ARC Raiders Extraction Playbook

ARC Raiders Extraction Playbook

Mastering extraction is the difference between a legendary haul and returning to the hangar empty-handed. This playbook breaks down the planning, execution, and contingency protocols required to leave Calyx alive with maximum salvage.

1. Pre-Deployment Planning

Zone Intel

• Danger Forecast: Review the Tactical Map to see each zone’s ARC escalation level and predicted weather hazards.
• Contract Layering: Stack contracts that share objectives (e.g., destroy ARC relays + recover meteor cores) to minimise time on the ground.
• Extraction Windows: Note the earliest and latest extraction estimates. Some zones only unlock pads after key objectives are completed.

Squad Roles

2. Route Design

1. Insertion to First Objective: Choose a path that collects easy loot while avoiding high-traffic points during early minutes.
2. Mid-Run Pivot: After completing primary objectives, rotate towards meteor crash indicators or intel caches.
3. Fallback Lanes: Mark two alternative paths to the extraction pad in case of ARC lockdowns or PvP threats.

Efficient Marking

• Beacon Placement: Place squad beacons at choke points to create fast-travel anchors if someone is downed.
• Nav Pings: Use permanent map pings (Alt + Click) to highlight safe houses, turret nests, and resource caches for later use.

3. Managing Threat Escalation

• ARC Alert Timer: If the alert bar fills, break line of sight and stay hidden for 20 seconds to downgrade the threat level.
• Meteor Events: During meteor storms, expect rival squads. Engage only if necessary; otherwise, let the disasters thin ARC numbers first.
• Lockdown Protocol: When lockdown triggers, send Recon to hack nearby relay towers. This halves reinforcement spawns for two minutes.

4. Extraction Pad Control

Prepping the Site

• Recon Sweep: Scan the pad for mines or traps laid by other Raiders.
• Defensive Setup: Position deployable cover to create overlapping firing arcs. Support should plant a Signal Booster immediately.
• Ammo Drop: Drop spare ammo and power cells in accessible locations before activating the console.

Console Activation

1. Start hack; timer begins.
2. Fan out: one Raider watches approach lanes, one covers high ground, one stays near console.
3. Use crowd-control gadgets (Arc Nets, Shock Mines) to slow ARC pushes.

Holding the Countdown

• 20–15 seconds: Expect first wave of ARC reinforcements. Use grenades to thin groups.
• 14–8 seconds: Rival Raiders may push. Deploy smoke or barrier to deny sightlines.
• Final seconds: Trigger Arc Surge Beacon or squad ultimate abilities to create breathing room as the dropship lands.

5. Contingency Plans

If Overrun

• Abort the extraction and rotate to the secondary pad. The console cooldown is only 45 seconds; forcing a reset is better than wiping.
• Use the emergency recall flare if carrying rare arc cores—this summons a shorter-range extraction but requires clearing a landing zone quickly.

If a Raider Goes Down

• Triaging: Secure the downed Raider’s backpack. Support deploys Trauma Foam to pick them up safely.
• Fallback: Retreat to pre-marked safe house, regroup, heal, then attempt extraction again with new timing.

If Supplies Run Low

• Hunt ARC supply convoys or raid meteor crash crates. These contain ammo, armour plates, and sometimes extraction signal relays.

6. Maximising Profit

• Value Density: Prioritise arc cores, weapon schematics, and season contract items. Scrap metal is plentiful; drop it when space runs short.
• Insurance Tokens: Spend tokens before risky runs. They refund a portion of gear costs if extraction fails.
• Post-Run Management: Immediately allocate salvage to upgrades to maintain momentum into the next deployment.

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Continue Your Progression: Combine these extraction plays with the ARC Raiders Combat Fundamentals guide to dominate both ARC forces and rival squads.