ARC Raiders Players Can Finally Fight Back Without Fear After Update 1.39.0
ARC Raiders update 1.39.0 is now live.
This update primarily adjusts the matchmaking system, PvP behavior detection, combat feedback, and map stability, while also fixing numerous minor issues affecting daily gameplay.
Judging from the update content, the development team continues to focus on optimizing the long-term gaming experience. The matchmaking fairness issue, which was frequently raised by players, has received a new testing solution in this update.
PvP Matchmaking Adjustments
In Update 1.39.0, the matchmaking system receives its most significant change: defensive PvP behavior will no longer affect a player's playstyle evaluation.
Previously, ARC Raiders' matchmaking system judged players based on their combat actions, including initiating attacks and counterattacking after being attacked. While previous updates had reduced the weight of defensive behavior, many players still wanted further optimization of this mechanism.
In the new testing phase, the system will only record combat initiated by players. When a player retaliates after being attacked by another squad, even if they ultimately knock down or eliminate the opponent, it will not affect their matchmaking rating.
For players who frequently engage in resource gathering and evacuation tactics, this adjustment will alleviate some unnecessary concerns.
Previously, some players might have worried that retaliatory actions would negatively impact their matchmaking. Now, when faced with unexpected encounters, they can focus more on managing the immediate battle.
Combat Judgment Logic Revealed
To help players understand the new PvP judgment method, ARC Raiders has also released the matchmaking system's logic for recognizing combat events.
If an enemy squad initiates an attack on a player's team, including causing damage, knocking down, or eliminating members, the entire team will be considered on the defensive. The side that initiates the attack will be considered having initiated the fight.
The system will also assess the impact based on the scale of the firefight.
A prolonged battle with significant damage on both sides and multiple knockdowns will be considered a more obvious instance of proactive conflict; friendly fire or brief skirmishes will have a relatively lower impact on matchmaking ratings.
Furthermore, joining another team's battle will still be considered proactive participation. Players who choose to intervene during other squad firefights will also have their PvP behavior assessed.
Matchmaking Optimization Continues
In addition to the recent PvP rule adjustments, the matchmaking tracking mechanisms for solo, duo, and trio teams added in previous updates, as well as the matchmaking optimizations in Update 1.38.0, are still in operation.
The development team stated that statistics can only reflect part of the situation, but the player experience in actual matches is equally important.
Therefore, the official team hopes to understand the issues players encounter in real ARC Raiders matches through community feedback and surveys.
In the coming weeks, the official team will continue to monitor changes in matchmaking data and, based on player feedback, determine whether these adjustments will be retained long-term.
Grenade Damage Fixes
This update also fixes abnormal damage for Seeker Grenade and Wolfpack Grenade.
Previously, in some cases, these two ARC Raiders Items could exhibit inconsistent damage performance, affecting players' judgment of the battle outcome. After the update, the damage performance of both grenades will be more consistent with expectations.
In addition, the game's sound effects have been adjusted. The footsteps of players moving on water have been optimized, and more noticeable changes to the rolling sound effects have been added.
In games like ARC Raiders, where sound is crucial for locating enemies, clearer sound feedback helps players quickly assess their surroundings.
Trinket System Adjustments
This update also optimizes some trinket mechanics.
Trinkets added with Converging Paths project can now be stacked like other trinket items, reducing inventory management hassles. The drop rate for related trinkets has also been adjusted, making the search process more stable across different maps.
In addition, a new Dweller Outfit set has been added to the shop, providing players with new cosmetic options.
Map Bug Fixes
Map fixes are also a key feature of Update 1.39.0.
In Dam Battlegrounds map, several clipping issues, floating objects, terrain glitches, and locations that could cause players to get stuck have been fixed. Previously, these issues could affect player movement and even interrupt normal exploration because of environmental anomalies.
Buried City map has also undergone significant adjustments, including fixing hidden collisions, incorrect textures, and issues with players using Snap Hooks to leave the map area.
Meanwhile, potential stuck positions while downed have been addressed.
While these changes won't directly alter gameplay, they will reduce unexpected situations players encounter while gathering resources and finding escape routes.
Projects Interface Optimization
Update 1.39.0 redesigned Projects interface. After the update, related projects are displayed in categories, making it easier for players to view their current objectives. Task descriptions, stage information, and reward previews have also been adjusted, making project progress more intuitive.
