ARC Raiders TTK Guide: Time to Kill Explained
Time to kill, or TTK, is a compact way to describe the timing of a successful damage sequence. It is useful because it connects shots to kill with the interval between those shots, but it should not be mistaken for a complete simulation of a live fight.
Table of Contents
What TTK actually measures
Time to kill estimates the interval between the first damaging shot and the final required shot under controlled conditions. It is most useful when you know the number of shots required and the timing between those shots. It is not the same thing as the entire real-world duration of an encounter.
Keep the timing model consistent across both weapons. A TTK comparison only becomes meaningful when the same hit, target and firing assumptions are used.
The first-hit advantage
Some comparisons become clearer when you separate reaction time from weapon timing. If two weapons need the same number of hits, the one with the shorter shot interval can usually complete the sequence faster after the first hit. The calculator helps isolate that mechanical portion of the engagement.
Keep the timing model consistent across both weapons. A TTK comparison only becomes meaningful when the same hit, target and firing assumptions are used.
Fire interval matters
RPM is easier to understand when converted into the time between shots. A higher RPM means less time between successful hits. However, RPM only matters after a hit is available to follow up. If a weapon requires fewer shots because of stronger per-hit damage, it can still compete despite a lower fire rate.
Keep the timing model consistent across both weapons. A TTK comparison only becomes meaningful when the same hit, target and firing assumptions are used.
Shots to kill versus TTK
Shots to kill is a discrete breakpoint; TTK is a timing estimate. A tiny damage increase can have a large effect if it moves a target from one breakpoint to the next. That is why it is useful to read both numbers together instead of choosing one metric as the universal answer.
Keep the timing model consistent across both weapons. A TTK comparison only becomes meaningful when the same hit, target and firing assumptions are used.
Reloads create a second TTK
Basic TTK often assumes the required shots fit inside the current magazine. If they do not, reload time becomes part of the engagement. A reload-aware calculation answers a different question: how long does the weapon need when the target survives long enough to force a reload?
Keep the timing model consistent across both weapons. A TTK comparison only becomes meaningful when the same hit, target and firing assumptions are used.
Why real fights take longer
Movement, missed shots, cover, target behavior, latency and decision-making all add time. A calculator should therefore be treated as a controlled benchmark. Use it to understand weapon mechanics, then combine that knowledge with match experience rather than expecting a spreadsheet to predict every encounter.
Keep the timing model consistent across both weapons. A TTK comparison only becomes meaningful when the same hit, target and firing assumptions are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TTK include reaction time?
Usually no. Basic TTK describes the weapon's damage sequence under controlled assumptions.
Why can a lower-damage weapon have better TTK?
A higher fire rate or a lower required shot count can offset lower per-shot damage.
When should reload time be included?
Include it when the target requires more rounds than the current magazine can hold.
Conclusion
Time to kill, or TTK, is a compact way to describe the timing of a successful damage sequence. It is useful because it connects shots to kill with the interval between those shots, but it should not be mistaken for a complete simulation of a live fight. The best conclusion is therefore conditional: use the option that fits the target, distance and role you are actually preparing for. The calculator is most useful when it makes those assumptions visible and repeatable.