ARC Raiders Headwinds New Augments Guide | Stop Losing Your Best Weapons Forever!

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• ARC Raiders may tackle False Bans and Game-Breaking Vanguard Set Bugs via new patch ahead of Expedition 3

  The excitement surrounding Flashpoint has yet to subside, yet the departure window for Expedition 3, set to open at the end of the month, along with Riven Tides update scheduled for April, already seem poised for launch.

  To ensure the game remains fresh and continues to generate buzz, a prolonged lead-up to upcoming content is essential.

  Furthermore, starting with this new departure window, the development team intends to implement additional optimizations to Expedition gameplay mechanics.

  In this article, drawing upon plans recently leaked by ARC Raiders staff over the past weekend, we will predict potential changes to Expedition mechanics as well as the likely contents of this week's patch.

  

  Expedition 3 schedule

  This expedition commenced immediately following the conclusion of Expedition 2 departure window on March 2nd.

  It consists of five distinct phases involving the collection and submission of various materials; upon completing these phases, a decision will be made on April 29th regarding whether to open a new departure window.

  Notably, since ARC Raiders updates are almost invariably released on Tuesdays, Riven Tides update scheduled for April is expected to launch concurrently with the opening of Expedition 3 departure window.

  This window will remain open for just under a week, closing on May 4th. Afterward, your character's entire progression will be reset, requiring you to start farming from scratch, though it has been stated that you will also receive new permanent buffs.

  Typically, at this stage, the better choice is to buy ARC Raiders blueprints from IGGM; utilize our fast and secure service to instantly craft powerful weapons and dominate the new battlefields!

  What changes might be coming to expeditions?

  The original Expedition design required players to submit an additional 5 million coins at the conclusion of the preparation phase. Subsequently, this requirement was lowered to 3 million coins, alongside the submission of various other requisite materials.

  However, the developers recently announced that further adjustments would be made, without explicitly disclosing any specific details.

  This has sparked speculation: will the coin requirement simply be lowered once again, or is the entire expedition mechanic facing a complete overhaul?

  To be honest, regardless of which scenario comes to pass, it would be best to defer the implementation of these changes until the next expedition cycle.

  With only 15 days remaining until the conclusion of Expedition 3, there likely isn't enough time to properly execute such changes; attempting to do so now would likely only serve to create unnecessary complications.

  However, the awkward reality is that this isn't the first time something like this has happened; ARC Raiders seems to have a habit of waiting until the very last minute to suddenly change course.

  This isn't fair to players, as it means you are forced to hastily adjust your strategies within a mere few weeks.

  The primary reason for this is that not everyone has the luxury of playing online around the clock, which would allow them to constantly keep pace with, and adapt to, the game's latest developments.

  Since its launch, expedition system has faced criticism for being too demanding while offering rewards that aren't sufficiently enticing. In response, ARC Raiders implemented some changes during Expedition 3; however, these adjustments were clearly not enough.

  That said, for an extraction shooter, periodic resets are indeed a necessity; therefore, it becomes all the more crucial to optimize expedition system promptly based on player feedback.

  New bugs that may soon be fixed

  Among the various changes introduced by Flashpoint update, one notable addition is an upgrade to Scrappy: you can now influence the type of items it produces by feeding it specific foods.

  Consequently, if you wish to obtain better topside materials, such as Rubber Parts, Fabric, or Chemicals, from Scrappy, you can do so by feeding it Fruit Mix.

  This particular food item requires you to consume lemon, apricot, and prickly pear to craft, a process that becomes available only after unlocking In-Round Crafting skill.

  However, a recent glitch has emerged where players are unable to craft Fruit Mix once they return to Speranza.

  While this isn't a lethal bug (given that Scrappy isn't, after all, the primary source of loot), it nonetheless negatively impacts the gaming experience for a significant number of players.

  Another issue that has been causing quite a stir within ARC Raiders community recently is the phenomenon of false bans, instances where players are erroneously banned, which, for some inexplicable reason, appears to be on the rise.

  If you have been playing ARC Raiders, or any other shooter game, for that matter, you are likely well aware that cheating is a widespread and serious problem. Beyond exploits stemming from the game's own bugs, there are individuals who resort to using specialized devices or mods to gain an unfair advantage.

  While bugs can be patched, other forms of cheating can only be combated through specialized plugins or devices. The unfortunate reality, however, is that these anti-cheat systems are not always sophisticated enough, leading to instances of false bans.

