ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 1: 2 Leaper Pulse Units Throws for 1,000 Damage? | Only Vertical Toss on Bombardier Works

Category: ARC Raiders Posted: Aug 11, 2026 Views: 24

Posted: Aug 11, 2026

Source: IGGM

Although ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 1 provides ample time to complete, many players have been struggling with how to best utilize Leaper Pulse Units to deal damage to enemies. While achieving the 1000-point target seems easy, it actually requires careful planning of each use of ARC Raiders Leaper Pulse Units to maximize damage.

Leaper Pulse Unit Acquisition Method

To obtain Leaper Pulse Units in the game, you cannot craft them using materials at the regular workbench. The only way is to actively kill ARC enemies called Leapers.

Experienced players know that after killing a Leaper, you should actively search for its eyes for a higher chance of obtaining Leaper Pulse Unit.

Second, search its four legs and other remains.

As an Epic item, players must remember to quickly loot Leaper Pulse Unit after a kill to avoid being beaten to it by other players.

If you're short on ammo, prioritize hunting Leapers in this Phantom Targets Part 1 mission. Accumulate enough Leaper Pulse Units before attempting the damage accumulation mission to avoid being forced to stop due to running out of ammo.

Alternatively, you can directly buy ARC Raiders Leaper Pulse Units from IGGM.com and follow our methods to eliminate targets for a faster completion of this mission.

Furthermore, we've now launched IGGM Check-in (only for new registered users) system, where you can earn points by checking in. Once you accumulate a certain number of points, you can use them to offset cash purchases at IGGM.com or redeem valuable coupons!

ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 1: 2 Leaper Pulse Units Throws for 1,000 Damage? | Only Vertical Toss on Bombardier Works

Priority Target

Most players who successfully achieved the 1000 damage target using Leaper Pulse Unit focused on Bombardier.

This is because Bombardier not only has a large body and a relatively slow movement pace, but its underside and the prominent yellow battery pack area to the north are particularly sensitive to Leaper Pulse Unit damage detection.

If Leaper Pulse Unit's explosion center perfectly aligns with these weak points, a single throw can easily deal 300 to 450 points of damage.

With good luck, you might even fill the quest bar with just two uses of Leaper Pulse Unit.

Conversely, throwing Leaper Pulse Unit at targets like Bastion or Shredder requires extra effort to break their legs or lure them into confined spaces, and the damage output is inconsistent.

It's quite possible that even if you throw three Leaper Pulse Units at Bastion in a row, you'll only get around 100 points of damage, greatly wasting the hard-earned Leaper Pulse Unit.

Therefore, Bombardier is the primary target for efficiently and consistently completing the 1000-point cumulative damage quest.

How to throw?

Many first-time players waste a lot of ARC Raiders Leaper Pulse Units with minimal results because they overlook the device's inherent throwing limitations: low trajectory, short airtime, and small effective kill radius.

This means that any attempt to throw from five steps away at a safe distance will result in significantly reduced damage because the explosion's center deviates from ARC enemy's core.

You might even end up with only 150 damage after three consecutive long-range Leaper Pulse Unit throws.

In this situation, players must immediately adjust their strategy, rushing directly under Bombardier's legs and throwing Leaper Pulse Unit vertically into the gap at the bottom of its abdomen. Only then can you achieve a noticeable damage score.

Therefore, before throwing, you must quickly run or slide sideways to shorten the distance to Bombardier until you can clearly see the bottom of its abdomen before forcefully throwing Leaper Pulse Unit.

Only in this way can you ensure the explosion completely covers the enemy's vulnerable areas, thus maximizing the output of each Leaper Pulse Unit.

Supportive Measures

Of course, rushing directly into Bombardier's range to throw Leaper Pulse Unit is dangerous, because although this enemy is slow-moving, its turning and counterattacks can still put unprepared Raiders in danger.

Therefore, players need a combination of tactics to assist their throwing and kills.

First, you can carry a Lure Grenade and throw it behind or to the side of Bombardier before you start throwing, attracting it to turn in that direction, allowing you to safely get behind it and giving you valuable aiming time.

Second, if you can carry a high-penetration weapon like Hullcracker or Anvil, attack Bombardier's legs first to prevent it from suddenly moving or turning around and disrupting your rhythm when using Leaper Pulse Unit.

Another method is to pre-place Explosive Mine or Jolt Mine along Bombardier's daily patrol route. The moment an enemy steps on the trap and is briefly damaged, you can throw Leaper Pulse Unit under them.

