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 7 October 2026

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 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, Rubber Parts, 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. Pick an extraction point on your route before you start looting; Hatch markers need a Raider Hatch Key. Walk there as soon as your backpack is mostly 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 its orange loot zones, such as Generator Hall and the Power Generation Complex. Orange zones are a different loot tier from white ones. 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 the common weapons you bring back when you need their materials. The materials you recover fuel your crafting progression. Build the Gunsmith and take it to Level 2 as soon as you can: that is where the Venator comes from. 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. Its streets and buildings teach you close quarters combat and sound awareness. Craft a Medium Shield from the Gear Bench for an upgrade that makes a real difference in firefights.

Start accepting quests from NPCs in Speranza. Quests award materials, gear and outfits 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 ARC 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 is asking to die to chip damage. Extract early and often rather than pushing your luck. Avoid red zones until you have a Medium Shield and a Venator or better. Recycle what breaks into materials you need, and sell the rest whole for coins. Check arcraidersai.com for item recommendations and recycling calculators to make the most of every raid.