  This issue is particularly distressing for players with disabilities who rely on specialized external peripherals to play the game; they have, regrettably, become the primary victims of these erroneous bans.

  Over the past few weeks, ARC Raiders team has been working diligently to address this issue. Regrettably, they have yet to find a definitive, permanent solution; for the time being, the only recourse available is to provide a follow-up response to players once they have filed an appeal.

  Another rather noticeable in-game bug occurs when you equip Vanguard Set, introduced in Patch 1.23.0, causing your character to go haywire.

  

  Specifically, the various cosmetic components of the set will flail wildly and drift erratically across the screen; not only does this look unsightly and bizarre, but it also obstructs a portion of the player's field of view.

  Even more frustrating is that if this bug is triggered by another player equipping Vanguard Set, there is absolutely nothing you can do through any in-game action to fix or avoid it yourself.

  Until this issue is resolved, your only recourse is to simply avoid equipping the set, though admittedly, it does boast a very appealing aesthetic. Fortunately, the development team has confirmed that this bug will be addressed in an upcoming patch.

  That covers the key highlights we have to share regarding the latest developments in ARC Raiders. All that remains now is for you to use Flashpoint update content to gear up for the new expedition window! Good luck!

• Stop fighting wrong! ARC Raiders Interesting Barricade Kit Tricks make Vaporizer Farming easier!

  As the only new enemy type introduced in ARC Raiders Flashpoint update, Vaporizer has likely given you a tough time recently. After all, even if you know its weaknesses, it still takes time to figure out the best strategy for engaging it.

  If you haven't yet found a Vaporizer-elimination strategy that works for you, why not give the method we're about to introduce a try, one that utilizes Barricade Kit to get the job done!

  

  Vaporizer overview

  ARC Raiders Vaporizer is a large, airborne drone. Due to its formidable offensive and defensive capabilities, it is typically encountered in higher-difficulty missions or combat scenarios.

  This enemy type attacks by locking onto your position and firing a laser beam. Even if you manage to dodge the beam itself, the ground where it strikes will catch fire; if you don't move further away immediately, you will still take splash damage from the flames.

  Furthermore, every Vaporizer is equipped with a shield that automatically activates when under attack, deflecting incoming projectile damage. However, once the initial shield deactivates, there is a cooldown period before it can be triggered again.

  To deal actual damage to Vaporizer, you must precisely strike its weak point: the core hidden behind a small rectangular panel located on its underside.

  Consequently, regardless of the gear you are using, the standard approach to dealing with a Vaporizer is to first seek cover to avoid being hit directly by the laser beam, while simultaneously using a grenade to trigger the enemy's initial shield.

  If you don't have a grenade, using a firearm works too; however, since the primary goal of this initial attack is simply to trigger and deplete the shield, throwing a grenade is a much safer option for you.

  Once Vaporizer's first shield has deactivated, you can seize the opportunity, while remaining under cover, to unleash your most powerful weapon, continuously firing at the drone's underside until its core is exposed. Then, simply keep firing until the enemy crashes to the ground.

  Upon destruction, Vaporizer drops various types of loot. Naturally, the rarest item among them is its exclusive drop: Vaporizer Regulator, an essential material required for crafting Dolabra.

  What is Barricade Kit?

  As a quick-use item, Barricade Kit serves as a deployable, temporary cover source. It possesses 500 health points; once these points are depleted, you must either deploy a new kit or quickly retreat to safety.

  Unlike standard cover, Barricade Kit allows you to place additional traps directly onto it, enabling you to inflict extra damage on enemies even after you have vacated the position.

  However, it is worth noting that deploying and retrieving Barricade Kit takes a few seconds, it is not an instantaneous action, and enemies also have the ability to dismantle it.

  If you choose to retrieve Barricade Kit yourself as needed, its durability will instantly be restored to full capacity upon retrieval, ensuring it is ready for your next deployment.

  There are various ways to acquire Barricade Kit: you can find them while scavenging, or you can exchange 1,920 coins with Apollo to redeem one (with a daily transaction limit of six).

  However, the most highly recommended method is to craft it yourself at a Workshop. All you need to do is buy ARC Raiders Barricade Kit blueprints and gather a sufficient number of Mechanical Components.

  Why choose Barricade Kit to counter Vaporizers?

  When utilizing natural terrain features for cover while engaging Vaporizers, you will typically find yourself shooting out through doorways or windows.

