Arc Raiders Beginner Guide: Survive Raids and Extract With Loot
Arc Raiders is an extraction shooter: you head up to the surface with your gear, loot what you can while the ARC machines and other Raiders hunt you, and only keep what you bring back. Dying means losing what you carried, so smart raiding matters more than perfect aim.
Last updated: Beginner guide · Oct 18, 2026 · 2 min read
How a raid works
Every raid starts with choosing a map and the gear you take with you. On the surface you look for loot, complete objectives and fight or avoid threats, then reach an extraction point before time runs out. Whatever you're carrying when you extract goes to your stash; if you go down, it can be lost.
Start cheap, learn the maps
Take inexpensive loadouts while you learn — free or cheap kits let you practise without risking good gear. Learn where extraction points are, which buildings hold the best loot and which areas are usually crowded. Knowing two safe routes to extraction on each map saves many raids.
ARC machines
The ARC range from small drones to huge walking machines. Small ones are manageable, larger ones are often best avoided early — they're loud, dangerous and attract other players. Look for weak points, use cover and throwables, and don't fight next to a big machine you can't kill. Destroyed ARC drop valuable parts for crafting.
Other Raiders
Not every Raider is hostile: some players will cooperate if you signal peacefully, others will take your loot. Stay alert near extraction points, where ambushes are common, and move quietly when you're carrying something valuable.
What to loot and craft
Bag space is limited, so prioritise:
- Blueprints, which unlock new crafting recipes.
- ARC parts and rare components used in upgrades.
- Items your current quests or workbench upgrades need.
- Healing and ammo — running out mid-raid ends a lot of runs.
Frequently asked questions
Do you lose your gear when you die in Arc Raiders?
Yes, what you carry into a raid can be lost if you go down, which is why beginners should use cheap loadouts while learning.
Should I fight ARC machines?
Small ARC are worth fighting for their parts; large ones are dangerous and noisy, so avoid them until you have the right gear.
Are other players always hostile in Arc Raiders?
No. Some Raiders cooperate if you signal peacefully, but be careful, especially near extraction points.