This way, utilizing the chain reaction created by the mine detonation and Leaper Pulse Unit explosion, your single throw damage can even exceed the expected 1000 points, instantly completing the mission requirement.

Practical Summary

To efficiently use Leaper Pulse Unit to complete the 1000-point damage challenge in ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 1, the most sensible approach is to focus all your efforts on Bombardier.

Using the throwing methods and techniques described above, combined with mine traps, you can easily complete the mission in just two or three tries.

Crucially, don't forget to keep an eye on your Leaper Pulse Unit inventory in your backpack.

Before throwing, it's better to spend a few extra seconds adjusting your position and confirming the landing point than to throw hastily. Otherwise, if the distance is too far, or the angle is off, resulting in less than ideal damage, it wastes resources and prolongs the mission completion time.

Finally, remember that each Bombardier's spawn point and path are different, so if your first attempt doesn't achieve the desired damage, redeploy at a different spawn point.

Stay patient and calm, and you will surely be able to successfully complete this test in ARC Raiders within the limited number of Leaper Pulse Units!

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ARC Raiders Expedition 5 Preparation Guide: How to Stockpile Resources Before Release?

Information regarding ARC Raiders Expedition 5 has recently been circulating in the player community. According to leaked information, the new Expedition will most likely launch in late September.

This Expedition will continue to use a phased progression model, requiring players to continuously submit resources to complete construction goals. The leaks suggest that Expedition 5 significantly increases the proportion of high-level Materials, with later stages consuming numerous rare components.

Combined with previously revealed official update plans, this Expedition is likely to coincide with the next major version update. A new skill tree and a new progression system are likely to be core content of Expedition 5.

Of course, this information has not yet been officially confirmed and may be subject to change upon release. However, if the leaked information is accurate, players who stockpile resources now will certainly find it easier.

Step 1

Step 1 requires submitting 150 Metal Parts, 100 Plastic Parts, 80 ARC Alloys, and 15 Magnets.

For experienced ARC Raiders players, this phase won't be too stressful in terms of collection. The real challenge lies with newcomers or those with poor inventory management. Therefore, players can start organizing their inventory and accumulating relevant Materials now, so they can directly advance their Step progress once Expedition 5 is released.

Metal and plastic parts are frequently found Materials during daily exploration. Industrial areas, residential areas, toolboxes, and various dismantled items all provide these resources.

Many players usually think these items take up inventory space and don't need to keep them, but after Expedition begins, they often find that these seemingly ordinary Materials are what they truly lack. Previous Expeditions have proven that the consumption of basic resources is always greater than expected.

Collecting ARC Alloys will be more challenging at this stage. These Materials mainly come from ARC units and high-level resource areas. Competition for high-level resource points among players is expected to intensify during Expedition.

While only 15 Magnets are needed, their spawn rate is limited. When you see electronic areas or small boxes, it's best to search them, as these materials tend to increase in price during missions.

Step 2

Step 2 requires 30 Durable Cloth, 25 Duct Tape, 20 Mechanical Components, and 10 Voltage Converters. Compared to Step 1, this part is more focused on crafting.

Durable Cloth mainly comes from residential areas, medical areas, and clothing resource points. Duct Tape is easier to find in industrial areas.

These two materials are usually accumulated gradually during regular ARC Raiders matches, but if you don't start accumulating them now, it will be easy to slow down your progress when you start collecting them at Expedition 5.

Mechanical Components are significantly more difficult to obtain than the basic materials, requiring you to dismantle mechanical equipment or defeat related enemies.

Voltage Converters can be obtained by trading with NPC Celeste; you can usually trade 5 Voltage Converters per day. Players can gradually accumulate enough resources by logging in daily to complete transactions and meet some of their needs.

Step 3

Step 3 requires 20 ARC Circuitry, 15 Speaker Components, 5 Bastion Cells, and 3 Magnetic Accelerators.

Expedition truly enters its late game. ARC Circuitry, Bastion Cells, and Magnetic Accelerators are high-level resources that players rarely hoard. These require players to challenge more dangerous ARC units and enter high-risk areas in ARC Raiders matches to find them.

Speaker Components currently have two acquisition methods. Celeste sells 5 Speaker Components daily, and Apollo sells 6 Noise Generators daily. Noise Generators can be recycled into Speaker Components.

For players who prefer solo play, this prime requirement might be somewhat challenging.

Step 4

Step 4 requires 2 Radios, 5 Advanced Mechanical Components, 2 Lance's Mixtapes, and 3 Rocketeer Drivers. The number of items required has decreased, but the quality has significantly increased.

