Arc Raiders Tips: How Most Players Manage Weapons and Mods

If you’ve been playing Arc Raiders for a while, you’ve probably noticed that understanding the gear system, crafting, and upgrades can be more complex than it looks. This guide focuses on practical, in-game experience rather than marketing hype. It’s written as if an experienced player is explaining things to fellow players, highlighting how most people handle these systems in practice.

How Do Upgrades Work in Arc Raiders?

In general, weapons and gear in Arc Raiders can be upgraded to improve their performance. For example, let’s look at something like Shotgun Choke III. Most players understand that higher-level mods improve accuracy, reload speed, or damage, but the catch is that they usually require multiple components.

From experience, to craft or upgrade a mod like Shotgun Choke III, you generally need a combination of mod components, wires, and money. Specifically, for this example:

• Gunsmith III (required skill or bench level)

• 2x Mod Components

• 8x Wires

• $5000 in-game currency

This means that even if you have the components, you still need to reach the right crafting bench level or Gunsmith skill tier. Most players tend to farm these materials over several missions or buy them from in-game sources, since they’re not always easy to find.

What Are Mod Components and Wires?

Mod Components and Wires are among the core crafting materials in Arc Raiders. Most players don’t stockpile them, but instead gather them as they complete missions or salvage from enemies.

• Mod Components: Usually found by completing side missions or dismantling lower-level gear. Players often prioritize getting these from repeatable missions because they drop consistently.

• Wires: Typically collected from tech-related missions or defeated robotic enemies. Some players find it faster to farm in specific zones where these enemies respawn frequently.

In practice, trying to craft multiple upgrades at once without having a plan for collecting these materials can be frustrating. Most experienced players will prioritize one or two key mods at a time to avoid wasting resources.

How Do Players Approach Crafting?

Crafting in Arc Raiders isn’t just about having the materials; it’s about timing and efficiency.

• Bench Level Matters: Most upgrades require a certain Gunsmith level. For example, you can’t craft Shotgun Choke III unless you’re at Gunsmith III. This usually means you’ll need to spend some time upgrading your crafting skill before attempting high-level mods.

• Material Management: Players often track how many wires or mod components they have and plan upgrades based on that. Over-collecting can be wasteful since you can only carry so much.

• Cost Consideration: Some upgrades, like Shotgun Choke III, require in-game currency. Most players calculate whether the upgrade is worth the $5000 investment relative to other upgrades or gear improvements.

In practice, crafting is more about strategic planning than just grinding materials. Players who are methodical tend to get the best results without unnecessary repetition.

How Do Players Usually Get High-Level Mods?

There are a few common strategies that most players follow:

1. Farming Missions: Certain missions have better drop rates for rare components. Experienced players often repeat these missions to stockpile materials.

2. Looting and Dismantling Gear: Salvaging lower-level weapons or armor often gives you mod components. This is usually more efficient than trying to hunt rare components individually.

3. In-Game Trading or Shops: Some players choose to buy arc raiders items directly when they’re short on components. While this isn’t the only way to get upgrades, it’s a reliable option if you need a specific mod quickly.

Overall, combining these strategies is what most players find works best. Relying on a single method usually slows down progress.

Which Mods Are Worth Prioritizing?

Not all mods are equally useful for every player. Usually, the priority depends on your playstyle:

• Offensive Players: Focus on mods that increase damage, reload speed, or ammo capacity.

• Defensive Players: Look for mods that improve shield regeneration or armor efficiency.

• Support or Utility Players: Prioritize mods that improve movement speed or cooldown reduction.

For example, Shotgun Choke III is generally favored by players who want tighter spread and better accuracy with close-range weapons. It’s usually paired with other damage-boosting mods to maximize the effect.

Most players upgrade a few core weapons first before spreading resources too thin. This prevents wasting components on mods that don’t suit their preferred playstyle.

How Do Money Costs Affect Upgrading?

In Arc Raiders, upgrades aren’t free. The $5000 required for Shotgun Choke III is a good example of the balance between materials and in-game currency. Most players track both resources carefully. Spending money on mods that will only see occasional use is generally avoided.

• Strategic Saving: Experienced players often save currency for higher-tier mods or items that will have long-term impact.

• Balancing Money vs. Materials: Sometimes you might have the components but not enough money, or vice versa. Planning ahead ensures you’re ready to craft when both are available.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

Based on in-game observation, here are mistakes to avoid:

1. Trying to Craft Everything at Once: Without enough materials, you’ll waste time and resources.

2. Ignoring Bench Levels: Some players collect all materials but forget their crafting bench isn’t high enough, so they can’t craft the upgrade yet.

3. Neglecting Currency Costs: It’s easy to focus on materials and forget about the in-game money required.

4. Overlooking Playstyle Fit: Upgrading a mod you won’t actually use often is a common waste.

Learning from these common pitfalls will save you frustration and resources.

Practical Tips From Experienced Players

• Plan Your Upgrades: Decide which mods you want for your primary weapons first.

• Track Components and Wires: Keep an inventory list or mental note of what you have versus what you need.

• Time Your Missions: Farm areas where materials drop reliably rather than exploring aimlessly.

• Be Efficient With Currency: Save money for upgrades that give the most value to your playstyle.

• Consider Buying Smartly: Some players occasionally buy arc raiders items if they’re stuck, but most rely on farming to avoid overspending.

In general, the players who plan and manage resources carefully tend to progress faster and feel more satisfied with their upgrades.

Arc Raiders rewards players who are methodical and thoughtful about upgrades. Understanding how mods like Shotgun Choke III work, knowing where to get materials, and balancing your currency investment are all key. Most players don’t rush—they prioritize efficiency, track resources, and upgrade gear that matches their playstyle. By following these practical strategies, you can make steady progress without frustration or wasted effort.