If you’ve spent any time in Arc Raiders, you’ve probably noticed how much the game leans on crafting, upgrading, and carefully managing resources. While tutorials explain the basics, most players quickly find that real gameplay questions come from figuring out how materials work, what gear is worth building, and how to handle in-game economics. Here’s a practical, player-focused guide to help you navigate these aspects.

How Does Crafting Work in Arc Raiders?

In general, crafting in Arc Raiders is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Each item or upgrade usually requires two things: a set of components and a certain amount of in-game currency. For example, crafting a Silencer I at the Gunsmith II level requires:

2x Mechanical Components

4x Wires

$5000

Most players keep a small stock of mechanical components and wires because they are used frequently across multiple items. It’s also common to prioritize upgrades that improve survivability or damage output first, rather than cosmetic items or optional add-ons.

In practice, crafting is faster when you plan your resource use. Players usually gather materials during missions and save up currency for more expensive items instead of crafting everything immediately. This approach avoids running into resource shortages mid-game.

What Items Should You Focus On First?

For newer or mid-level players, prioritization matters. Usually, weapons and gear that directly affect your damage or survivability are the most valuable. This includes silencers, enhanced guns, and armor pieces.

Most players find that upgrading weapons first provides immediate benefits in combat. Silencers, for instance, can reduce noise and allow for stealthy approaches. Mechanical components and wires are key here—they tend to accumulate slowly, so efficient use is critical.

Another common approach is to check your mission requirements before crafting. Some missions demand specific weapon setups or gear levels, so crafting ahead of time ensures you aren’t underpowered when you start a task.

How Do Resources Work in Practice?

Mechanical Components and Wires are the backbone of crafting in Arc Raiders. In general:

Mechanical Components are usually obtained from enemy drops or mission rewards. Most players will also recycle old gear to keep a steady supply.

Wires are slightly rarer and are often purchased or found during specific missions. Players tend to hoard them for higher-level upgrades, as they can become a bottleneck if spent on lower-priority items.

$5000 may not seem like much, but in practice, currency management is just as important as component management. Most players avoid spending on low-impact items, focusing instead on upgrades that directly improve combat efficiency.

Where Can You Get Gear Safely?

While some players look for external marketplaces, the safest approach is to acquire gear through the in-game crafting and mission systems. That said, some players do seek third-party options to speed up progress. For example, if you’re looking to quickly stock up, it’s important to ensure you buy ARC Raiders gear cheap and safe on U4N, as most other unofficial sources carry significant risk.

In general, relying on the game’s own systems keeps your account safe and avoids complications like lost items or banned accounts. Experienced players usually use external sites only for convenience, not as a primary strategy.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

Over-crafting low-level items: Many new players spend resources on items they quickly outgrow. Most players recommend crafting only what you immediately need for missions or upgrades.

Ignoring component management: Running out of mechanical components or wires mid-game is a common frustration. Players usually keep at least a small buffer stock.

Spending currency inefficiently: $5000 might not seem like a lot, but in practice, in-game currency accumulates slowly. Most players save for items that make a meaningful difference in combat.

Not considering mission requirements: Some gear only shines in specific scenarios. Experienced players plan crafting around mission needs rather than personal preference.

Tips for Efficient Crafting and Upgrading

Plan your upgrades: Focus on weapons and gear that increase your combat effectiveness first.

Stockpile key components: Mechanical components and wires are in constant demand. Keep a buffer to avoid interruptions.

Watch your currency: Avoid spending on items that won’t have a lasting impact.

Check gear compatibility: Not all upgrades work with every weapon, so make sure you’re not wasting resources on items that won’t be useful.

Use missions to gather resources: Many players intentionally replay missions to gather components rather than relying on purchases alone.

Crafting and upgrading in Arc Raiders is all about resource management, planning, and understanding what truly helps in combat. Most players who succeed are the ones who balance currency, components, and mission requirements carefully. Efficient crafting, combined with smart gameplay choices, reduces frustration and ensures steady progression. By focusing on practical upgrades and keeping a clear strategy, you’ll get the most out of your playtime.