Previous issues such as some projects failing to progress properly and the inability to view records after completing stages have also been fixed in this update. The timer display in both Projects and Expedition interfaces has been standardized, making it clearer for players to view remaining time.
Numerous Minor Fixes Implemented
In addition to the major adjustments, Update 1.39.0 also fixes numerous minor issues.
Update content includes correcting some incorrect clothing customization option names, optimizing localized text, adjusting price display in the trading interface for Chinese and Japanese environments, and updating the startup screen background video, among others.
Several issues remain to be resolved, such as the crashes experienced by some Xbox players which are still under investigation. Additionally, issues with animation glitches, equipment clipping, and item switching will continue to be addressed in future updates.
If you want to know more about ARC Raiders updates, follow EZG Facebook. We also recently held a Player's Choice Giveaway here for a chance to win free prizes; you can participate now and prepare for your next raid.
As more test data and player feedback accumulate, ARC Raiders matchmaking system will continue to be adjusted.
For Raiders, which is still in the development stage, the changes brought by Update 1.39.0 are more noticeable in the details of each game: more reasonable combat judgment, a more stable map environment, and smoother mission flow.
ARC Raiders Season 5 Week 4 Trials Guide: All 5 Challenges, 3-Star Requirements and Best Strategies
ARC Raiders Season 5 Week 4 Trials are now live, bringing a series of brand-new challenges to test your skills against ARC threat. Earning three stars in each trial is key to climbing the leaderboards and winning top rewards such as epic items and blueprints.
This week's ARC Raiders features five challenges: Search Raider Caches, Damage ARC Using Blaze Grenade, Receive Damage from Pops, Damage Wasps Using Light Ammo Weapons, and Open Containers Inside Traffic Tunnels. The trials run from July 28th to August 4th, 2026.
However, it's important to remember that your trial points only apply if you successfully escape the raid. If you are eliminated before escaping, any progress you made during the raid will be lost.
This article will detail how to complete Week 4 Trials in ARC Raiders Season 5 and achieve a three-star rating.
Search Raider Caches
This trial requires you to open as many Raider Caches as possible. These chests are scattered throughout the map and contain useful supplies such as medkits and throwables.
The best map for completing this trial is Dam Battlegrounds, as it has the highest item density. However, it's important to note that you don't need to be the first player to find a Raider Cache; you'll still earn points even if you search an already opened chest.
Statistically, each search yields 800 points. Players need to find approximately five Raider Caches to reach the 4,000-point threshold required for three stars, which I believe is relatively easy for most players.
Damage ARC Using Blaze Grenade
This trial requires you to damage ARC enemies using Blaze Grenade. The ideal location is an open map like Dam Battlegrounds or Spaceport. To maximize damage, it's recommended to choose the easiest ARC target, Leaper. If you're skilled enough, you can also choose the high-health target, Bastion.
Here are the recommended ARC Raiders Items to bring for this trial:
- Anvil / Bettina
- Four stacks of ammo
- Light Shield
- Shield Rechargers
- Herbal Bandages
- As many Blaze Grenades as possible
Additionally, note that after throwing a Blaze Grenade at a Leaper, wait for the current Blaze Grenade to burn out before throwing a second one. Repeat this process; do not throw two grenades at once.
In ARC Raiders, dealing 1 point of damage to an ARC enemy earns 1.5 trial points. This means you need to deal 2,700 damage to earn over 4,000 points and achieve a three-star rating.
Receive Damage from Pops
This is likely the most difficult trial of the week. You must go to any area with a high concentration of Pops and lure them to attack you one by one. The safest and easiest locations to complete this mission are the hospital and research center on Buried City map.
Before entering the map, you'll need to prepare some essential ARC Raiders Items, including crucial medical supplies and a reliable primary weapon to quickly eliminate any extra Wasps if necessary. The specific list is as follows:
- Anvil / Bettina
- Four stacks of ammo
- Medium/Heavy Shield
- Surge Shield Rechargers
- Herbal Bandages / Vita Spray
In this trial, you gain 15 points for every point of damage taken. Therefore, you must withstand 267 points of damage to achieve three stars. Note that if you die during this process, the damage taken will not count towards your progress, so be sure to bring plenty of medical supplies to ensure your survival.
