Which ARC Enemies Are Vulnerable to Tether Launcher?

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• ARC Raiders Surpasses 17 Million Sales as Players Await What's Next

  ARC Raiders has officially surpassed 17 million copies sold, according to Nexon's Q3 2026 financial results released on November 10. The milestone highlights the continued commercial success of Embark Studios' extraction shooter, but the latest financial update also provides a more realistic picture of its growth trajectory. 

  With Frozen Trail now released, two major content updates planned annually, and the results of the experimental PvE matchmaking test still awaiting further discussion, players have several reasons to watch the game's next development steps.

  The immediate question is no longer simply how many copies ARC Raiders can sell. It is how Embark intends to maintain player interest between major releases while improving the experience for different types of Raiders.

  

  ARC Raiders Reaches 17 Million Sales, but Growth Is Normalizing

  Nexon confirmed that ARC Raiders has sold more than 17 million units worldwide. This represents another significant milestone for Embark Studios, particularly considering the game's successful first year following its 2025 launch.

  However, the latest results also suggest that the extraordinary momentum surrounding the game's launch is beginning to normalize.

  In its November 10 earnings presentation, Nexon acknowledged that Frozen Trail successfully brought back inactive players and attracted additional buyers. The expansion, released on October 8, introduced a large new map, additional ARC enemies, weapons, and outfits.

  Patrick Söderlund, Nexon's Executive Chairman, explained during the earnings call that both in-game activity and unit sales initially received a strong response in October before gradually returning toward more normal levels.

  This distinction matters. Reaching 17 million sales demonstrates substantial demand, but it does not necessarily mean the game will continue expanding at the same pace.

  Nexon's financial guidance also reflects this changing situation. The company expects ARC Raiders' fourth-quarter 2026 revenue to decline year over year compared with the game's launch quarter in 2025, while remaining broadly flat compared with the previous quarter.

  Nexon attributed this outlook partly to lower revenue per unit from promotional discounts and differences in revenue recognition. Additional unit sales, the Premium Reward Pass, and the Collector Set DLC package are expected to contribute during the quarter.

  For players, the important takeaway is that Embark still has a commercially successful game, but maintaining that success will increasingly depend on delivering meaningful reasons to return.

  What Is the Future ARC Raiders Update Schedule?

  One of the most important announcements for long-term players is Embark's commitment to delivering at least two major content updates every year.

  The studio previously explained its decision to move away from monthly major updates in its May 13 development announcement. According to Embark, the pressure of maintaining a monthly schedule limited how transformative individual updates could become.

  Instead, the developer wants more time to create larger releases that meaningfully change the experience.

  Patrick Söderlund reinforced this strategy during Nexon's November 10 earnings call, describing two high-quality major updates annually as an appropriate cadence for maintaining the existing community and attracting new players.

  The distinction between major expansions and regular live-service updates is particularly important.

  Embark has not announced plans to stop supporting ARC Raiders between major content releases. Its existing commitment includes regular live updates, balance adjustments, bug fixes, store updates, and player events.

  Update Category	Development Plan	Expected Player Impact
  Major content updates	At least twice annually	Larger gameplay additions and substantial changes
  Live updates	Ongoing	Continued improvements and gameplay adjustments
  Bug fixes and balance	Regular support	Better stability and gameplay balance
  Store updates	Continued releases	Additional cosmetic options
  Player events	Ongoing live-service support	More reasons to return between expansions

  This approach could benefit players who prefer meaningful additions over frequent but relatively small content drops. Larger development windows also give Embark more opportunities to work on progression, the in-game economy, and anti-cheat measures.

  However, there is a trade-off. Longer intervals between major expansions mean that smaller updates and events will need to provide enough variety to keep the experience engaging.

  Could the Next Major Expansion Arrive in April 2027?

  Frozen Trail arrived on October 8, 2026, as the game's second major development milestone under the revised update strategy.

  If Embark maintains a roughly six-month interval between major releases, April 2027 would be a reasonable window for the next substantial expansion.

  However, this is an editorial projection based on the announced twice-yearly schedule, not an officially confirmed release date.

  Players should therefore avoid treating April 2027 as a guaranteed launch window until Embark publishes a specific roadmap.

  In the meantime, smaller additions could remain important for players who want new objectives, equipment options, and reasons to explore the Rust Belt.

  For Raiders planning their progression, keeping track of valuable ARC Raiders items, weapons, and equipment will remain part of preparing for future content. New gameplay systems or progression changes could eventually influence which resources become more useful, although Embark has not announced any specific upcoming item-value adjustments.

  Will ARC Raiders Finally Introduce Permanent PvE Matchmaking?

  Beyond the sales milestone and update schedule, the future of PvE matchmaking is arguably one of the most interesting topics surrounding ARC Raiders.

  Embark experimented with a dedicated PvE matchmaking toggle between October 13 and October 20, 2026. The limited-time test allowed players to choose between the traditional PvPvE experience and sessions focused entirely on fighting ARC enemies alongside other Raiders.

