ARC Raiders Every ARC Enemy Complete Combat Guide

The mechanical army in Arc Raiders might look terrifying, but every single ARC has exploitable weaknesses that turn these death machines into scrap metal. Understanding their behavior patterns and targeting the right spots transforms impossible encounters into manageable fights.

Understanding ARC Vision and Detection

Here’s the game-changer: ARCs are surprisingly blind. Every enemy operates with a narrow 45-degree vision cone that works like a searchlight. You’ll see their detection states through color changes: blue means passive patrol, yellow indicates they heard something suspicious, and red signals active engagement.

Most ARCs can't hear you unless you're practically stepping on them, with one critical exception: the Snitch. This surveillance drone has enhanced audio detection and will call reinforcements if it spots you.

Armor System and Weak Spot Targeting

Understanding ARC armor saves ammunition and your life. White surfaces represent soft, unarmored areas that take full damage. Grey plating indicates heavy armor that significantly reduces incoming damage unless you're using armor-piercing rounds.

The yellow components are your primary targets. These bright weak spots typically appear on rear sections, joint connections, and exposed cores. Landing shots on yellow areas deals maximum damage and often disables critical systems.

ARC Raiders Every ARC Enemy Complete Combat Guide

Small Drone Encounters

When facing groups of small drones, positioning becomes crucial. Find doorways or narrow passages that limit their approach angles and force them into predictable flight paths.

Wasps are the easiest aerial targets. These gun-equipped drones crash immediately after losing two rotors. Focus fire on their thrusters rather than the main body for quick eliminations.

Hornets (taser quadcopters) present more challenge with their stunning attacks. If you're carrying heavy weapons, target one front thruster and the opposite rear thruster to destabilize their flight. Without heavy firepower, position yourself directly underneath during their reload cycles - they can't lead moving targets effectively.

Ground-Based Threats

Armored Flame Rollerbots telegraph their attacks by opening protective plating just before firing. Stand still, aim at the exposed core, and fire the moment it becomes visible. Their attack animation gives you a clear window for precise shots.

Pop bots function as mobile explosives. These fast-moving suicide units require immediate attention. Either shoot them at range or bait them close, then sprint away before detonation. The explosion radius is manageable if you maintain distance.

Ticks swarm in groups and attempt to latch onto players for continuous damage. Don’t waste precious ammunition. Melee attacks eliminate them efficiently. If one attaches, remove it immediately to prevent continuous health loss.

ARC Raiders Every ARC Enemy Complete Combat Guide

Turret Elimination Tactics

Standard Turrets operate on predictable patterns. Use third-person perspective to peek around corners, fire until the turret returns fire, then wait for it to stop shooting before repeating. This peek-and-shoot strategy minimizes exposure while dealing consistent damage.

Sniper Turrets broadcast their targeting with visible laser beams. Find angles where you can hit their yellow neck components while staying outside their firing arc. Since they only target your body, exposing just your head and weapon often works.

Mini-Boss Encounters

The Leaper requires constant movement and precise timing. When it jumps, move sideways. The creature cannot change its direction once it’s mid-leap. Target the glowing eye with sustained fire, and use stun effects when available to create damage windows.

Bastions are massive eight-legged nightmares with different variants:

• Artillery Bastions deploy spotter drones that paint targets for the main cannon. Eliminate these small spotters first, and the main gun loses targeting capability
• Standard Bastions move slowly but pack devastating firepower. Target leg joints and rear cylinders while maintaining cover
• Rocketeers are the most dangerous ARC variant. Maintain 100-meter minimum distance and break line of sight immediately when detected. Their guided missiles deal lethal damage, but they can't lead moving targets

ARC Raiders Every ARC Enemy Complete Combat Guide

The Queen: Apex Predator Strategy

The Queen represents the ultimate ARC challenge, a massive spider that protects key Harvester locations.This massive enemy follows predictable patrol patterns despite its intimidating presence.

For loot acquisition, timing is everything. Wait for the Queen to face away during her circular patrol, then sprint to the Harvester, grab essential items, and escape before she turns around. Her vision limitations apply even to this massive unit.

Combat engagement requires specialized equipment and coordinated team efforts. Target the exposed core during attack animations, and prioritize eliminating any smaller ARCs she summons before focusing on the Queen herself.

ARC Raiders Every ARC Enemy Complete Combat Guide

Weapon Recommendations by Enemy Type

Advanced Combat Tips

Ferro weapons punch through armor effectively, making them excellent all-purpose choices for new players still learning enemy weaknesses. When in doubt, carry a Ferro and aim for yellow components.

EMP grenades temporarily disable most ARC units, creating opportunities for repositioning or focused damage. Save these for Rocketeers and other high-threat targets.

Explosives excel against groups but avoid using them on single small targets. The ammunition cost outweighs the benefit against individual Wasps or Ticks.

Movement remains your best defense. ARCs struggle with leading targets, so constant repositioning makes you significantly harder to hit. Use cover aggressively and never remain stationary during active combat.

Pro Tip: Most ARCs have terrible peripheral vision and can't predict movement. Exploit these limitations by staying mobile and attacking from unexpected angles.

The key to ARC combat success lies in recognizing that these intimidating machines have predictable behaviors and exploitable weaknesses. Study their patterns, target the right components, and maintain tactical positioning to turn every encounter in your favor.

For more Arc Raiders, check out our guide on Best Skills to Upgrade.