CONTENTS
>> Map Overview
ARC Raiders features five distinct maps set in the Rust Belt, the surface world above Speranza. Each map offers a 30-minute raid window where solo Raiders or squads of up to three go topside to recover materials, hunt ARC machines, complete quests for Traders, and try to extract alive through Extraction Points before other Raiders take their loot. Maps unlock progressively based on total rounds played, with Dam Battlegrounds available from the start and Stella Montis requiring 24 rounds to access.
Dynamic weather, time of day, and rotating map conditions keep each raid feeling different even on familiar maps. Some conditions add entirely new mechanics, like the Hidden Bunker variant on Spaceport that requires finding four buttons to unlock a treasure room, or the Locked Gate variant on Blue Gate that adds keycard-locked areas.
>> Dam Battlegrounds
The Alcantara Power Plant
The Dam served as a crucial Raider stronghold during the closing battles of the First Wave. These toxic, waterlogged lands remain a hotspot for ARC skirmishes. As the starter map, the Dam teaches core extraction mechanics in a relatively contained environment. The industrial structures provide plenty of cover and interior spaces for close-range engagements. Expect frequent ARC patrols near the main dam structure and watch for toxic water areas that deal damage over time. New Raiders should learn the Dam's extraction point locations before moving to more complex maps.
>> Buried City
Desert Ruins
Amidst sand dunes in an arid wasteland, Buried City is a remnant of the old world quite unlike the cold steel spires of the Exodus age. Narrow streets and empty plazas create tight sightlines and ambush opportunities. The desert environment offers less natural cover in open areas between structures, making the transitions between buildings dangerous. The Bird City map condition adds flocks of birds gathering around chimneys. This map rewards Raiders who know the interior layouts and can navigate between buildings without exposing themselves in the open desert.
>> Spaceport
Acerra Spaceport
The Spaceport is where the Exodus shuttles once launched into the heavens, leaving Earth behind. This is a large map with a mix of open launch pad areas and dense interior structures. The Hidden Bunker condition extends the raid timer to 40 minutes and adds a puzzle mechanic: find four buttons scattered across the map to unlock a bunker filled with high-value loot. The Spaceport's open areas favor long-range weapons like the Renegade and Osprey, while the interior corridors demand SMGs and shotguns. ARC Bombardiers and Bastions spawn in the central areas, making the middle of the map high-risk, high-reward.
>> The Blue Gate
Mountain Complex
Blue Gate is located higher in the mountains, featuring open areas, small towns, tunnels, and underground complexes. The verticality and tunnel systems create unique combat dynamics where you can be above, below, or beside enemies without realizing it. The Locked Gate condition extends the timer to 40 minutes and requires four keycards to unlock restricted areas with premium loot. The underground tunnels are dark and favor close-range loadouts. Bring a flashlight attachment but be aware it reveals your position. ARC machines patrol both surface and underground areas, so check your corners in tunnel sections.
>> Stella Montis
Mountain Research Facility
Stella Montis is a secluded research facility amidst snow-draped peaks, said to have been the last bulwark of humanity's preservation efforts. This is the most challenging map in the game, locked behind 24 rounds of experience. The snow-covered terrain and facility interiors create a mix of long sightlines outdoors and tight corridors inside. The Night Raid condition on Stella Montis is particularly dangerous, with reduced lighting that has been further dimmed in Update 1.11.0. ARC Shredders are unique to Stella Montis and should never be engaged without adequate cover. The facility contains some of the highest-value loot in the game, but reaching the extraction points often means fighting through dense ARC resistance.
>> Map Conditions
Map conditions are special modifiers that rotate on a schedule for each map. They change the rules of the raid, adding new mechanics, altering loot tables, or changing enemy behavior. Major conditions marked with the Trials icon (like Night Raid and Electromagnetic Storm) award double Trials points. Always check the active condition before deploying so you can adjust your loadout.
Night Raid
Better loot behind locked doors and more plentiful keys. Heightened Raider activity attracts more ARC than usual. Reduced lighting makes navigation harder but creates ambush opportunities.
Electromagnetic Storm
Lightning strikes batter the surface, frying electronics, disrupting ARC machines, and electrocuting Raiders caught in the open. Avoid open areas during active strikes.
Cold Snap
A cold front with snowfall and significant temperature drop. Beware of frostbite damage in exposed areas. Candleberry bushes bear valuable fruit during Cold Snap, so gather them for extra value.
Harvester
A mysterious harvesting machine appears, heavily guarded by the feared Queen ARC. Destroying it yields rare materials. Bring Hullcrackers, Wolfpack Grenades, and a full squad.
Matriarch
A Matriarch has been sighted nearby. Her children aggressively defend her. The Matriarch is one of the toughest ARC encounters in the game. Target the yellow weakpoints on her legs and Deadline her head when the red core is exposed.
Hidden Bunker (Spaceport)
Someone has hacked the Outskirts Bunker security. Find four buttons to unlock the doors and plunder the treasure within. Timer extends to 40 minutes.
Locked Gate (Blue Gate)
Emergency shutdown protocol activated. Four keycards needed to override it. Timer extends to 40 minutes for the extended objective.
Husk Graveyard
ARC machines have gone down in great numbers, leaving husks scattered topside. A prime opportunity to gather materials and parts with less active ARC resistance.
Prospecting Probes
ARC is sending guarded probes down en masse. Breach them with your Raider Tool for valuable loot, but beware that they signal nearby ARC for help.
Lush Blooms
Unusually agreeable weather has vital plants and fruits thriving. Gather food before it is all gone. Good for stocking up on consumable resources.
Uncovered Caches
Storms have unearthed old Raider Caches, but they are rigged to explode if exposed too long. Rush to find them before they detonate.
Bird City (Buried City)
Flocks of birds gathering around chimneys. Introduced in Update 1.13.0 alongside Solo vs. Squads matchmaking.
>> Extraction Tips
Every raid has a 30-minute timer (40 minutes in special conditions). You must reach an Extraction Point and extract before time runs out or you lose everything you collected. Extraction Points are marked on your map but may be contested by other Raiders and guarded by ARC patrols.
Approach extraction points carefully. Other Raiders often camp near extractions waiting to ambush loaded Raiders trying to leave. Use your Scanner to check for nearby players and ARC before committing to the extraction zone.
In squads, have one player activate the extraction while others hold defensive positions covering the approaches. Solo Raiders should clear the immediate area and use cover near the extraction beacon rather than standing in the open.
If your planned extraction is heavily contested, consider rotating to an alternate extraction point even if it means crossing more of the map. A safe extraction with decent loot beats dying at a hot extraction with a full inventory.