ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, is a high-stakes multiplayer extraction adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by mysterious mechanized threats known as ARC. As a raider, your goal is to scavenge valuable loot on the dangerous surface (Topside), outsmart both ARC machines and rival players, and escape alive with your hard-earned rewards. Whether you're a beginner still learning the ropes or a seasoned raider looking to refine your skills, these tips and ARC Raiders BluePrints tricks will boost your survival rate and turn every raid into a success.
- Master the Core Gameplay Loop: Scavenge, Survive, Extract
The foundation of ARC Raiders lies in its simple yet tense loop: scavenge resources, avoid or defeat threats, and extract safely. Unlike traditional shooters, winning isn't about eliminating every enemy-it's about making smart choices that prioritize survival over unnecessary combat.
When starting out, focus on small, low-risk looting spots first. Avoid rushing into high-traffic areas filled with ARC machines or rival squads. Remember: if you die on Topside, you lose all the loot you've collected. Extracting with even a small haul is better than dying with a backpack full of treasures.
Sound management is key here. Running, jumping, or smashing containers loudly will alert nearby ARC units and enemy players. Crouch-walk near patrols, use cover to stay hidden, and listen closely for audio cues-such as the hum of ARC drones or the footsteps of rival raiders-to stay one step ahead.
- Customize Your Skill Tree for Your Playstyle
ARC Raiders abandons rigid classes in favor of a flexible skill tree with three core branches: Conditioning (green), Mobility (yellow), and Survival (red). Each branch offers unique perks that let you tailor your raider to your preferred playstyle, whether you're an aggressive frontline fighter or a stealthy scavenger.
For beginners, start with a foundational skill path: invest your first 3 points in the Survival tree to unlock in-round crafting-this lets you make bandages, ammo, and grenades on the fly, a lifesaver when you're low on supplies. Next, put 11 points into the Mobility tree to unlock "Marathon Runner" (reduces stamina consumption while moving) and "Youthful Lungs" (increases max stamina), as stamina is your most valuable resource in the field.
If you prefer stealth, prioritize Survival perks like noise reduction and stealth detection. For aggressive play, focus on Conditioning perks such as "Fight or Flight" (restores stamina when injured) and "auto-heals when near death" to boost your combat durability. Don't forget: higher-tier skills require unlocking core nodes in each branch, so plan your skill points wisely.
- Weapon and Attachment Tips: Choose the Right Tool for the Job
Weapons in ARC Raiders come in several categories, each with a specific role. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you avoid frustration and maximize your effectiveness in combat.
Assault Rifles (ARs) like the Tempest or Bettina are all-rounders, perfect for mid-range combat and ideal for beginners-they're easy to handle and use medium or light ammo, which is abundant on Topside. SMGs such as the Bobcat excel at close range, making them great for tight spaces, but they lose power at a distance-pair them with a long-range secondary like a Battle Rifle for balance.
Attachments matter too. Focus on spread-control mods for shotguns (like chokes) to make them more consistent, and recoil-reducing attachments for ARs and Battle Rifles. You can craft attachments at your workshop in Speranza, so prioritize upgrading your workshop to unlock higher-tier mods as you progress. Also, don't underestimate melee attacks-they can one-hit weak ARC enemies like Ticks and silently take out turrets, saving ammo for bigger threats.
- Outsmart ARC Machines: Know Their Weaknesses
ARC machines come in all shapes and sizes, from small, stealthy Ticks to massive Queens defending Harvesters. Each type has unique strengths and weaknesses-learning them will turn overwhelming fights into manageable ones.
Snitches are small flying drones that call for reinforcements if they spot you. Take them out quickly or stay out of their search lights to avoid being swarmed. Wasps and Hornets are deadly in groups-aim for their rotors to bring them down fast, and keep moving to avoid their attacks. Leapers can be disabled by setting them on buy ARC Raiders Loot fire with blaze grenades, while Bombardiers can be temporarily stunned by targeting their kneecaps.
For all ARC machines, target their glowing weak points-these are usually thrusters, energy cores, or unarmored areas. Hitting these spots reduces ammo usage and takes down enemies much faster-sometimes in a fraction of the time it would take to spray and pray. If a fight feels too tough, don't be afraid to retreat-avoiding combat is often the smartest move, especially when carrying valuable loot.