Radios are relatively easy to find, mainly concentrated in communication devices and electronic areas.

Advanced Mechanical Components are obtained similarly to regular Mechanical Components, but require facing higher-level ARC enemies.

Lance's Mixtapes are usually found in Residential and Commercial areas.

Rocketeer Drivers can be obtained by attacking Rocketeers.

This stage shows that ARC Raiders wants players to actively engage in combat in the later stages of Expedition 5, rather than constantly hiding in corners searching for chests.

This design will be more motivating for players who enjoy exploration and combat; however, if players simply want to easily collect resources, the later stages may become more challenging.

Step 5

Step 5 requires submitting 200K worth of Combat Items, 100K worth of Survival Items, 150K worth of Provisions, and 300K worth of Materials.

This stage offers more freedom than the previous ones, allowing players to submit items based on their inventory. However, many players make the mistake of selling large quantities of ARC Raiders Items early on to earn money, only to find themselves short of resources in Expedition 5.

For this kind of long-term preparation, it is often better to spread the cost and resource collection over time rather than trying to solve everything right before Expedition begins.

Players who use IGGM to supplement missing items can also make use of IGGM Check in. Registered users can earn points through regular check-ins, and those points can later be used toward coupons, making your shopping at IGGM more cost-effective.

Will the Issues Players are Hoping for be Resolved?

Currently, the two most discussed issues are:

Resource Pressure

Many ARC Raiders players feel that some Expedition missions easily become repetitive Material farming. Especially rare components; if they don't drop for several hours in a row, the experience is quite poor.

However, judging from the leaked trading mechanism, the developers seem to have recognized this problem. Adding a stable NPC exchange channel will provide players with a safety net.

Later Content

This is a long-standing criticism of ARC Raiders. Its early exploration, collection, and progression are very appealing, but once players have acquired their gear, they need new goals to maintain motivation. Expedition 5, with its new system update, may be an attempt by the developers to address this issue.

Whether Expedition 5 can truly solve the long-standing problems of ARC Raiders remains to be seen, but its release indicates that the developers have recognized some issues with Expedition and are working to improve the player experience. In future updates, issues such as resource acquisition, single-player experience, and long-term progression will require more time to find solutions.
ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 1 Fast Completion Guide | Steps to Stop Wasting Time and Resources

Raiders, I'm sure everyone's been busy with the first part of ARC Raiders Phantom Targets project these past few days! The first part of Phantom Targets doesn't seem complicated at first glance, but once you get started, many players find that relying solely on intuition for many details is not only time-consuming but also wastes scarce resources on inefficient repetitive tasks.

Actually, if you can slightly adjust the order and tactics of a few key steps in ARC Raiders - for example, choosing the right enclosed area and distinguishing between primary and secondary objectives - the whole process will be much smoother.

Page 1: Repair Antennas

The objective on the first page of Phantom Targets project is to repair three power lines on top of the elevator on the designated map. You just need to approach and perform the upgrade interaction.

However, this part might lead to a significant misconception: the progress bar animation resets to its initial state after completion, easily causing players to mistakenly believe their actions haven't taken effect. But in reality, ARC Raiders has already recorded the number of attempts, and the mission will automatically progress after repairing the three antennas in sequence.

Upon completing this objective, we will receive basic rewards such as Combat Mk. 3 (Aggressive), Heavy Shield, and Vita Spray.

Page 2: Deal Fixed Damage Using Drive Devices

Objective

On the second page of Phantom Targets project, our objective is to accumulate damage using three devices: Pop Triggers (50 points), Wasp Drivers (500 points), and Leaper Pulse Unit (1000 points).

Although these target values are not high, they are easy to miss if thrown randomly - especially since Leaper Pulse Unit requires us to kill Leaper first to obtain it - once wasted, we have to hunt it again, which seriously slows down the efficiency of Phantom Targets project.

Therefore, the core focus here is not on the throwing itself, but on ensuring that each hit deals full damage, avoiding repetitive work.

Optimal Location

The most cost-effective strategy is to choose the small room on the second floor of Port Authority building on Riven Tides map. It's narrow and has a lockable door, making it easy to lure the enemy inside and isolate them.

At this point, if we throw the three types of propulsion devices at close range, the damage will almost never miss because ARC enemy cannot move and the space is enclosed, maximizing output each time.

Enemy Selection Recommendations

Based on practical testing, using two Leaper Pulse Units against Shredder can reliably deal approximately 320 damage. While the damage per hit isn't high, with simple and controllable operation, it can steadily accumulate to 1000 points.

