ARC Raiders Week 27 Trials Guide: How to complete the two new objective types?

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• Arc Raiders Riven Tides Weapon Durability Is Not As Brutal As The Patch Notes Claimed

  With the implementation of the major Arc Raiders update, Riven Tides, the weapon durability mechanic underwent a controversial adjustment.

  The official statement clearly indicates that the core goal of this change is to address the excessively high maintenance costs of higher-tier weapons, while simultaneously allowing higher-tier weapons to have a longer lifespan than lower-tier weapons.

  However, following the update's release, numerous discussions quickly emerged within the community regarding the imbalance in the weapon economy system, particularly the surge in the durability consumption rate of lower-tier weapons, causing concern among many players.

  The following will examine the true impact of this Arc Raiders change on the weapon durability system from three dimensions: the adjustment logic, actual test data, and potential errors.

  Adjustment Logic

  Arc Raiders patch notes emphasize that higher-tier weapons should have a longer battlefield lifespan than lower-tier weapons.

  This premise aligns with the typical Arc Raiders Items progression curve; players who invest more resources to acquire legendary or Epic weapons should logically receive a positive return in terms of durability.

  However, Arc Raiders didn't simply increase the durability of high-tier weapons; instead, it significantly accelerated the wear and tear on low-tier weapons.

  This dual-track adjustment led to a sharp increase in the repair frequency of both Common and Uncommon weapons in actual combat, sparking community-wide questioning of the weapon economy system.

  According to test data, Common-quality weapons like Stitcher require approximately 10.24 sets of light ammunition to be completely destroyed, Kettle 9 sets, and Pharaoh 3.1 sets of heavy ammunition.

  Anvil, a weapon that performs well in both PvE and PvP, now only requires 215 rounds to become completely unusable.

  This means that in a relatively intense encounter, a player might run out of weapon lifespan before even retreating. For novice players or those with limited resources, this penalty significantly increases the cost of maintaining combat effectiveness.

  Test Data

  Based on the highest durability level four, the following data represents the test results for each weapon level from full durability to zero.

  Among Common-tier weapons, the number of ammunition required for complete destruction varies significantly, mostly ranging from several hundred to over a thousand rounds.

  Uncommon and Rare-tier weapons also exhibit considerable fluctuations, with some models requiring only a little over a hundred rounds to deplete their durability, while others exceed a thousand.

  Epic-tier weapons range from extreme values ​​of over two thousand rounds to rapidly depleted models requiring only a little over two hundred.

  Comparing community test records before and after the update reveals that the actual durability adjustments to almost all weapons were less than stated in the patch notes.

  This phenomenon may stem from a conversion error between the underlying calculation formula and the percentage representation, or maybe the development team temporarily used a unique set of parameters before the patch went live.

  Nevertheless, when translated into actual gameplay scenarios, the majority of players will rarely fire enough rounds in a single deployment to completely degrade even the most fragile Common weapons, except for a few outliers like Anvil.

  Potential Error

  From a design logic perspective, only excessively high maintenance costs for higher-tier weapons was explicitly listed as an adjustment target. Therefore, imposing faster durability loss on Common, Uncommon, and even Rare weapons essentially addresses a non-existent problem.

  These lower-tier weapons are inherently inexpensive to manufacture and easy to repair, their economic burden is not a major source of player complaints.

  The collateral penalty imposed by Arc Raiders at this level actually reduces players' options during resource-scarce phases, forcing them to rely on high-tier gear earlier or endure greater logistical burdens.

  The update specifically mentions that Arc Raiders Items looted from downed enemy players will reduce durability loss by 15%. This design attempts to create a more interesting loot and reuse cycle in PvP combat: enemy-dropped weapons are relatively newer, encouraging players to actively change gear and reduce reliance on fixed builds.

  However, considering the high elimination rate and low survival rate in PvP, the actual trigger frequency of this benefit may be limited. Players can only enjoy the durability reduction benefit if they successfully extract with looted weapons.

  Given the precedent of several instances of unexpected values from the official release, these durability figures will likely be corrected in subsequent weekly updates.

  Based on actual testing results, the overall durability balance in the current version is not as extreme as the percentages suggest, but there are indeed several design flaws that significantly deviate from the average for low-tier weapons.

