ARC Raiders All Enemies Guide: Best Ways to Beat Every ARC Unit

When to Fight and When to Skip

You do not need to fight every ARC you see. For key runs, skipping combat is often better because it keeps your run quiet and reduces risk. If your priority is extraction and key value, avoid unnecessary fights and stick to your route (as we always suggest in our keys ranked from worst to best article).

You should usually engage ARC for two reasons: Trials objectives and material farming. Farming specific enemies gives consistent crafting progress and unlocks. For example, if you want reliable access to Wolfpack, you need to farm enemies that can drop Rocketeer Driver.

Below, we give a specific strategy for each enemy type. Before that, use these general tips to make most ARC fights safer and more efficient.

General Tips

Wolfpack is the strongest all-purpose option for deleting high-threat ARC, but it is expensive and should be used with intent. Cheaper tools like Seeker Grenades and other budget explosives are often enough for routine clears.

1. Start from a distance so you can read what the ARC is doing before you fully engage.
2. Fight near solid cover, doors, and corners. Open ground should be your last option, and some units lose most of their threat around doorway cover.
3. Aim for weak spots first: turbines, exposed cores, yellow joints, and fuel points.
4. Be aware of other players: ARC fights are loud. If you are farming materials, pull fights away from major loot and quest zones to reduce third-party risk.

Read scanner lights before you engage:

• Blue: patrol mode. The machine is searching passively and has not locked a target yet.
• Yellow: alert mode. It is checking a disturbance and may calm down if it finds nothing.
• Red: combat mode. It has a target and will keep attacking until it loses that target.
• If you hit an ARC during patrol, it can jump straight into Red combat immediately.

If you see an ARC scanner suddenly turn Yellow or Red and you are certain you did not trigger it, that usually means another player or squad is nearby. ARC react to any disturbance in their detection range, so unexpected alert states are often early warning signs of human movement.

• Scanner color can switch between Yellow and Red as you enter and leave scanner range.
• Yellow without you making noise can mean someone entered its scan radius or fired nearby.
• Red almost always means it acquired a target, and if that target is not you, another player is likely nearby.

Read armor types at a glance:

• Matte white plating: unarmored. Most weapons can damage it.
• Shiny dark gray plating: armored. Low-penetration rounds can bounce.
• Matte bright yellow parts: weak points. Prioritize these for faster kills.
• In general, higher ARC Armor Penetration gives more consistent damage on armored targets.

Small ARC

These are commonly indoor ARC enemies that can catch you by surprise. Their threat comes from their numbers and small size, so clear them quickly before too many are on you.

• Tick

  The Tick is a tiny indoor ARC that hides on walls and ceilings. One is easy, but groups can drain health fast if they latch on. Listen for the shuffling sound before you start looting a room.

  Threat: Low XP Destroy: 50 XP Loot: 100

  Tick

  Notable loot

  • ARC Flex Rubber
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Tick Pod

  How to kill

  Shoot it off the wall/ceiling early, or melee when you need a quieter clear.

  • If you hear one in a room, kill it before you loot.
  • Melee is useful when you do not want to attract attention.
  • If it latches onto you, dislodge it immediately and kill it before the second jump.

  Do not

  Ignore audio cues and let it jump first.

• Snitch

  The Snitch is an unarmed scout drone. Its real danger is not damage, it is calling in reinforcements. Treat it as a priority target and kill it before repeated calls start.

  Threat: Moderate XP Destroy: 100 XP Loot: 200

  Snitch

  Notable loot

  • ARC Synthetic Resin
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Sensors
  • Snitch Scanner

  How to kill

  Break two wing/flap nodes to force a crash. It is more ammo-efficient than center-body spam.

  • Two broken flaps will drop it fast.
  • Shooting the center works, but takes too many bullets.
  • If you use Seeker Grenades, bring two for a guaranteed kill.
  • Heavy foliage can sometimes help you avoid being scanned in the first place.
  • Reinforcements are typically guaranteed after the third call, so kill it before that point.

  Do not

  Dump expensive utility before trying wing breaks.

• Pop

  The Pop is a rolling suicide bomb often found indoors. It rushes fast and beeps louder as it gets close. It cannot jump or climb, so doors, ledges, and obstacles can save you.

