Arc Raiders Solo Guide: How to Defeat Every ARC Enemy (Except the Queen)

TL;DR

  • Target specific weak points: Hornet rotors, Rocketeer thrusters, Bastion canisters
  • Use environmental advantages: choke points for Leapers, overhead cover for Bombardiers
  • Master dodge timing against Hornets’ three-laser merge attack pattern
  • Always carry sufficient explosives: 3+ grenades for Leapers, 5-6 Trigger Nades for heavies
  • Prioritize quick eliminations to avoid attracting additional enemy attention

Embarking on a solo journey in Arc Raiders presents a significant tactical disadvantage that demands meticulous preparation. ARC combat units deliver devastating firepower, and arriving without proper strategic planning guarantees rapid elimination. However, through systematic loadout optimization, intelligent positioning, and enemy-specific countermeasures, you can systematically dismantle every mechanized threat on the battlefield — from agile Hornets to the devastating Bombardier. This comprehensive guide delivers your essential solo operations manual.

While lacking substantial armor protection, Hornets present considerable danger when underestimated. Their primary threat originates from the precision taser discharge system, requiring specific countermeasures.

🎯 Weak Point Targeting Protocol:

  • Concentrate fire on rotor assemblies, with priority targeting of the rear two rotors when employing light ammunition.
  • Heavy ammunition variants possess sufficient penetration to damage the forward armored rotor housing.
  • Critical dodge timing: Observe when three distinct yellow targeting lasers converge into a single beam that flashes red — execute your evasive roll maneuver precisely at this moment. Avoid premature or repeated rolling, as their targeting systems adapt to predictable patterns.
  • Maintain optimal engagement distance. Close-quarters combat severely compromises your evasion capability.

⚠️ Common Strategic Errors:

  • Wasting ammunition on armored frontal sections instead of vulnerable rotors
  • Panic rolling before the laser convergence completes, wasting stamina
  • Attempting to engage multiple Hornets simultaneously without adequate cover

Terrestrial assault units characterized by extreme aggression. Their leaping attack pattern creates exploitable tactical opportunities for prepared operatives.

🔥 Primary Engagement: Grenade Deployment

  • Utilize Blaze Grenades or Fireball Burners — precise aiming at the central optical sensor delivers maximum effect.
  • Leverage constructed interior environments (bunkers, tunnels) to restrict their mobility — they cannot effectively pursue through confined spaces.
  • Carry minimum three incendiary devices to prevent resource depletion during critical engagements.

💣 Advanced Tactical: Trap Configuration

  • Blaze Grenade Trap combined with Jolt Mine creates optimal elimination setup.
  • Position the trap apparatus, initiate the Leaper’s leap sequence through baiting, then create distance.
  • The unit will impact within the incendiary zone and succumb to thermal damage — requiring no additional targeting precision.
  • Jolt Mine implementation helps maintain enemy positioning within flames, though represents optional enhancement.

🎮 Advanced Optimization:

  • Pre-place traps near common Leaper patrol routes before engagement initiation
  • Utilize vertical terrain elements to force predictable leap trajectories
  • Time your baiting maneuvers to coincide with their attack cooldown cycles

Heavily armored aerial combat units that become exponentially more lethal at reduced distances — never permit closing maneuvers.

💥 Optimal Engagement Strategy:

  • Employ the Anvil weapon system (readily available, balanced rate of fire, effective armor penetration).
  • Initiate engagement at maximum effective weapon range with immediate cover accessibility.
  • Sustained concentrated fire on individual thrusters until structural failure occurs. Then transition to secondary thruster. Dual thruster failure = crash sequence and potential immediate elimination.
  • If survival occurs post-impact, execute finishing protocols on grounded unit.
  • Systematically upgrade your Anvil platform to enhance both projectile velocity and damage potential.

Critical Avoidance Protocols:

  • Permitting proximity closure — they can achieve elimination in 2 successful impacts.

⏱️ Time Management:

  • Engagement duration: 45-60 seconds for proper execution
  • Thruster destruction typically requires 15-20 rounds each with standard Anvil
  • Advanced players can reduce engagement time to 30 seconds with fully upgraded weapons

Non-combat reconnaissance units unless directly threatened, but possess exceptional mobility.

