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
- Prioritize low-risk areas with fewer ARC patrols
- Focus on common materials to build your initial loadout
- Avoid high-contention zones until you're better equipped
- Collect medical supplies for survivability
Mid Game
- Target supply meteors for rare materials
- Hunt Elite ARC units for advanced components
- Explore hidden caches in less-traveled areas
- Balance risk vs reward when choosing loot locations
Late Game
- Focus on Epic materials for end-game crafting
- Coordinate with squad to secure high-value drops
- Prepare for extraction - don't overfill your inventory
- 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:
- Quest items (if you have active contracts)
- Workshop materials (for crafting upgrades)
- High-value sellable items (for credits)
- 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