  Threat: Moderate XP Destroy: 50 XP Loot: 100

  Pop

  Notable loot

  • ARC Coolant
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Crude Explosives
  • Pop Trigger

  How to kill

  Shoot the center core while it rushes, or sidestep/roll its blast timing if ammo is low or you do not have a clean shot.

  • Shooting it before it reaches you is usually easier than timing a last-second dodge.
  • The dodge method works, but the timing is tight.
  • Shoot the center, not the outer ring.
  • This matters most with light ammo.
  • Use obstacles when needed; Pop cannot jump or climb.

  Do not

  Shoot the armored outer ring with low-damage weapons.

• Fireball

  The Fireball is armored and built for close-range flame damage. It rolls in, opens its front plate, and sprays fire, then leaves dangerous burn zones after death. Keep spacing and shoot when the front opens.

  Threat: Moderate XP Destroy: 100 XP Loot: 200

  Fireball

  Notable loot

  • Crude Explosives
  • ARC Coolant
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Fireball Burner

  How to kill

  Heavy center-mass shots are cleanest. With lighter weapons, wait for armor to open and shoot the exposed center.

  • With accurate heavy ammo (like Anvil or Pharaoh), center hits can kill it in one shot.
  • Do not shoot side armor if the center is visible.
  • With light/medium ammo, wait for it to open up, then shoot.
  • After it dies, move right away so you do not get burned by leftover fire.
  • Closed shell resists light ammo; wait for core exposure or use medium/heavy penetration.

  Do not

  Stand close after kill confirmation because flame spread can still burn you.

Air ARC

These flying ARC are dangerous because they stay mobile and can chase you out of cover. Focus on thrusters and use solid cover to block their view.

• Wasp

  The Wasp is a fast light drone that usually appears in small swarms. One is manageable, but several can strip your shield quickly. Break thrusters early before they spread around your cover.

  Threat: Moderate XP Destroy: 100 XP Loot: 200

  Wasp

  Notable loot

  • Light Ammo
  • Simple Gun Parts
  • ARC Synthetic Resin
  • Wasp Driver

  Wasp husks can drop ARC Alloy, Wasp Driver, and Light Ammo. XP: 400.

  How to kill

  Break two turbines and it drops instantly. Prioritize rotor shots over body damage.

  • Seeker Grenade can one-shot a Wasp.
  • When it paints you with a red laser, it often hovers briefly, which is your best time to shoot its thrusters.
  • You only need two turbine breaks.
  • Sometimes one broken turbine makes it crash and die, if it hits terrain or another enemy.
  • Lure Grenades can buy you time if the swarm is already on top of you.

  Do not

  Chase center mass while it keeps full mobility.

• Hornet

  The Hornet is a tougher Wasp variant that fires electric shots that stun and open you up. Its front thrusters are armored, while rear thrusters are easier to break. If mixed with Wasps, kill the Hornet first.

  Threat: High XP Destroy: 150 XP Loot: 250

  Hornet

  Notable loot

  • Medium Ammo
  • Simple Gun Parts
  • ARC Performance Steel
  • Hornet Driver

  How to kill

  Break back turbines first when you have a clear shot, or strip front armor then break front turbines.

  • You still only need two turbines.
  • Back turbines are usually easier because front turbines are armored.
  • You can dodge its charged electric shot if you move before it fires.
  • Medium or heavy ammo is best when you need to break front-thruster armor.
  • Seeker is usually not worth it here.

  Do not

  Hold still when it starts the charged stun animation.

• Firefly

  The Firefly is the flame version of Hornet and is much more aggressive up close. It will chase aggressively and burn anyone crossing open ground. Expect it to show up with other flyers and force you out of cover.

  Threat: High XP Destroy: 150 XP Loot: 250

  Firefly

  Notable loot

  • ARC Performance Steel
  • Simple Gun Parts
  • ARC Coolant
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Firefly Burner

  How to kill

  Fight from solid cover or indoors, then break turbines or shoot the yellow fuel tank when exposed.

  • Its flamethrower is deadly up close, so do not let it walk you into open space.
  • Two accurate heavy hits (Anvil/Pharaoh class) can drop it fast.
  • Listen for the gas vent audio cue before the flamethrower burst and reposition early.
  • You can also break the V-shaped plate above the face and keep shooting that same spot.
  • If it is closing in, shoot first and reposition second.