  However, this approach suffers from a critical flaw: if the opening of the door or window is too wide, enemy fire can still penetrate directly through these gaps and strike the interior of your cover position.

  However, a quick note is that Vaporizers require a steady line of sight, held for approximately one to one-and-a-half seconds, before they can initiate an attack on a target.

  If a Vaporizer merely catches a fleeting glimpse of you, and provided you react quickly enough to dart rapidly back and forth within its field of view, it will not open fire. Barricade Kit serves precisely this purpose: to create that crucial window of opportunity for you.

  How to use Barricade Kit?

  First, place your initial Barricade Kit in a corner adjacent to the opening of your cover position. Then, adjust the kit's angle so that it leaves only a very narrow gap between itself and the wall, just wide enough for you to quickly slip in and out.

  Next, squeeze yourself into the tight space formed between the kit's base supports and its main body; once positioned, place a second Barricade Kit directly to your side, facing you.

  This specific configuration effectively seals off Vaporizers' firing angles almost completely, preventing them from directing their ordnance into the interior of your cover position.

  This tactic proves highly effective, particularly when a Vaporizer hovers mid-air searching for your whereabouts, allowing you to take it down with ease.

  Even if it decides to fire its laser beam at you, it poses little threat, as its firepower cannot penetrate deep into cover. You simply need to roll backward into the deeper recesses of your cover to maintain a safe distance from the beam.

  Even if your cover is destroyed, redeploying is a simple matter, unless the enemy manages to destroy all of your deployed Barricade Kits simultaneously.

  If only one kit is damaged, you still have the other serving as a barrier, and repairing or replacing the damaged one is a straightforward task.

  However, the downside to this layout is that your field of view outward is severely restricted, and the time required to secure a kill may be slightly longer.

  Therefore, if you prefer, you can adopt an upgraded version of this approach: position the second cover kit, which would typically sit to the side, slightly further away from the wall.

  This grants you significantly more maneuvering room than before without compromising the effectiveness of your cover. You can lean out to scout and fire, then quickly roll back into the depths of your cover for safety.

  Of course, when placing the second kit in this configuration, you must be precise with its positioning; ensure the resulting gap is wide enough for you to move through, yet not so wide that it renders the cover ineffective.

  Alternatively, you could try using your Barricade Kits to construct a large V-shaped cover structure, ensuring the pointed tip of the V faces outward, directly toward Vaporizer.

  Theoretically, this defensive layout still leaves the interior of the cover open to enemy fire; however, in practice, the enemy's line of sight is typically obstructed so thoroughly that, in the vast majority of combat scenarios, they simply cannot acquire a viable firing angle.

  When utilizing this layout, you should position yourself on either side of the doorway, using the kits as cover while nimbly weaving back and forth between them. This not only keeps you protected but also allows you to execute peek-and-shoot maneuvers with agility and confidence.

  And there you have it, a reliable strategy for using Barricade Kit to counter Vaporizer. If this piques your interest, give it a try right away!

• How to utilize ARC Raiders Photoelectric Cloak and Smoke Grenades to loot Assessors with less fighting?

  Typically, the most exciting additions in any ARC Raiders update are the new map events (provided, of course, that new ones have been added). These events not only offer increased rewards but also dictate the overall level of danger during your raids.

  The most recent Flashpoint update introduced a new event dominated by a specific type of ARC device: Assessors. This event is known as Close Scrutiny.

  While the true danger lies not in the devices themselves, but rather in the enemies they attract, mastering a few tips for quickly looting the contents of Assessors will allow you to extract sooner, thereby avoiding unnecessary combat with additional foes.

  In this guide, we will outline effective strategies and gear recommendations for dealing with Assessors, enabling you to swiftly clear Close Scrutiny event.

  

  How do Assessors work?

  When a Close Scrutiny event spawns on the current map, red beams of light will periodically appear in the sky; these serve as a visual harbinger of ARC Assessors' arrival.

  Assessor device itself is a large, stationary tripod-mounted machine containing three lootable compartments. Opening these compartments yields various rewards, the rarest of which is Assessor Matrix, an item obtainable exclusively through this method.

  Assessors will not directly attack you; however, damaging or breaking them triggers an alarm that attracts other nearby ARC units to your location. Naturally, this also includes other players who may be looking to loot the device themselves.

  The indispensable Photoelectric Cloak

  Before diving into specific strategies for handling Assessors, you must first familiarize yourself with Photoelectric Cloak, and ideally, ensure you bring one along every time you attempt a Close Scrutiny event.

