What is the Hairpin?
The Hairpin is a single-action pistol that uses Light Ammo, making it efficient for stealthy engagements. Its unique feature is the integrated silencer, which allows players to take out enemies quietly, without alerting nearby foes. However, it comes with trade-offs — its damage and armor penetration are on the lower end, which means it’s not the best choice for head-on combat. Despite this, the Hairpin excels in situations where discretion is key.
Key Stats of the Hairpin
-
Ammo Type: Light Ammo
-
Firing Mode: Slide-Action
-
Magazine Size: 8
-
Damage: 20
-
Fire Rate: 9 rounds per second
-
Headshot Multiplier: 2.5x
-
Range: 38.6 meters
-
Special Trait: Integrated Silencer
-
Stability: 90.9
-
Stealth: 70 (excellent for staying under the radar)
The built-in silencer allows you to take out targets quietly, making it a top pick when you're aiming to stay undetected.
How Has the Hairpin Been Buffed?
Before the buff, the Hairpin was considered a niche weapon that could only be effective in certain situations, mainly when stealth was paramount. After the buff, however, the weapon has become more versatile and effective, particularly in mid-tier combat scenarios.
Here’s a breakdown of the buffs:
-
Increased Fire Rate: The Hairpin now fires faster, making it more effective in quick engagements. It can put more rounds downrange in less time, which helps when dealing with tougher enemies or when you need to silence a target quickly.
-
Reduced Reload Time: The reload time for the Hairpin has been decreased, allowing players to get back into the action faster. This makes the weapon more forgiving in tense situations where you might have to reload during a firefight.
-
Improved Durability: The overall durability of the Hairpin has been boosted, making it last longer before breaking down. This is especially useful in prolonged engagements or when you're in the field for extended periods.
These buffs make the Hairpin a more reliable and functional weapon for both stealth and action-based gameplay.
How Does the Hairpin Perform in Practice?
Stealth Playstyle
The Hairpin is perfect for players who prefer to remain unseen. Its silencer is integrated into the weapon, which means you don’t need to waste mod slots or worry about your shots alerting nearby enemies.
However, the weapon’s low damage output means you’ll need to be accurate, particularly with headshots. You should focus on picking off weaker targets or sneaking up on larger enemies when they’re distracted. In higher difficulty levels or against tougher enemies, you may want to use the Hairpin to complement more powerful weapons.
Versatility After the Buff
Before the buff, the Hairpin was seen mostly as a "stealth-only" option. But with the increased fire rate and reduced reload time, it’s more viable in mid-range combat as well. If you’re using the Hairpin, try to stay mobile and aggressive. It’s no longer just a "quiet option" but a usable tool in various combat situations.
For example, you could use it to engage in quick hit-and-run tactics — stealthily take out an enemy, reload quickly, and then move on to the next target. This new flexibility makes the Hairpin much more useful in the early and mid-game stages.
The Weapon’s Weaknesses
Despite the buffs, the Hairpin still has some major weaknesses to consider. First, its damage output is low, especially against armored targets. It’s not a weapon you'd want to rely on for dealing with tougher enemies.
Secondly, its armor penetration is very weak, so using it against enemies with heavy armor won’t be effective unless you target weak spots. You’ll want to carry a backup weapon with higher armor penetration for tougher encounters.
How to Upgrade the Hairpin
To get the most out of the Hairpin, you’ll want to upgrade it. Here’s how the upgrades work:
Hairpin I to Hairpin II
-
Ingredients: 1x Hairpin I, 8x Metal Parts
-
Upgrades:
-
10% increased fire rate
-
13% reduced reload time
-
+10 durability
-
Hairpin II to Hairpin III
-
Ingredients: 1x Hairpin II, 9x Metal Parts, 1x Simple Gun Parts
-
Upgrades:
-
20% increased fire rate
-
26% reduced reload time
-
+20 durability
-
Hairpin III to Hairpin IV
-
Ingredients: 1x Hairpin III, 1x Mechanical Components, 1x Simple Gun Parts
-
Upgrades:
-
30% increased fire rate
-
40% reduced reload time
-
+30 durability
-
These upgrades are key to maximizing the Hairpin's effectiveness. The fire rate and reload time improvements significantly improve its performance in both stealth and combat situations.
How to Repair the Hairpin
Since the Hairpin is a common weapon, its durability is an important factor in long-term use. The repair costs increase as you upgrade the weapon, so make sure to keep an eye on its durability. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
Hairpin I: 2x Metal Parts, 1x Rubber Parts (+50 durability)
-
Hairpin II: 4x Metal Parts, 3x Rubber Parts (+55 durability)
-
Hairpin III: 6x Metal Parts, 1x Simple Gun Parts (+60 durability)
-
Hairpin IV: 1x Mechanical Components, 2x Simple Gun Parts (+65 durability)
Salvaging and Recycling the Hairpin
If you need to recycle or salvage the Hairpin, here’s what you’ll get:
-
Hairpin I: 2x Metal Parts, 1x Rubber Parts
-
Hairpin II: 4x Metal Parts, 3x Rubber Parts
-
Hairpin III: 6x Metal Parts, 1x Simple Gun Parts
-
Hairpin IV: 1x Mechanical Components, 2x Simple Gun Parts
If you’re looking to upgrade or repair your Hairpin, these resources will help keep the weapon in working condition.
Should You Use the Hairpin?
After the buff, the Hairpin has become a more viable option for players who prefer stealth but still want some flexibility in combat. It's particularly useful when you're aiming for a stealth-focused approach in mid-game, where you need to pick off enemies quietly.
However, keep in mind that while it can perform in some combat scenarios, it is not a top-tier weapon for dealing damage. If you’re up against tougher opponents or need something with higher armor penetration, you’ll need to switch to a different weapon.
Lastly, if you’re looking to expand your collection or upgrade your gear, you can always buy ARC Raiders items safely on U4N. This site offers a reliable way to enhance your gameplay experience by securing the items you need quickly.
The Hairpin’s recent buff has made it a more attractive choice for players who rely on stealth but also need a weapon that can hold its own in more dynamic combat situations. With faster firing, quicker reloads, and improved durability, the Hairpin is no longer just a niche weapon. However, keep in mind its limitations, such as weak damage and armor penetration. Use it wisely, and it can be a great addition to your arsenal.
Team Play Tips: ARC Raiders – Prospecting Probes Explained