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Our tips for Arc Raiders are here to help new and old players find their footing in a game that is constantly changing and being updated. This is a game where community investment and behaviour is a huge part of the experience, so while many of our tips and tricks for newcomers focus on mechanics you can exploit to handle the in-game Arc robots, many others are about how you relate to (and handle) human players you come across in-game, as they're arguably for more dangerous. For more info, here's what you need to know about playing Arc Raiders, with the ultimate list of tips and tricks for general gameplay that'll help you not just survive, but thrive.
Arc Raiders tips we wish we knew before we started playing:
- Sound can really give you away, so make sure you pay attention to noise
- If you don't want to fight other players, make it clear quickly with a 'don't shoot' emote
- You can shoot defensively and throw off a robot's aim before it hits you
- Electromagnetic storms are a real advantage for hunting powerful robots
- Stealth is easier than it seems, at least when it comes to visuals and sightlines
- Certain explosives suit certain enemies: timed bombs for ARC, and impact bombs for players
- Solo matches are generally more peaceful, but there's no guarantee of anything
- Don't throw away anything you're not certain you won't need
- Fighting without cover is a recipe for disaster
- Areas with lots of treasure and loot are more likely to be hostile, no matter what
Of course, there's plenty more to uncover as you explore the game, but these are the sorts of things that Arc Raiders isn't quick to tell you, and are generally learned through (often bitter) experience. Let's get into more details below:
1. Noise levels and the sounds you make are hugely important
Arc Raiders is a very stealth-focused game, whether you're against players or robots. So sound is a vital thing to consider with noise being highly directional and carrying great distances across the map. Whether you're breaking open locked containers, walking past security cameras, or even stepping onto certain kinds of terrain, sound will carry and give your location away to any nearby robots or players.
If you think there's even a chance at other players being nearby, be careful about the sounds you make, as they act as a beacon for those nearby to home in on your location. Likewise, if you're careful to listen for sounds both distant and near, you'll be much more effective as a Raider.
2. First impressions matter when dealing with other players
There's no guarantee of safety when dealing with other players, but if you act like a threat, prepare to get treated like one. Getting caught sneaking up on somebody, with the best Arc Raiders guns pointed in their face, or just refusing to respond to communications? It all makes you look dangerous, so you shouldn't be surprised if you're treated as such.
On the other hand, being open and helpful may go a long way towards preventing bloodshed. Helping a player being attacked by robots will frame you as a saviour, but what's important here is that good etiquette says that if another player is nearby, choose the "don't shoot" emote immediately! It's a sign that you're offering peace and giving away your presence in the process, and if they respond likewise, you should be safe… though of course, there's no guarantee.
3. Use shots to throw off robots who are about to attack
Guns aren't just about damaging enemy Arc robots, they can also stagger and confuse them. This applies less to heavy, tank-like enemies such the Bastion and Bombardier, but Arc Raiders Hornets and wasps can be knocked off-kilter if you target their propellers. Time your attack just before they shoot, and it throws off their aim, meaning they're likely to miss you with their counterattack.
4. Electromagnetic storms are perfect for hunting tougher robots
The Arc Raiders Electromagnetic Storms are a map modifier that causes lightning to blast the map in random patterns. It's dangerous, but ultimately not too difficult to manage as you get a moment of warning before a bolt hits. However, it's far more dangerous to Arcs who don't recognise or react to the warning signs, and can be both stunned and damaged by the lightning. If you're out to get high-level Arc loot, such as from Leapers, Rocketeers or Bastions, a storm is probably the best time to do it – it'll cause more trouble for them than you.
5. It's very easy to hide, if you know how
If you're in a fight with another player, as long as you can get out of their field of view you have a pretty decent chance at hiding, especially if there's someone else, or an Arc robots getting involved. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in, like the Arc Raiders Stella Montis map, while shrubs and bracken can practically render a player invisible if they stay still within them. I've escaped more than one opponent by hiding in a bush, even when they stood just a few feet away. Although if you're injured and trying to hide, your character will make pained whimpering noises – potentially giving your location away.
6. Timed explosives might be strong, but they won't help much against players
Arc robots have little instinct for self-preservation which means there's no downside to throwing timed explosives like the Heavy Fuze Grenade at them. Just remember to aim towards where they're going to account for movement and detonation delays. However, it's a different matter for players, who are much better at evasion. The best use for slow explosives in this case is use them to flush people out of cover. For actual damage against human threats you'd be better off with Light Impact, Snap Blast Grenades, or cleverly placed mines.
7. Solo matches have a different community culture to team games
Though not official or guaranteed, solo games in Arc Raiders are generally recognised by the community as being more passive and peaceful. In solo games, players are much more likely to ignore each other, team up, cooperate and generally treat the whole server as one big team. But in team matches it's much more aggressive. That's not to say that teams can't join together, but generally there's a far greater chance of violence, and the community seems to have decided that you're all in a big game of deathmatch.
8. Make sure you understand the true value of loot before you get rid of it
Arc is full of all sorts of loot, from pillows to lemons to rusty gears and more. It can be hard to tell what to keep (all the things I've just listed are seriously important) and items in Arc have a habit of being more valuable than they first appear. Often because they're linked to a quest or upgrade, like needing wires for the Arc Raiders Eyes on the Prize quest – so it's easy to underestimate the worth of a piece of junk, only to regret it later.
With that in mind, make sure you check out our Arc Raiders Loot Cheat Sheet before you scrap or sell anything. It tells you what to do with every non-crafted item in the game, and whether you should sell, scrap or save it.
9. If you're going to fight, make sure you have cover to work with
Maps like Spaceport can be dangerous because there's so much open terrain, which is a terrible disadvantage in combat. Eventually, whether you're fighting against players or robots, your stamina will run low and you won't be able to dodge attacks anymore. Whenever possible try and fight from buildings and areas with lots of cover, or at least with a height advantage. Otherwise, you'll struggle to avoid the projectiles of a determined Rocketeer.
10. Locked rooms and high-loot hotspots can get violent no matter what
Everything I've said about avoiding violence and multiplayer etiquette goes out of the window when it comes to certain locations, because the loot in them is so good that people will often break the code of conduct just to secure the Arc Raiders blueprints and more within. Red "High Loot Zones" are frequent hotspots for violence, but the worst places are locked rooms that require rare keys to open, or significant points on the map like the central tower in the Spaceport map. If you're heading there, be at least prepared for the possibility of violence.
Find out all the best Arc Raiders skills here! Or if you're running out of gear mid-mission, find out how to use the Arc Raiders field depots at our dedicated guide, and keep your supplies ample.
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