Damage Wasps Using Light Ammo Weapons
This trial requires you to attack Wasps enemies using light ammo weapons. Wasps are ordinary flying enemies with no armor, making them easy targets for these weapons.
I recommend completing this trial on Blue Gate map, not only because of the high density of Wasps enemies but also because its open areas allow you to spot Wasps more quickly.
For every 1 point of damage dealt to Wasp, you gain 2 Trial Points. To achieve a three-star rating, you need to deal 2000 damage to Wasp. Bobcat is considered the best choice for this mission in ARC Raiders due to its high damage and rate of fire; if you don't have this weapon, Stitcher is also a good alternative.
Open Containers Inside Traffic Tunnels
This trial is very simple but is limited to Blue Gate map. The player's main objective is to go to Traffic Tunnels, relying on their looting skills to open boxes, dismantle carriages, inspect vehicle compartments, and loot all possible hiding places for loot. Note that this trial is a competition; you must be the first to open a container to progress.
It is not recommended to risk using high-level equipment in this trial; free loadout is sufficient. Of course, if you plan to bring some items into this trial, Blue Gate Confiscation Room Key is worth bringing, as it unlocks a large number of additional lootable containers.
Each container inside Traffic Tunnels is worth 100 points. To get a three-star rating, you must open 40 containers, which isn't difficult but can be time-consuming.
That concludes this article about ARC Raiders Season 5 Week 4 Trials. For more information, follow EZG Facebook; We also have regular giveaways to help you accumulate resources faster.
Overall, I think this week's trials weren't very difficult. Do you agree after reading this article? Then what are you waiting for? Go try it out! I'm sure you can get three stars and win the rewards.
ARC Raiders Jupiter and Equalizer Blueprint Farming Explained: The Strategy Players Miss
In ARC Raiders, two rifles excel in both PvP and PvE: Jupiter and Equalizer. Jupiter boasts the highest single-shot damage in the game, while Equalizer fires powerful energy-based ammunition.
Because of their power, many players strive to farm Blueprints. Of all the acquisition methods, Harvester Puzzle event is the most efficient, making it the preferred choice for players.
So, how do you quickly farm Jupiter and Equalizer Blueprints?
Core Strategy
In ARC Raiders, after completing Harvester Puzzle, three Containers spawn at the location. Each container has a chance to drop rare blueprints, including Jupiter and Equalizer.
The key issue is that these three Containers are not exclusive to any one player - any player within the event area can loot the items inside.
This means that if multiple players participate in the event simultaneously, the distribution of Blueprints becomes a battle for resources. The more participants there are, the lower the chance a single player will collect all Blueprints, and they might even get nothing.
However, if a player can complete Harvester Puzzle and open the container before other players arrive, they can obtain as many Blueprints as possible.
Therefore, the speed at which a player completes Harvester Puzzle directly determines their success rate in obtaining Blueprints.
Equipment Selection
To quickly complete Harvester Puzzle and defend against attacks from other players, choosing good weapons is essential. Among the many weapons in ARC Raiders, Renegade is best suited for this task.
Renegade is a shotgun with two key advantages:
First, high damage per bullet. Harvester Puzzle requires players to destroy numerous targets - including battery containers, access control devices, etc. High damage means fewer shots are needed to complete the destruction, directly reducing completion time.
Second, large magazine capacity. Reloading usually takes time, and each reload means a pause of several seconds. These accumulated times can determine who reaches the container first. Renegade's large magazine allows players to continuously fire, reducing or even eliminating reloading.
Of course, besides the primary weapon, players will need other equipment and items to quickly complete Harvester Puzzle. Players can flexibly configure the following equipment and items according to personal preferences and tactical needs:
First, Healing Items. These are essential items for players to maintain their health in the game, preventing them from being interrupted by death.
Second, Shields. Shields are also indispensable equipment, providing players with extra survivability, especially when dealing with Fire Hazards in the puzzles.
Third, Photoelectric Cloak. It allows players to stealthily infiltrate Harvester Puzzle.
Fourth, Zipline. Similar to Photoelectric Cloak, Zipline can be used to quickly reach Harvester Puzzle location from the air, bypassing ground combat.
The core value of these auxiliary equipment and items is not to enhance combat power, but to reduce unnecessary time loss, so they are easily overlooked by players. However, the time saved by reducing time loss is beyond players' imagination.