  During the test, player-versus-player damage was disabled, while Solo, Duo, and Trio players could share PvE sessions. Embark also made adjustments to the experience, including changes to loot value.

  The experiment generated substantial participation.

  According to Embark's October 20 announcement, players completed more than 30 million PvE rounds during the testing period. The studio described the initial response as polarizing and emphasized that it needed additional time to evaluate the results.

  Importantly, Embark did not promise that the test would lead to a permanent PvE option.

  The developer said it would prioritize the overall health and enjoyability of ARC Raiders when deciding what to do next. It also promised to provide further information in November.

  This means the next communication from Embark could be particularly important.

  A permanent PvE option could give cooperative players more flexibility while allowing the traditional extraction experience to retain its identity. On the other hand, implementing separate matchmaking environments requires careful consideration of progression, loot rewards, player distribution, and the overall balance between different playstyles.

  The original test already demonstrated that PvE participation was substantial, but participation alone does not establish what the final system should look like.

  Players should therefore distinguish between Embark's confirmed intention to share more information and speculation about whether a permanent mode will arrive.

  • Sources: Embark's PvE Test Announcement and PvE Test Results.

  Update 2.5.0 Adds New Vanguard Set Color Variants

  While players wait for more substantial gameplay changes, Embark continues to deliver smaller updates and cosmetic additions.

  On November 10, the studio released Store Update 2.5.0, introducing two new color variants for the Vanguard Set:

  • Orange: A new color option for players who prefer a brighter appearance.
  • Black/White: An alternative visual style with a contrasting color combination.

  The update does not require a game restart, making the new cosmetic options immediately accessible.

  • Source: Official ARC Raiders Store Update 2.5.0.

  Although cosmetic releases do not fundamentally change the extraction gameplay loop, they help maintain player engagement between larger content drops.

  The official news feed also shows that Embark has continued publishing updates throughout November, including Store Update 2.4.0 on November 3 and Hotfix 2.4.1 on November 5.

  

  Is Another ARC Raiders Update Coming on November 17?

  November 17 has been suggested as the expected date for the next live update, following the recent pattern of regular maintenance and content releases.

  However, as of now, Embark has not published an official announcement confirming November 17 as the next major update date.

  It is also important to distinguish between a regular live update and a major content expansion. The former could involve fixes, balance adjustments, or smaller gameplay improvements, while the latter would represent a substantially larger development release.

  Players should keep an eye on Embark's official news page for confirmation rather than treating the projected date as an established release schedule.

  What Players Should Expect from ARC Raiders in the Coming Months?

  Looking at the available information, ARC Raiders appears to be entering a different stage of its development.

  Its initial commercial success has established a substantial player base, while Frozen Trail has demonstrated that a major content release can bring back inactive players and attract additional buyers.

  The next challenge is maintaining that momentum.

  There are three particularly important areas to watch.

  1. More meaningful progression opportunities

  Embark has already identified progression and economy balancing as important development priorities. Future major updates could provide additional reasons for experienced Raiders to pursue new objectives, collect equipment, and explore the Rust Belt.

  For players who enjoy preparing their loadouts, the value of weapons, materials, and other ARC Raiders items will remain closely connected to how these systems evolve.

  2. A clearer direction for PvE matchmaking

  The October experiment generated more than 30 million PvE rounds, giving Embark a substantial amount of data to evaluate. Its promised November follow-up should help clarify whether the studio intends to bring back the matchmaking toggle, modify the concept, or explore another approach.

  Whatever the decision, the challenge will be supporting cooperative players without undermining the tension that defines the traditional PvPvE experience.

  3. Consistent support between major expansions

  Two major updates annually do not mean players should expect six months of inactivity. Embark has explicitly committed to continued live-service support, including fixes, balance changes, cosmetic releases, and events.

  That ongoing support will be especially important as the game moves further away from its launch period and competes for players' time against other multiplayer releases.

  Final Thoughts

  ARC Raiders surpassing 17 million sales is an impressive achievement, but Nexon's latest financial results also highlight why the next stage of development matters.

  Embark is moving toward a more deliberate content strategy built around two major updates per year, supported by smaller live-service releases. Frozen Trail has provided a strong foundation, but the studio still needs to demonstrate that it can sustain interest between expansions.

  For now, the biggest unanswered question is the future of PvE matchmaking. With Embark promising additional information in November, players may soon learn whether the experimental feature has a permanent place in the game's future.

  The next few months should provide a clearer picture of how Embark plans to balance new content, player choice, and long-term progression while keeping Rust Belt worth exploring.

• Is Tempest IV Too Powerful in ARC Raiders Now? Dealing Impact to Amplified Weapons

  In ARC Raiders, every piece of gear you equip matters, but your weapons are the decisive factor in whether you can overcome both ARCs and PvP opponents.