  This item falls under Quick Use category in-game. Although it boasts a high Epic rarity level, fortunately, crafting it does not require a specific blueprint; you simply need the necessary base materials and a related workshop.

  Once you equip the cloak, your movement speed will be reduced; however, you will gain an invisibility effect. Regardless of your actions, whether moving, looting, or interacting with objects, no ARC enemy will be able to detect you.

  Since PvP encounters in standard raids can be particularly treacherous, you might be accustomed to filling your inventory slots with high-damage weaponry, meaning Photoelectric Cloak often sees limited use. However, it proves to be an incredibly practical and effective tool, specifically within the context of Close Scrutiny events.

  One important caveat to note is that using the cloak consumes energy. Furthermore, even if you equip multiple cloaks, they all draw from and share a single, unified energy meter. Energy will only begin to regenerate once you deactivate the cloak and cease using its invisibility effect.

  The most common method: Smoke Grenades

  Currently, assuming you have Photoelectric Cloak equipped, the method most players choose to minimize exposure time and evade enemies is the use of Smoke Grenades.

  Although these grenades deal no direct damage to enemies, once thrown, they generate a cloud of smoke that obscures the line of sight for both PvP and PvE enemies for 20 seconds. This creates a window of opportunity for you to quickly loot the area and extract.

  Given that you may encounter an Assessor more than once during a single run, you will need to carry a substantial supply of Smoke Grenades; however, crafting this item requires the corresponding blueprint.

  Therefore, if your budget allows, it is best to buy ARC Raiders blueprint on IGGM! This will enable you to stockpile Smoke Grenades much faster and in greater quantities.

  Alternatively, if you don't mind the extra hassle, you can opt for Li'l Smoke Grenade, which can be crafted without a blueprint. It functions identically to the standard Smoke Grenade, but its smoke lasts for only 6 seconds.

  Consequently, you will need approximately three Li'l Smoke Grenades each time you attempt to breach an Assessor. The optimal moments to deploy them are:

  • One second before you begin the breach.
  • When the breach progress reaches approximately one-third completion.
  • Immediately upon the completion of the breach.

  Rest assured that the breach progress will not be interrupted during this process. The time gained should be sufficient for you to finish looting; once done, simply activate your Photoelectric Cloak and extract.

  Utilizing bushes for concealment

  In certain maps, such as Buried City and Dam Battlegrounds, bushes or dense foliage may be found in the immediate vicinity of where Assessors spawn. You can leverage these natural cover spots to your advantage, potentially eliminating the need to use Smoke Grenades entirely!

  First, ensure that ARC enemies, drawn to your location by Assessor's alarm, do not have their optical sensors glowing red (indicating a red alert or hostile lock-on).

  Instead, look for a yellow glow, which signifies that they are currently in Search Mode and have not yet pinpointed your exact location.

  Under these conditions, you simply activate your Photoelectric Cloak and crouch quietly within the bushes, most enemies will be unable to detect your presence and will eventually wander away (a mechanic introduced in Patch 1.23.0).

  Furthermore, if other players in the area happen to be spotted by the enemies before you are, you can take advantage of the ensuing chaos to rush in and loot the supplies directly, without needing to expend any Smoke Grenades.

  Even if ARC bots spot you during this process, do not panic. Simply activate your cloak immediately, take cover behind the nearest piece of terrain, and give the enemies a moment for their aggro status to reset.

  Stockpiling repair and crafting materials

  It is worth noting that crafting Photoelectric Cloak or Smoke Grenades both requires various materials. Furthermore, the cloak is prone to damage during use and must be repaired promptly.

  To ensure this, you should regularly farm and stockpile the following materials:

  • Photoelectric Cloak crafting: 2x Advanced Electrical Components, 4x Speaker Components
  • Photoelectric Cloak repaired: 1x Advanced Electrical Components, 2x Speaker Components
  • Smoke Grenade crafting: 14x Chemicals, 1x Canister, Smoke Grenade Blueprint
  • Li'l Smoke Grenade crafting: 5x Chemicals, 1x Plastic Parts

  The above outlines a reliable strategy for safely looting Assessors while minimizing combat encounters as much as possible. May every one of your Close Scrutiny expeditions be a bountiful success!