  Riven Tides' adjustments to Arc Raiders Items durability appear on paper to severely penalize low-tier weapons and moderately reward high-tier ones. However, real-world testing shows the actual impact is much milder than the patch notes suggest, with some weapons even receiving unexpected buffs.

  Visual assessments in terms of ammo stacks indicate that the vast majority of weapons are not completely destroyed during a normal extraction, but the vulnerability of a few models, such as Anvil, does warrant attention. Future fixes are more likely to focus on numerical discrepancies rather than overhauling the entire system.

• ARC Raiders Riven Tides Beachcombing Guide: How to Farm Rare Blueprints & More High-Value Resources? Stop Shooting, Start Digging!

  Tired of the high-intensity firefights in Riven Tides? Why not try your hand at being a beachcomber instead? Have you noticed? The new Beachcombing map condition recently added to ARC Raiders is actually quite fascinating. You can grab a metal detector and head to the coast to try your luck; that sense of accomplishment, digging up rare treasures after hearing that telltale beep-beep-beep, is truly even more addictive than going head-to-head in direct combat!

  Compared to the nerve-wracking pace of previous firefights, this treasure-hunting mode brings a refreshing change of pace to Riven Tides. Want to know how to make a quick fortune along the coast while Beachcombing map condition is active? This guide is all you need, we've highlighted all the key points just for you!

  

  Unlocking Dockmaster's Detector

  However, before you can start your treasure hunt, you need to acquire a specific piece of gear: Dockmaster's Detector. This is the key tool that helps you quickly identify buried treasures on the beach; whenever there is loot nearby, the detector will emit a beeping sound and flash yellow.

  There are two ways to obtain Dockmaster's Detector in ARC Raiders: The first method is to simply pick one up directly within the game world. When Beachcombing map condition is active, you can find these detectors inside shipping containers located in the coastal zones, or scattered in other corners of the map, it all comes down to your luck! The second method is to obtain one by completing the first phase of the new Player Project introduced in Riven Tides.

  Completing Phase 1 of Avian Alarm Project

  That's right, the new Player Project we're referring to here is Avian Alarm. In fact, this Beachcombing event is closely tied to Avian Alarm Project, and the reward for completing its first phase is none other than a Dockmaster's Detector.

  It's worth noting that the process of completing this first-phase objective feels very much like undertaking a standard side quest.

  First, head to Seabed zone located at the southern edge of Riven Tides map. Scattered throughout Seabed area, you will find numerous buoys. These buoys are massive metal structures that typically stand at a tilted angle within the seabed terrain. Any one of these buoys can serve as your designated objective for the mission. 

  Next, as you approach one of the buoys, a blue holographic marker will appear, indicating the exact spot where you need to place the bird trap. Simply interact with it to complete this objective.

  Upon returning to Base Speranza, all you need to do is confirm and submit your mission progress at the terminal. If you haven't already picked up Dockmaster's Detector elsewhere on the map, the system will now award it to you as a mission reward, along with 25 Raider Tokens!

  

  How to pinpoint the treasure?

  Once you have Dockmaster's Detector, head straight for Seabed area. Note that the darker sections of the map represent restricted zones; however, a line of buoys serves as a clear marker, delineating No Entry boundaries or the edge of the map.

  Next, follow this route until you reach Wave Breaker area. This entire zone is teeming with loot just waiting to be unearthed.

  If you have the detector equipped, an energy bar will appear on your screen, accompanied by a rhythmic beeping sound. As you draw closer to a buried object, the frequency of the beeps will accelerate, and the pitch will rise.

  When the beeping reaches its most rapid, high-pitched intensity, stop in your tracks and slowly rotate 360 degrees. When the indicator bar turns green, it signifies that the treasure is directly beneath your feet; simply press the interaction key to begin digging. 

  However, keep in mind that Dockmaster's Detector consumes energy with each use; once the energy bar is depleted, you must wait for it to automatically recharge before you can resume your search.

  

  Digging for Loot

  I must warn you: don't expect to unearth nothing but goodies. Occasionally, you may dig up something truly nightmarish, a dangerous threat that will make your skin crawl. Therefore, you must remain constantly vigilant while engaging in this activity.

  Rare Chests

  The most coveted find during your excavation is the blue suitcase. Additionally, you stand a chance of unearthing various Raider Caches, weapon crates, and even ARC Raiders blueprints. Since the chests yielded during Beachcombing are generally of a higher tier, this method ranks as one of the best ways to farm for weapons and blueprints.

