Recon Guide
Master reconnaissance techniques to scout enemy positions, locate resources, and plan successful raids in ARC Raiders.
Recon Guide
Reconnaissance is crucial for survival in ARC Raiders. Effective recon allows you to identify threats, locate valuable resources, and plan your approach before engaging. This guide covers all aspects of reconnaissance, from basic scouting to advanced intel gathering.
What is Recon?
Reconnaissance involves gathering information about:
- ARC patrol routes and enemy positions
- Resource locations and drop sites
- Rival Raider squads and their movements
- Extraction point status and security
- Environmental hazards and safe routes
Recon Tools & Abilities
Sensor Dart
- Deploys a sensor that reveals enemy positions in a radius
- Lasts for 30 seconds before expiring
- Can be detected by enemy squads if placed carelessly
- Best used at high vantage points for maximum coverage
Binoculars / Scope
- Long-range observation without revealing your position
- Identify enemy types and equipment loadouts
- Mark targets for your squad
- Plan engagement angles before committing
Intel Suite (Hangar Upgrade)
- Reveals drop sites on the tactical map before deployment
- Shows meteor shower timers and locations
- Displays ARC convoy routes and patrol patterns
- Highlights high-value resource zones
Recon Class Abilities
- Target Uplink: Highlights enemy weak points for the team
- Sensor Pulse: Detects hidden enemies and loot containers
- Stealth Mode: Reduces detection range and sound signature
Basic Recon Techniques
High Ground Advantage
- Climb structures using Grappler Boots for better visibility
- Use natural elevation to scout without exposing yourself
- Avoid silhouetting yourself against the sky
- Move between cover when repositioning
Sound Discipline
- Listen for audio cues:
- ARC unit footsteps and mechanical sounds
- Distant gunfire (rival Raiders)
- Supply meteor impacts
- Extraction ship engines
- Crouch-walk near known enemy positions
- Avoid running unless necessary
Visual Scanning
- Systematic sweeps: Scan left to right, near to far
- Look for movement: Enemy units, rival Raiders, wildlife
- Check common routes: Between objectives, extraction points
- Watch for anomalies: Unusual lighting, open doors, disturbed terrain
Advanced Recon Strategies
Patrol Route Mapping
- Observe ARC patrols from a safe distance
- Time their movements to identify patterns
- Map safe windows for movement and looting
- Identify blind spots in patrol coverage
Squad Coordination
- Assign roles: One Recon specialist, others support
- Use pings to mark enemy positions and resources
- Communicate findings via voice or text chat
- Plan approach routes before moving in
Intel Gathering Priorities
Before Drop:
- Review tactical map for known drop sites
- Check Intel Suite for meteor events
- Plan initial route based on contract objectives
During Match:
- Scout extraction points early
- Identify rival squad positions
- Locate high-value resource zones
- Monitor ARC escalation levels
Before Extraction:
- Verify extraction point security
- Check for ambush positions
- Identify escape routes
- Assess rival squad locations
Recon vs Different Threats
ARC Units
- Scout Drones: High priority - they call reinforcements
- Standard Units: Note positions and patrol routes
- Elite Units: Identify before engaging, plan approach
- Boss Units: Mark location, assess threat level
Rival Raiders
- Listen for gunfire to locate other squads
- Watch for movement at popular loot locations
- Monitor extraction points for potential conflicts
- Assess their loadouts before engaging
Environmental Hazards
- Meteor impact zones: Avoid or time your approach
- ARC alarm towers: Mark for destruction or avoidance
- Chokepoints: Identify alternative routes
- High-traffic areas: Plan stealthy passage
Common Recon Mistakes
- Rushing into unknown areas without scouting
- Ignoring audio cues that reveal enemy positions
- Standing in exposed positions while observing
- Not communicating findings to your squad
- Over-relying on gadgets instead of basic observation
Recon Best Practices
Before Engagement
- Always scout first - never rush into combat blind
- Identify all threats in the area
- Plan your approach and escape routes
- Coordinate with squad before moving
During Combat
- Maintain situational awareness - don't tunnel vision
- Watch for reinforcements and third parties
- Mark new threats as they appear
- Monitor extraction status if in late game
After Engagement
- Quickly assess if area is clear
- Check for additional threats before looting
- Mark valuable loot for squad
- Prepare for next objective or extraction
Equipment Recommendations
Essential Gear
- Grappler Boots: For accessing high vantage points
- Sensor Dart: For active reconnaissance
- Binoculars/Scope: For long-range observation
- Suppressed Weapon: For silent takedowns
Support Items
- Arc Flare: To blind enemy sensors temporarily
- EMP Charge: To disable ARC units for safe passage
- Signal Booster: To reduce extraction wait time
Advanced Tactics
False Intel
- Place sensor darts in decoy locations
- Create noise to draw attention away from real objective
- Use gadgets to mislead enemy squads
Stealth Infiltration
- Use cover to approach objectives unseen
- Time movements with patrol route gaps
- Avoid ARC alarm towers and sensor arrays
- Extract quietly if possible
Intel Sharing
- Mark everything: Enemies, loot, hazards, routes
- Use voice chat for complex information
- Update marks as situation changes
- Coordinate with squad for maximum efficiency
Related Guides:
- Scavenging Guide - Learn how to use recon to find valuable loot
- Combat Fundamentals - Apply recon intel to combat situations
- Extraction Playbook - Use recon for successful extractions
