ARC Raiders Efficiency Guide (2025): Master Scrappy Upgrades & Workshop Strategy for Endless Resources

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You’ve just returned from a raid, pockets filled with promising loot—only to realize you’re still dozens of Metal Parts short of crafting that upgrade you desperately need.

This frustrating cycle of scarcity is the single biggest roadblock for Raiders trying to progress—but it doesn’t have to be your reality.

While most players focus solely on what they can extract, the true path to consistent progression lies in mastering the two most overlooked systems in ARC Raiders: your loyal companion Scrappy and your Workshop.

This guide transforms those background systems into your most powerful assets.
We’re not just talking about crafting basics—we’re showing you how to build a self-sustaining economic engine that keeps fueling your growth, even when you’re not online.

Whether you’re short on Fabric or wondering how veterans always have elite-tier weapons, this breakdown of Scrappy’s upgrade path and Workshop optimization will turn your Den into a production powerhouse.

Understanding Scrappy & The Workshop: Your Economic Foundation

Scrappy and the Workshop form a symbiotic relationship essential for long-term success.

  • Scrappy acts as your passive income generator, gathering materials automatically after each raid.

  • The Workshop is your manufacturing hub, turning those resources into the weapons, armor, and consumables that give you an edge in the Rust Belt.

ARC Raiders Efficiency Guide
Think of Scrappy as your automated farming system—the more you invest in him, the more he brings home.

The Workshop, on the other hand, determines what you can produce and how efficiently.

Together, they form a loop:

Better Scrappy upgrades → More materials → Better Workshop upgrades → Stronger gear → Longer survival → Even more resources.

Scrappy Upgrade Path: From Fledgling to Master Hoarder

Upgrading Scrappy (known in-game as training) increases both the quantity and rarity of materials he gathers.

Each tier boosts his yield significantly, making this one of the best long-term investments in ARC Raiders.

Upgrade TierItems RequiredKey Benefits
Fledgling (Lv.1)Starting LevelBasic material gathering
Forager (Lv.2)1x Dog CollarHigher yield of common materials
Scavenger (Lv.3)3x Lemons, 3x ApricotsUnlocks uncommon materials, better consistency
Treasure Hunter (Lv.4)6x Prickly Pears, 6x Olives, 1x Cat BedChance for rare materials, big output boost
Master Hoarder (Lv.5)12x Apricots, 12x Mushrooms, 3x Very Comfortable PillowsMaximum efficiency, best chance for valuable drops

The jump from Treasure Hunter to Master Hoarder is massive—Scrappy begins returning resources that would take multiple raids to collect manually.

Finding Upgrade Materials: Efficient Farming Strategies

Natural Item Locations

Fruits and mushrooms are obtained by interacting with plants and trees throughout the Rust Belt. Here are the best routes:

  • Lemons: Found in Olive Grove (The Blue Gate). Safer alternative: Staff Parking at the Spaceport.

  • Apricots: Abundant in Red Lakes (Dam Battlegrounds); also appear in Marano Park (Buried City).

  • Olives: Exclusive to Olive Grove (The Blue Gate)—high risk, high reward. Use Adrenaline Shots to get in and out fast.

  • Prickly Pears: Found near cacti in Red Lakes or along the southern Buried City edge.

  • Mushrooms: Common on tree stumps in damp zones like Formicai Hills or Swamps (Dam Battlegrounds).

Residential & Commercial Items

Dog Collars, Cat Beds, and Pillows appear in lootable building containers.

  • Primary Locations: Ruby Residence, Pale Apartments (Dam Battlegrounds)

  • Secondary Locations: Santa Maria Houses, Plaza Rosa (Buried City)

Pro Loot Tip: Focus on residential buildings first—they have fixed spawns for pet and comfort items.

Pro Tips for Efficient Farming

✅ Use the In-Game Tracker: Enable item tracking to highlight nearby resources during raids.
🌸 Farm During Lush Bloom Events: These events boost fruit yield—perfect for bulk farming.
🏃 Run “Naked” in High-Risk Zones: Bring minimal gear to Olive Grove or Red Lakes; speed and mobility keep losses low.

Workshop Benches & Strategic Upgrade Priority

Your Workshop features multiple upgradeable stations—each unlocking better crafting options across three tiers.

Prioritizing the right ones early determines your progression speed.

Recommended Upgrade Order

  1. Gunsmith → Level 2 (Immediate Priority)

    • Unlocks advanced weapons like the Arpeggio Burst Rifle.

    • Drastically improves survival and damage output.

  2. Scrappy → Level 2 (Early Investment)

    • Low-cost upgrade with high returns—starts generating more passive materials instantly.

  3. Gear Bench → Level 2 (Survivability Focus)

    • Unlocks Heavy Shield and better armor options for tougher runs.

  4. Medical Lab → Level 3 (Combat Sustainability)

    • Grants access to Vita Spray, an instant-heal consumable that’s a raid-saver.

  5. Refiner → Level 2/3 (Mid-Game Breakthrough)

    • Converts common materials into advanced components for high-tier crafting.

    • Removes bottlenecks blocking other Level 3 upgrades.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Crafting vs Buying

Knowing when to craft and when to buy is crucial for efficient resource management.

When to Craft

  • Common consumables (ammo, bandages)

  • Frequently used loadout items

  • Items with rare materials you already have

  • Blueprints for costly vendor items

When to Buy

  • Emergency gear after failed raids

  • Niche items used only in specific situations

  • Rare vendor offers with limited availability

  • When farming materials would take excessive time

👉 Quick Rule: If crafting costs more time than grinding the currency—buy it.

Long-Term Workshop Strategy & Resource Management

Blueprint Acquisition Strategy

Blueprints are found during raids and must be successfully extracted to unlock.

  • Safe pocket new blueprints immediately.

  • Extract early if carrying rare ones.

  • Prioritize items you use most.

  • Share duplicates with your squad to strengthen the whole team.

Advanced Resource Management

  • Stockpile common materials for bulk crafting sessions.

  • Use the Refiner to balance surplus and shortages.

  • Farm based on current bottlenecks (adjust Scrappy’s focus as needed).

  • Maintain a healthy flow of inputs for consistent production.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

🚫 Neglecting Scrappy upgrades — biggest mistake for long-term efficiency.
🚫 Upgrading everything at once — spreads resources too thin.
🚫 Hoarding instead of crafting — stagnates progress.
🚫 Ignoring common materials — they’re vital for bulk production.

Conclusion: Building Your Production Empire

Mastering Scrappy and your Workshop transforms ARC Raiders from a constant grind into a game of strategic economic mastery.

Follow this upgrade path and farming strategy, and you’ll create a system that sustains your progress no matter how your raids go.

Remember:

  • Investing in Scrappy pays exponential dividends.

  • Workshop upgrades should match your playstyle and needs.

The veterans who always have top-tier gear aren’t luckier—they’ve simply mastered their economy.

So gear up, train Scrappy, optimize your Workshop, and turn the Rust Belt into your personal factory floor.

Your production empire awaits—now go claim your place as a true ARC Raider legend.            

🌐 ARC Raiders Community Links & Resources

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