  Ship Models

  Another key reward to look out for during the digging process is Ship Models. During Last Resort event, held from April 28 to May 25, players can earn Merits to unlock a series of brand-new cosmetic items and in-game resources. Collecting these Ship Models is one of the key methods for accumulating more Merits:

  • Wind Sprite: 5 Merits
  • Twilight Compass: 10 Merits
  • Velocity: 25 Merits
  • Sirena Dorata: 50 Merits
  • Leviathan's Crown: 250 Merits

  It is highly recommended that you do not immediately sell any Ship Models you unearth to the in-game store. It is very likely that subsequent stages of Avian Alarm event will require you to submit these Ship Models as quest materials.

  Potential Threats

  As previously mentioned, there is a chance that digging will trigger traps or attract enemies, specifically Mines, as well as ARC Ticks and Leapers.

  If you unearth a Mine, you must dodge out of the way immediately; otherwise, it will instantly obliterate approximately one-quarter of your total health and shields. As for Ticks and Leapers, while these small units rarely pose a serious threat to your survival, they are undeniably annoying. Therefore, please remain alert to ambient sounds while digging to avoid inadvertently attracting them.

  Survival Strategies & Gear Selection

  Finally, there is one last point to consider before venturing into this area: the terrain here is extremely open and offers absolutely no natural cover. Consequently, you may occasionally find yourself completely exposed to enemy fire with nowhere to take shelter, or even nowhere to run. 

  In such situations, equipping a Photoelectric Cloak is an excellent choice. However, keep in mind that the developers recently nerfed this item; its duration is no longer quite as long as it used to be. Even so, it should still be more than sufficient to help you extricate yourself from immediate danger.

  If Photoelectric Cloak isn't an option, you might consider using a few Smoke Grenades to provide cover for your retreat. As for weaponry, a Hullcracker and a Renegade are all you need to fully enjoy your treasure-hunting expedition.

  In summary, Beachcombing introduces an entirely new dynamic to ARC Raiders Riven Tides map. It serves not only as a prime opportunity to acquire high-tier blueprints and a wealth of coins, but also offers players a progression path that is imbued with a genuine sense of exploration and discovery. 

  Grab your detector and keep an ear out for those beeps, but don't forget: while you're scouring the ground for treasure, always keep an eye on the skies above for incoming ARC aircraft. May every Raider return from the beaches of Riven Tides with a bountiful haul!

• Insane Processor Farming in ARC Raiders! Grab 40+ per run on the Ultimate Naked Route in Stella Montis

  With every major update, the in-game item market in ARC Raiders undergoes a complete reshuffle. Following Riven Tides update, a rare material known as Processor has once again surged to become one of the hottest items in the game!

  This resurgence is entirely thanks to Riven Tides update, introducing several brand-new pieces of gear and utility devices. Whether it's Powered Descender or Dockmaster's Detector, both crafting and maintenance require the consumption of rare materials, such as Processor.

  More importantly, ARC Raiders Riven Tides update introduced a repair on upgrade feature: now, upgrading a weapon restores 25% of its durability. Consequently, players no longer upgrade their gear solely to boost stats; instead, they view upgrading as a strategic tool to ensure their favorite high-tier weapons remain operational, thereby avoiding the hefty cost of paying for separate repairs. And when performing these upgrades on high-tier weapons, Processor serves as an absolutely indispensable core component.

  Given this situation, the market for processors in ARC Raiders is currently facing a severe supply shortage. If you're fed up with constantly running low on this crucial resource, don't worry, we're here to show you the single most efficient route for farming this rare material!

  

  Other Resources to Scavenge

  However, before we jump into a match and show you the specific route, there are a few things I'd like you to keep in mind. During our farming runs, there are several specific items we should prioritize collecting: Exodus Modules, Rotary Encoders, Alarm Clocks, Projectors, Telemetry Transceivers, and Broken Guidance Systems. If you come across any of these items, be sure to stash them safely in your inventory; we can process them all for recycling once we return to base.

  We can recycle these items to convert them into Exodus Modules, which can then be further converted into Processors we need. This is a crucial strategy for maximizing the overall efficiency of our resource gathering efforts.