Execution Strategy
Once we have a core strategy and our weapons are ready, all that's left is execution. In completing Harvester Puzzle and farming ARC Raiders Jupiter and Equalizer, players also need to pay attention to the following:
Avoid Combat
As mentioned above, on the way to Harvester puzzle location, players will encounter many Arc enemies. In Arc Raiders, engaging in combat with enemies usually consumes a lot of time. Therefore, the first principle for efficiently farming Blueprints is: avoid combat.
Players should prioritize using Zipline to land directly on the roof of Harvester Puzzle building, rather than approaching from the ground. The ground route is not only longer but also more likely to encounter Arc enemies.
If necessary, use Photoelectric Cloak for stealth infiltration to further reduce the risk of being detected.
Similarly, if other players enter the puzzle space while you are solving it, you should avoid combat as much as possible. This is a unique situation in PvPvE games like Arc Raiders.
Participating in combat at this time will consume valuable time regardless of victory or defeat. Therefore, staying focused and continuously progressing through the puzzle is the most efficient approach.
Battery Puzzle
After entering Harvester Puzzle location, a common mistake is to immediately insert batteries and activate the electrical system upon seeing exposed battery ports.
However, player experience indicates this is not optimal. Premature activation triggers electrical mechanisms, increasing survival pressure and interference during the puzzle-solving process.
A better strategy is to collect all batteries first, then handle the activation steps all at once. During this time, players only need to deal with the fire mechanism, which is relatively easier to handle.
Secondly, during exploration, all battery containers along the way should be opened to avoid missing any. If a battery is found to be missing, previously visited rooms should be checked first - this is one of the most common mistakes.
Looting Order
After completing Harvester Puzzle, players should open all containers as quickly as possible and immediately store the obtained Blueprints into Safe Pocket to ensure they won't be lost even if they die, then leave the area immediately.
If players don't get Jupiter and Equalizer Blueprints from the containers, repeat the above steps to farm repeatedly.
If you need other Blueprints, you can follow EZG Facebook, we'll provide the latest game news and may give away valuable gifts to our followers in the future, including Blueprints.
The above is a method for efficiently farming Jupiter and Equalizer Blueprints during Harvester Puzzle limited-time event in ARC Raiders. If you don't yet have these two powerful rifles, give this method a try.
ARC Raiders Players Are Losing Hope Because Its Best Feature Is Becoming Repetitive
ARC Raiders possesses everything it needs to become a long-term hit: thrilling extraction gameplay, unique ARC enemies, an unpredictable exploration experience, and a world strong enough to sustain long-term development.
However, players aren't leaving because the game isn't fun. It's precisely because it's so excellent that players are disappointed with its current state.
Since Embark announced two major updates a year, player expectations for the game's future have gradually diminished. Weekly updates demonstrate that the developers are still maintaining the game, but for an extraction game that relies on player activity to sustain its lifespan, it's difficult to maintain its popularity.
ARC Raiders' real problem isn't simply a lack of content. Players have gradually lost their reason to continue during the long wait. And Expedition, which should have been a core mechanism connecting new and veteran players, has become a source of mutual dissatisfaction in practice.
New Players Face a Different Experience
For players newly joining ARC Raiders, Expedition should have meant a fresh start.
However, the reality is that they enter the game facing a fully fledged environment. Many veteran players are already familiar with the map routes, resource distribution, and possess rich combat experience.
While equipment and skill differences aren't the sole determinants of victory, this gap in experience naturally creates a feeling of being left behind for new players.
The developers have actually noticed this issue. They've stated that they hope to find a balance, rewarding veteran players while also providing new players with a fair and engaging way to catch up, preventing them from feeling perpetually inferior.
However, the current solutions primarily address the surface problems without resolving the fundamental issue.
Extra storage space, skill points, or partial blueprint rewards can certainly make the early game smoother for new players, but these don't truly bridge the gap between new and veteran players. The core competitiveness of ARC Raiders has never been simply about equipment stats, but a player's understanding of the game.
A player familiar with the map, knowing when to retreat and when to engage, even with average equipment, can potentially defeat a newcomer with better resources.
Therefore, what new players truly need isn't a lot of compensation from the developers, but a future worth investing their time in.
