ARC Raiders Tips and Tricks | Beginner’s Guide

Your first few raids in ARC Raiders will be messy. You’ll drop in, panic-fire at robots, and probably forget where extraction even is. That’s fine. The game expects you to fail a few times before it clicks. Here’s a full breakdown of how to get started, what actually works right now in the playtest, and how to build good habits early.

Start By Playing Smart

Early progress is all about learning how the loop works. You drop topside, scavenge loot, survive encounters, and extract before time runs out. Don’t rush into every fight or try to fill your inventory immediately. Take time to get used to stamina management and cover movement.

When you call an extraction elevator, it’s loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. Scout the area first, throw smoke if you have it, and keep your gun up until the hatch closes.

Working With the Base

Inside your Raider Den, you can access several workstations like the Weapon Bench, Equipment Bench, and Recycler. During this playtest, you can craft and recycle items, but bench upgrades are disabled until the full release.

Use this time to learn how each station functions instead of stockpiling materials for upgrades that aren’t live yet. The benches still let you craft basic items, test gear, and recycle extra loot for materials.

How to Get Stronger Weapons

The best way to get stronger weapons right now is through crafting and looting. Visit the Weapon Bench to make new gear using materials found during raids. You can also find random weapons from enemy drops or containers while exploring the surface.

Weapons you extract successfully are added to your stash back at base. Losing one in a failed run deletes it permanently, so balance your risk before bringing your best gun topside.

Understanding Extraction

Extraction is everything in ARC Raiders. If you don’t make it back, you lose everything from that run. Always plan your escape route before pushing deep into a map. If you hear gunfire or see flares, assume another team is nearby and reposition.

Raider Hatch Keys are available through the trader Sani and can be kept in your Safe Pocket. They cost coins but offer the safest exits when things get crowded.

Free Loadouts for Recovery

If you die a few times and run out of gear, you can use Free Loadouts. These randomized kits don’t cost anything and let you jump straight back into a raid. You can’t bring your own items, but whatever you extract with adds to your stash. Use them to rebuild your inventory or warm up before serious runs.

Stamina and Movement

Stamina drains fast, especially while sprinting, dodging, or climbing. Keep an eye on the bar and avoid wasting it when traveling between objectives. Running out mid-fight usually means death. Adrenaline Shots can temporarily restore stamina, so craft or loot them whenever possible.

Meet Scrappy

Scrappy is your mechanical rooster companion who collects materials for you at base. After every raid, check what he’s gathered and collect the haul. Upgrades for Scrappy aren’t available yet in this playtest, but his passive gathering still helps refill crafting supplies.

Combat Tips That Save Your Life

Avoid fighting ARC enemies out in the open, they attract other players fast
Use melee to finish weakened bots or to quietly destroy cameras
Always carry extra ammo, health items, and a distraction gadget
If a fight’s too noisy, rotate out instead of doubling down
Use cover breaks and sound to reposition mid-combat

Gadgets and Utilities

Even low-tier gadgets can turn the tide of a raid. Bring at least one every time you deploy.

Smoke Grenades for cover while looting or escaping
Arc Lures to draw enemy attention away
Barricades for temporary defense
Snap Hook to reach rooftops or close gaps fast

Experiment with gadgets between Free Loadout runs to see which fits your playstyle best.

Looting and Inventory Basics

Keep your bag half empty when you start a raid. This gives you room for unexpected high-value items later. Always prioritize stackable crafting materials like Metal Parts and Fabric early on since they’re useful for almost everything.

If your inventory’s full, ditch lower-value items like common trinkets. Extraction success matters more than bringing home junk.

Final Blurb

ARC Raiders rewards players who stay calm and plan ahead. Learn the movement loop, manage stamina, and practice safe extractions before worrying about upgrades or high-tier crafting. The playtest already gives you the core systems to master, and everything you learn now will make launch day a lot smoother.