First 10 Raids: New Player Survival Guide

Step-by-step guide for your first 10 raids in Arc Raiders. Where to go, what to loot, how to survive.

Category: Strategy · Updated 2026-04-05

Your first 10 raids in Arc Raiders determine whether you build a solid foundation or rage quit to the menu. This guide breaks your early progression into three phases so you always know exactly what to do next.

Raids 1 through 3: Learn the Basics on Dam Battlegrounds

Stick to white loot zones on Dam Battlegrounds. Your only goals are learning the map layout, understanding how extraction elevators work, and getting comfortable with movement. Bring a Ferro, a Basic Medkit, and a stack of Bandages. That loadout costs almost nothing to replace if you die.

Loot absolutely everything you see. Metal Parts, Plastic Parts, Fabric, Screws and Bolts, it all matters. Do not engage other Raiders during these runs. If you hear gunfire, move the opposite direction. If another player spots you, pop a Smoke Grenade and run. Your loot is more valuable than a kill.

Extract at the first opportunity. North Ridgeline is the safest extraction point on the map. Walk there as soon as your backpack is 60% full. A successful extraction with common materials is worth infinitely more than dying with a full bag of rare loot. Get comfortable with the extraction countdown timer and the feeling of scanning for threats while you wait.

Raids 4 through 6: Push Into Orange Zones and Upgrade

Now that you know Dam Battlegrounds, start visiting the orange loot zones inside the dam interior. Orange zones contain uncommon gear and better materials. Your first major milestone: craft a Venator at the Gunsmith. This weapon is a massive upgrade over the Ferro and will carry you through mid game.

Between raids, spend time learning the recycling system at Speranza. Recycle every common weapon and armor piece you bring back. The materials you recover fuel your crafting progression. Upgrade your Workbench to Level 2 as soon as you have enough Metal Parts and Plastic Parts. Focus on stockpiling Metal Parts and Plastic Parts since nearly every recipe needs them.

Raids 7 through 10: Expand Your Map Knowledge and Gear Up

With a Venator and some Speranza upgrades under your belt, try Buried City for variety. The tight corridors and metro tunnels teach you close quarters combat and sound awareness. Craft a Reinforced Vest from the Gear Bench for a meaningful armor upgrade that makes a real difference in firefights.

Start accepting quests from NPCs in Speranza. Quests award XP and valuable materials that accelerate your progression. Learn the Safe Pocket mechanic: items placed in your Safe Pocket are protected even if you die. Use it for your most valuable finds like ARC Alloy or Circuitry. This mechanic is a lifesaver for new players who are still learning the ropes.

Key Tips for Your First 10 Raids

Always bring healing items. Running a raid without at least 2 Bandages and a Medkit is asking to die to chip damage. Extract early and often rather than pushing your luck. Avoid red zones until you have Reinforced armor and a Venator or better. Recycle everything you do not plan to use because materials are the currency of progression. Check arcraidersai.com for item recommendations and recycling calculators to make the most of every raid.