  Generally, a weapon's power correlates with its rarity and level, and different weapon types tend to excel in specific combat scenarios.

  However, you may have noticed recently that certain weapons, most notably Tempest IV, seem overpowered. Their high pick rate appears to be impacting the overall gameplay experience.

  Is this just a case of players being overly invested, or is there some truth to it? Let's take a closer look.

  

  Tempest IV performance analysis

  While Tempest isn't a new addition from Frozen Trail update, it has consistently remained one of the top-tier weapons in ARC Raiders. When upgraded to its current maximum level (Level 4), its performance is exceptional.

  As an Epic-rarity fully automatic assault rifle, Tempest uses medium-caliber ammo and features a 25-round magazine. It offers a balanced fire rate, solid accuracy, and effective armor penetration against ARCs.

  Unlike some other weapons in ARC Raiders that rely solely on raw damage, Tempest's strength lies in its well-rounded performance, specifically its consistent sustained fire, manageable recoil, and reliable damage output.

  In the heat of combat, these traits allow you to control your burst or sustained fire, ensuring consistent hits during mid-range engagements, making it relatively easy to handle.

  More importantly, Tempest is highly versatile; it doesn't force you to constantly shift your playstyle. Whether you're skirmishing with other players near buildings or taking on ARCs in open terrain, it delivers dependable, steady damage.

  Naturally, when a weapon offers the perfect blend of stability, flexibility, and reliable sustained output, it becomes the go-to choice. While other weapons might offer higher raw damage, they often lack the sense of reliability that Tempest provides.

  If there is any drawback, it's that Tempest blueprints and Exodus Modules required to craft Tempest can be difficult to obtain, it's best for you to acquire them through ARC Raiders item for sale to unlock the weapon more quickly.

  To be fair, the crafting requirements for other high-tier weapons are just as demanding, so this minor drawback of Tempest IV doesn't really stand out.

  Player feedback on Tempest IV meta

  If you've been playing ARC Raiders lately, or keeping an eye on community discussions, you've likely noticed players pointing out that Tempest IV appears far too frequently in recent matches, often downing opponents in the blink of an eye.

  While there may not be hard combat data explicitly proving that a max-level Tempest has caused a meta imbalance, the narrowing range of viable, top-tier weapon options speaks for itself.

  In other words, if using other ARC Raiders weapons requires more resources and carries higher risks, yet yields results no better than Tempest IV, you'll naturally find your weapon choices constrained by this prevailing trend.

  The problems caused by meta imbalance

  When one or a few weapons, like Tempest IV, become overwhelmingly dominant, the first casualty is weapon diversity. This leads to a homogenized gameplay experience, where every match starts to feel the same.

  Weapons should differ not just in raw power, but in their unique characteristics, which in turn foster diverse tactics and playstyles. If a single weapon proves effective across too many combat scenarios, the meaningful differences in gear between players begin to vanish.

  More importantly, an imbalance in gear, specifically weapons, can significantly impact ARC Raiders economy.

  High-tier weapons like ARC Raiders Tempest IV require substantial material investment, both for crafting and repairs. When such a weapon becomes the go-to choice, you're forced to constantly pour resources into it just to remain competitive.

  It's also worth noting that Frozen Trail update introduced an Amplified feature, allowing certain weapons, under specific conditions, to break past previous limits and reach Level 5.

  Logically, these Amplified weapons should represent the absolute pinnacle of the current meta. The fact that Tempest IV, which didn't receive this upgrade, remains more prominent than them is, in itself, quite telling.

  

  Amplified weapons aren't as popular as expected

  Unlocking Amplified weapons in ARC Raiders is, in reality, a rather cumbersome and tedious process. First, you need to upgrade Gunsmith and Research Station in your workshop to level 4.

  Then, depending on the rarity of the weapon you wish to upgrade, you must farm the corresponding Amplification Module.

  Furthermore, repairing an Amplified weapon requires specific materials known as Amplified Fragments. When upgrading, you are also presented with various Amplifications, each offering different effects, requiring you to make a choice.

  This entire process consumes not only materials but also a significant amount of time and effort. However, if you choose to forgo Amplified weapons and instead stick with Tempest 4, or other reliable firearms, from the start, your overall gameplay experience may not necessarily suffer.

  Additionally, not all weapons in ARC Raiders currently have an Amplified variant. For instance, out of the five available assault rifles, only three have been included in this initial rollout.

  While the selection will likely expand as ARC Raiders continues to develop, in the current state of the game, Amplified weapons are not necessarily a superior choice for players who are already accustomed to using standard, non-Amplified weapons.

  Conclusion

  The discourse surrounding Tempest 4 certainly warrants the development team's attention; however, the current data is insufficient to conclude that it has caused a fundamental imbalance in the game.

  In other words, rather than fixating on whether to nerf or adjust Tempest 4, it is more important to use the issues it has highlighted as an opportunity to re-examine the entire weapon system, particularly the newly introduced Amplified tier.

