In ARC Raiders, the other players lingering near you often pose a far greater threat than ARC themselves. If they harbor ill intent, they can become the most cunning adversaries you’ll face.
While you may have a strong preference for PvE, learning how to handle PvP is equally essential. IGGM is here to share some tips you can use in PvP situations. Master these, and you’ll be able to take down formidable opponents even with standard gear.
Using Free Kits
For newcomers just starting out, the top recommendation is to make heavy use – even excessive use – of Free Kits. There’s no risk involved in using them, yet the potential rewards are substantial. By consistently bringing Free Kits into matches, you’ll almost always walk away with some loot.
This is especially true on a map like Stella Montis, where PvP is everywhere; there’s no need to risk losing high-tier gear just to practice. Instead, with Free Kits, you can focus on sharpening your PvP skills and familiarizing yourself with the game’s mechanics.
If you find the capacity and modest weapons of Free Kits limiting, you can also buy ARC Raiders Blueprints from IGGM to make better weapon and Augments. This does add some risk, but it also allows you to carry off more loot from fallen enemies.
Quick Use Settings
In fast-paced PvP combat, you won’t have much time to think through every move; instead, you’ll rely heavily on muscle memory.
No matter your standard loadout, it’s advisable to assign consumables to fixed spots on your quickbar, building that muscle memory. This way, during intense fights, you can instinctively reach for all ARC Raiders items you need.
For instance, you might place adrenaline in the first slot, smoke grenades in the second, and defibrillators or fragmentation grenades in the third. Reserve the bottom slot for healing items.
Spawns
Understanding spawn points is a core element of PvP. Take Dam Battlegrounds map, for example: players typically spawn in a circular pattern around the outskirts of the map, with only a few spawn points located in the central area. If you and your squad spawn at a particular point, you can immediately gauge which directions might harbor other teams.
The main battleground on Dam Battlegrounds is the central control tower, which sees the most intense PvP action. Suppose you spawn close to the dam. Instead of charging straight into the hot zone, first take note of the nearby spawn points, as there’s a good chance another team is right beside you.
If you engage in PvP in these areas, aim to finish the fight quickly, because other players will spot the commotion and join in. This holds true across all maps, especially in high-skill or high-traffic matches.
Once you’ve fully grasped the spawn point layouts, you can easily catch opponents off guard. For example, in Buried City, as soon as you spawn, you’ll know exactly where another spawn point is located. Pushing there swiftly often lets you catch idle enemies by surprise. ARC’s spawn placements can sometimes be quite unforgiving, putting you just seconds away from another player.
Surviving after a Fight
Once you’ve successfully eliminated an enemy squad, the first order of business isn’t to loot immediately – it’s to secure the area!
If you’re in a trio, it’s a good idea to have two teammates loot while you take a vantage point or watch the surroundings to ensure no other squads are moving in for a sneak attack. Once your teammates have finished, you can take your turn, or rotate roles with them.
In solo mode, it’s wise to carry a Barricade Kit. Place one or two Barricade Kits around the loot crates to form a safe corner, then quietly loot inside. While looting, stay silent and listen carefully for approaching footsteps. If you hear someone closing in, use smoke to cover your escape.
Overall, these tips help minimize the risk of being ambushed by rats while you’re looting. Never get too absorbed in looting – that usually ends with you being eliminated.
Stash Management
Managing your stash depends on your stage in the game and your goals. If you’re solely focused on PvP and have completed all missions and workbench upgrades, then you only need to keep the items that aid your PvP efforts, along with any high-value ARC Raiders blueprints; everything else just takes up space.
Keep your weapon count under 100, mainly storing common map drops like Bobcat and IL Toro.
Herbal bandages are a must-stock item, as they’re sold in limited quantities at the vendor, and you should never sell them. Other healing items, like shield rechargers, can be bought in unlimited quantities, so there’s no need to hoard them.
You’ll also want to stockpile materials such as advanced mechanical components and simple gun parts for repairing gear.
If your stash gets too full, consider attaching loose weapon mods to guns to save space. Be sure to repair all weapons, as this also consumes materials. Ammunition should never be stored in your stash – it’s available in unlimited supply, so simply buy it as needed. In short, make sure every item in your stash serves a purpose; sell or recycle anything that doesn’t.
Audio Cues
In the game, running across different surfaces produces distinct and loud sounds. Examples include metal on maps like Dam Battlegrounds or Stella Montis, and tiles in Buried City.
These sounds let you accurately pinpoint enemy locations. At the same time, pay attention to your own footing – avoid running on metal or tiles, which can give away your position, and instead switch to quieter surfaces like sand when moving.
Visual Cues
There are generally two types of smoke in the game. One is white, semi-transparent smoke, which indicates a recent skirmish. This is residual smoke from gunfire, meaning enemies are likely still nearby. The other is black, opaque smoke, which appears when an ARC is destroyed.
Remember this distinction. When entering an area, if you spot white smoke, it’s a sign that enemies are present, helping you quickly pinpoint their last known location.
These are some ARC Raiders PvP tips shared by IGGM. Hopefully, they include some you weren’t yet aware of, helping you elevate your skills.