• ARC Raiders Patch 1.23.0 adds exclusive Vanguard Set and fixes game-breaking damage bugs to guarantee your experience

  Following last week's Flashpoint update, delivered via a new patch, ARC Raiders has released its customary weekly update this week: Patch 1.23.0. This patch aims to address various issues that have emerged within the game over the past week.

  It is worth noting that this patch was released a day later than ARC Raiders' usual weekly update schedule (which typically falls on Tuesdays). However, this delay has had a negligible impact on the overall gaming experience.

  Patch 1.23.0 isn't limited solely to bug fixes; it also introduces the new Vanguard Set. If you wish to delve deeper into the details, please read through the guide below.

  

  What does Vanguard Set look like?

  As the only substantial new content introduced in Patch 1.23.0, Vanguard Set actually made its debut during the previous Flashpoint and Beyond promotional campaign, where it was even featured as a key highlight.

  This set offers three distinct color schemes and boasts extensive customization options. You can freely mix and match various components, including a combat teddy bear charm for the leg, an alternative backpack, and a wasteland-style helmet.

  To acquire this set from the in-game store, you will need 1,600 Raider Tokens. It is important to note that this reflects a discounted rate; the duration of this sale remains unknown at this time.

  Additionally, the store currently features other discounted cosmetic items, such as Brigade Set. You are free to choose whichever items appeal to your personal taste, as none of them provide any combat-related bonuses.

  Combat-related bug fixes

  Given that Flashpoint update introduced a wealth of new mechanics and gameplay features, it is entirely normal for some bugs and instability to arise during the initial launch period.

  Among the combat-specific bugs addressed, the most notable fix concerns Rocketeers, which would occasionally emit incorrect alert sounds during battle, mimicking the audio cues of Vaporizers instead.

  Such errors are not uncommon in the game; they likely stem from the fact that these robotic enemies are designed based on a shared underlying archetype, leading to minor internal conflicts within the system's trigger mechanisms.

  Obviously, this isn't a game-breaking issue; however, for players who rely on pattern recognition and audio cues to identify enemy types, this bug fix will undoubtedly result in a significantly smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

  Another noteworthy fix included in this patch addresses Trigger 'Nade. Prior to the release of Patch 1.23.0, if two Trigger 'Nades were detonated in proximity, they would sometimes deal up to triple the intended damage.

  While this could provide a temporary tactical advantage during combat, it ultimately disrupted the balance of the game's item and combat systems, particularly to the detriment of PvP experience for the majority of players.

  In fact, the numerical bug associated with Trigger 'Nade had long been a source of player frustration; now, with the release of Patch 1.23.0, it has finally been restored to its intended functionality.

  Additional bug fixes related to combat are listed below:

  • Fixed an issue where items could not be used immediately if the player switched to an item while holding down the fire button.
  • Fixed an issue where weapons and items would sometimes fire automatically.
  • Fixed an issue where the camera would remain stuck on one side due to improper shoulder-switching.
  • Fixed an issue where using Anvil Splitter did not incur the intended spread penalty.
  • Removed the ability to place barricades while riding a zipline.

  Map-specific bug fixes

  This section is relatively brief, with most fixes primarily impacting your experience when completing new quests or trials. Specific fixes include:

  • Fixed an issue where players could occasionally catch fire while standing outside the locked room in Stella Montis Medical Research area.
  • Fixed a rare issue in Stella Montis where bullets could sometimes penetrate through floors to hit targets.
  • Fixed an issue in Buried City where certain staircases were missing.
  • Fixed an issue during Locked Gate event where players were sometimes unable to interact with the code printer.

  

  Bug fixes related to Close Scrutiny

  Close Scrutiny is a new map event introduced in Flashpoint update. Its core mechanic involves ARC Assessors spawning periodically across the map while the event is active.

  You can loot these devices to obtain rewards; however, doing so triggers an alarm that attracts additional enemies. Naturally, eliminating these enemies yields even more loot.

  This mechanic ensures that farming Close Scrutiny inevitably results in chaotic combat scenarios, with a ceaseless influx of various ARCs and Rats, which, in turn, led to a series of technical issues. Fortunately, most of these have now been resolved:

  • Fixed an issue where Rocketeers and Vaporizers would exhibit abnormal behavior while idle.
  • Fixed an issue where Assessor platforms might not display correctly after a player reconnected to the game.
  • Fixed an issue where Vaporizers would sometimes get stuck when approaching Assessors.
  • Fixed an issue where Assessors would fail to return to their orbital trajectory.
  • Fixed an issue where ARC summoned by Assessors would fail to properly exit an area after remaining stationary for an extended period.
  • Fixed an issue where pings directed at Assessors on the map would inaccurately reflect their actual location.
  • Fixed an issue where players could get stuck while transitioning between platforms during Assessor missions.
  • Fixed an issue in Buried City where Assessors and Probes could spawn in the exact same location.