  The Farming Route

  Now that we've covered all the necessary preliminaries, it's time to load up Stella Montis map. You actually don't need to bring any loadout gear into the match at all. If your sole objective for this run is to farm ARC Raiders Processors, you can even enter the match naked, meaning you bring absolutely nothing with you. This way, if you happen to spawn in a poor location or load into the match too late, you can simply reset the game and reload immediately.

  Now, our objective is Stella Montis, let's make a full sprint for it! Once you've successfully loaded into the match, your top priority should be Assembly and Medical Research areas; these places are absolutely teeming with those rare pink-tier materials.

  Assembly

  As we venture deep into Assembly sector of ARC Raiders, proceed with extreme caution to avoid being taken out by enemies that might suddenly spawn nearby. If you spot any pink-tier loot, be sure to grab it immediately. In addition to hunting for the supplies mentioned earlier, this area serves as our primary source for acquiring Processors. Remember to search every single server rack you come across; while they don't yield loot 100% of the time, you'll find a Processor in almost every other one you check.

  Once you've finished looting most of Assembly area, don't forget to scour all the small containers scattered throughout the zone. Additionally, before you leave, keep an eye out for a small destructible doorway here; loot will occasionally spawn behind it. If luck is on your side, you might even stumble upon a high-valuable ARC Raiders blueprint.

  Medical Area

  With Assembly area fully looted, let's head over to Medical sector. Upon entering the room, be sure to check the medical carts scattered around; sometimes, other Raiders will leave valuable items sitting on them, allowing you to conveniently scoop up the leftovers from their own looting runs. Also, remember to inspect the small computer terminals found here, as they will sometimes contain hidden Processors.

  Sandbox Area

  Alright, next up is Sandbox area within Stella Montis. However, a word of caution: try your best to steer clear of Shredders. While you are certainly capable of defeating these heavily armored ARC machines, spending your time fighting them will only hinder the efficiency of your farming run.

  After skirting around Shredders, you'll spot a small room known as Control Room A3. Located right next to Sandbox area, this room typically contains server racks and the valuable resources you're looking for.

  Once you've finished looting this room, head toward Metro Station, then make a right turn into the small adjacent room. You can check the computer terminals inside to see if there are any processors waiting for you.

  With that taken care of, we'll retrace our steps back to Sandbox area; our ultimate destination there is Seed Vault. Beyond the seeds implied by its name, this area frequently conceals various electronic components, making it an ideal location for farming ARC Raiders Processors. However, please note: since Seed Vault is often a contested hotspot for various factions, be sure to stay prepared to engage in combat at any moment, whether against other players or hostile ARC forces.

  Next, turn left and enter Control Room A1. Inside, you'll find several Processors you can loot; while you're at it, don't forget to check the computer terminals. Maintain your vigilance, though, as the room may be occupied by ARC Pops, so tread carefully. It's best to clear them out first.

  Cultural Archives

  Our next stop is ARC Raiders Cultural Archives. There's a shortcut here: head back to where we just came from, specifically near the exit of Seed Vault. Turn left and follow the path; ahead, you'll see a zipline leading to Cultural Archives. Take the zipline up one level, and you've arrived.

  Be warned, however: nine times out of ten, this area will be swarming with Pops, Ticks, Shredders, and Fireballs, so proceed with extreme caution.

  As we reach roughly the midpoint of the area, you'll spot several servers situated in an open space. Remember to grab all that valuable loot. If you enter the room immediately adjacent to these servers, you'll find even more resources to scavenge, potentially in substantial quantities. So, be sure to strip the place bare and give the entire room a thorough looting.

  If you head over to this specific section of the room, you'll discover that these devices can actually be dismantled; they, too, may be concealing Processors. Sometimes, simply dismantling the devices in this small corner alone can yield 8 to 10 Processors, an absolutely fantastic haul!

  Since we're already at Cultural Archives, you can also follow the corridor to the very end, then head up and enter the small room located there, which houses a few more servers. We'll clear out all the supplies in this room, then make our immediate extraction.

  The Final Profit

  With everything completed and having returned to ARC Raiders Speranza base, it's time to tally up exactly what we managed to harvest during this run. In less than 30 minutes, we managed to scavenge eight full stacks of Processors, and when combined with our recovered materials, our grand total for this trip comes to 41 Processors!

