New to Arc Raiders? Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of PvPvE extraction gameplay, killer robots, and loot tiers? This ARC Raiders Playtest Beginner Guide breaks everything down into easy-to-follow steps so you can gear up, survive longer, and extract with confidence—without wasting time or gear.
Arc Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter, which means you’re not just looting — you’re surviving against AI and real players. You can go in with your own gear, crafted or bought, or use a free loadout that costs nothing but comes with risks.
The free loadout doesn’t give you a safe box, so anything you loot is at risk if you die. Choose from maps like Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, and Buried City, each with different loot and player traffic.
Arc Raiders Beginner Guide
Looting & Zones
Loot spawns in color-coded zones:
- White = low-tier,
- Orange = decent,
- Red = best loot.
Better zones = more risk. Expect robots and aggressive players in orange/red areas.
Want high-tier loot? You’ll need to fight AI robots (and maybe players) guarding those zones.
Big robots = tough enemies but also huge loot rewards on each part of their body.
Drones are easier, and targeting their thrusters drops them faster — also they drop shield batteries.
Sound Matters
This game is all about noise — shooting, sprinting, and even opening containers can give away your location.
Stay sneaky when needed, or prepare to brawl. Your choices determine how visible (or audible) you are.
Loot Types & Rarities
Loot comes in rarities:
- Orange/Legendary = schematics,
- Purple/Blue = strong gear,
- Green/White = mid to low-tier.
Some gray items (valuables) sell for more than rare materials — keep an eye on value, not just color.
Manage inventory wisely: drop low-tier loot as you fill up.
Safe Box = Your Lifeline
You start with 2 safe slots, upgraded to 3 later. Anything in your safe box is 100% protected, even if you die — always stash legendary schematics and key loot here.
Extraction System
To extract, find an elevator and use the console to begin a countdown.
- Elevators are noisy and attract danger — plan your route and time it well.
- Other extraction methods include:
- Trains (underground)
- Raider Hatch (requires a key, quieter, faster).
Buy the Raider Hatch Key for 6,000 credits from a vendor — it’s worth every penny, especially if you keep it in your safe box.
Loadouts & Gear Tips
- Bring two guns if you can — unload one, swap, and keep fighting instead of reloading.
- Shields are a must — they absorb damage and help you survive longer.
- Augments are powerful — they let you carry better shields, more loot, and add durability.
- But remember: Die with augments = lose them. It’s a high risk, high reward play.
Quick Slot Essentials
Your quick use slots are for healing and utilities only — bring bandages and shield rechargers every time. Carry enough ammo, but don’t overpack — leave room for valuable loot.
Workshop & Vendors
The workshop is your hub for crafting — level up benches to unlock new gear and weapons. Don’t forget Scrappy the Rooster — he collects materials passively from each raid, so always check in.
Vendors sell supplies and also give you quests — complete them for XP and rewards.
Skill Trees That Matter
You earn XP + skill points for leveling up and completing missions.
Three skill trees:
- Conditioning = stamina, carry weight, movement boosts
- Survival = looting speed, noise reduction, robot avoidance
- Mobility = dodge, vaulting, climbing boosts
Always level up stamina early — mobility is king in extraction games.
Mastery & Battle Pass
Mastery tasks are passive and reward you with premium currency — check them and knock them out.
Battle Pass missions give cosmetics, currency, and more — worth doing if you’re grinding regularly.