In contrast, while Bastion has more health, it moves frequently and has a wide attack range. Even if stunned, it's difficult to immobilize, significantly reducing the hit rate.

Bastion's single-hit damage is only 20 to 30 points higher than Shredder's, but the risk and effort are multiplied, making it completely not worthwhile.

This page rewards three ARC Raiders legendary weapons: Dolabra, Jupiter, and Aphelion, along with 50 Raider Tokens.

Page 3: Fire Damage, Energy Weapon Kills, Launcher Ammo Weapon Kills

Fire Damage Accumulation

This Phantom Targets mission can be completed using Firefly Burner, Flame Spray, Fireball Burner, or Blaze Grenade, but it's most prone to inefficiency because of inappropriate target selection.

Shredder was recommended for kills earlier, but in this mission, Shredder moves rapidly after being burned, making it difficult to sustain the fire pool's heat, resulting in very low rewards.

The best enemy choice is Bombardier, as it tends to stand still and launch ranged attacks when enraged, making it easy to hit directly with Fireball Burner or Blaze Grenade and keep it within the fire damage range.

Each throw reliably yields several hundred points of damage, so five to six throws will reach the 1500-point target.

Energy Weapons to Eliminate Targeted ARCs

In this mission, we must eliminate Bastion, Leaper, Vaporizer, or Rocketeer a total of three times (the final hit must be with energy weapons).

The safest target is Rocketeer. We can use the terrain to maneuver at a distance of about 300 meters. Its pursuit speed is relatively slow, giving us ample time to accurately fire with Jupiter until the final blow.

If we choose Bastion as the target, we need to first shoot its legs to paralyze it, then attack its top armor to expose its core.

Launcher Ammo Weapons to Eliminate Flying ARCs

This mission is relatively simple in the first part of Phantom Targets. Using Hullcracker or Rascal will suffice.

We can prioritize targeting Flying ARCs with lower health, such as Wasp and Hornet, aiming to destroy them with a single shot.

The map chosen is still Riven Tides, as it has the highest density of Flying ARCs, allowing us to attract many Wasps.

If you lack any resources to help you complete Phantom Targets missions mentioned above, you can buy ARC Raiders items from IGGM.com to complete Part 1 of Phantom Targets more quickly.

It's worth mentioning that we now have IGGM Check-in (Only for new registered users) system. By checking in regularly, you'll earn points - accumulating enough points allows you to deduct cash from your purchases or redeem coupons, making shopping at IGGM more cost-effective!

Subsequent Unlocks

Once you complete Part 1 of your Phantom Targets project, Part 2 will not be available immediately. You will have to wait until August 18th to unlock the new quest chain in the game.

By choosing the correct locations and targets throughout ARC Raiders Phantom Targets missions, we can efficiently clear all obstacles and prepare for Part 2!
ARC Raiders Store Update 1.40.0 Breakdown: Queen Stomp Bug Fix Incoming and What's Coming August 18
While ARC Raiders has seen no major updates lately, the weekly updates continue, offering some new excitement, such as Store Update 1.40.0 released on August 4th, which added a bit of excitement to our otherwise tranquil gameplay. From new choices in the wardrobe to brand-new items that will change your combat rhythm, we've highlighted the key points for you!

Wardrobe Update

If you're tired of the default Volare outfit color scheme in battle, then Store Update 1.40.0 brings us two clean and crisp new color variants: Black and Yellow.

The black version will be more suitable for ARC Raiders players who prefer low-visibility gameplay and navigating through ruins, while the yellow version significantly improves your visibility to teammates, enhancing teamwork.

Therefore, it's best to choose a color scheme based on your preferred tactics in the game, and it can also change your gaming mood!

New Project: Phantom Targets

The highlight of Update 1.40.0 is a two-part Player Project: Phantom Targets.

The storyline involves Shani discovering anomalies in surveillance data, but the source hasn't been identified yet - a familiar three-part routine of errands, investigation, and combat, but with a touch more strategy.

Part One

Players can see the first part immediately upon logging into the game, as it has been released in the game along with ARC Raiders Store Update 1.40.0.

The first part requires us to find and repair faulty antennas on the map and to use triangulation to track abnormal signals.

These antennas are typically located in moderately dangerous areas, so it's best to have at least one teammate on guard, as the repair process will reveal your position.

Once the antennas are repaired, you can begin using special strategies to counter ARC enemies - perhaps you'll need to use environmental explosives, electromagnetic interference, or decoys to reduce ARC's suppressive fire, rather than engaging them head-on.