• ARC Raiders Frigate Runs Become a Test of Teamwork and Trust

  The Frigate has become one of the more frustrating challenges in ARC Raiders, with players reporting that repeated attempts to complete its complex objectives are being undermined by uncooperative teammates, aggressive Raiders, and a lack of support during fights against ARC enemies. Although the encounter is designed around cooperation, getting a random lobby to work together can be just as difficult as surviving the Frigate itself.

  A recent complaint shared by Facebook user highlights the problem. After more than 20 unsuccessful attempts, the player is reportedly close to giving up on the encounter altogether. What makes the situation particularly disappointing is that they actually enjoy the Frigate's design. Their frustration comes from the difficulty of finding other players willing to cooperate rather than from the challenge itself.

  The discussion raises an important question for the community: Has Frigate become too dependent on random player cooperation, or are Raiders simply approaching the encounter with different priorities?

  

  Why Frigate Is So Difficult to Complete?

  Introduced with the October 8, 2026, Frozen Trail 2.0 update, the Frigate is a new map condition that brings a large airborne structure, dangerous ARC enemies, environmental hazards, and a multi-stage objective. It is not simply another location where Raiders can enter, collect loot, and leave.

  The encounter requires players to destroy multiple components, navigate the ship, deal with powerful ARC enemies, and coordinate their actions to unlock the cargo. Some objectives require simultaneous interactions, making cooperation particularly important.

  According to the community discussion, however, many players seem more interested in grabbing whatever valuable loot they can find before leaving. Others may enter the encounter without understanding the puzzle or having enough resources to contribute to the fight.

  This creates a frustrating situation for players who genuinely want to finish the encounter. Even when several Raiders are present, having a crowded lobby does not necessarily mean having a coordinated team.

  The problem is especially noticeable when players reach objectives that require multiple people. If enough Raiders refuse to participate, those who remain interested in completing the puzzle may have to spend additional time and ammunition handling the remaining tasks.

  Frigate therefore creates a difficult distinction between having enough players in the same location and having enough players working toward the same goal.

  Related: How to Complete Frigate in ARC Raiders

  Friendly Lobbies Do Not Always Mean Cooperative Gameplay

  One of the biggest complaints from the community concerns the behavior of other Raiders, even in supposedly friendly PvE-style lobbies.

  The player describes situations where other Raiders turn against them, refuse to help eliminate ARC enemies, or simply ignore teammates who have been knocked down. The lack of defibrillators is another major source of frustration.

  This is an important distinction because a friendly encounter does not automatically guarantee teamwork. Players can choose not to initiate PvP, but that does not mean they will actively help strangers complete objectives or share resources.

  There is also an important matchmaking detail worth clarifying.

  Embark Studios introduced a temporary PvE matchmaking toggle from October 13 to October 20, 2026. However, the official rules explicitly excluded the Frigate map condition from PvE matchmaking. Frigate remained part of the standard PvPvE experience during that test.

  Consequently, reports of friendly or PvE-like Frigate lobbies should not be confused with access to the official PvE matchmaking option. Friendly behavior is a player-driven choice, not a guarantee provided by the encounter's matchmaking rules.

  This distinction helps explain why even Raiders expecting a relatively peaceful experience can still encounter unexpected hostility.

  Defibrillators and Team Support Matter More Than Players Expect

  Another issue raised in the discussion is the shortage of Raiders carrying defibrillators.

  In a conventional Arc Raiders extraction run, players can often prioritize personal survival, avoid unnecessary fights, and extract with whatever resources they have collected. The Frigate creates a different situation because surviving its multiple stages can require sustained cooperation.

  When a player gets knocked down during a fight against ARC enemies, having another Raider nearby with a defibrillator can make a significant difference. Without that support, a team loses another potential contributor, potentially making an already difficult encounter even harder.

  The same applies to ammunition, healing supplies, and combat equipment. Players who enter the Frigate expecting others to handle the dangerous ARC encounters may find themselves contributing very little to the overall objective.

  For Raiders preparing their next attempt, choosing appropriate Arc Raiders items and bringing enough combat supplies is therefore important. However, even a well-prepared loadout cannot compensate for an entire lobby that refuses to cooperate.

  The encounter also creates a difficult risk calculation. Bringing valuable weapons and equipment increases the player's ability to fight ARC enemies, but it also raises the potential loss if another Raider decides to attack.

  That uncertainty can discourage players from bringing their best equipment, creating another obstacle to completing the encounter efficiently.

  Frigate's Teamwork Problem Is Showing Up Across Reddit

  The complaint is not entirely isolated. Several recent Reddit discussions show similar frustrations with how players approach the Frigate.

