ARC Raiders: All Gadgets, Ranked

In ARC Raiders, gadgets are helpful tools for getting around, planning tactics, and fighting enemies. There are 11 different gadgets to discover, each with its own unique use. While they can all be useful, some gadgets are significantly more valuable than others.

In ARC Raiders, gadgets are categorized by rarity – Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary – just like other items. You can get them in a few different ways: by crafting them at a workbench, buying them from traders, or finding them as loot during raids.

This guide ranks all the gadgets in ARC Raiders, from the least helpful to the most. Keep in mind that the ‘best’ gadget really depends on how you like to play – what works best for one person might not be ideal for another.

11. Recorder

Not Very Useful

The recorder in ARC Raiders is a fairly uncommon item, but it’s not particularly helpful and has become something of a running joke among players. Its description— “a playable recordeer used to attract ARC’s attention, and impress other Raiders”—highlights this. While it can distract enemies as intended, the idea that it’s meant to impress other players makes it feel more like a playful addition than a serious tool.

The Recorder is only really helpful when you’re out of ammo and need to pull ARC’s attention away from your teammates, potentially preventing an ambush. Otherwise, it doesn’t offer much value in a match, and I’d suggest selling it to earn some extra money.

10. Light Sticks

Useful in the Dark

Light Sticks are useful for improving visibility during Night Raids. They can help you see other players or brighten up dark rooms more effectively than a flashlight. Available in four colors – Green, Red, Blue, and Yellow – all Light Sticks function the same way, only changing the color of the light they emit.

Light Sticks are useful for spotting and attacking enemies hiding in the dark, especially when they’re far away. A well-aimed Light Stick will illuminate the area around them, making it easier to hit them. You can buy Light Sticks from Apollo for just 450 coins.

9. Binoculars

Spot Enemies From a Distance

Binoculars do exactly what you’d expect – they let you see things at a distance. This is helpful for spotting other players, whether they’re AI-controlled enemies (ARC) or players you’re competing against (PvP). Once you find someone, you can mark them on the map so your teammates know they’re there. Binoculars are also great for checking around areas where you’re trying to escape, like looking out for tough enemies such as Leeper or Grenadier.

If you like to play ARC Raiders strategically, Binoculars can be really helpful. They’re also easy to get – you can find them while exploring, or quickly craft them at a Utility Station using just 8 Plastic Parts and 4 Rubber Parts, both of which are common throughout the game. While I don’t always use them myself, I think they could be a great asset, so it’s worth giving them a try.

8. Remote Raider Flare

Trick Other Players

The Remote Raider Flare isn’t a top-tier item in ARC Raiders, but it has its uses. When a player is defeated, the flare automatically launches, signaling their location to teammates. This can be cleverly used to mislead opponents into thinking a player is down nearby.

Using these flares can be a clever tactic in player-versus-player combat. You can use them to mislead opponents, creating a chance to escape and find cover. Alternatively, you can lure them into a trap. I remember one match where my team used three flares to make it look like we were all defeated. When the enemy team came to collect our loot, we ambushed and defeated them.

7. Zipline

Great for Traversal

The Zipline is a handy tool for quickly moving between buildings, letting you skip going all the way back down to the ground. It’s a good idea to bring several with you into a match, as they’ll help you loot more buildings faster. For instance, after finishing a building, use a Zipline to reach the next one, and keep repeating this to move efficiently.

Ziplines have one main weakness: they leave you and your team vulnerable while traveling. Because you move relatively slowly on them, enemies can easily spot and shoot at you. This is particularly risky during the day when visibility is high. On the plus side, ziplines are quiet, so you won’t attract unwanted attention with noise.

6. Barricade Kit

Can Save You in a Pinch

Many ARC Raiders players aren’t utilizing the Barricade Kit, but it’s a really valuable tool. It lets you create a temporary shield that stops bullets from ARC enemies and other players. This is especially helpful when you’re caught out in the open without cover and are being shot at. The barricade provides a safe spot to protect yourself, reposition, find enemies, and return fire.

Remember, the Barricade Kit isn’t indestructible, so you don’t have much time once it’s up. It’s best to plan what you’ll do next beforehand. Besides providing cover, you can use it to slow opponents down – especially in tight spaces. They’ll either have to climb over or break through it, giving you a chance to escape.

5. Door Blocker

Slow Down Other Players

The Door Blocker in ARC Raiders is a useful tool for both fighting and gathering resources. It lets you block steel doors, preventing other players from getting through. I’ve used it to escape tricky fights when I was outnumbered, giving me time to get away. By blocking a door, you can slow down opponents and create an opportunity to escape.

The Door Blocker is really useful for looting because it stops other players from entering and ambushing you. This means you can search areas thoroughly without worrying about surprise attacks. It’s surprising this item is considered just ‘common’ given how helpful it is.

4. Noisemaker

A Great Way to Prepare for Combat

The Noisemaker is a handy device that can give you an edge over other players by letting you fire the first shots. It’s a sensor you place somewhere hidden that will sound an alarm when enemy players nearby. By setting it up where it won’t be easily seen and destroyed, you’ll know when someone else enters your building, giving you time to get ready for a fight instead of being caught off guard.

The Noisemaker’s main drawback is its limited range, which can cause it to miss enemies. However, if you place it strategically – like right beside a doorway – it will definitely pick up anyone who goes through. To make up for the short range, I suggest carrying several Noisemakers and setting them up close together, about 10 meters apart, to create a wider detection net.

3. Raider Hatch Key

A Quicker Way to Extract

In ARC Raiders, the Raider Hatch Key can be a lifesaver when you need to escape a match quickly. It lets you use a Raider Hatch as an alternate escape route, which is faster than waiting for the elevator. Simply use the key at the hatch terminal, and a door will open immediately, letting you climb down a ladder back to Speranza.

The Raider Hatch Key is ideal for players who like to play until the very end and escape at the last possible moment. Unlike other extraction methods, there’s no timer, but the hatch only remains open for 15 seconds after you enter the key. Because fewer players use the Raider Hatch, you’ll likely face less opposition when leaving the match compared to the elevator.

2. Photoelectric Cloak

Go Undetected By ARC

The Photoelectric Cloak is a powerful gadget that hides you from ARC detection. This means it’s incredibly useful when you need to move around undetected. It can protect you from dangerous enemies like Grenadiers and Bastions – if they spot you in the open, you’re likely to be eliminated.

The Photoelectric Cloak is a powerful tool in ARC Raiders, but it has a couple of drawbacks. When activated, it emits a noticeable beeping sound that could give away your location to other players. Also, the cloak doesn’t last indefinitely – it has a recharge bar, so you’ll need to use it strategically throughout the match.

2025-11-06 01:41