  Do not

  Run straight across open terrain while burning. Get behind cover first, then start shooting again.

• Spotter

  The Spotter does little direct damage, but it marks you for Bombardier fire. As long as its beam stays on you, incoming artillery gets much more dangerous. Clearing Spotters gives breathing room, but they can return.

  Threat: High XP Destroy: 100 XP Loot: 200

  Spotter

  Notable loot

  • ARC Synthetic Resin
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Sensors
  • Spotter Relay

  How to kill

  Kill it immediately when it starts scanning you. Short bursts or one strong hit are usually enough if you start early.

  • It is fragile, but dangerous because it can call heavy support.
  • Use tall cover to block its beam while you shoot it down.
  • If it has already locked you, move from one solid cover piece to the next until it is down.
  • Spotters respawn in pairs, so each kill helps for a short time but does not solve the fight forever.

  Do not

  Stand in open ground while it keeps tracking you.

• Rocketeer

  The Rocketeer is a heavy flying artillery ARC with high burst damage. Its tracking rockets force you to keep moving between cover. Do not fight it in open ground unless you are sure you can finish it fast.

  Threat: Critical XP Destroy: 500 XP Loot: 500 per part

  Rocketeer

  Notable loot

  • ARC Alloy
  • Advanced ARC Powercell
  • Rocketeer Driver
  • Heavy Ammo

  Rocketeer husks can drop ARC Alloy, Rocketeer Driver, Heavy Ammo, and Damaged Rocketeer Driver. XP: 700.

  How to kill

  Start from long range before it fully dives in. Break two turbines, or break the forehead V-plate and keep shooting that same spot.

  • Opening damage from far away often stops a hard close push.
  • One Wolfpack can kill it, but nearby enemies can split the missiles.
  • When lock lasers turn from yellow to red, rockets are about to launch.
  • Stay near cover so you can hide during rocket volleys.
  • After you break the V-plate, keep shooting that same spot.
  • If it is already on top of you, Showstopper can buy time to escape.
  • Rockets still splash behind cover, so do not hug thin cover edges.
  • Risky option: snap-hook onto it and place a Deadline. This can one-shot, but failed exits usually get you killed.

  Do not

  Wait to react until it is already on top of you.

Static and Rolling ARC

These ARC are either stationary guns or rolling explosives. Fight them from solid cover and use their attack timing instead of standing in the open.

• Turret

  The Turret is a stationary indoor gun that hits hard if you keep stepping out in front of it. Its scanner beam shows where it is, so you can line up your shot and clear it first. It is fragile if you deal with it before other enemies push in.

  Threat: Moderate XP Destroy: 100 XP Loot: 200

  Turret

  Notable loot

  • Light Ammo
  • Simple Gun Parts
  • ARC Synthetic Resin
  • ARC Thermo Lining

  How to kill

  Wait until it scans away, then step out and fire quickly. Arc grenades are very consistent because turrets cannot move.

  • Anvil/Pharaoh can kill a normal turret very quickly.
  • With lighter weapons, wait until it looks away, then unload.
  • Snap Blast is great because turrets cannot dodge.
  • If it loses sight, it keeps firing at your last known position for a moment.

  Do not

  Keep stepping out from the same spot over and over.

• Sentinel

  The Sentinel is a long-range heavy turret usually placed high outdoors. Targeting lasers warn before it fires, and the hit is heavy if you stay visible. Use cover first, then shoot between its shots.

  Threat: High XP Destroy: 200 XP Loot: 300

  Sentinel

  Notable loot

  • Heavy Ammo
  • Advanced ARC Powercell
  • ARC Coolant
  • Medium Gun Parts
  • Sentinel Firing Core

  How to kill

  When it starts charging, get behind cover. Shoot it right after it fires.

  • Sentinel is much tankier than a normal turret.
  • Its shot is easy to read: when it charges, get behind cover.
  • Blaze and Snap Blast are strong here because it cannot move.
  • When the targeting lasers converge, get fully behind cover before the shot lands.

  Do not

  Stay exposed while it is fully charged and aimed.

