ARC Raiders Best Muzzle Attachment Compared: Compensator vs. Muzzle Brake | Which One Actually Wins?

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• ARC Raiders Riven Tides New Map leaked early via exclusive teaser! First look at the massive Exodus Hotel

  Although ARC Raiders has released several new map events through monthly updates over recent months, these changes were ultimately temporary alterations to the existing environment, a far cry from the experience of stepping into a brand-new map.

  However, according to the original Escalation roadmap, Riven Tides update, scheduled for release in late April, will introduce a new map. Moreover, it is highly likely to feature a beach-themed setting, distinct from any of the maps currently in the game!

  Typically, ARC Raiders only reveals new content a few days prior to an update's release via short teaser trailers. This time, however, if you are subscribed to their mailing list, you received an exclusive early look at a teaser containing images showcasing the new Riven Tides map!

  But even if you aren't subscribed, don't worry; we're here to walk you through these images and the rest of the email's contents, while analyzing the many hidden details tucked within them.

  

  Email content overview

  If you received the email, you would have noticed the internal header titled "Field Observation 001." It contains a block of text resembling an operational log, accompanied by two images captioned "Exodus Hotel" and "Interior Wrecked."

  Exodus Hotel image depicts a dilapidated resort named Panorama Azzurro, featuring palm trees flanking its entrance. Extending upward from the hotel's signage is a zipline; its ultimate destination remains a mystery.

  Interior Wrecked image showcases a ruin rendered in a predominantly dark-yellowish palette, with what appears to be a broken robot situated in the center of the frame. On the wall behind it, a large graffiti tag reads "Bardi", it means liar.

  In fact, by cross-referencing this with other information already released regarding Riven Tides, it becomes clear that this new map is likely centered around a large seaside hotel, a concept that aligns perfectly with Exodus Hotel imagery.

  The text log indicates that the observer conducted their search at 6:06 PM, focusing on the hotel's exterior and interior. The grid ref is marked as tagged, and the content of the reporting scout has been redacted.

  Additional details include the hotel's name (Panorama Azzurro), listed with a status of standby, along with a personal commentary from the observer.

  This commentary mentions NPC Shani, notes the current state of utter decay at the old resort, and points out the presence of a nearby tennis court.

  Based on this evidence, Exodus Hotel is likely the designated name for a specific POI on the new map, and perhaps even the map's central focal point. Though it is clearly in a state of decline, it has not yet completely collapsed.

  The image depicting the ruins seems to foreshadow an ominous atmosphere, perhaps serving as a narrative foundation for the game's broader lore, offering you deeper insights into the history of the conflict between humanity and ARC.

  A deep dive into the teaser

  Beyond the content revealed in the new emails, and by cross-referencing it with the descriptions accompanying the previous Riven Tides background art, a detailed analysis allows for some intriguing speculation.

  First, located in the southwest corner of the world map, are several sticky notes. Based on the fragmented information scribbled on them, one can surmise that the landscape showcased in the teaser differs significantly from the area's original appearance.

  Furthermore, some of these notes specifically reference Room 204 of Panorama Azzurro Hotel, while the final note even marks the precise location of the coastline.

  If you scrutinize the background image from the previously released Escalation roadmap, you can also spot several Raiders, a scattering of sand dunes, and a concrete road that appears to have been toppled by the wind, with various metal structures visible in the distance.

  Another source of visual information comes from a concept art piece released recently. It depicts a new layout situated by the sea, a fortified stronghold resembling a small town, which presents a stylistic departure from the earlier background images.

  

  This discrepancy leads to two potential hypotheses regarding the final appearance of the new map: will it retain its coastal aesthetic, or has it been largely engulfed by sand dunes due to some unforeseen event?

  Regardless, one thing remains certain: Panorama Azzurro Hotel will probably serve as the central hub of the map. Upon release, it is bound to house numerous rare containers and locked rooms, offering ample opportunities to scavenge for valuable ARC Raiders blueprints.

  Further predictions for other Riven Tides content

  Over the next two weeks, leading up to the official launch of Riven Tides, ARC Raiders is expected to release a series of additional official trailers. These trailers will probably not only offer further glimpses of the new map but also introduce other upcoming content.

  As of now, it is confirmed that, in addition to the new map, Riven Tides update will introduce new environmental conditions and massive ARC units, while simultaneously opening the launch window for Expedition 3.

  Given that the development team previously stated this could be the most substantial update ARC Raiders receives in the first half of 2026, the final scope of actual content may extend far beyond these confirmed features; the introduction of new projects or even new weaponry remains a distinct possibility.

  After all, the initial roadmap for Flashpoint update did not explicitly mention the addition of new weapons; yet, the end result allows you to now fully enjoy the unique combat experiences provided by Canto, Dolabra, and Surge Coil.

  New map event may introduce severe weather conditions or environmental hazards, specifically those related to the ocean, depending on the theme of the update and the map itself.

  As for the major ARC, it would ideally feature a style distinct from the existing Matriarch or Queen encounters in order to appeal to a broader player base.

  Regarding potential new projects (should any actually materialize), and drawing parallels with the updates released in February and March, we can begin to speculate on their content once the official Riven Tides trailer is released.

  Naturally, the completion process may continue to involve the phased submission of required materials.

  With just two weeks remaining until the launch of Riven Tides and the opening of the deployment window for Expedition 3, be sure to make haste if you have not yet finished gathering your materials!

• ARC Raiders All Week 24 Trials | How to complete them and claim the rewards fast?

  If you're not just playing the game but also keeping a close eye on every ARC Raiders update, you've likely noticed that the developers have released a teaser for the new map coming in Riven Tides update.