  And that's not even counting the loot we didn't grab, we didn't get greedy and strip the place of every single pink-tier rare item. So, the actual amount of resources you could potentially acquire is even greater! In any case, follow our scavenging route to clear out all Assembly and Medical areas, and let those rare Processors fill up your backpack!

• ARC Raiders Turbine Hunting Guide: How to farm Turbine Compressors & Survive the Lightning Storm?

  Raiders, the surface has undergone a complete upheaval! With the release of ARC Raiders: Riven Tides update, a new aerial threat has arrived. Introducing ARC Turbine, a formidable defensive flying enemy. Typically, this adversary swoops in to disrupt the action around the 15-minute mark, a critical juncture when everyone is preparing for extraction. Not only does it hurl lightning bolts, but it also scatters mines across the ground to cut off your escape routes; it is, quite simply, the ultimate defensive enemy.

  To help you safeguard your hard-earned loot, IGGM has worked through the night to uncover Turbine's secrets! Want to know how to hunt down Turbines efficiently? Curious about their favorite hiding spots? Don't miss this guide - we'll show you how to turn Turbine into your personal loot cache!

  

  How to find ARC Turbine?

  The primary reason Turbine is such a tricky foe is that it is incredibly elusive. As we mentioned earlier, they tend to make their debut only after a game round has been underway for a significant amount of time, meaning there is a certain element of RNG (luck) involved.

  However, some players have reported that Turbines seem to show a preference for appearing near Beachcombing operation points on the map. Therefore, if the current ARC Raiders Riven Tides map features this specific map condition, you may very well sense Turbine's presence along the coastline. Typically, it will arrive when the mission countdown timer has between 10 and 15 minutes remaining.

  While there is no exact, fixed arrival time, the 10-to-15-minute window on the raid countdown timer represents the period with the highest probability of a Turbine appearance. If the countdown drops below 10 minutes, the likelihood of one actively seeking you out becomes significantly lower. Consequently, if you miss this specific window, we recommend attempting to extract from your current area and then re-entering; this maneuver may trigger Turbine to respawn.

  Once a Turbine finally makes its appearance, typically within that 10-to-15-minute countdown window, its arrival is heralded by a colossal clap of thunder that can be heard clearly for miles around. Be sure to keep your ears peeled and listen for this distinct audio cue!

  Once they arrive, the battle is about to get intense. They will first hover and float above the map before descending directly to the ground. Take note: the moment Turbine lands, it presents your prime opportunity to launch an assault and inflict massive damage upon the enemy!

  Loadout

  Before initiating your attack, ensure you are equipped with the appropriate ARC Raiders weaponry, such as Jupiter or Hullcracker. The former is a legendary, high-damage railgun-style sniper rifle renowned for its exceptional armor-piercing capabilities; it can effortlessly punch through Turbine's plating to inflict damage directly upon its core. The latter, while perhaps lacking in flexibility and fire rate, is celebrated for its explosive damage output, capable of instantly obliterating an ARC enemy with a single direct hit!

  Naturally, you have the option to scavenge for this gear within ground-based supply containers or purchase it directly from a vendor; however, given the steep price tags, we highly recommend utilizing the crafting system to construct these items yourself. Furthermore, IGGM currently offers ARC Raiders blueprints for sale at affordable prices, allowing you to instantly unlock any weapon or piece of gear, ensuring you are fully armed and ready to take on Turbine!

  By the way, as a way to give back to our players, IGGM has launched a new ARC Raiders Riven Tides blueprint giveaway. Over the next few days, we will randomly select 20 lucky winners, each of whom will be able to choose any 5 blueprints they desire from IGGM, including Jupiter or Hullcracker blueprints. To participate, simply take a moment to leave an emoji!

  

  Turbine Combat Tips

  Now, the battle begins! Although Turbine will land on the ground, it will not remain stationary there indefinitely. Regardless of whether it is grounded or airborne, you must remain constantly vigilant, as it is liable to unleash a barrage of lightning strikes at any moment.

  The sequence begins with a sphere of energy rising into the air; subsequently, three trails of black smoke will rapidly disperse in different directions to lock onto and track your current position. Following immediately in the wake of this black smoke comes a series of lethal lightning bolts.