  • Frigate is a waste of time: Players loot a few containers and leave without progressing the puzzle.
  • Kitted Raiders trying to complete the Frigate: Players struggle to coordinate the lower-deck objectives and destroy the coils before time runs out.
  • Has anyone actually completed the Frigate in Solos: Solo players report running out of ammunition, shields, and time while attempting the objectives.
  • Friendly lobbies in squads during Arc Frigate: Players report encountering hostile Raiders despite looking for cooperative runs.

  These discussions suggest that the problem extends beyond individual disagreements. Different players enter the same encounter with very different expectations.

  Some want to complete the entire Frigate and obtain its final rewards. Others are primarily interested in searching breachable containers, collecting valuable materials, or completing smaller objectives before extracting.

  Neither approach necessarily requires malicious behavior. However, when the encounter depends on several players coordinating their actions, conflicting priorities can make successful completion considerably harder.

  It is also worth noting that Reddit discussions represent individual experiences rather than a comprehensive picture of the entire player base. Not every lobby is hostile, and some players report successful cooperative runs.

  Could Embark Improve the Frigate Experience?

  The Frigate's current situation raises questions about whether its cooperative design provides enough incentive for strangers to work together.

  One potential improvement would be to make objective progression and individual contributions more transparent. Clearer indicators showing which components still need to be destroyed, which interactions require multiple players, and where additional help is needed could reduce confusion.

  Another possibility would be to improve the relationship between participation and rewards. If players have a clearer reason to remain involved in the main objective, they may be less inclined to grab a few containers and immediately leave.

  A dedicated PvE option for the Frigate could also appeal to players who want to focus on its environmental challenges without worrying about hostile Raiders.

  For now, the official PvE matchmaking test has ended, and Embark has not confirmed that the Frigate will receive a separate PvE queue.

  The underlying design challenge is straightforward: Frigate asks strangers to cooperate, but the game does not guarantee that they share the same objectives.

  Is the Frigate Still Worth Attempting?

  Despite these frustrations, the Frigate remains an interesting addition to ARC Raiders. Its multi-stage puzzle, dangerous ARC encounters, and large-scale environment offer a different experience from ordinary scavenging runs.

  The bigger issue is that its difficulty does not come exclusively from the enemies or the puzzle mechanics. A considerable part of the challenge comes from coordinating with people who may have completely different plans.

  For players who enjoy cooperative gameplay, that unpredictability can make successful runs particularly rewarding. For others, repeated failed attempts and lost equipment may eventually outweigh the excitement.

  Until Embark makes further adjustments, players attempting the Frigate may benefit from entering with a coordinated squad, agreeing on objectives before starting, and avoiding unnecessarily expensive loadouts when relying on random teammates.

  Ultimately, the Frigate should challenge Raiders to work together against ARC, not leave them wondering whether the person standing beside them is actually on their side.

  What has your experience with ARC Raiders Frigate been like? Have you managed to complete the entire encounter with random teammates, or have uncooperative players made you give up?

• What Should You Keep, Sell, or Recycle after Frozen Trail Update?

  With Frozen Trail Update, ARC Raiders has introduced more and more items, making Stash space increasingly limited. However, you still need to leave enough room for the loot you bring back from your next Raid.

  Most items that take up Stash space can be crafted or obtained again within seconds. The items truly worth keeping are those that are difficult to obtain on demand or directly affect combat and Amplification system. Let's take a look at how to optimize your Stash.

  

  Augments And Shields

  There is no reason to stockpile large numbers of Augments. All Augments require roughly the same materials at Gear Bench, and their crafting materials can be stacked. Keeping one or two stacks of the relevant materials is enough to craft Augments whenever you need them.

  At most, keep a few Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) and Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) Augments. You can only bring one Augment into each Raid, so there is no reason to keep more than four or five finished ones. Recycle or otherwise dispose of any extras.

  Regular Shields should not occupy your Stash for extended periods. Recycle any Shield with less than 70 durability to recover ARC Circuitry, then craft or obtain another one when needed. Heavy Shields are relatively rare and may be worth keeping.

  Weapons and Outpost Storage

  Keep one of each Legendary Weapon, while maintaining only a small selection of Amplified Weapons. You can retrieve them from your Outpost whenever needed.

  For weapons you use regularly, keep three or four copies. One green and one gray weapon should be enough for each respective category. Recycle the rest.

  You can also install a Weapon Rack on the wall of your Outpost. Use Decorate function to place weapons from your regular Stash onto the rack.

  Next, select Put in Storage to move the entire Weapon Rack into your Outpost's furniture storage. The weapons will remain on the rack, freeing up the original wall space. You can then install another Weapon Rack and repeat the process.

  

  Ammo

  Avoid stockpiling large quantities of regular Ammo. If you have more than one million in funds, you only need to keep Energy Ammo and Launcher Ammo readily available. Both have daily acquisition limits and are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

  Basic Ammo can be obtained as needed before entering a Raid, while Heavy Ammo should also be prepared according to your requirements. This prevents ammunition from occupying your Stash indefinitely.

  Weapon Mods

  Weapon Mods should not simply sit in your Stash. If you find a Mod compatible with one of your weapons, equip it. Lower-value Mods can be recycled or sold.

