Think extraction shooters are all about player-versus-player battles? Arc Raiders might just prove you wrong. While PvP is a thrilling aspect, the game introduces a diverse array of robotic enemies known as ARCs that can be just as—if not more—deadly. These foes are relentless, capable of dealing devastating damage and sending you back to Speranza empty-handed. But fear not! Below, we’ll break down every enemy you’ll encounter in Arc Raiders and share strategies to take them down effectively. And this is the part most people miss: understanding these enemies isn’t just about survival—it’s about mastering the game’s unique challenges. Let’s dive in! (Disclaimer: GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.)
Table of Contents
- Basic Enemies
- Wasp
- Hornet
- Snitch
- Fireball
- Pod
- Tick
- Turret
- Sentinel
- Special Enemies
- Leaper
- Rocketeer
- Bastion
- Bombardier
- Queen
Basic Enemies
These are the foes you’ll encounter regularly—less threatening than their larger counterparts but still no walk in the park. With the right strategy and basic weaponry, you should be able to handle them solo. But here’s where it gets controversial: some players argue these enemies are too easy, while others find them deceptively challenging. What’s your take?
Wasp
Weak Spot: Thrusters
The Wasp is the most common enemy in Arc Raiders. While its rapid-fire gun can chip away at your health, it’s relatively easy to take down. Aim for its four thrusters—hitting any one will cause it to spiral out of control and crash. Pro tip: These enemies are more dangerous in groups, so prioritize taking them out quickly.
Hornet
Weak Spot: Rear Thrusters
Think of the Hornet as a Wasp on steroids. It fires electrical shocks that disrupt your movement, making you an easy target. Use cover to your advantage, then target its exposed rear thrusters (the front ones are well-protected). A well-placed shot will send it crashing down.
Snitch
Weak Spot: Underside Plating
The Snitch is a recon ARC that scans for you with a laser. If spotted, it’ll call in reinforcements (two Wasps and one Hornet), making your life miserable. The key is to take it out quickly by shooting the underside plating. Breaking off two of the three sections is usually enough to neutralize this threat.
Fireball
Weak Spot: Core (when exposed)
This ground-based ARC is a relentless pursuer, armed with a flamethrower that melts your health. Heavy weapons can take it down quickly, but if you’re using light ammo, wait for its core to expose itself. Otherwise, you’ll waste bullets trying to pierce its shell. Fun fact: The Fireball’s core is its Achilles’ heel—don’t miss it!
Pod
Weak Spot: N/A
The Pod is a speedy ground-based ARC that chases you down before exploding, dealing massive damage. Often found in packs, these enemies can overwhelm you in seconds. The good news? They’re easy to kill with just a shot or two from any weapon. Timing and accuracy are key.
Tick
Weak Spot: N/A
Ticks are small, spider-like ARCs that infest indoor areas. Fast and agile, they’ll jump on you and deal damage until you shake them off. Shooting them can be tricky due to their speed, so consider using your Raider Tool (melee weapon) for a quick, quiet kill. Controversial opinion: Some players find Ticks more annoying than dangerous—do you agree?
Turret
Weak Spot: N/A
Turrets are stationary enemies that scan rooms with a blue light, turning red once they lock onto you. If caught in their line of sight, they’ll unleash a barrage of bullets. Sneak up on them and attack from an angle where they can’t see you. Heavy ammo works best, but any weapon will do the job.
Sentinel
Weak Spot: Yellow Canister
The Sentinel is a beefed-up turret, often found outdoors. It can snipe you from long range, dealing massive damage. Approach it from behind and use heavy ammo to take it down. Alternatively, target its yellow canister for extra damage, though it can be tricky to hit. Thought-provoking question: Is the Sentinel overpowered, or does it add a necessary challenge?
Special Enemies
These are the big, boss-like ARCs that require serious effort to defeat. They’re best tackled with a group and heavy weapons like launchers. But here’s a tip: Grenades can make quick work of them. Wolfpack grenades, in particular, are incredibly effective against all but the Queen.
Leaper
Weak Spots: Face and Legs
True to its name, the Leaper can jump across long distances to attack you. It also fires a short-range shockwave. To defeat it, find cover and focus on its legs to reduce its mobility. Once it’s wobbly, target its face. Coordinated teamwork and grenades can speed up the process.
Rocketeer
Weak Spot: Thrusters
The Rocketeer is a supersized Hornet that fires rockets at regular intervals. These rockets deal massive damage and have a large splash radius, so interior cover is essential. Break its thruster plating with heavy ammo or grenades, then target the exposed inner metal. A single Wolfpack grenade can take it down, but isolate it first to avoid wasting the explosion on smaller enemies.
Bastion
Weak Spots: Legs and Yellow Canister
The Bastion is a crab-like ARC that fires rapid machine gun rounds. Fight it from behind cover and target its yellow leg joints to drop it to the ground. Once down, attack the yellow canister on its back. With enough damage, it’ll fall. Controversial interpretation: Some players believe the Bastion is easier to defeat than the Bombardier—what’s your experience?
Bombardier
Weak Spots: Legs and Yellow Canister
The Bombardier looks like the Bastion but attacks with deadly mortar fire. Stay in cover and avoid its Spotters, which improve its accuracy. Take it down the same way as the Bastion: target the legs to drop it, then hit the yellow canister. Question for discussion: Is the Bombardier’s mortar fire too punishing, or does it add a strategic layer to the fight?
Queen
Weak Spots: Legs and Face
The Queen is the largest and most formidable ARC in the game, appearing only during Harvester map conditions. It fires powerful lasers, mortar rounds, and can even use a ground slam or EMP pulse. To defeat it, target its leg joints and face to expose its inner metal. Heavy weapons and Wolfpack grenades are your best friends here. Without them, this fight can drag on—and one mistake could send your team back to the lobby. Final thought: Is the Queen a fair challenge, or does it cross the line into frustration?
For more tips and strategies, check out our full Arc Raiders quest list here.
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