ARC Raiders (2025): Best Starter Loadouts & Early Game Progression Guide for New Players

on

Stepping into the dangerous world of ARC Raiders for the first time can be intimidating. Between the mechanical menace of the ARC and the unpredictability of rival players, every mission can feel like a desperate scramble for survival.

This guide breaks down the essential early-game systems — from Free Loadouts to workshop upgrades — and provides proven starter builds based on community testing. Whether you prefer stealth, precision, or full firepower, this walkthrough will help you extract more loot and die less often.

πŸ“œ Table of Contents

  1. Early Game Fundamentals

  2. Best Starter Loadouts

  3. Smart Progression Strategy

  4. Extraction Methods Explained

  5. Essential Beginner Mindset Tips

  6. Community Resources & Links

🎯 Early Game Fundamentals

ARC Raiders (2025): Best Starter Loadouts & Early Game Progression Guide
🧰 Start Risk-Free with the Free Loadout

The Free Loadout is your best friend when starting out. It’s a zero-risk setup that lets you:

  • Learn maps and AI patterns without gear loss.

  • Complete early quests and bounties with no investment.

  • Test weapons and playstyles freely.

Important: Free Loadouts don’t include Safe Pocket slots, meaning you can’t secure valuable loot during the raid. Once you start earning rare materials or crafting weapons, switch to personal gear setups.

πŸ’ͺ Prioritize These Early Skills

ARC Raiders has over 45 skills across three trees — here’s what to grab first:

Mobility Tree

  • Marathon Runner: Reduces stamina consumption while sprinting.

  • Youthful Lungs: Increases maximum stamina for longer escapes.

Survival Tree

  • Looter’s Instincts: Faster container searching.

  • Broad Shoulders: Increases carry weight for more loot.

  • In-Round Crafting: Lets you craft bandages and shield cells mid-raid — a literal lifesaver.

⚙️ Workshop Essentials: Crafting and Scrappy

Your workshop is the engine of your early progress. Focus on:

  • Weapon and Medical Benches: Prioritize these to ensure consistent re-gearing between raids.

  • Scrappy the Rooster: Visit this loyal companion after every run. Upgrading him increases both the quantity and rarity of gathered materials.

  • Crafting Over Buying: Craft weapons and consumables when possible — it’s cheaper and helps build crafting experience.

πŸ”« Best Starter Loadouts

These loadouts are based on community-tested setups from r/ARCRaiders and top YouTube creators.

⚖️ The Balanced Beginner Loadout

A versatile build that’s effective against both ARC enemies and human Raiders.

Recommended Gear:

  • Primary: Bettina or Anvil Rifle (reliable mid-range power)

  • Secondary: Stitcher SMG for close-quarters defense

  • Utilities: 3 Shield Rechargers, 5 Bandages, 2 Adrenaline Shots

  • Tactical Gear: 2 Smoke Grenades, Ziplines

Why It Works:
Balanced for survival and flexibility. Smoke grenades provide essential cover during extractions or panic retreats.

πŸ’₯ The Budget ARC Hunter

Focused on efficient PvE farming with enough punch for PvP encounters.

Recommended Gear:

  • Primary: Anvil Rifle with Silencer (quiet ARC farming)

  • Secondary: Tempest Handgun for fast reloads

  • Tools: Wolfpack Grenades for heavy ARC units

  • Defense: Extra Shield Rechargers and Bandages

Why It Works:
The silenced Anvil helps manage noise levels while staying effective against armored ARC enemies.

πŸ•Ά️ The Stealthy Scavenger

Ideal for players who prefer stealth and resource gathering over combat.

Recommended Gear:

  • Primary: One lightweight rifle for emergencies

  • Utilities: Arc Lures, Smoke Grenades

  • Movement Tools: Adrenaline Shots for quick escapes

  • Defense: Minimal healing items to maximize loot space

Why It Works:
Minimalist setup focused on stealth and mobility — perfect for solo players looting white or orange zones.

πŸ› ️ Smart Progression Strategy

πŸ’° Resource & Stash Management

  • Recycle Wisely: Dismantling mid-raid gives only 50% of material value — extract first when possible.

  • Upgrade Stash Early: The first stash upgrade (≈2,500 coins) offers huge value.

  • Safe Pocket Priority: Store high-value schematics or rare materials first.

🧩 Building Vendor Relationships

  • Complete Trader Quests: These provide structure and steady progression rewards.

  • Build Trust: Higher trader trust unlocks advanced blueprints, gear, and consumables.

πŸš€ Extraction Methods Explained

Standard Elevators:

  • Public extraction points that make loud activation sounds — expect ambushes.

  • Always scout before activating.

Raider Hatches:

  • Quiet, fast, and ideal for solo stealth players.

  • Requires a Raider Hatch Key (approx. 6,000 credits).

Pro Tip: Don’t get greedy — extract once your objectives are complete. A safe extraction with small gains beats dying with a full bag.

🧠 Essential Beginner Mindset Tips

  • Don’t Get Greedy: Survive first, loot second.

  • Use Your Gear: Don’t hoard consumables — survival tools are meant to be used.

  • Listen Carefully: Footsteps, ARC explosions, and gunfire provide crucial intel.

  • Adapt Quickly: Treat every failed raid as a lesson.

⚡ TL;DR Quick Guide

  • Use the Free Loadout for your first 10 runs.

  • Prioritize Stamina & Looting Skills early.

  • Focus on Weapon + Medical benches first.

  • Use Bettina + Stitcher for a balanced loadout.

  • Extract early — greed kills more Raiders than bullets.  

🌐 ARC Raiders Community Links & Resources

🏠 Official Channels

Comments

Post a Comment