Part Two

Phantom Targets event will officially begin on August 18th, after the release of ARC Raiders Update 1.42.0.

Specific details are not yet fully released, but based on the project description, it will probably introduce new target types or timed scoring rules.

It is recommended that players not rush to complete the first part in one day, but leave some progress for around the 18th to seamlessly connect to the rewards of the second part.

Known Bug Fixes

Regarding the two bugs that the developers have acknowledged, Update 1.40.0 states that they are under investigation or being fixed.

Queen and Matriarch Stomp Damage

Update 1.40.0 acknowledges that regarding Queen and Matriarch, there are currently issues with damage hitboxes going through walls and abnormally long attack ranges.

If you've ever been knocked down by a stomp in the basement of a two-story building in ARC Raiders, you can use a temporary strategy until this bug is fixed: when you hear heavy footsteps, prioritize moving vertically (e.g., jumping onto a high container) rather than running horizontally.

If you must stay indoors, try to maintain at least a roll distance from walls and prepare a Shield Recharger or Vita Shot beforehand - bringing some life-saving ARC Raiders items might just save you from the bug.

PC Game Launch Rrror Code

Additionally, some players have reported encountering an error message upon game launch.

The official team is investigating this issue and may release a separate patch later. Players who have encountered this problem are advised to stay tuned for future ARC Raiders announcements.

Summer Celebration

There's also a crossover Easter egg in Update 1.40.0 that's easy for players to overlook: to celebrate the studio's Summer Celebration, you can now unlock Azimuth Outfit - the highly acclaimed full-tactical Topside outfit - in another game, THE FINALS, by accumulating three hours of playtime in ARC Raiders.

If you already play THE FINALS, this three-hour requirement is practically a free high-quality skin.

You can split these three hours into two daily quests, completing your weekly tasks or gathering materials at the same time - a win-win situation.

The event's end date hasn't been announced in Update 1.40.0 yet, but Summer Celebrations are usually time-limited, so we recommend claiming it as soon as possible.

Get Ready to Snag Tick Hunter Set

Update 1.40.0 also brings some good news: the official Steam Wishlist page is now open, and this bundle will be available on all platforms on August 18th. It includes:
- Outfit: Tick Hunter - A distinctive red, white, green, and black color scheme, perfect for ambushes and camouflage in wilderness or industrial areas;
- Backpack: Field Telephone;
- Backpack Charm: Tick Trophy;
- Face Style: Spider Tattoo - Suitable for pairing with helmets or bandanas;
- Bonus: 2400 Raider Tokens, usable in the shop.
Let's do the math: acquiring Raider Tokens and the outfit separately would likely be more expensive than the bundle, and the charm and tattoo are currently unavailable through other means.

So if you're interested in this Tick-style set, you can check your Steam wishlist. This will also remind you to keep an eye out for Tick Hunter Set on August 18th, preventing you from missing out on potential extra discounts during the first week.

While Update 1.40.0 isn't a major seasonal update, the phased design of Phantom Targets clearly tests new gameplay mechanics. We're most looking forward to the second phase on the 18th - after all, the official use of the term unconventional strategies often implies that ARC encounters we'll face will be anything but ordinary.

Looking forward to the next ARC Raiders update!
ARC Raiders Chinese Producer Interview Blows the Lid Off the Biggest Lore Secrets | Frozen Trails May Reveal More ARCs' Origins in October!

Perhaps due to a lack of significant new developments regarding the international version, some ARC Raiders players have shifted their attention to the recently launched Chinese version, while others have begun delving into the game's lore.

Interestingly, a connection between the two has recently emerged; the publisher of Chinese version revealed several plot-related details in a recent interview, covering topics such as the origins of ARC, the lore behind The Exodus, and more.

Was this information revealed inadvertently, or does it serve as a teaser for a larger ARC Raiders initiative? Could it be linked to the potential Frozen Trails update coming in October? We break it all down below.

What lore details have sparked speculation?

To enhance the experience and immersion, almost every game in the survival genre constructs a post-apocalyptic backstory.

Adhering to this convention, ARC Raiders sets its story on a future Earth. Before the apocalypse struck, the planet endured a severe ecological crisis, necessitating a period of massive reconstruction.

During this time, vast industrial complexes and spaceports were constructed, yet they failed to halt the planet's environmental decline. Eventually, the wealthy elite evacuated to space aboard alien-tech colony ships, an event known in the game as The Exodus.

