ARC Raiders Shared Watch Event Guide: How to Farm Merits Quickly & Unlock Slugger Set

The Shared Watch Event in ARC Raiders is live from February 10–24, 2026 with patch 1.15.0. It temporarily shifts progression from PvP to cooperative PvE combat. Players earn Merits for fighting ARC machines instead of raiders, which unlocks rewards like the Slugger cosmetic set, blueprints, and Raider Tokens.

This guide covers how the Shared Watch event works, strategies to farm Merits efficiently, and tips for solo vs squad play.

📌 Table of Contents

🧠 What Is the Shared Watch Event?

Shared Watch is a limited-time event in ARC Raiders running Feb 10–24, 2026. It replaces normal PvP progression with a Merit-based reward track that only grants credit for PvE actions against ARC enemies.

  • Earn Merits by damaging, assisting, or destroying ARC machines.
  • No Merits are granted for killing other players.
  • The event encourages cooperation rather than PvP combat.

🔥 How Merits Are Earned

Merits are tied directly to XP earned from ARC combat:

  • 1 Merit = 100 XP from ARC enemies.
  • XP is gained by: damaging, assisting, or destroying ARC units.
  • High-value targets (Leapers, Bastions, Matriarchs) grant more XP → faster Merit gains.
ARC Raiders Shared Watch Event Guide

🏆 Shared Watch Rewards

The reward track contains 21 items, with a total of 1,050 Merits needed for full completion. Key milestones include:

Merits        Reward
50Slugger Outfit
10020 Raider Tokens
150Vita Spray
200Tactical Mk.3 (Healing) Blueprint
250Grenades (Slugger variant)
300Backpack Charm
950Acoustic Guitar
100050 Raider Tokens
1050Batting Helmet (Scrappy cosmetic)

🎯 Best Strategies to Earn Merits Fast

1. Prioritize High-Value ARC Targets

Small enemies like Wasps and Hornets yield low XP. Focus on high-value enemies:

  • Leapers
  • Bastions
  • Matriarchs / Boss Alerts

Assisting teammates on big enemies also grants XP and Merits.

2. Use PvE-Optimized Loadouts

  • Equip weapons with high DPS against machines.
  • Utility items (grenades, CC tools) help soften targets.
  • Buff small-add clearing with Trailblazer grenades (effective against Drones/Husks).

🧍‍♂️ Solo vs Squad Play

Approach     Best For
SoloSteady XP gains; safer pacing; keeps all loot.
SquadFaster ARC takedowns, higher total XP; share loot but all get Merits.

Tip: Even if you don’t land the killing blow, assisting in squads gives Merit credit.

⚠️ PvP Doesn’t Help Progress

Killing other Raiders does not earn Merits. PvP is still active, but it is **not efficient for event progression**. Focus on ARC engagements instead. ([dexerto.com](https://www.dexerto.com/wikis/arc-raiders/shared-watch-event/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

🧠 Quick Farming Tips

  • Target high-value ARC enemies for fastest Merit gains.
  • Group with others to share XP via assists.
  • Rotate through high-density spawn zones.
  • Use PvE-optimized weapons and utility items.
  • Avoid wasting time on PvP — it does not advance your Merit track.

⚡ Final Thoughts

Shared Watch is a **cooperative incentive embedded into standard gameplay**, not a separate PvE mode. By prioritizing high-value ARC targets, using the right loadout, and assisting in squads, you can maximize Merit gains and unlock the **Slugger Set, blueprints, and Raider Tokens** before the event ends on February 24, 2026.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When does the ARC Raiders Shared Watch event end?

The event ends on February 24, 2026.

How do I earn Merits quickly?

Focus on high-value ARC targets like Leapers, Bastions, and Matriarchs. Use PvE-optimized weapons and assist in squads to maximize XP and Merits.

Do PvP kills give Merits?

No. Killing other players does not advance your Merit track. Only ARC combat counts.

What rewards can I unlock with Merits?

Rewards include Slugger Outfit, Tactical Mk.3 Blueprint, Acoustic Guitar, Raider Tokens, and the Batting Helmet (Scrappy cosmetic) at 1,050 Merits.

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