  Additional bug fixes

  In addition to the aforementioned bug fixes, which are critical to the core gameplay experience, ARC Raiders Patch 1.23.0 also addresses several visual and UI-related issues, such as incorrect displays in the weapon upgrade interface and helmet visors appearing completely transparent.

  Furthermore, it is worth noting that while the game has been continuously working to resolve the game crashes frequently reported by players, the issue has yet to be completely eliminated.

  Consequently, Patch 1.23.0 includes additional fixes targeting crashes specifically triggered by certain visual effects. Unfortunately, the underlying causes of these crashes remain unclear at this time, meaning they may potentially recur in the future.

  That concludes the full details regarding Patch 1.23.0. We anticipate that our regular weekly patch release next week will proceed on schedule; in the meantime, please continue to enjoy the thrilling combat experience offered by Close Scrutiny!

  ---

  If you're looking to take down even more enemies and boost your farming efficiency in the newly optimized Close Scrutiny event, you can try to buy ARC Raiders blueprints from IGGM.

  Not only does this allow you to craft powerful weapons on demand to aid you in battle, but the service provided by IGGM is also the fastest and most secure on the market, guaranteed to keep you one step ahead of the competition!

• ARC Raiders April Riven Tides Update Release Date, Map Clues and Preparation Guide

  With the official launch of Flashpoint update, players have mostly focused their attention on the new gear additions. However, the update also quietly tweaked the world map - a move that actually serves as a clue planted by the developers for the upcoming Riven Tides update in April.

  It's been five months since the last new map was introduced, and players have been waiting a long time. Many have even grown tired of the current content and decided to step away. Riven Tides update is your chance to bring your friends back to ARC. Let's take a look at what other exciting content it has in store.

  

  What does Flashpoint Bring?

  Flashpoint isn't just a content update - it's a structural adjustment at the system level. The team used it to tweak respawn mechanics, loot density, and pressure levels. Because players had been finding ARC encounters too easy, and the development team wanted to raise the challenge again. However, the developers also introduced new weapons and ARC Raiders blueprints to ensure players had the incentive to tackle this high-difficulty content.

  Flashpoint update may also be serving as a prelude to Riven Tides. Since the current roster of ARC enemies no longer poses a significant threat to veteran players, the new map conditions introduced in Flashpoint have raised the game's difficulty baseline. Riven Tides is expected to build upon this foundation by introducing even more challenging content.

  Riven Tides Release Date

  A community manager for ARC Raiders confirmed on Discord that Riven Tides update will go live at the end of the month. This aligns with the previously shared roadmap, and now it's officially verified. Based on the confirmed late-April timing, the expected release date is April 28.

  New Map Details

  

  The new map features a coastal setting and includes a global environmental condition whose specifics have yet to be revealed. It will also introduce a large ARC enemy classified as boss-tier - on par with massive foes like Bastion, Matriarch, and Queen. Players briefly caught a glimpse of this enemy in earlier trailers and on Art Station.

  Additionally, the team has confirmed that the third expedition window will open alongside this update. And before the major update arrives, the developers have already been dropping subtle environmental clues in recent patches.

  Map changes

  Before Flashpoint update, the big map looks standard - nothing particularly eye-catching. After Flashpoint update, when you open the map, you'll notice some changes in the bottom-left corner. 

  When you examine the in-game map closely, you'll find sticky notes, stickers, images, and small icons added to that corner. One beach image, in particular, hints at the new map's setting.

  The Beach Image

  The image shows a coastline with a clear beach aesthetic. It looks a bit worn and faded, but a sticky note underneath clearly states: This image matches the location. That strongly suggests the picture points to an actual place on the map.

  Next to the image is a label: Hotel Beachfront. Around this location, you'll also spot many Easter egg-style details. For example, a keychain with the number 9 on it - clearly corresponding to a room number. The development team enjoys using numbers to guide players toward different areas.

  The key also features text like "goods access" or something similar, possibly linked to residential supplies noted elsewhere in the bottom-left corner. Specifically, those supplies include cleaning products and chemical components.