  For example, a Shotgun Silencer is more valuable than a Shotgun Choke, so prioritize keeping or equipping it. Recycle surplus weapons to recover materials.

  Over time, this approach will help you accumulate a good collection of Weapon Mods without having to store every weapon you find.

  Quick Use

  There is no single correct setup for your Quick Use slots. You can keep ARC Raiders items according to your playstyle, but at least one of each of the following is recommended:

  • Snap Hook
  • Photoelectric Cloak
  • Advanced Camera
  • Feather Launcher
  • Zip Line
  • Barricade Kit

  You should keep a larger supply of healing and combat items. Sterilized Bandage, Herbal Bandage, and Smoke Grenade, for example, are worth keeping in one or two stacks or even a full row. They are useful in both PvE and PvP.

  There is no need to stockpile large quantities of Stims or Shield Rechargers. You can obtain them directly from Lance and prepare five to ten of each before a Raid, depending on your needs.

  Keys

  Keys can also occupy a considerable amount of Stash space, so avoid holding onto low-value ones for too long. In general, green keys and most blue keys should be used or sold as soon as possible. Purple keys are worth prioritizing because they offer greater value and utility.

  Hatch Keys are also not worth stockpiling. Crafting one only requires a single Advanced Electrical Component and three Sensors. You can also trade for one from Shani each day. Once you find a Hatch Key, try to use it within your next few Raids instead of letting it occupy Stash space indefinitely.

  If you plan to challenge Emperor Dungeon regularly, consider stockpiling Emperor Gateway Conduits in advance. Ideally, keep two full stacks so you can enter the dungeon whenever you want without having to search for materials at the last minute.

  Crafting Materials

  The basic principle of Crafting Material management is to avoid both excessive stockpiling and shortages of essential components. Allocate your Stash space according to the needs of weapon upgrades, equipment repairs, and the late-game Amplification system.

  Amplification System and Core Rare Materials

  Keep two of each Amplification Module so you can upgrade your weapons whenever necessary. Surplus Modules can be recycled into Amplified Fragments.

  Keep at least one or two stacks of Amplified Fragments. Each stack has a maximum capacity of 50, while repairing an Aphelion requires 51. Having two stacks on hand is therefore recommended.

  Emperor Modulators and Frigate Inductors become largely obsolete once you have upgraded your Workbench, so you can sell them or give them to other players.

  Keep one or two stacks each of Queen Reactors and Matriarch Reactors. Amplification system consumes large quantities of these materials, and they are not easy to obtain.

  Rare Components

  Keep two to four Assessor Matrices, each worth approximately 5K and obtainable only through Close Scrutiny. Keep two to four stacks or a full row of Complex Gun Parts, and break down any surplus.

  Stockpile two stacks each of Exodus Modules and Magnetic Accelerators. Keep one stack each of Fluted Rotor Cores, Pneumatic Actuators, Pressure Regulators, and Repellent Valve Assemblies, as demand for these materials can spike during Amplification upgrades.

  Leaper Pulse Units, Rocketeer Drivers, Turbine Compressors, and Vaporizers are all valuable ARC components, so keep as many as possible.

  Core Materials

  You do not need to maintain exact stockpiles of every Core Material. The priority is to have enough supplies for weapon crafting, equipment repairs, and everyday consumption.

  Keep approximately one stack each of Electrical Components and Advanced Electrical Components, while stockpiling as many Advanced Mechanical Components as possible. Metal Parts and Rubber Parts can be refined into Mechanical Components, while surplus Rubber can be sold.

  Keep around 50 of each Specialized Gun Part. Refine Simple Gun Parts into Heavy, Light, and Medium Gun Parts, aiming for approximately 50 of each. Keep one stack of Mod Components and craft them into Weapon Mods as soon as possible.

  Keep at least 20 ARC Circuitry. ARC Alloy can be refined into ARC Circuitry, and surplus materials can be sold. Always keep Hand Drills when you find them, as they are required to craft Anvil.

  Keep one stack each of Canisters, Duct Tape, Wood Planks, and Metal Sheets. Two to four Steel Springs should be sufficient. Durable Cloth should be obtained by refining Fabric, so avoid selling raw Fabric directly.

  You can give surplus ARC Raiders Blueprints to your friends instead of letting them occupy valuable Stash space. Decorative items and similar collectibles can be placed in your Outpost. With a little time taken organizing your inventory, you should be able to free up at least several dozen Stash slots.

• Best Targets and Scenarios for Anti-Weak Point Osprey in ARC Raiders

  In ARC Raiders, choosing the right weapon and attack method is often more important than simply increasing firepower when facing different types of ARC enemies. Weapon Amplification system gives some weapons a new combat role, allowing them to exert stronger output against specific enemies.

