Arc Raiders ARC Combat Guide
Complete combat guide for all 17 ARC enemies in Arc Raiders. Learn how to kill every robot, exploit their weakpoints, and master the art of defeating these robotic threats.
Foundational Knowledge for Fighting ARCs
Whether you're new to the game or an experienced veteran, you should actively try to avoid encounters with ARCs at all times for several reasons. Most encounters are noisy right from the start. When they spot you, they'll emit sounds that other ARC units and players can hear from a good distance away.
👁️Understanding Aggro Mechanics
Every ARC outside of Snitches and Spotters has a blue colored eye and scanner that actively sweeps the area in front of them in a cone. They have predictable patrol patterns if you allow yourself time to observe them. Detection range: 100-150m
Undisturbed state. ARC follows patrol pattern and scans area.
ARC detected a disturbance. Will investigate the area but return to patrolling if nothing found.
ARC has spotted you. Enemy players will know your position. Deal with threat quickly and change your planned route.
🔫Ammo Type Effectiveness
Extremely effective against players at close to medium range, but extremely ineffective against ARCs. Only useful for Ticks and Pops. Use melee instead to save ammo.
Good all around. Not particularly effective against anything, but not ineffective either. Deals good damage to both players and ARCs.
Can quickly break player shields and punch through ARC armor. One well-placed shot to a weak spot can break armor on most low-tier enemies. Always run at least one heavy weapon.
💡Pro Tips
- ✓Move quietly outside the detection cone to avoid 99% of unnecessary encounters
- ✓An alerted ARC (yellow) is a tell for enemy players - stay low and move slowly
- ✓When a bot turns red, deal with the threat quickly then change your route
- ✓Always run at least one heavy weapon and fill the other slot with different ammo type
- ✓Use melee on easy enemies to save ammo and stay quiet
MATRIARCH
ExtremeBossThe Matriarch is an imposing ARC machine that makes the Queen look friendly and can be found during a specific map condition.
THE QUEEN
ExtremeBossA colossal machine deployed during Harvester Events. It's the Goliath of the ARC forces with incredible durability and lethal arsenal. Requires full squad coordination.
BASTION
CriticalHeavy AssaultMassive, crab-like machines that are slow but devastating. They're capable of shredding shields and dealing massive damage with heavy attacks.
BOMBARDIER
CriticalHeavy ArtilleryA massive artillery unit designed for long-range bombardment. Equipped with devastating explosive capabilities and heavy armor, it can rain destruction from great distances.
LEAPER
CriticalSiege EngineMassive, arachnid-like siege engine with heavy armor and gravity-defying leap ability. Can clear impossible gaps and reach high vantage points.
ROCKETEER
CriticalFlying ArtilleryA formidable flying ARC that dominates airspace with powerful rocket attacks and devastating area-of-effect damage. Designed to saturate areas with explosions.
FIREBALL
HighArea DenialSmall armored rolling ARC that spits flame. Opens front panel when near Raiders to burn them alive, exposing its soft core.
HORNET
HighMedium DroneMedium-class drone with armored rotors. It fires focused, high-speed projectiles with a brief red laser warning. Designed to shred shields and light armor.
SENTINEL
HighSniper TurretStationary but deadly turrets that perch on high vantage points. They scan for targets with long-range precision and lock onto players from a distance.
SHREDDER
HighArea DenialThe Shredder appears in Stella Montis, challenging Raiders to stay sharp in close-quarter encounters.
SPOTTER
HighScout DroneSpotters are flying support drones for the Bombardier. They will point a laser at any Raider in line-of-sight so the Bombardier can accurately target them. If both Spotters are destroyed a new pair will respawn. When the Bombardier is destroyed the Spotters will fly away.
POP
ModerateExplosiveSmall explosive ARC that detonates when approached. Quick elimination required to prevent area damage.
SNITCH
ModerateScout DroneA swift, unarmored scout drone with three rotors. While fragile, it acts as an aerial alarm system, calling in reinforcements when it spots Raiders.
TICK
ModerateAmbush PredatorSmall, spider-like robots that leap onto players, attaching themselves to your head. They're fast and disorienting, designed to punish careless Raiders.
TURRET
ModerateDefense SystemSmall, unarmored turret providing close-quarters defense. Mounted on interior walls, it scans for movement and unleashes rapid fire when it spots Raiders.
WASP
ModerateFlying DroneFlying, drone-like robots equipped with powerful machine guns. They operate in swarms, are fast, agile, and relentless. Their buzzing and screeching audio cues are your first warning.
SURVEYOR
LowReconnaissanceThe largest of the rolling ARC. It stops periodically to transmit signals. Rarely attacks, usually runs away from Raiders. Breaks into many pieces as damage is taken.