However, the majority of the population was left behind, forced to survive on dwindling resources. To make matters worse, decades after The Exodus, the mysterious ARC arrived on Earth, launching two successive waves of attacks.

The sheer scale of the second ARC offensive overwhelmed humanity, forcing the survivors to retreat underground.

You, along with other players forming Raiders, are the courageous and combat-ready warriors among this underground population. You venture to the surface, braving the chaos to scavenge the resources needed to keep the underground world functioning.

What did Chinese version interview reveal?

While the general narrative arc of ARC Raiders is clear, many details remain shrouded in mystery, such as the true origin of ARC and the ultimate fate of those who fled Earth via The Exodus.

Since the game's launch, answers to these questions have been largely speculative. However, a recent interview with the producer of Chinese version touched upon the game's storyline, revealing information that had never been explicitly disclosed on the English official website.

The biggest revelation, however, is undoubtedly that the humans who departed via The Exodus ultimately settled in low Earth orbit. Previously, official lore merely stated that they had fled into outer space, without specifying a location.

Since low Earth orbit is only a few hundred kilometers from the planet, this suggests that the evacuees were not merely occupied with building new habitats; rather, they likely kept a close watch on Earth all along.

Subsequent details from the interview reinforce this theory, noting that the departed humans continuously deployed monitoring and automated production machinery, likely in preparation for an eventual return to Earth.

An intriguing piece of supporting evidence is the presence of Scavenging Seed Vault on Stella Montis map, a facility that appears to be a relic of the pre-apocalyptic era.

Had the departed humans not intended to return, they would have had no reason to construct a seed vault. After all, much like in the classic story of Noah's Ark, crop seeds are essential for sustaining human civilization.

If this hypothesis holds true, ARC units were likely created and deployed by those who leave to monitor Earth's ecosystem and manufacture the resources needed for humanity's eventual return.

However, for reasons unknown, the interview mentions that "contact was eventually lost." Consequently, ARC machines came to view the humans remaining on Earth as hostile targets, sparking the conflict that drives every raid you undertake.

Raising new questions

If the information in the interview is accurate, the core mysteries surrounding ARC Raiders storyline that initially puzzled you are largely resolved. Yet, this raises further questions, specifically, who exactly were the two parties that "lost contact"?

There are two primary possibilities. The first is that the departed humans lost contact with those left behind on Earth, resulting in a rift where they were not only physically separated but also ideologically misaligned. This led ARC to classify surface dwellers as enemies.

The second possibility is that the migrants lost contact with ARC units themselves. Left to operate without human oversight, the machines continued to function, ultimately executing their "monitoring" mission in completely unexpected ways.

These two scenarios would lead ARC Raiders main storyline down vastly different paths, leaving players eager for future game updates to reveal the truth.

Based on interviews and speculation, the first theory seems to have more player support. After all, internal human divisions and cooperation are always more compelling than a simple "robot uprising."

Furthermore, the humans who left Earth belonged to the wealthy elite; even if they hadn't lost contact with those left behind, the passage of time and the vast distances involved would inevitably create an irreparable rift between the two groups over several generations.

Will Frozen Trails reveal more?

Back in May, ARC Raiders team announced a shift in their update schedule: following Riven Tides, there would be only two major updates per year. The next one on the horizon is Frozen Trails, set to launch in October.

What we know for sure is that this update will bring a wealth of new content, including new zones and ARC enemy types, while also delving into the origins of ARC.

When you combine this with the recent interview details, it seems likely that the information shared was intended to build anticipation for Frozen Trails months in advance, keeping players excited and curious about ARC Raiders even during the content lull.

In short, ARC Raiders boasts impressive gameplay design and a captivating backstory that leaves plenty of room for the imagination. Even if you've stepped away due to the lack of recent updates, you'll definitely want to return in time for the October launch!

If you plan to keep playing ARC Raiders and want to gain an edge over returning players when Frozen Trails drops, not only you should stay up to date on upcoming changes but also buy ARC Raiders items on IGGM if you need!

Doing so will help you complete new expeditions to unlock more permanent rewards or bonuses that will give you a head start when Frozen Trails goes live!
ARC Raiders Update 1.39.0 ABMM Matchmaking | Defensive PvP Changes Create New Problems

ARC Raiders' ABMM matchmaking system is no longer much of a secret. If you actively attack other players, you will be placed into PvP-oriented matches. If you consistently remain friendly, you will be matched with players who behave in a similar way.