  However, actually getting to experience it is still about two weeks away. For now, your focus should remain on the challenges right in front of you, specifically completing the latest round of weekly trials!

  The five missions in Week 24 Trials are somewhat similar to last week's lineup, most require you to eliminate ARC enemies:

  • Get hit by lightning
  • Destroy ARC enemies in the swamp
  • Damage Bastions
  • Search supply drops
  • Damage Comets

  We've put together a guide for each mission; simply follow along and complete them by Sunday.

  

  Trial 1: Get hit by lightning

  This laughably uninspired mission is back again! When it first appeared, the community complained that it was boring and pointless; however, if you want to complete the weekly trials in full, there's simply no avoiding it.

  The mission requires you to wait for an Electromagnetic Storm event to trigger on the map. Once it begins, you must actively seek out the blue circles on the ground, which mark the spots where lightning is about to strike, and stand inside them to get zapped.

  To achieve a three-star rating on this trial, you'll need to keep moving across the map to locate new lightning strike zones and get hit sufficient times.

  Of course, taking a lightning hit will deplete your health, so it's crucial to bring along plenty of healing supplies; otherwise, you might end up dying and being forced to abandon the trial halfway through.

  Additionally, during an Electromagnetic Storm, the enemies on the map become more dangerous, but the loot you acquire, whether through combat or scavenging, also increases.

  So, if you want to make this mission feel a bit more productive, try actively engaging any enemies you encounter while you're hunting for lightning strikes. This way, you can unlock extra loot through your raids while simultaneously earning your Trial rewards.

  Trial 2: Destroy ARC enemies in the swamp

  This mission requires you to enter Dam Battlegrounds map and eliminate ARC bots of any type within the designated swamp area. Once you've taken out a specific number of enemies, you'll achieve a perfect completion.

  The specific zone in question is officially named South Swamp Outpost, located at the far western edge of the map. It's a location that naturally sees frequent spawns of ARC enemies.

  Although the trial doesn't strictly require you to target specific enemy types, prioritizing the elimination of Rocketeers and Leapers will earn you more trial points.

  Rocketeers are flying ARCs; the best strategy for dealing with them is to first find cover to evade their laser attacks, and then focus your fire on their two thrusters. Their exclusive drop is Rocketeer Driver.

  Leapers are ground-based enemies that attack using shockwave pulses. They are extremely agile, so using grenades for direct bombardment is a highly effective tactic. Upon death, they drop materials such as Leaper Pulse Unit.

  Trial 3: Damage Bastions

  This ARC enemy type can appear on any map, though the spawn rate is slightly higher in more hazardous zones, such as Stella Montis.

  Visually, Bastion resembles a bulkier, more massive version of Leaper; it is heavily armored, moves slowly, and attacks using a powerful Gatling gun.

  Before spotting you and opening fire, a Bastion will emit a piercing shriek, followed by a three-second burst of Gatling gun fire. You must find cover in time to avoid this incoming barrage.

  Of course, Bastions are not entirely indestructible. You can focus your fire on their yellow-colored weak points: the knee joints on all their legs, as well as the cylindrical canisters located on their backs.

  Shooting these specific areas will briefly stun Bastion, creating a window for you to land more effective attacks. Furthermore, if the cylindrical canisters are destroyed, the armor plating on the enemy's back will detach, exposing its truly vulnerable internal core.

  To maximize your kill efficiency, we recommend teaming up with friends to complete this mission. This way, you can all earn Trial Points simultaneously, it's a win-win situation!

  Upon being killed, a Bastion drops a wide variety of crafting materials; among these is the exclusive Bastion Cell, which can be used to upgrade your Gear Bench or submitted for specific projects.

  

  Trial 4: Search Supply Drops

  Every map in ARC Raiders features at least one supply station. Here, you can locate and activate a special flare; within one minute of activation, a supply pod will be air-dropped into the area.

  The objective of this trial is simply to secure and open a sufficient number of these supply pods. However, activating a flare also reveals your location to other players, potentially attracting hostile strangers looking to loot your drop, especially since these supply drops often contain valuable resources.

  If you wish to avoid conflict, you can signal to others that you are merely there to complete a mission objective. However, if you are confident in your combat abilities, your best bet might be to simply drive them all away!

  Trial 5: Damage Comets

  This enemy was introduced to the game via Shrouded Sky update released in February of this year; generally speaking, it is still considered a relatively new enemy type.

  Visually, it resembles a spherical orb. Its sole method of attack is self-destruction; more specifically, once it detects you, it will roll toward you at high speed and trigger its self-destruct sequence once it closes to a sufficient distance.

  Although Comets may appear less sophisticated than most other ARC units, given that they have only one opportunity to inflict damage upon the player, they will actively adjust their positioning prior to detonation to ensure maximum damage output.

  If you spot a Comet approaching early on, you can immediately toss a grenade to shatter its armor. This is particularly effective if Comet has begun charging up, as its outer shell will expand and split open, allowing you to directly target and strike its vulnerable internal components.

  However, if you are unable to prevent Comet from detonating, your only hope is to pray that you are equipped with a Shield and that it is fully charged. Even under those circumstances, your health points will still take a significant hit.

  It is worth noting that Comet's exclusive drop, Comet Igniter, can only be obtained by destroying the unit before it detonates, as the subsequent explosion will simultaneously obliterate the igniter itself.

  That concludes this comprehensive guide for completing ARC Raiders Week 24 Trials. If you don't have any other raids planned for the moment, why not dive in and get started right away?

• 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!

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