• Surveyor

  The Surveyor is a heavily armored data unit that prefers to run instead of fight. It opens while transmitting, then closes and rolls away fast when threatened. Shoot it while its core is exposed for clean kills.

  Threat: Low XP Destroy: 200 XP Loot: 300 for core + 100 per part

  Surveyor

  Notable loot

  • Advanced ARC Powercell
  • ARC Circuitry
  • Sensors
  • Surveyor Vault

  How to kill

  Shoot it while it is transmitting, then keep shooting it and block where it can roll with corners or barricades.

  • Your first shots should land while it is open and least protected.
  • After that, it rolls away, so keep shooting from safe cover.
  • Heavy ammo (Anvil/Pharaoh class) works well for repeated damage as it tries to escape.
  • If your gun is weak, trap it with barricades against walls/objects and finish it there.
  • Stuns like Hornet Driver or Showstopper make core damage much easier before it escapes.

  Do not

  Let it roll unchallenged through open space.

• Comet

  The Comet is a fast rolling bomb commonly found near heavier ARC. If it reaches you, the blast radius is wide and very punishing. Destroy it before self-detonation when you need the igniter drop.

  Threat: High XP Destroy: 100 XP Loot: 200

  Comet

  Notable loot

  • Crude Explosives
  • ARC Coolant
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • Comet Igniter

  How to kill

  Either destroy it at range before detonation, or bait the blast behind solid cover if it has already closed in.

  • It is heavily armored, so panic shooting at close range often fails.
  • If it starts charging and you cannot kill it in time, get behind solid cover immediately.
  • When possible, start this fight from farther away.
  • When it starts charging, the center opens up for direct weak-point shots.
  • If it self-detonates, Comet Igniter is usually lost, so kill it before the blast when possible.
  • If you are close and out of time, forcing the explosion into cover is safer than trying to tank it.

  Do not

  Stand too close together when it enters detonation range.

Heavy ARC

These heavy ARC take longer to kill and are dangerous from the front. Use weak spots, stuns, and move between cover after each attack.

• Shredder

  The Shredder is a close-quarters heavy that is strongest in tight spaces, especially on Stella Montis. It charges and releases dangerous shrapnel bursts that can erase you in the open. This fight is mostly using cover and timing your shots.

  Threat: High XP Destroy: 200 XP Loot: 250

  Shredder

  Notable loot

  • Mechanical Components
  • Simple Gun Parts
  • ARC Synthetic Resin
  • Shredder Gyro

  How to kill

  Stay near cover, hide during charge-up, then shoot engine center mass between attack bursts.

  • Do not focus on the head. Center engine shots are better.
  • Synth-fuel canisters are very strong if you bait it close first.
  • When it charges up, that is the best time to throw explosives.
  • One canister plus follow-up fire is often enough.
  • Hullcracker-type launchers can kill it very quickly.

  Do not

  Take a long fight in the open.

• Leaper

  The Leaper is a fast heavy bruiser with long jumps and strong close-range damage. Open-field fights become chaotic very quickly. Doorways and solid cover make this fight much safer and easier to control.

  Threat: Critical XP Destroy: 500 XP Loot: 600 for core + 500 per part

  Leaper

  Notable loot

  • ARC Alloy
  • Advanced ARC Powercell
  • Mechanical Components
  • Leaper Pulse Unit

  How to kill

  Fight around doorways and narrow passages, and hit the central eye weak point with short controlled bursts.

  • Doorways make this fight much easier.
  • Expect a leap and shockwave when it closes distance.
  • Fire helps, but fire alone is not a fast kill.
  • Trailblazer can open the fight, then finish with eye shots.
  • The most reliable method is still repeated eye damage.

  Do not

  Run long open paths where it can keep jumping at you.

• Bastion

  The Bastion is a slow armored walker with dangerous front gunfire. Shooting from the front is usually slow and risky. Leg joints and rear weak spots are the reliable way to kill it safely.

  Threat: Critical XP Destroy: 500 XP Loot: 250 per part 

  Bastion

  Notable loot

  • Medium Ammo
  • ARC Circuitry
  • ARC Performance Steel
  • Heavy Gun Parts
  • Bastion Cell

  How to kill

  Break a yellow joint to stun it, run behind it, shoot the rear canister/core, and repeat.