  Osprey is a typical example. With Anti-Weak Point enhancement, its damage to ARC's effective weak points can be increased by 100%. However, this enhancement does not apply to all enemies; weak point location, movement method, and armor structure will affect the actual effect.

  Osprey's Three Amplifications

  

  Osprey is a rare-class bolt-action sniper rifle using medium ammo, excelling at attacking ARC at medium to long range. Its single-shot damage is high, but against armored targets, precise positioning is crucial to maximize its advantage.

  ARC Raiders Amplified Osprey includes three types: Tracker Rounds, Anti-Weak Point, and Ergonomic Bolt.

  Tracker Rounds: Tracks hit targets

  Tracker Rounds replaces regular bullets with homing rounds. Upon hitting a target, the target's location is briefly revealed, allowing players to track enemy movements and providing additional information during pursuits or team coordination.

  This enhancement is more geared towards reconnaissance and target location, but it comes at a significant cost: tracking time increases by 5 seconds, and bullet velocity decreases by 60%. For Osprey, which relies on long-range accuracy, the slower bullet velocity also increases the difficulty of hitting moving targets.

  Ergonomic Bolt: Improves continuous firing experience

  As a bolt-action sniper rifle, the Osprey requires bolt action after each shot. Ergonomic Bolt allows players to perform bolt action while maintaining aim, eliminating the need to repeatedly exit and re-enter ADS mode.

  This enhancement doesn't directly increase damage, but it makes it easier for players to continuously track moving ARCs, especially when attacking Firefly or Bastion, reducing operational interruptions.

  Anti-Weak Point: Weakness Damage Increased by 100%

  Compared to the previous two enhancements, Anti-Weak Point has a more unique role. Its effect is straightforward: when hitting an ARC's effective weak point, Osprey's damage is increased by 100%.

  However, not all attackable or destructible mechanical parts in ARC Raiders are effective weak points. Some armor and external components cannot trigger this damage increase.

  Practical Testing with Different ARC Enemies

  The theoretical effect of Anti-Weak Point is quite excellent, but in actual combat, the enemy's movement, armor structure, and weak point location will all affect output efficiency. Below are some representative ARC enemy performances.

  Firefly

  

  Firefly is one of the best targets for this enhancement; its yellow fuel tank is a very obvious weak point. Compared to larger ARCs that require flanking or waiting for the attack animation to finish, Firefly's weak points are easier for players to spot and aim at.

  The enhanced Osprey can reduce the number of shots needed for a kill to two by hitting the fuel tank consecutively.

  Wasp

  Wasp also makes Anti-Weak Points very effective. Its main weak points are concentrated on its four thrusters. In practice, accurate hits can achieve a one-shot kill, performing exceptionally well.

  Compared to Firefly, it is smaller and constantly changes position during flight, thus requiring a certain level of aiming skill from the player.

  Hornet

  Hornet is also a flying ARC, with the canisters near its rear thrusters being its primary target. From a damage mechanism perspective, Anti-Weak Points are equally effective against it.

  Theoretically, players only need to hit the rear weak points consecutively to inflict significant damage in a very short time. However, the problem is that Hornet doesn't always expose its back to the player.

  When attacked, Hornet often quickly adjusts its flight path, causing previously hitable weak points to shift out of sight. Even if the first shot hits, the second shot may fail to hit the same spot due to the target's change in direction.

  Therefore, while the enhanced Osprey has high damage potential against Hornet, its actual damage output consistency is not ideal.

  Leaper

  Leapers are the most likely target for players to misjudge using Anti-Weak Point Osprey. While its exposed joints and legs can be attacked, these are unarmored areas and not true weak points, thus failing to trigger the damage increase effect.

  Considering Leapers' frequent jumping and dashing attacks, using Osprey to maneuver against them not only makes it difficult to utilize the enhanced advantages but also makes continuous firing easily disrupted. In contrast, high-rate-of-fire weapons combined with Blaze Grenade are more suitable for dealing with Leapers.

  Bastion

  

  Bastions are large, heavily armored ARCs in ARC Raiders with high durability. Against these targets, ordinary weapons often require a considerable amount of time to kill. Its primary attack points include the yellow leg joints and the canister on its back. Unlike Hornet, Bastion's weak points are relatively easy to identify, allowing players to create more consistent attack opportunities by controlling combat distance and drawing enemy attention.

  Here, Lure Grenades can be used to distract Bastion. When it turns towards the decoy, the player has an opportunity to attack the fuel tank on its back.

  In practice, the upgraded Osprey can deal considerable damage to Bastion's weak points, with a single attack even achieving a high damage output of approximately 1,620 points.

  Besides the fuel tank on its back, the leg joints are also a good target. Consecutive hits to the joints can quickly destroy the corresponding parts, limiting Bastion's mobility.

  Is Anti-Weak Point Osprey worth upgrading?

  If your goal is to quickly deal with mainframe enemies, especially Bastion, then investing in ARC Raiders items to upgrade Osprey is worthwhile. However, if you need a versatile weapon that can handle a wide range of enemies, Anti-Weak Point's applicability becomes somewhat limited.