This system appears to naturally separate the two types of players, but once everyone understands how ABMM matchmaking works, some players with bad intentions can exploit it, even in supposedly friendly matches.

ABMM Matchmaking Optimization

As the player population has declined, the official team has been continuously adjusting the matchmaking system. Update 1.38.0 was automatically applied as a hotfix. Although it appeared to be a regular shop update, it actually included an important test.

The update mainly targeted matchmaking optimization during low player count periods, in specific regions, and under certain map conditions. The goal was to achieve more accurate matchmaking based on squad size and play style.

This could slightly increase Q times. The official team explained that the algorithm may take a little longer to find more suitable matches. This was only a test and not a permanent change.

More Advanced Tracking System

The key focus of this test was player playstyle rather than simply rank or squad size. The studio used a behavior spectrum system instead of dividing players into a simple "friendly" and "aggressive" binary. The system analyzes repeated behavior across multiple raids rather than making judgments based on only one or two matches.

The system distinguishes between players who actively initiate fights and those who only fight back in self-defense. Therefore, a single elimination will not immediately change your matchmaking profile.

Interactions with other players that occur rarely throughout an entire raid have very little impact on the overall profile evaluation. The system separately tracks behavior depending on whether you play solo, duo, or trio modes. This means you can enter more aggressive matches with friends while still being matched into friendlier environments when playing alone.

It should be clarified that expensive high-tier equipment does not automatically place you against stronger opponents. There is also no exclusive matchmaking system that completely removes PvP. The system only increases the possibility of players with similar styles encountering each other, but it is not absolute.

Live Update 1.39.0

Although Update 1.38.0 appeared to be a positive change, Live Update 1.39.0 released on July 28 caused some players to exploit the matchmaking system.

Defensive PvP adjustment changed how defensive actions were evaluated. Previously, players who fought back against attackers would still affect their PvP tendency score. The new test removed defensive actions from affecting matchmaking style and only counted behavior where players actively initiated combat.

However, players quickly discovered that this system contained an exploitable loophole. The method was that, in PvE-focused matches, some players with malicious intentions would deliberately jump in front of teammates or other players who were attacking large targets such as Queen, intentionally forcing themselves to be hit.

Once these players were shot, the system would determine that they had suffered an unfair attack. They could then legally retaliate without receiving penalties for "aggressive behavior." As a result, these fake PvP players could remain in low-aggression "peaceful" matches while continuing to take other players' loot. This type of intentional provocation has caused widespread reports and complaints within the community.

What Problems Does This Create?

When ARC Raiders first launched in October and November 2025, matchmaking was completely random. Players never knew whether they would encounter friendly players or intense PvP battles in the next match. This uncertainty was one of the game's core appeals.

However, the introduction of ABMM artificially divided matches into two categories: PvP-oriented and PvE-oriented. For players who only want PvE matches, being forced into PvP encounters is undoubtedly frustrating.

How Can It Be Solved?

Separate PvE

Based on the current situation, many players in the community believe the ideal solution would be to return to the early fully random matchmaking system. A separate pure PvE mode could satisfy players who have no interest in PvP.

Meanwhile, in the main PvPvE mode, ABMM system should be completely removed. In addition, adding pure team deathmatch or PvP competitive modes similar to Stella Montis could help separate different player preferences. This would allow different groups to enjoy the experience they want and potentially bring back players who left because they disliked PvP.

Security Protocol

Security Protocol system in China server is also considered a strong alternative solution. During an interview, ARC Raiders development team in China revealed that the official team is open to sharing ideas and data, meaning some systems from China server could influence the global version in the future.

During testing, Security Protocol mode became increasingly popular, with around 60% of players choosing to activate it during peak hours.

Security Protocol requires players to actively enable a red antenna marker to show hostile intent. Otherwise, they are treated as PvE players by others. This gives all players a warning instead of allowing one-sided betrayal. The design does not eliminate PvP, but instead makes hostile actions more transparent.

Exploits and matchmaking design issues are gradually damaging ARC Raiders' fairness and replayability. At the same time, widespread cheating is striking directly at the game's foundation. To restore player trust, the development team needs to make more careful adjustments to the matchmaking system or provide an entirely different game mode.

Being betrayed in a peaceful match is far more hateful than being killed by other players in a PvP game. If you are unfortunately killed by these despicable rats, you can buy ARC Raiders items from IGGM, then forget about ABMM matchmaking system and get your revenge on them.
ARC Raiders Update 1.39.0 Fixes PvP Matchmaking: Self Defense Won't Penalize You Anymore!