If a player spends dozens of hours familiarizing themselves with the game, only to find themselves stuck in another repetitive loop, they will inevitably become one of the next group of veteran players who find the game boring.
What Veteran Players Lose
If the problem for new players is not knowing how to catch up, then the problem for veteran players is "not knowing why to continue."
For an extraction game, the first Expedition is often the most exciting phase. Players don't know what's on the map, when enemies will appear, or whether they can successfully escape with the loot. This sense of the unknown is the greatest charm of ARC Raiders.
But as time goes on, the unknown gradually diminishes.
Players become familiar with all the maps, understand the value of resources, main equipment combinations, and complete round after round of missions. When the third or fourth Expedition begins, players are no longer facing fresh adventures, but a familiar routine.
If players are farming resources to challenge stronger enemies, to unlock new gameplay, or to participate in new world events, then repetition itself can be enjoyable. But if players are only farming to reclaim what they already have, even the best loop will gradually become tiring.
Embark's Problems
It must be acknowledged that the developers' ability to create ARC Raiders is not the issue.
If a game itself lacks appeal, players won't continue discussing it after multiple Expeditions, let alone spend time offering suggestions for improvement.
The real problem lies in Embark's apparent underestimation of the update frequency required for service-based games.
Two major updates a year might be sufficient for some story-driven and single-player-focused games, but for extraction shooters, this pace can easily lead to player boredom.
These games rely not only on the quantity of content but also on community activity; players need to constantly feel that the world is changing.
A new map event, a new enemy, a new gameplay mode, or even a significant plot advancement can all be reasons for players to log back in.
Currently, what ARC Raiders needs most is not necessarily more equipment, but more content that can change the gameplay experience, allowing players to not only be extracting but also participating in the development of this world.
The Future of ARC Raiders
Evaluating ARC Raiders now, it's difficult to simply call it a success or a failure. Its problem isn't that the core gameplay isn't good enough, nor is it that players dislike it.
On the contrary, its biggest problem is precisely that it once made players believe it could go much further. Player dissatisfaction stems from expectations.
They wanted to see richer endgame content, they wanted Expedition to be more than just a reset, but a process that truly drives the game world forward.
When players stop discussing rewards, stop offering suggestions, and stop anticipating future updates, that's when a game is losing its vitality.
If you want to know more about ARC Raiders updates, follow EZG Facebook. We also recently held a Player's Choice Giveaway here for a chance to win free prizes; you can participate now to prepare for your next expedition.
What truly attracts players isn't the end of an Expedition, but the continued belief that something new awaits them on the next journey.
Please note that rebuilding resources and preparing for the next Expedition can take a lot of time. For players who want to stay focused on exploration and combat, a more efficient option is to buy ARC Raiders items from EZG.com and quickly prepare for their next adventure.
ARC Raiders is ultimately about the thrill of discovery, survival, and adapting to an evolving world. With fewer resource barriers, players can spend more time experiencing the challenges and surprises that make each Expedition unique.
ARC Raiders Expedition 4 Wiped Your Progress? Follow These Steps to Rebuild Your Arsenal Quickly
ARC Raiders Expedition 4 has ended. You should have already obtained permanent account bonuses and cosmetic rewards, but your game progress has been reset, returning you to your starting state.
This blow is undoubtedly huge. One moment you have a full inventory and an upgraded crafting table, the next you're back to square one, only with some scattered resources and a long road to rebuilding.
You might be tempted to rush into the most dangerous areas in pursuit of the best resources, but this will only lead to a quick wipeout and the loss of your meager resources.
This article will teach you how to quickly recover your strength after ARC Raiders Expedition. Let's take a look.
Finding Blueprints
Since Expedition erases all the blueprints you've learned, your priority now is to find them again. Without them, you won't be able to craft the top-tier weapons and equipment you need in the late game.
While blueprints appear randomly throughout ARC Raiders, they have a higher probability of appearing in certain locations. The preferred choice is undoubtedly Arrival Building on Spaceport. In my experience, focusing on this location for two raids (approximately 15 minutes each) will yield 5-8 blueprints.
The key to success is to quickly and thoroughly clear the entire building. Start from the ground floor and loot every container. Don't miss any seemingly ordinary containers. Many players obtain one of their early blueprints from an inconspicuous container, which most people simply skip.
