November 06, 2025
ARC Raiders Tips and Tricks: Everything You Need to Know Before You Drop In New to the world of ARC Raiders? Here’s how to survive, loot smarter, and make the most of your early runs
ARC Raiders is dominating Steam right now — and for good reason. The post-apocalyptic extraction shooter blends stylish visuals, intense firefights, and a surprisingly friendly player community into one of the best multiplayer experiences of the year.
But surviving topside isn’t easy. Between mechanical ARCs, unpredictable players, and limited resources, you’ll need to play smart if you want to thrive. Here are five essential tips to help you make the most of your early raids.
💰 1. Loot Everything
It might sound obvious, but loot is the lifeblood of ARC Raiders. Every mission, every firefight, and every scrap of metal you pick up feeds into your long-term progress.
- Each container you open gives 200 XP, even if it’s already been looted — making it one of the fastest ways to level up.
- Loot can be recycled into crafting materials, traded for cash, or used to build new weapons and gadgets.
Never leave a container behind — even if you think it’s empty. That XP boost adds up fast.
🔧 2. Crafting Is Just as Important as Looting
Finding rare gear is great, but crafting turns loot into power. The best weapons, shields, and gadgets in ARC Raiders come from using salvaged materials to build custom gear back at base.
Crafting keeps your inventory manageable and ensures you’re using your resources efficiently. A good crafted weapon can make the difference between surviving a Queen encounter or losing everything on extraction.
Pro Tip: Don’t hoard junk. Turn your materials into something useful — then take those upgrades into your next raid.
🗝️ 3. Always Bring a Raider Hatch Key
Once unlocked, Raider Hatches are the safest extraction method in ARC Raiders. Unlike traditional extractions that leave you exposed, Hatch Keys let you leave quietly and securely — no waiting, no gunfire, no last-minute ambushes.
Craft or buy a Hatch Key before any high-stakes run. It might save your best loot — or your life.
🕊️ 4. Don’t Shoot on Sight
Not every Raider you see is out for blood. In fact, ARC Raiders’ community is surprisingly cooperative — especially for solo players.
If you’re alone and spot another player, try signaling peace instead of opening fire. You might:
- Avoid unnecessary fights
- Gain temporary allies
- Survive encounters with powerful ARCs
A quick wave or a “don’t shoot” can go a long way. The world is dangerous enough — don’t make it harder for yourself.
🏃♂️ 5. Manage Your Stamina Wisely
Endless sprinting might work in Battlefield, but it’ll get you killed here. Stamina management is key in ARC Raiders.
- Always keep some stamina in reserve for emergency escapes.
- Holster your weapon to move faster and conserve energy.
- Stop to recover before you push into dangerous territory.
If your stamina runs dry mid-fight, you’ll move slower, making you an easy target for ARCs or other players. Stay mobile, but stay smart.
⚔️ Bonus Tips
- Pick your battles — not every ARC is worth fighting.
- Aim for weak spots to drop enemies faster and save ammo.
- Crouch to sneak past patrols and avoid unnecessary engagements.
- Most importantly, have fun — ARC Raiders rewards creativity and experimentation.
🪐 Final Thoughts
ARC Raiders is equal parts chaos and beauty — a mix of survival tension, high-stakes looting, and genuine community moments. Whether you’re soloing scavenger runs or hunting with friends, these tips will help you survive your first few expeditions and start building toward true Raider greatness.