  Exercise extreme caution to avoid being struck by this ultimate attack; a direct hit will instantly shatter your energy shields and inflict massive damage, leaving you downed and incapacitated in a matter of moments.

  Therefore, the safest and most reliable counter-strategy is simply this: maintain your distance. If you venture too close, you will often find yourself with no opportunity to escape before the lightning attack delivers a fatal blow. Ensure you position yourself far enough away that the deadly black mist cannot reach you; for as long as the mist remains out of range, you will remain unharmed. 

  However, there is indeed a secret method to help you evade a Turbine attack: you can use a Snap Hook to latch directly onto its head, then immediately throw a Deadline charge to blow it to smithereens.

  Once you start dealing sustained damage to it, Turbine will begin darting erratically across the map in an attempt to get away from you. At this point, be sure to maintain your distance while simultaneously staying in hot pursuit. As long as you keep firing, it won't land. If enough players join in the barrage, or if you simply hold out long enough, you will eventually succeed in blowing it up.

  Therefore, you will need a fair number of teammates to coordinate their firepower. Be sure to stock up on plenty of ammo so you have the capacity to deal enough damage to finally obliterate this flying machine.

  At the same time, do not overlook the other ARC enemies roaming the battlefield. Remain vigilant at all times; the moment you spot them, take them out immediately to avoid being caught off guard by an ambush.

  Loot Drops

  Once you successfully shoot down a Turbine, you naturally earn the opportunity to scavenge for loot. Unfortunately, this particular ARC enemy does not drop blueprints; instead, it yields a crucial crafting material for Powered Descender: Turbine Compressor.

  Make sure to pick it up immediately, do not stand around idly trying to reorganize your inventory. Someone could be standing nearby, ready to snatch the target item right out of your hands at any moment.

  Conditions permitting, try to stash Turbine Compressor you've acquired into your Safe Pocket, avoid engaging in combat with any other players, and extract immediately!

  In summary, if you don't want your escape route blocked by this lightning-fast harvester hovering over ARC Raiders coastline, then ready your Jupiter sniper rifle for long-range armor-piercing shots, and follow our guide to take care of this massive nuisance!

• How to Farm All 4 new ARC Raiders Riven Tides Blueprints without Wasting Time? | Crash Mat, Powered Descender, White Flag, and Tactical Mk.3 Smoke

  ARC Raiders Riven Tides update is finally live. Along with a new map, a new ARC enemy and a wave of fresh content, it also introduces four brand-new items - and each one has a corresponding blueprint waiting to be collected.

  The four additions in this update are: Crash Mat, Powered Descender, White Flag, and Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke). Right now, the best map to hunt for them is Riven Tides, and they aren't particularly difficult to track down. Let's take a look at the spots where you're most likely to come across them.

  

  Crash Mat

  Function

  Crash Mat is a Rare throwable. Toss it on the ground and it rapidly inflates into an air cushion. Landing on the mat reduces fall damage, but it won't make you immune to harm - so it won't save your life if you leap from an extreme height.

  One advantage of Crash Mat is that it can be used mid-fall; activating it before you've covered roughly half the drop distance will take effect. Overall, this item is fairly average in power, but when you happen to pick one up or carry one along, it can genuinely help you suffer less fall damage.

  Blueprint Location

  Crash Mat blueprint is likely one of the most common drops on the new map. You can find it in practically any regular container - suitcase, trash cans, and especially lockers, with lockers being notably efficient.

  The best farming spot on the new map is without a doubt Port Authority Building, where a room behind a standard door is packed with lockers. Tennis Court area also has quite a few lockers, making it a strong secondary location.

  Additionally, map conditions do not seem to affect the drop rate. Riven Tides only features Night Raid condition, but the chance of finding Crash Mat blueprint is about the same as in a normal match.

  Powered Descender

  Function

  Powered Descender also counters fall damage, but it's way cooler than Crash Mat. It provides a noticeable deceleration effect while you're falling, drastically reducing damage - and from certain heights, you can land completely unharmed.

  To use it, you must activate it while airborne. Your character will descend more slowly and touch down more softly. However, the device doesn't have a long energy reserve; if you keep it active for too long, it will cut out and drop you straight down. Mastering the timing of activation is therefore critical.

