Underestimated Pistol Achieves Unlikely Victory Against Arc Raiders' Toughest Foe

11/19/2025

This article details an extraordinary achievement in the gaming world of Arc Raiders, where a player managed to defeat the game's most challenging enemy, the Matriarch, using what is widely considered its weakest weapon: the Hairpin pistol. This remarkable feat highlights the power of strategy and persistence over raw firepower, inspiring players to reconsider their approach to in-game challenges.

The Hairpin, a suppressed single-action pistol, is typically shunned by players for its low damage output and slow firing rate, making it an unlikely choice for tackling high-tier adversaries. However, a dedicated content creator, known as The Gaming Merchant, embraced this challenge. Armed with three Level 4 Hairpins, 1,200 rounds of ammunition, limited medical supplies, and a few lure grenades, they set out to confront the Matriarch.

The Matriarch is a colossal machine, boasting formidable cannons, gas mortars, a defensive shield, and the ability to summon hordes of other dangerous robots like Rocketeers, Bastions, and Leapers. Conventional wisdom dictates that confronting such a foe requires top-tier gear and cooperative teamwork. Yet, The Gaming Merchant chose an unconventional path, focusing on the Matriarch's vulnerable knee joints.

Employing meticulous targeting and patience, the player systematically chipped away at the giant machine. After approximately 14 minutes and expending 650 bullets, the Matriarch was successfully brought down. Interestingly, the player still had two of their three Hairpins intact, demonstrating the surprising efficiency of their strategy. While other players eventually joined the fray and lure grenades contributed significantly to the damage, The Gaming Merchant personally accounted for nearly 9,000 damage, an impressive figure given the limitations of their chosen weapon.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that victory in gaming, and perhaps beyond, does not always hinge on possessing the most powerful tools. Instead, it underscores the critical role of unwavering determination, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace unconventional methods. The Hairpin pistol, once dismissed, has now earned a newfound respect for its surprising effectiveness when wielded with skill and patience.