Essential Arc Raiders Beta Tips for New Players

Arc Raiders: How to Survive the Beta With Style

Let’s be honest—Arc Raiders is stunning. Visually, mechanically, and atmospherically, it’s one of the freshest takes on PvPvE shooters in years. But don’t let its cinematic beauty fool you: this is a brutal world where Arcs hunt you, players ambush you, and every second counts toward survival.

Whether you’re playing solo or with a squad, these Arc Raiders beta tips will help you go from panicked scavenger to tactical survivor in no time. From dodging deadly Rocketeers to managing extractions under fire, this guide covers everything you need to dominate the beta.

What Is Arc Raiders and Why You Should Try the Beta

Arc Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where machines—known as Arcs—roam the surface, your goal is to scavenge for loot, complete objectives, and extract before getting obliterated by either AI enemies or other players.

And yes, it’s just as intense as it sounds.

The beta is currently live on Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, and PlayStation, and yes—you still have time to sign up. It’s absolutely worth it.

Best Settings and First Actions When You Load In

• Turn on your flashlight (F) when entering darker interiors.

• Enable ping indicators for teammates in squad mode.

• Use a controller or mouse sensitivity that favors quick reactions.

• Familiarize yourself with the map (M key) immediately.

Trust me, one wrong turn can send you straight into the jaws of a Bison or the barrel of a rival player’s gun.

Should You Play Arc Raiders Solo or in a Squad?

• Solo: Lower matchmaking priority, fewer resources, but quieter play and easier stealth.

• Squad (up to 3): Better for harder content, more coordinated combat, but higher risk of PvP.

Tip: If going solo, avoid red zones unless you’re heavily geared or extremely confident.

Master Third-Person Movement and Corner Peeking

This isn’t your average extraction game. Third-person view in Arc Raiders allows for:

• Peeking corners without exposing your whole body.

• Vaulting over obstacles and using verticality to your advantage.

• Sliding and ziplines to reposition quickly.

Get used to peeking before pushing—this will save your life more times than you can count.

How to Read the Map and Identify High-Value Loot Zones

Open your map and you’ll see red zones—these are high-risk, high-reward areas.

• Expect elite Arcs and heavy PvP activity.

• Check for supply drop icons and extraction routes.

• Look for hatch exits, but know you’ll need hatch keys to use them.

The Truth About Raider Hatch Keys and Extract Points

You can’t extract from a hatch unless you have a Raider Hatch Key, found during your run. Your best bet is to:

• Use main extract points if you’re unsure.

• Avoid triggering extractions too early—they make a lot of noise.

• Check terminals to see how long a zone stays active.

How to Win Fights Against Raiders and Arcs

• Human enemies will often push when you’re healing. Fall back, don’t peek until healed.

• Use third-person for defensive angles.

• Don’t greed loot—clear the area first.

• Drop gadgets and grenades to interrupt pushes.

Managing PvP and PvE Threats in Real-Time

This is Arc Raiders’ signature twist: you’re never just fighting one thing.

• Don’t engage enemies near large Arc patrols.

• Use Arcs to third-party fights—let them weaken or kill your rivals.

• Always watch for turrets and environmental hazards during gunfights.

How to Fight Arc Units: Bison, Hornet, Popper & Rocketeer

• Popper: Shoot when it opens. Explodes if killed correctly.

• Hornet: Agile, annoying. Use automatic weapons or Wolf Pack grenades.

• Bison: Telegraphed charges—stay mobile and use cover.

• Rocketeer: The hardest. Save Wolf Pack gadgets and use cover. Aim during its open-shell phase.

How to Loot Safely and What Items to Prioritize

• Grab Arc Alloys, rare gun parts, and consumables like medkits.

• Don’t overload your inventory—heavier weight means slower movement and less stamina.

• Loot faster with skills like “Fast Container Search” from your Survival tree.

Early Game Loadout Tips and Best Starter Weapons

• Choose weapons with good accuracy and fast reloads.

• Pick up SMGs or light ARs for solo runs.

• Save heavy guns for group play or red zones.

Always check weapon damage versus Arcs in your inventory menu.

When to Risk Supply Drops (and When to Run)

• Supply drops are beacons for trouble.

• If alone, approach with caution, loot fast, and back off.

• Squad? Set up overwatch and bait enemies into ambushes.

Use Scrappy the Rooster to Farm While You Play

Scrappy is your passive loot companion:

• Sends back crafting materials while you’re in a run.

• Claim items in the Workshop menu after every extraction.

• Use these materials for weapon crafting and upgrades.

How to Deal With Players Camping Extraction Zones

• Scout extract points early.

• Use third-person camera to look for snipers.

• Consider triggering and then faking an extract, using it as bait.

Which Skills You Should Unlock First

• Conditioning Tree: Start with Max Stamina Boost or Dodge Roll With No Stamina Cost.

• Mobility Tree: Prioritize Fast Vaulting and Climbing.

• Survival Tree: Get Faster Loot Reveal and Arc Accuracy Debuff When Shield Breaks.

Crafting and Workshop Tips to Build Better Gear

• Use your Bench to craft items between runs.

• Collect weapon blueprints and upgrade parts for better performance.

• Don’t forget to claim your Scrappy loot every time.

General Tips for Staying Alive Longer in Each Run

• Don’t rush—Arc Raiders rewards patience.

• Use the map to plan your extraction route early.

• Avoid red zones unless you’re confident or stacked.

Interacting With Other Players: Fight or Ally?

Sometimes, not every player wants to fight. If someone pings or waves:

• Try voice chat or text emotes.

• If you must fight, do it fast—no hesitation.

But remember: it’s a PvPvE world—trust is a gamble.

Wolf Pack Grenades and Why You Must Save Them

These gadgets do insane damage to elite Arcs—especially the Rocketeer.

• Don’t waste them on standard mobs.

• Use them for boss fights or high-value objectives.

One Wolf Pack grenade can save your run.

How to Defeat the Rocketeer and Other Elite Arcs

• Use cover, back up, and wait for openings.

• Focus fire with your best DPS weapons.

• Drop Wolf Pack, grenades, and any damage boosts.

• Loot afterwards—Rocketeers drop amazing items.

Where to Ask Questions and Watch Gameplay (Twitch, Forums)

Want to see more in action?

• Join Twitch streams of current players testing the beta.

• Visit official forums and Discords for patch notes and tips.

FAQs About Arc Raiders Beta Tips

Can you play Arc Raiders solo?
Yes, and matchmaking prioritizes other solo players—but expect squads occasionally.

What’s the best starter weapon?
Light assault rifles and SMGs with fast reloads are ideal early on.

Is there friendly fire?
Currently, friendly fire does not appear to be enabled—but use caution with grenades.

How do you get out of raids?
Find extract points or use a Raider Hatch Key for emergency exits.

Do Arcs respawn?
No, once cleared, the area remains safe—until other players arrive.

Final Thoughts: Raid Smart, Not Hard

Arc Raiders offers a thrilling mix of PvP, PvE, survival, and scavenging—and the beta is only a taste of what’s coming. If you want to survive and thrive on the surface, master movement, learn the map, use your gadgets wisely, and most of all, stay calm under pressure.