  Putting all these clues together, the map doesn't point to a vague water area - instead, it indicates a heavily damaged beachfront building complex, centered around a ruined coastal hotel. The seawall view in the photo matches the area marked on the map perfectly.

  Although the team hasn't officially announced the exact location for Riven Tides, the new clues, sticky notes, and highly suggestive photos on the world map allow us to reasonably infer that the new map lies in the bottom-left corner of the main map, next to the volcanic uplift and directly below Buried City.

  How to Prepare for Riven Tides?

  If you don't plan to join the expedition, my advice is to make sure you have enough long-range weapons. The new map seems to feature more elevated open areas, so you'll need firearms with good reach. At the same time, because there will be interiors like hotel buildings, close-quarters weapons are also essential for moving through those spaces.

  Given that Riven Tides location sits right next to the volcanic uplift and considering the hinted open coastline, this area is likely to be extremely challenging. So beyond weapons, you should prioritize upgrading your mobility gear. The new map may have many sightline control zones, with an overall open feel. Based on concept art from Artstation, some areas look quite exposed.

  Ziplines, portable cover, and smoke grenades are items you should stock up on in advance - especially smoke grenades, which are currently severely underrated in the game. Almost every loadout benefits from carrying smoke grenades. They're highly effective against both ARC enemies and other players, especially on exposed bridges or flooded checkpoints.

  Looking at all the maps released so far, the development team has always pursued a distinct identity for each one, ensuring no two maps feel the same. So for players, the new map arriving in the coming weeks is something truly worth looking forward to.

• ARC Raiders High-Gain Antenna Project Guide | Complete it fast based on Close Scrutiny Event

  Whenever a substantial content update is released, ARC Raiders typically introduces a long-term project to serve as one of your primary sources for earning rewards during that specific phase. The recent Flashpoint update introduced High-Gain Antenna project.

  The mechanics of these projects are somewhat similar to the preparation phase of an Expedition: you are required to gather specific materials.

  However, unlike Expedition prep phase, which wipes your inventory upon completion, finishing a project rewards you with loot instead.

  In this guide, we will introduce High-Gain Antenna project, covering key details such as the materials you need to collect to complete it, ensuring you can efficiently track and advance your progress at any time.

  

  High-Gain Antenna project overview

  While they may not have a direct impact on gameplay mechanics, every project in ARC Raiders comes with its own unique backstory and lore, which is typically conveyed through accompanying trailers.

  The trailer for the Flashpoint update stars Celeste and Shani; through the newly introduced Close Scrutiny events and the subsequent arrival of ARC Assessors, it underscores the critical importance of establishing early warning systems and locating these devices.

  Consequently, from a narrative standpoint, High-Gain Antenna project requires you to complete it in order to better monitor the movements and activities of Assessors.

  In practical gameplay terms, this translates to a multi-stage process where you must collect and submit specific materials.

  How to complete this project?

  This project is divided into three distinct stages, fewer than Weather Monitor System project introduced in the previous Shrouded Sky update.

  Each stage requires you to collect four specific types of materials; completing the requirement for each individual material unlocks a corresponding reward.

  The rewards are highly diverse, ranging from fully assembled weapons and various weapon attachments to Raider Tokens, which can be redeemed for other items.

  Furthermore, given the introduction of new enemy types and map events, the majority of material collection tasks across these three stages will require you to engage in combat.

  Therefore, be sure to properly gear up and arm your character before you begin working through the project's progression.

  Stage 1: Sturdy Base

  The materials required for this stage, along with their corresponding rewards, are listed below:

  • 25x ARC Alloys: Torrente II
  • 10x ARC Flex Rubbers: Extended Medium Mag III
  • 10x ARC Performance Steels: Extended Barrel
  • 15x Advanced ARC Powercells: Padded Stock

  ARC Alloys are a material of Uncommon rarity; they are dropped by almost every type of ARC enemy upon defeat, and can also occasionally be found while scavenging randomly throughout the environment.

  In comparison, the methods for acquiring ARC Flex Rubbers are slightly more limited. These can be found while scavenging, but they will only drop after you have killed the following enemies:

  • Baron Husk
  • Bastion
  • Bombardier
  • Leaper
  • Matriarch
  • Queen
  • Sentinel
  • Tick
  • Vaporizer

  Among these, Vaporizer is a new enemy introduced in Flashpoint update, a relatively dangerous flying ARC unit.

