Duo Tactics and Communication in Arc Raiders

Duos work best with short callouts and a staggered formation, so one blast cannot catch both players; entering a building, one clears while the other covers.

Published 28 March 2026. Updated 31 October 2026.

Why Duos Work

Duo teams are the sweet spot in Arc Raiders. Two players can cover each other, share information, and carry twice the loot without the coordination complexity of larger squads. Most activities in the game are designed to be achievable by duos, making this the most versatile team size.

Communication Shortcuts

Develop a shorthand communication system with your duo partner. Quick callouts like compass directions for enemy positions, single words for item quality, and preset signals for extraction. Efficient communication keeps both players informed without cluttering audio channels during tense moments.

Movement Formations

Duos should move in a staggered formation rather than side by side. One player leads slightly while the other covers from an offset position. This prevents both players from being caught in the same explosion or ambush. When entering buildings, one clears while the other watches the entrance.

Combat Role Division

Designate an aggressive player and a support player before each raid. The aggressive player engages first. The support player provides covering fire, watches flanks, and carries extra healing. Roles can swap between raids but should be clear during each run.

Loot Splitting Strategy

Decide on a loot system before raiding. The simplest approach is each player keeps what they pick up. More efficient is having the player with more weight capacity carry heavier items while the other takes lightweight valuables. Share quest items based on who needs them most.

Recovery Protocols

If one player goes down, the survivor must make a quick decision: attempt rescue or extract with whatever they have. Establish rules beforehand. Generally, attempt rescue if the area is clear and extract if enemies are still present. A surviving player can always return for revenge. A dead duo carries home nothing.