  Activating it earlier slows you down sooner but drains energy faster; activating too late leaves insufficient time to slow down enough. Generally, the higher the drop, the slightly later you should activate it. Moreover, the device follows the shared cooldown mechanic for charged items. If you use Snap Hook or Photoelectric Cloak at the same time, Powered Descender's energy will also be consumed, so make sure its energy is fully charged beforehand.

  Powered Descender lets you jump down from any height, saving a great deal of time. That said, it isn't built for every altitude. The highest spots on the new map have been tested and work, but jumping from Launch Tower in Spaceport would probably exceed its limits.

  Blueprint Location

  Powered Descender blueprint is slightly rarer than Crash Mat, but still not terribly hard to locate. It shares the exact same drop pool as the crash mat blueprint, and the best spots are once again Port Authority Building and Tennis Court. It may take a little longer, but you'll definitely secure it in the end.

  

  White Flag

  Function

  White Flag is a very interesting tool for signaling that you are a peaceful player who means no harm and simply wants to survive in this world. You can place it in your quick slot and walk around holding it, plant it somewhere, or wave it to show a more overtly friendly gesture.

  Unfortunately, White Flag cannot be attached to your backpack; you must keep it in your hand at all times for others to see it. This slows your movement speed and stops you from equipping other items, which feels a bit awkward.

  Blueprint Location

  Although it's a simple little object, White Flag blueprint is much harder to track down than the two items above. And I still can't quite understand why raiders need a blueprint to make what is essentially a kindergarten craft - a piece of white cloth tied to a stick.

  White Flag blueprint can spawn in trash cans, suitcase or lockers, but its most frequent source is the beach area of Riven Tides, through excavation activities tied to Dockmaster's Detector. Dockmaster's Detector can be obtained directly by accepting a new mission. If you happen to lose it, you can pick it up elsewhere, and there is no blueprint to craft it.

  If the event isn't active or you'd rather not dig, you can still open regular containers and lockers to look for it, though the efficiency will certainly be lower.

  Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke)

  Function

  Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke) is an upgraded version of Tactical Mk. 2. Its special ability is exactly the same: when your shield breaks, it automatically generates a cloud of smoke. But don't assume that a higher tier means a beefed-up smoke effect - it's not thicker or larger. The only improvements are an added implant slot, a secure pocket slot, two regular inventory slots, and a weight increase of 5 points.

  So while this piece of gear isn't a game-changer, it remains quite useful in PvP. The smoke effect's value endures, and the extra weight is a nice bonus.

  Blueprint Location

  Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke) blueprint is surprisingly easy to obtain because it shares the exact same drop locations as all other Augment blueprints. Those are the familiar Stella Montis Lobby (during Night events), and the destructible security room at the bottom of The Blue Gate's underground Security Wing - specifically the room behind the destructible door. Map conditions don't matter much: Night, Electromagnetic Storm, Hurricane, and Closed Gate all work. During the day, there is still a chance for it to drop, but the odds are noticeably lower.

  It's not a difficult blueprint to find. The only annoyance is that you'll likely collect a pile of other Augment blueprints you already own first, since they all share the same pool. Whether you find this one early simply comes down to luck.

  Those are all the methods for acquiring each of the four new item blueprints in this update. You can be assured that by farming these locations, you'll quickly acquire all four blueprints, as none of them are truly ultra-rare drops.

• ARC Raiders Patch 1.26.0 officially enter Riven Tides: New Items, Adjustments, Bug Fixes and More

  In the previous cycle, ARC Raiders typically released its weekly patches on Tuesdays. However, due to the launch of Riven Tides update on April 28, this Wednesday, Patch 1.26.0 was delayed by one day to coincide with its release.

  Consequently, this patch serves a dual purpose: it officially introduces Riven Tides content into the game while simultaneously implementing significant optimizations to address various systemic issues that existed previously.

  Below, we provide a detailed overview of Patch 1.26.0 to ensure you are fully prepared for your upcoming raids and avoid any pitfalls caused by unfamiliarity with the latest changes.

  

  New content from Riven Tides

  We have previously provided a comprehensive preview of Riven Tides update, which covered the new map of the same name, the new PvE enemy ARC Turbine, Beachcombing map condition, and more.

  With the release of Patch 1.26.0, ARC Raiders has also added several items not mentioned in previous announcements: the deployable White Flag, the gadget Dockmaster's Detector, and the new augment, Tactical Mk.3 (Smoke).