After clearing the ground floor, go upstairs and repeat the above steps. There's a group of containers on one side of the upper floor that contains a lot of treasure.
The goal is to completely clear both floors. Don't get distracted by side battles or protracted engagements. Use stimulants to increase your movement speed and eliminate AI enemies along the way, but always keep the ultimate goal in mind: the containers.
There's also a breachable back room on the ground floor. Check it for weapon crates and other containers. Even if weapon crates don't spawn, this room is an essential part of the complete clearing process.
Once you've cleared it out, if you've obtained multiple blueprints, it's wise to leave immediately. You've already reaped a substantial reward. Staying will only increase your risk of random PvP encounters without increasing your loot. If you want more blueprints, you can re-enter and loot again.
Workshop Rebuilding
Workshops are the foundation for unlocking more powerful gear, but expeditions reset their levels, meaning you'll have to invest resources to upgrade them again.
Gunsmiths are your priority, as they directly impact your ability to craft and modify weapons.
You now need to head to the topside and loot extensively. Each opened container provides 200 experience points. Simultaneously, find the raw materials needed for workbench upgrades and crafting stations.
Concentrate your resources on upgrading your workshop to the highest level. Since you already know what to look for, this process will be faster than before, but it still requires a significant investment of time and effort.
Obtain Items
Not all ARC Raiders Items are of equal value. To speed up reconstruction, you need to head to the most lucrative locations on each map:
Dam Battlegrounds
Prioritize looting Research and Administration buildings and Control Tower, where you'll find military-grade loot, weapons, and rare components. Most importantly, don't forget Ruby Residence; it's a treasure trove of keys and valuables - you can find quite a lot of good stuff there.
Buried City
Space Travel Building in the center of the map is arguably the best place to get high-level items. The hospital is also a good choice, storing many medical supplies, and its lockers may contain various valuable items, ensuring a fruitful harvest.
Spaceport
Launch Towers, topped with containers, are the most important location on this map. If the area is too competitive, A6 Control Tower is a good secondary objective.
Blue Gate
This is the most challenging map in ARC Raiders, but also the most rewarding. Gate Approach - Checkpoint almost guarantees excellent loot, including weapons, components, and blueprints.
Remember to always carry an Augment with a Safe Pocket to ensure you can retrieve the most valuable items even if you're knocked down.
Skill Tree and Trials
After completing ARC Raiders Expedition, you'll need to level up to unlock trials and skill points. Based on the total value of your starting inventory and gold, you can earn up to five skill points. Use these skill points strategically.
Don't be misled by combat attributes at the beginning. You can invest your skill points in the breaching skill tree to unlock more tools faster. This will allow you to open more lockers and safe containers, obtaining a large amount of loot and helping you advance rapidly.
You can also try out some new skills. Expeditions are a great opportunity to explore different playstyles. Try out some new skills you might not have used before and find the ones that suit you best.
Finally, you'll need to unlock trials quickly. Trials are also one of your main sources of rewards, providing progress and upgrade materials.
This concludes our article on how to quickly recover your strength after ARC Raiders Expedition 4. If you'd like to know more, follow EZG Facebook. There are also some giveaways there, perfect for helping you accumulate resources after your expedition. Join now!
Oh, and don't forget to claim your Expedition 4 rewards! Following this guide will help you return to peak form and dominate Rust Belt.
Most ARC Raiders Players Use Barricade Kit Wrong - Here's What It Can Really Do
In ARC Raiders, whether you're a PvP or PvE player, you'll know that the outcome of a battle often depends on more than just your weapon.
At first, certain items may appear too minor to deserve space in your inventory, yet their true importance becomes clear only after you gain more experience with different combat situations. Barricade Kit is one of the most easily overlooked items.
It doesn't have the direct damage output of a gun, nor does it increase survivability like high-level armor, but it truly affects the space and rhythm of combat. If you only see it as an obstacle to block the way, you're only utilizing a small part of its potential.
How to Use Barricade Kit?
Many players, when using Barricade Kit for the first time, choose the most intuitive method: simply placing it at the entrance.
This seems fine, but it's actually ineffective. The reason is simple: a simply placed ARC Raiders Barricade Kit doesn't truly restrict enemy movement. Even after the opponent gets close, they can still interact to open the door and then directly attack Barricade Kit to quickly dismantle it. This way, while you lose an item, you don't gain much practical benefit.