🧨 Solo Elimination Methodology:

  • Execute stealth approach and initiate with Showstopper Grenade deployment (rare battlefield acquisition, non-manufacturable).
  • During stun duration, deploy and activate 3 Trigger Grenades.
  • This combination typically neutralizes the unit before escape implementation.

⚠️ Showstopper Unavailable Contingency:

  • Launch 1–2 Trigger Grenades during evasion, then employ heavy ammunition firearm for completion.
  • Surveyors maintain vulnerability exclusively during active scanning operational cycles.

Advanced Tactical Insight: Components detached during elimination may contain valuable resources — maintain situational awareness of impact locations.

🔍 Game Mechanics Deep Dive:

  • Scanning cycles last 8-10 seconds with 15-second cooldown periods
  • Optimal engagement occurs during the final 3 seconds of scanning when targeting systems are most occupied

Heavy armored assault platforms representing the pinnacle of ARC ground forces. Attempting solo neutralization with standard ammunition represents tactical incompetence — you’ll inevitably draw additional Raider attention.

👥 Cooperative Neutralization Protocol:

  • Utilize Torrente Light Machine Gun (high cyclic rate, substantial magazine capacity).
  • Team member initiates diversionary fire, compelling Bastion targeting system reorientation.
  • You execute full magazine expenditure into the yellow energy canister mounted dorsally (critical vulnerability point, unprotected).
  • Alternate roles and repeat sequence. 3 complete reload cycles = confirmed elimination.

🧨 Independent Operation Protocol:

  • Prepare 5–6 Trigger Grenades for solo engagement.
  • Apply explosives during each targeting recalibration sequence.
  • Alternative employment of Snapblast or Heavy Fuse — utilize available explosive assets.
  • Avoid isolated attacks on knee joint assemblies — insufficient damage output, excessive acoustic signature, unacceptable risk profile.

🎯 Weak Spot Analysis:

  • Back canister takes 300% increased damage compared to other locations
  • Knee joints require specialized ammunition to penetrate effectively

Shares identical vulnerability points with Bastion-class units, with additional absence of torso armor protection. However, maintain operational discipline — they represent extreme lethality.

🔥 Independent Neutralization Strategy:

  • Carry 5–6 Trigger Grenades as standard loadout.
  • Initiate from protected firing positions (overhead structural coverage). This configuration blocks their Mortifier artillery strike capability.
  • If available, initiate with Showstopper Grenade deployment to immobilize temporarily.
  • During stun period, apply all carried Trigger Grenades and activate simultaneously for maximum effect.

👥 Cooperative Alternative Methodology:

  • Similar to Bastion protocol — one operative distracts, second targets dorsal weak point.
  • However, both personnel require secure positions with protective cover on opposing vectors — represents highly situational engagement with elevated risk.

⚡ Execution Refinement:

  • Stun duration lasts approximately 6 seconds — plan your explosive placement accordingly
  • Optimal grenade placement pattern: triangular configuration around central chassis
  • Maintain comprehensive explosive inventory. Carry specialized grenades, deployable traps, and craft necessary equipment pre-engagement.
  • Exercise tactical discretion in engagement selection. Avoid open terrain whenever operationally feasible.
  • Prioritize intelligent engagement over brute force. Rapid neutralization minimizes probability of additional Raider interference.
  • Execute rapid resource acquisition and immediate extraction. Never remain stationary following major eliminations.

For those transitioning from traditional military shooters, the strategic approach in Arc Raiders differs significantly from Battlefield 6 tactical operations, requiring adaptation to asymmetric combat paradigms. Your weapon selection should follow systematic progression similar to our BF6 weapon acquisition framework, while your operative specialization aligns with principles outlined in our comprehensive class selection methodology.

Arc Raiders Solo Guide: How to Defeat Every ARC Enemy (Except the Queen) 

Action Checklist

  • Analyze enemy type and identify specific weak points before engagement
  • Prepare appropriate loadout: 3+ grenades for Leapers, 5-6 Trigger Nades for heavies
  • Position strategically: use cover against Rocketeers, choke points for Leapers
  • Execute enemy-specific elimination protocols with proper timing
  • Collect resources and execute immediate extraction following elimination

No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Arc Raiders Solo Guide: How to Defeat Every ARC Enemy (Except the Queen) Master solo combat strategies for every ARC enemy type with expert positioning and gear optimization