Assault Rifle

The **Assault Rifle**, also known as the **ARK-103**, is a Tier II primary weapon in World War Z.

For classes in Co-op Campaign, the Gunslinger and Exterminator classes can start with one, but only if a specific perk is activated. For classes in Multiplayer, it is the default starting primary weapon of the Support. The Trapper and Specialist classes can also start with one, but only if a specific perk is activated.

## Overview

The Assault Rifle is a fully automatic weapon. Offering both range and damage, the Assault Rifle is a well-balanced weapon against both swarms and individual targets. Its high recoil and spread from automatic fire can be controlled by firing it in short bursts to ensure more rounds hit their mark. However, this can go fully ignored when facing an incoming wave of zekes as almost every bullet is guaranteed to hit something against a large, advancing target.

A suppressor upgrade to make the gun silent can be unlocked at level 5. The cosmetic suppressor add-on is available for all branches of the skin collection.

### Unique Versions

#### Lobo Weapon (DLC)

An Assault Rifle with a unique design and high stats was included as part of World War Z's pre-order bonus and the subsequent "Lobo Weapon Pack" DLC. Since the Horde Mode XL update (released on January 24, 2023), this modification is purely cosmetic and does have any custom stats affecting the weapon's performance. This version of the Assault Rifle can be equipped regardless of the weapon's current level.

#### Special Operations Forces (DLC)

Another Assault Rifle with a unique design and high stats was included as part of the "Special Operations Forces Pack" DLC. After the Horde Mode XL update, this version of the Assault Rifle has also become a skin with no custom stats. It can be equipped regardless of the weapon's current level.

## Perks

### Unique perks

 Advanced User
 Extra Patch
 Death Mark

## Design

The Assault Rifle variants on the main branch of skins are based on the AK-103. The weapon's actual name, the ARK-103, references that specific model.

The Assault Rifle variants on the alternate branch of skins are based on the AK-104. The weapon features a shorter barrel and replaces the fixed folding stock with a skeleton folding stock. Oddly, the gas block remains the same as the one seen on the versions on the main branch.

As with all customizable weapons, subsequent versions include a multitude of accessories to visually represent a different style. Attachments on the Assault Rifle include scopes accommodated by a receiver cover, extended magazines, laser aiming devices, flashlights, suppressors, and foregrips. As later versions of the Assault Rifle are unlocked, rail systems are installed to accommodate the inclusion of the attachments. The grip and selector switch are replaced while an oversized knurled charging handle is placed over the existing one. Specific to the main branch of skins, the fixed folding stock is also eventually replaced with a telescoping folding stock with an adjustable cheek riser.

The Lobo Weapon version of the Assault Rifle is based on the default version. Strangely, it lacks the 50-round extended magazine seen on most versions of the Assault Rifle and yet is somehow able to carry just as many rounds without it.

The Special Operations Forces version of the Assault Rifle is based on the fifth version on the alternate branch of skins. However, the skeleton folding stock is replaced with a Zenitco PT-1 telescoping folding stock with the adjustable cheek riser seen on some of the versions on the main branch of upgrades, the laser aiming device has been moved further forward on the rail, and an EOTech holographic sight with a flip-to-side magnifier has replaced the usual scope on the receiver cover. The Special Operations Forces version also has a desert tan paint job that covers the entire rifle.

## Gallery

### Assault Rifle (Unique Versions)

Lobo Weapon VersionSpecial Operations Forces Version
## Legacy

Before the Horde Mode XL update (released on January 24, 2023) that redesigned the game's weapon system, the Assault Rifle's progression model looked as follows.

 **Heavy Weapons**
 **Equipment**
 **Defense Systems**
Autoturret • Barbed Wire • Fence • High Voltage Grid • Mortar • Sound Trap • Stationary Machinegun