who want a powerful sidearm without spending too much on equipment. You do not need to rely on one fixed spawn to obtain it. You can buy the weapon, earn it through the Reward Pass, or search for it during raids.
Buy Bantam From Tian Wen
The most direct way to get Bantam I is to visit Tian Wen, the trader who sells weapons and related equipment. At the time of writing, Bantam I is listed for 11,400 coins. If you have enough currency, buying it is the quickest route because you avoid the uncertainty of random loot. This method is especially helpful if you have built up currency and do not want to risk a search.
Unlock Bantam Through the Frozen Trail Reward Pass
You can also earn the base Bantam I by progressing through the Frozen Trail Reward Pass. It is listed at tier 4, making it an early reward rather than something that requires a long grind. Check the reward track in the game to confirm the current unlock and claim it once you reach the required tier.
Find Bantam While Looting
Bantam and its blueprint can also appear as random loot. Search containers across the maps instead of expecting the revolver to spawn at one guaranteed location. Useful places to check include weapon cases, raider caches, lockers, and other containers that can hold weapons or blueprints.
For a more focused search, consider these locations:
- Dam Battlegrounds: Hydroponic Dome Complex and Control Tower.
- Buried City: Hospital, Space Travel, and Town Hall.
- Spaceport: Arrival Building and Departure Building.
- Blue Gate: Gate Approach and Pilgrim’s Peak.
- Stella Montis: Medical Research and Cultural Archives.
- Riven Tides: Hotel Panorama Azzurro, Port Authority Building, and Azzurro Beach.
- Pendola Pass: Almatera Station, Cielo Sereno Observatory, and Commissary Supermarket.
When looting, move through high-value areas carefully and open as many suitable containers as you safely can. Weapon cases and Raider Caches are worth checking, but remember that loot is random. Do not assume every raid will produce the same items. If you are playing with a squad, tell teammates what you are searching for so you can cover more ground and watch for other Raiders.
How to Use a Bantam Blueprint
Finding the blueprint is different from finding the finished weapon. The weapon can be used once you have it, while a blueprint unlocks the recipe needed to craft it. If you find a blueprint during a raid, make extraction your priority. Loot carried out successfully is what matters, and losing a raid before extraction can mean losing the item.
A successful extraction is essential when you find a blueprint. Plan your route out before entering a dangerous area, keep an eye on your health and ammunition, and leave if the risk becomes too high. The goal is not simply to find the item, but to bring it back to Speranza.
Is Bantam Worth Getting?
Bantam is an uncommon hand cannon that uses heavy ammo. It has an eight-round magazine, double-action firing, and strong armor penetration against ARC machines. Its special hip-fire capability can help in close encounters when there is little time to aim carefully.
However, the weapon has limitations. Its effective range is short, accuracy can be inconsistent, and recoil or handling may make it difficult to control during longer fights. It also does not support weapon attachments, according to current guides, so you should not expect to customize it like some other guns.