  It is worth noting that defeating a sufficient number of Vaporizers is also one of the objectives for this week's Trials; therefore, you can complete both the trial and this project simultaneously.

  The acquisition methods for ARC Performance Steels and Advanced ARC Powercells are essentially identical to that of Flex Rubbers, with the only difference being the specific range of enemies that yield them:

  ARC Performance Steels:

  • Baron Husk
  • Bastion
  • Bombardier
  • Hornet
  • Leaper
  • Matriarch
  • Queen
  • Surveyor

  Advanced ARC Powercells:

  • Bastion
  • Bombardier
  • Comet
  • Courier
  • Leaper
  • Matriarch
  • Queen
  • Rocketeer
  • Rocketeer Husk
  • Sentinel
  • Surveyor
  • Vaporizer

  Although the specific enemy types differ slightly, there is a significant degree of overlap between the lists.

  Therefore, as long as you make a point of killing every ARC bot you encounter during each scavenging run, you should be able to complete the material collection for this stage quite quickly.

  Stage 2: Data Logger

  The materials required for this Stage, along with their corresponding rewards, are as follows:

  • 15x ARC Coolants: Bobcat III
  • 15x ARC Thermo Linings: Extended Light Mag III
  • 4x Vaporizer Regulators: Vertical Grip III
  • 6x Assessor Matrixes: 100 Raider Tokens

  For the first three items on this list, the collection methods are the same as for most Stage materials: they can be obtained through scavenging or by killing specific enemies:

  ARC Coolants:

  • Baron Husk
  • Comet
  • Fireball
  • Pop
  • Queen
  • Sentinel
  • Surveyor

  ARC Thermo Linings:

  • Baron Husk
  • Comet
  • Fireball
  • Pop
  • Queen
  • Sentinel
  • Snitch
  • Tick
  • Turret
  • Wasp

  Vaporizer Regulators:

  • Vaporizer
  • Courier

  As for Assessor Matrixes, while they can occasionally be found during general scavenging, we highly recommend looting ARC Assessors instead.

  Although the device itself poses no direct offensive threat, it will attract other hostile bots, as well as other players, so proceed with extreme caution.

  

  Stage 3: Parabolic Dish

  The materials required for this stage, along with their corresponding rewards, are as follows:

  • 10x Surveyor Vaults: Vita Spray
  • 20x ARC Synthetic Resins: Photoelectric Cloak
  • 15x Vaporizer Regulators: Snap Hook
  • 18x Assessor Matrixes: 400 Raider Tokens

  Note that the last two items on this list are identical to those required in Stage 2, so we will not reiterate the methods for obtaining them here. However, it's worth gaining a deeper understanding of their specific functions.

  Specifically, Vaporizer Regulators can be used to craft Dolabra, while Assessor Matrixes are primarily used for recycling to obtain other common items.

  While you may occasionally stumble upon Surveyor Vaults during raids, a more reliable method is to hunt down and eliminate Couriers or Surveyors. The primary function of this material is to upgrade your Medical Lab.

  Finally, to acquire ARC Synthetic Resins, prioritize eliminating the following enemies:

  • ARC Probe
  • Baron Husk
  • Deforester Husk
  • Matriarch
  • Queen
  • Sentinel
  • Shredder
  • Snitch
  • Spotter
  • Turret
  • Wasp

  Most efficient completion strategy

  As you can see, obtaining almost every required material involves eliminating ARC bots. Given this, we recommend focusing your efforts directly on Close Scrutiny events and looting ARC Assessors.

  The rationale behind this is twofold: first, you can directly acquire the specific materials you need; and secondly, the noise generated by Assessors quickly attracts large waves of ARC enemies, allowing you to rapidly clear them out and simultaneously gather multiple types of materials.

  Project reward analysis

  While there are no additional rewards upon completing the entire project, the rewards offered at each individual stage are excellent in their own right.

  Stages 1 and 2 focus primarily on weapons and usable mods, designed to boost your combat effectiveness.

  Stage 3 rewards include Vita Spray, which allows you to restore your own or your teammates' health during combat. Photoelectric Cloak to aid in stealth operations, and Snap Hook to enhance your climbing efficiency.

  As for Raider Tokens, you can redeem them at the in-game store for the latest cosmetic items or premium Raider Decks to customize your character, making you the most eye-catching presence in all of Speranza!

  That covers everything you need to know about High-Gain Antenna project. Although it may seem complex at first glance, simply focusing on ARC Assessors will allow you to complete it in no time!