While there is still some time to go before the next major ARC Raiders patch arrives, the team remains dedicated to refining core mechanics and foundational systems through regular weekly updates, ensuring a more stable experience with the existing content.

To that end, ARC Raiders rolled out Update 1.39.0 this Tuesday, July 28th. Like all weekly updates, this one brings bug fixes and new outfits, but it also introduces further optimizations to the matchmaking system.

In fact, Updates 1.36 and 1.38, released over the past month, already included adjustments to matchmaking. So, what changes does this update bring? And are the new outfits worth getting? Let's take a look.

Matchmaking adjustments based on defensive PvP behavior

Previous adjustments in Update 1.36.0 focused on precise matchmaking based on your playstyle (whether playing solo or in squads of various sizes), while Update 1.38.0 further refined those changes.

Update 1.39.0 shifts the focus to self-defense during PvP encounters. ARC Raiders does not strictly separate PvE and PvP modes; this means that even if your goal is simply to take down ARCs, you might still attract attacks from players who prefer PvP.

In such situations, your instinct might be to evade the threat, but if the other player relentlessly pursues you, you will have to draw your weapon and defend yourself.

As you know, ARC Raiders matches you with teammates and opponents based on whether your combat style is aggressive or friendly. However, it would be unfair if frequently defending yourself resulted in being matched into a chaotic, high-intensity PvP environment.

With this in mind, Update 1.39.0 removes the influence of self-defense actions on the matchmaking system; only initiating PvP combat will now affect your playstyle assessment and subsequent matchmaking.

Please note that this change is currently in the testing phase. It may undergo further adjustments, be fully implemented, or be scrapped entirely if the results aren't satisfactory.

If you encounter any bugs or have unique suggestions during the testing period, please provide feedback via the in-game questionnaire. Your input helps make ARC Raiders a better game for everyone!

What counts as self-defense?

Based on these changes, ARC Raiders has established more detailed criteria for defining self-defense. When playing in a squad, if another team initiates any form of attack against yours, your squad is considered being in a state of self-defense.

Your squad's future matchmaking will remain unaffected by this specific skirmish; however, the initiating team will face progressively greater consequences depending on the intensity and duration of the combat.

Furthermore, if a third party intervenes, whether to break up the fight or to instigate a more chaotic brawl, they will also be classified as an aggressor, and their future matchmaking will be impacted accordingly.

While this might seem unfair to players who genuinely want to play peacemaker, hardly anyone is altruistic enough to try breaking up fights in a shooter game, right? Ultimately, this rule is designed to prevent disruptive players from interfering with the action.

Finally, all these changes are compatible with the updates introduced in version 1.36.0, demonstrating the development team's commitment to further integrating PvP and PvE elements within ARC Raiders.

Although this makes the release of a dedicated PvP or PvE mode seem more distant, the specific format matters less as long as the combat experience remains thrilling!

The brand new Dweller Outfit Set

Update 1.39.0 introduces the new Dweller outfit set, featuring components such as a backpack and gloves. When fully equipped, the set clearly emphasizes a heavily armored, fully covered look, complete with protective eyewear and a mask that completely conceals your face.

The torso gear is also incredibly bulky, reminiscent of Cold Snap update released last winter.

Unlocking the set individually needs 1,300 Raider Tokens, but if you unlock a specific bundle that includes the set, you can unlock it for an additional 1,000 tokens.

Keep in mind that outfit sets are primarily for cosmetic customization; if you want to boost your combat effectiveness, the key lies in acquiring rarer gear and upgrading it regularly.

Trinkets can now be stacked

ARC Raiders previously launched Forgotten Relics Event in Update 1.33.0, allowing players to earn Merits and redeem them for various rewards, including a range of trinkets. The game now allows you to stack these trinkets.

More bug fixes

In addition to the new changes mentioned above, ARC Raiders brings a series of general bug fixes. Of particular note is a fix addressing inconsistent damage output from Seeker and Wolfpack.

Once thrown, ARC Raiders Seeker Grenade locks onto the nearest ARC enemy and detonates upon impact. Wolfpack can launch up to 12 missiles, locking onto all ARC targets within its radius.

This means both pieces of gear are highly useful, whether you are tackling standard Trials or special raids, so ensuring they function correctly is crucial.

Speaking of the trials, Season 5 Week 4 trials have arrived alongside Update 1.39.0, featuring five specific missions.

To complete all missions with a three-star rating before the event ends, you will need the right strategies and powerful gear. Don't delay, get started now! Plus, you can also test the new matchmaking system firsthand!