  Simply put, Anti-Weak Point Osprey isn't an all-around upgrade, but rather a highly targeted build. It concentrates damage on a few suitable targets, making it more suitable for players who frequently engage in PvE combat, are familiar with ARC weak points, and are willing to spend time finding opportunities to attack.

  When you can accurately hit the weak points, it's a powerful ARC killer; if you can't consistently hit the weak points, the benefits of upgrading it will be significantly reduced.

• What's Next for ARC Raiders? Expedition Refined, PvE Changes, and More

  On October 30th, ARC Raiders celebrated its first anniversary. While there weren't any special in-game events to mark the occasion, players did receive some solid rewards.

  Rather than looking back at the past year, you're likely more interested in what's in store for ARC Raiders as it heads into its second year.

  Based on the game's overall strategy and recent developments, here is a look at what might be coming next.

  

  The return of Expedition mechanic

  If you were an active player before the launch of Frozen Trail, you'll recall that Expedition mechanic was put on hold following the conclusion of its fifth run.

  At the time, the development team, taking player feedback into account, identified several issues with the system.

  These included overly restrictive time windows and an unappealing reward structure, which left little incentive for players to participate. It also presented a steep learning curve for newcomers.

  Consequently, the team decided that Expedition mechanic required a major overhaul, rather than the minor tweaks seen in previous updates.

  Because this involves a complete structural reconstruction, it couldn't be finished in just a few months; at the time, it was estimated that Expeditions wouldn't return until at least 2027.

  While a specific date remains unknown, the return of Expeditions is clearly part of the roadmap for ARC Raiders Year 2. Furthermore, recent updates suggest that work on optimizing the system has been steadily progressing behind the scenes.

  In Update 2.3, released on October 27th, Expedition Vault was disabled. As compensation, players received Bronze Statuettes, which can be traded with the NPC Cassio.

  This change likely goes beyond just the vault itself, it appears to be a necessary preparatory step in the broader effort to refine Expedition system. In a sense, this serves as a crucial bridge between the game's first and second years.

  

  A major update coming in Spring 2027

  To be clear, this refers to a substantial content expansion, on the scale of Frozen Trail, rather than the routine, near-weekly updates the game typically receives.

  Through the first half of 2025, ARC Raiders has remained in a post-launch exploratory phase; while updates were frequent during this period, they often lacked significant substance or value.

  Following the release of Riven Tides update, the developers announced a shift to a cadence of two major updates per year, Frozen Trail being the first release under this new model.

  Extrapolating from this, one could reasonably expect new content to arrive next spring, likely between March and May. However, this remains an estimate and is subject to change.

  Looking at Frozen Trail, it is highly probable that future updates will continue to introduce new enemy types.

  To ensure you are well-prepared to face these threats from the moment they appear, consider securing the right gear, choosing ARC Raiders items for sale to acquire powerful, specialized equipment in advance!

  Filling the gaps with new activities

  Due to the shift in the update schedule, a substantial gap emerged between Riven Tides and Frozen Trail. While a few minor events took place during this time, they lacked both innovation and meaningful value.

  If the developers intend to maintain a schedule of two major updates per year, they should introduce engaging activities to bridge the lulls, specifically once the novelty of an update like Frozen Trail begins to fade.

  More importantly, these activities must offer truly compelling loot. They could also be woven into the game's narrative, serving as a bridge to the next major update while further fleshing out the game's overarching lore.

  The recent Soul's Offering project is a great example of this; its theme draws clear inspiration from the real-world Day of the Dead.

  Moving forward, ARC Raiders could adopt a similar approach, launching themed events tied to various unique holidays or cultural observances.

  

  Defining the future of PvE Mode

  Before the next major update of the game's second year arrives, it is crucial for the developers to clarify the future direction of PvE mode. This decision is pivotal, not only for PvE experience itself but for the overall trajectory of the game throughout its second year.

  During the testing phase, player reactions to PvE gameplay were so sharply polarized that the development team indicated a need for further research and investigation before they could determine what form a final PvE mode might take within the game.

  The developers previously suggested that they would provide an update with more information around November. However, this does not necessarily mean that PvE will return in November.

  While no new information has been released yet, the executive producer of ARC Raiders has outlined three potential directions for a PvE mode, each with vastly different implications for how the game might be structured moving forward.

  Awaiting the official roadmap

  Although the points mentioned above are likely to be part of ARC Raiders Year 2 plan, many details remain open for discussion, not to mention other elements that we cannot yet foresee.

  Ultimately, we must wait for the release of a new, official ARC Raiders roadmap to understand the development team's plans for delivering a richer gaming experience over the coming year.

  Based on the timing of the previous roadmap, ARC Raiders is likely to unveil a new, detailed roadmap sometime in January or February 2027. Until then, keep exploring Frozen Trail!