Scavenging Guide

Learn how to efficiently scavenge resources, materials, and loot in ARC Raiders.


Scavenging Guide

Scavenging is one of the core mechanics in ARC Raiders. Mastering the art of scavenging can mean the difference between a successful extraction and a squad wipe. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding and collecting resources across Calyx.

Understanding Scavenging

Scavenging involves searching for and collecting various resources, materials, and loot items scattered throughout the battlefields of Calyx. These items are essential for:

  • Crafting equipment at the Workshop
  • Upgrading weapons and gear
  • Completing quests and contracts
  • Selling for credits at Traders

Where to Find Loot

Drop Sites

Drop sites are marked locations where supply containers have landed. These sites are often:

  • High-value targets for multiple squads
  • Protected by ARC patrols
  • Visible on the tactical map after using Intel Suite upgrades

Tips:

  • Arrive early to secure the best loot before other squads
  • Use Recon abilities to scout the area before approaching
  • Be prepared for PvP encounters at popular drop sites

Supply Meteors

Supply meteors crash down during meteor shower events. These meteors contain:

  • Rare crafting materials
  • ARC Powercells and advanced components
  • Weapon schematics
  • High-value salvage

Meteor Events:

  • Occur periodically throughout a match
  • Marked on the map with a countdown timer
  • Attract both ARC forces and rival Raiders
  • High risk, high reward scenarios

ARC Husk Remains

Destroyed ARC units leave behind husks that can be looted:

  • Standard Units: Basic materials and components
  • Elite Units: Advanced materials and rare components
  • Boss Units: Epic materials and unique schematics

Looting Tips:

  • Use melee takedowns when possible to preserve loot quality
  • Some husks require specific tools to extract materials
  • Elite and Boss husks take longer to loot but yield better rewards

Hidden Caches

Throughout Calyx, you'll find hidden caches in:

  • Abandoned buildings
  • Underground bunkers
  • ARC facility ruins
  • Natural formations (caves, rock formations)

Finding Caches:

  • Look for environmental clues (broken walls, hidden entrances)
  • Use Recon's sensor abilities to detect hidden containers
  • Some caches require keys or hacking to access

Resource Categories

Common Materials

  • Scrap Metal: Basic crafting material
  • Wires: Electrical components
  • Batteries: Power sources for gadgets
  • Medical Supplies: Healing items and components

Rare Materials

  • ARC Powercells: Advanced energy sources
  • Advanced Components: High-tier crafting materials
  • Rare Metals: Used for weapon upgrades
  • Data Fragments: Required for Intel Suite upgrades

Epic Materials

  • ARC Cores: Legendary crafting materials
  • Titan Components: From defeated boss units
  • Ancient Artifacts: Unique quest items
  • Master Schematics: Blueprints for top-tier equipment

Scavenging Strategies

Early Game

  1. Prioritize low-risk areas with fewer ARC patrols
  2. Focus on common materials to build your initial loadout
  3. Avoid high-contention zones until you're better equipped
  4. Collect medical supplies for survivability

Mid Game

  1. Target supply meteors for rare materials
  2. Hunt Elite ARC units for advanced components
  3. Explore hidden caches in less-traveled areas
  4. Balance risk vs reward when choosing loot locations

Late Game

  1. Focus on Epic materials for end-game crafting
  2. Coordinate with squad to secure high-value drops
  3. Prepare for extraction - don't overfill your inventory
  4. Prioritize quest items if you have active contracts

Inventory Management

Weight System

  • Each item has a weight value
  • Exceeding your weight limit slows movement
  • Some items stack to save space
  • Prioritize high-value, low-weight items

Stacking Items

  • Stackable items: Materials, ammo, consumables
  • Non-stackable items: Weapons, equipment, unique items
  • Manage your inventory to maximize efficiency

Extraction Priority

When approaching extraction with limited space:

  1. Quest items (if you have active contracts)
  2. Workshop materials (for crafting upgrades)
  3. High-value sellable items (for credits)
  4. Rare schematics (for future crafting)

Common Mistakes

  • Overfilling inventory: Slows movement and makes you an easy target
  • Ignoring weight limits: Can prevent you from reaching extraction
  • Looting in dangerous areas: Always scout first
  • Not coordinating with squad: Share resources efficiently
  • Greed over survival: Extract with what you have rather than risking everything

Advanced Tips

  • Use Recon abilities to mark loot locations for your squad
  • Time your scavenging around ARC patrol routes
  • Create distraction with gadgets to loot safely
  • Know when to abandon loot if extraction is compromised
  • Study map layouts to find hidden cache locations

Related Guides:

  • Recon Guide - Learn how to scout and plan your scavenging routes
  • Loot Database - Complete list of all loot items and their properties
  • Workshop Guide - Learn how to use your scavenged materials