  • In open space, two good Wolfpacks can kill it very fast.
  • In tight areas, Wolfpack missiles can hit walls and lose damage.
  • A Deadline on its back can one-shot, but it is risky and you need to get out immediately.
  • The pre-fire screech is your warning to hard-cover before the gatling burst starts.
  • For the safer option, stay in cover and use a Hullcracker from range.
  • Blaze/Trailblazer can help, but do not rely on them as your full damage plan.

  Do not

  Stand in front of it and try to outshoot heavy armor.

• Bombardier

  The Bombardier is a long-range mortar platform that becomes far worse while Spotters are alive. It can force you out of safe positions from very far away. Check both side cover and overhead cover before you start shooting.

  Threat: Critical XP Destroy: 500 XP Loot: 300 per part

  Bombardier

  Notable loot

  • Launcher Ammo
  • ARC Performance Steel
  • Heavy Gun Parts
  • Bombardier Cell

  How to kill

  Break a yellow joint to stun it, run behind it, hit the rear weak spot, back up, and repeat.

  • In open space, Wolfpack works better.
  • Removing Spotters first makes long-range mortar fire much less accurate.
  • A Deadline on its back can kill it fast, but it is risky and you must get out quickly.
  • A well-placed Deadline near the rear canister can instantly destroy it.
  • If you want the safer option, stay in cover and use a Hullcracker from range.
  • If you are low on gadgets, keep it simple: stun it, run behind it, shoot the weak spot, repeat.
  • Blaze/Trailblazer can help, but they should not be your only plan.

  Do not

  Stay in the open when mortar blasts keep landing near you.

Boss ARC

Boss ARC fights are about staying alive and taking clean shots. Pick strong cover, manage extra enemies, and only push when you can leave safely.

• Queen

  The Queen is a massive boss tied to Harvester encounters and controls a large area with multiple attack types. These fights are long and can attract extra threats. Pick your cover spots before you start doing big damage.

  Threat: Extreme XP Destroy: 1000 XP Loot: 1000 for core + 500 per part

  Queen

  Notable loot

  • ARC Circuitry
  • Advanced ARC Powercell
  • Complex Gun Parts
  • Magnetic Accelerator
  • Queen Reactor

  How to kill

  Pick a place with dependable cover, shoot the core when it opens, and keep breaking armor on exposed sections.

  • Best damage goes into the exposed core, broken armor spots, and visible yellow joints.
  • Heavy ammo, energy ammo, and armor-breaking tools all work if you keep moving cover to cover.
  • You will usually have an easier time in quieter lobbies; crowded lobbies are more likely to get interrupted by other players.
  • Near Harvester zones, use event structures as cover and finish the event step before you push hard.
  • The Queen can hit Harvester looters with beam attacks on nearby nodes.
  • Risky option: break the plate on top, jump in for close core damage or a Deadline, then leave immediately.
  • Deadline does big damage, but it does not one-shot the Queen.
  • Bring extra healing and a spare shield for long fights.

  Do not

  Stay too long in the open when heavy attacks or extra enemies show up.

• Matriarch

  The Matriarch is the hardest ARC boss and adds shield phases plus summoned support. She quickly punishes squads that keep using the same position. Treat this as a long fight, not a rush.

  Threat: Extreme XP Destroy: 1000 XP Loot: 1000 for core + 500 per part

  Matriarch

  Notable loot

  • ARC Circuitry
  • Advanced ARC Powercell
  • Complex Gun Parts
  • Magnetic Accelerator
  • Matriarch Reactor

  How to kill

  Keep your distance, break front armor, and shoot the core whenever it is open.

  • Breaking the front armor makes core damage much easier and more consistent.
  • Armor-breaking weapons work very well here (Equalizer, Aelion, Jupiter, Anvil/Pharaoh, Hullcracker-type weapons).
  • When the core is closed, shoot visible yellow joints.
  • Being on top is dangerous because extra enemies can join, including Rocketeer and Bombardier.
  • Its rockets can still hit you even if you are riding on top.
  • When her energy shield is active, outside projectiles and throwables do no damage.
  • Keep a fast escape option and healing ready at all times.

  Do not

  Climb on top of it unless you have a safe way back down.

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