  White Flag

  This item can only be obtained through crafting; it requires a specific ARC Raiders blueprint, 10 units of Fabric, and 3 Plastic Parts. It serves no offensive or defensive purpose; instead, it allows you to wave a flag during combat encounters to signal that you have no desire to initiate a conflict.

  Although ARC Raiders is a PvEvP title, there are always players who focus heavily on PvP and adopt a highly aggressive playstyle. If you wish to avoid conflict, attempting to communicate verbally at close range can sometimes prove difficult or cumbersome.

  Now, you can carry a White Flag with you at all times. If you unexpectedly stumble into a PvP situation, simply wave the flag to clearly signal your intention to avoid combat, it's incredibly convenient!

  Dockmaster's Detector

  Currently, this item is available exclusively as a reward for completing Avian Alarm project. It allows you to quickly detect loot hidden beneath the sand during Beachcombing map condition.

  Avian Alarm project consists of five specific objectives. To obtain Dockmaster's Detector, you must complete the first objective: placing a bird trap near a seabed buoy on Riven Tides map. This objective's other reward is 250 Raider Tokens.

  Tactical Mk.3 (Smoke)

  Augments serve to enhance your gear in various ways, for instance, by increasing your backpack storage capacity or boosting your character's maximum carrying weight.

  Accordingly, the function of Tactical Mk.3 (Smoke) is that, should your shield be depleted, it immediately generates a small smoke screen, providing cover for you to make an escape or switch weapons. However, it is subject to a cooldown period and cannot be used consecutively.

  Notably, through the introduction of this augment, the developers acknowledged that the game currently suffers from a lack of variety within specific augment categories, as well as insufficient potency among combat-oriented augments; these issues are slated for gradual optimization in future updates.

  New features and adjustments to the weapon system

  Imbalances within the gear, particularly the weapon system, have long been a significant shortcoming of ARC Raiders. With Patch 1.26.0, substantial corrective measures have finally been implemented.

  Durability changes

  First and foremost, effective immediately, upgrading any weapon will now simultaneously grant it a 25% boost to durability. This change aims to further extend the weapon's operational lifespan and enhance the intrinsic value of the weapon upgrade mechanic.

  Furthermore, while reducing the weapon spawn density in the map's peripheral zones, the development team has lowered the average starting durability of weapons found outside of locked rooms from 50 to 30. This ensures that high-tier resource zones consistently retain their strategic advantage.

  Additional adjustments include reducing the durability loss incurred when firing high-tier weapons (a change accompanied by a corresponding increase in durability retention for low-tier weapons), as well as reducing the durability penalty applied to your weapon upon being downed from 30% to 15%.

  Specific weapon optimizations

  This section primarily addresses adjustments made to Bettina. The weapon has been buffed through improvements to its base damage, damage against ARC armor, and ammo stack limit; concurrently, its fire rate has been slightly reduced to ensure overall balance.

  Existing ARC optimizations

  Patch 1.26.0 focuses on reducing the spawn frequency of Fireflies in Dam Battlegrounds and Comets in Buried City. Additionally, Comets have been completely removed from standard gameplay sessions within Dam Battlegrounds.

  This decision was made because these two types of PvE enemies present a high level of difficulty; their previous spawn rates created significant barriers to entry and enjoyment for new or casual players.

  Gameplay optimizations

  The changes outlined in this section specifically target several pieces of gear that have recently seen widespread popularity. First, adjustments have been implemented to ensure a more uniform distribution of salvageable loot throughout Stella Montis map.

  Additionally, the stack limit for Vaporizer Regulator has been increased to 3. However, the minimum time interval required between detonating multiple grenades has been increased to prevent potential exploitation of the mechanic.

  Given the exceptional efficiency demonstrated by Photoelectric Cloak during Flashpoint events, both its weight and energy consumption rate have now been increased.

  This change compels you to adopt a more strategic and measured approach when planning its usage.

  Massive bug fixes

  As a major milestone patch, Update 1.26.0 delivers a volume of bug fixes far exceeding those of previous weeks. These fixes span multiple areas, including maps, gameplay, items, and the user interface, ensuring you enjoy the smoothest possible experience during Riven Tides update.

  In short, the biggest ARC Raiders update of 2026 has now been released. Jump in now to join the raids, take down new enemies and earn fresh loot!