This placement method is more of a psychological comfort than effective defense. The truly effective way to use it is to utilize the positional relationship between the door and the wall.
When placing Barricade Kit, don't block the center of the door directly. Instead, open the door first, then place Barricade Kit close to the wall, with part of it embedded near the door frame.
This placement prevents the player on the outside from normally operating the door's interaction buttons, while you can still control it from inside the room. This technique is especially useful in key rooms.
High-value areas for ARC Raiders are often also the riskiest. When you enter a key room to search for resources, the biggest threat isn't ARC outside, but another player suddenly pushing the door open.
A properly placed Barricade Kit can prevent the opponent from entering the room immediately. They must deal with Barricade Kit first, and those few seconds are your opportunity to reload, heal, or reposition. Often, victory or defeat is decided in these minor details.
Don't Rush a Damaged Barricade Kit
Another small detail many ARC Raiders players are unaware of is that a damaged Barricade Kit doesn't mean it's useless.
Many people see their Barricade Kit is almost destroyed and immediately discard it in the match, even thinking it's more cost-effective to reforge it. However, simply removing the damaged Barricade Kit will restore it to its original state.
This mechanism is extremely useful, especially during long exploration sessions where resources are limited. Discarding damaged equipment every time you see it actually reduces your survivability.
This is a small trick that many new players easily overlook. A player who manages resources well often survives longer than one who simply has superior equipment.
More Than Just a Defensive Tool
Besides defense, Barricade Kit has another very interesting use: helping players access locations that are normally difficult to reach.
Many map areas have elevation differences, and some places normally require special transportation or a long detour to reach. However, players can utilize the height of Barricade Kit as a temporary foothold.
The operation is actually quite simple: after placing Barricade Kit, stand to its side and jump to use its height to enter the next area.
This tactic is extremely valuable in actual combat because it not only saves time but also reduces the probability of passing through dangerous areas. Especially during intense map resource competition, while others are still taking detours, you may have already used Barricade Kit to reach your position ahead of time, gaining an advantage.
Although this isn't the developer's primary design feature, it's precisely what makes ARC Raiders so interesting - the environment itself becomes your equipment.
Improved Survivability
Among all situations in ARC Raiders, ARC Harvester event is where the usefulness of Barricade Kit becomes especially noticeable. Many players focus entirely on killing ARCs or collecting rewards during the event, neglecting the dangers of the final extraction phase.
In fact, the path after the event is often the most problematic.
Many ARC enemies will gather on the outer edge of the event, while players who have just completed a mission are usually in poor condition. Without cover, an evacuation can easily turn into a chaotic escape.
However, placing several Barricade Kits beforehand can be very effective.
I recommend setting up cover in several directions near the evacuation route beforehand, so you won't be completely exposed when facing Queen or other large ARC enemies.
Often, players aren't unable to defeat enemies, but lack a comfortable firing position. ARC Raiders Barricade Kit provides precisely this environment.
Facing ARC Turbines
Another easily overlooked use is defending against ARC Turbine attacks. Some players believe this mechanic has been fixed and Barricade Kits can no longer block attacks, but actual testing shows that it remains effective as long as the positioning is correct.
The key isn't simply placing Barricade Kit, but your angle and distance. If you're too close to ARC Turbine or on sloping terrain, attacks might bypass your defenses from the side or top.
However, if you choose a relatively flat location and maintain a suitable distance, Barricade Kit provides very stable protection. This technique is extremely useful when facing high-threat ARC units.
The True Value of Barricade Kit
The longer I play ARC Raiders, the more I realize that this game isn't simply about who has the better aim. Often, victory is determined by who can better utilize the environment.
Barricade Kit is a prime example. It won't directly kill you or boost your gear score, but it slows down enemy movement, giving you more options.
Follow EZG Facebook for the latest ARC Raiders updates and exclusive free perks! Participate in our Player's Choice Giveaway for a chance to be one of the lucky winners to win free prizes (under $10) to help you quickly upgrade your Raiders!
Next time you enter a match, reconsider the value of Barricade Kit. Don't just dismantle it carelessly, and don't simply block the door. Those who truly know how to use it don't just utilize Barricade Kit itself, but the time and space it creates.