Veteran players know that ARC Raiders' Rocketeers are, as Shani puts it, "Slow but devastating." No matter how high-tier your gear is or how experienced a raider you are in the Rust Belt, this ARC can take you down in seconds and should always be approached with caution. That said, there is an ARC Raiders quest called Out of the Shadows that forces players to confront this infamous machine.
All ARC Machines Weak Points in ARC Raiders
Here's a complete guide on All ARC machine weak points, which will allow players to take them down quickly and get their components in ARC Raiders.
Whether your goal is to complete the Out of Shadows quest or you are simply trying to farm Rocketeer drivers, this guide has you covered. It breaks down the fastest ways to beat Rocketeers with beginner-level loadouts and offers pro tips to help minimize the danger when taking on this ARC.
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Rocketeer Overview
- Danger Level: Very High
- Armor: Fully Plated Body
- Attack: Rockets
- Most Valuable Loot: Driver
Out of the Shadows Quest Info
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Quest Giver |
Shani |
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Requirement(s) |
Destroy a Rocketeer, retrieve a Rocketeer Driver |
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Reward(s) |
Wolfpack (2), Surge Shield Recharger (3) |
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Description |
Did you see the flags? The time for cowering is over. You've been more than battle-tested, from what I hear; think you can take on a Rocketeer? |
How to Take Down a Rocketeer with a Beginner Loadout
Loadout Details
- Primary weapon: Ferro or Anvil (any level)
- Quick Use: Hornet Driver
- Augment: Doesn't matter
- Healing Items: Shield, Shield Rechargers, Bandages
- Ammo: Heavy (at least 50 bullets)
To defeat a Rocketeer with beginner gear, start by removing the armor from its thrusters. Once one is exposed, throw a Hornet Driver at it to stun the machine for a few seconds. Use that window to destroy the exposed thruster, then repeat the process on another engine if the first one does not bring it down.
Hornet Drivers can be obtained by killing the ARC with an electrical shock weapon.
The Best Location for Farming Rocketeer Drivers
In ARC Raiders' Dam Battlegrounds map, there is an area called the Primary Facility, located between the Control Tower and the Water Treatment Control. This high-ground spot is ideal for farming Rocketeers for two reasons: it is close to an extraction point, letting you leave the match as soon as you secure a driver, and it has a high Rocketeer spawn rate, with several nearby structures you can use for cover.
How to Get Rocketeer Drivers without Killing the ARC
During ARC Raiders' Husk Graveyard event, you can find multiple wrecked Rocketeers, some of which still contain Epic-rarity drivers. If you lack the gear or ammo to take on an active Rocketeer, this map condition is your best option for obtaining Rocketeer Drivers.
If you are trying to complete the Out of the Shadows quest in ARC Raiders, this method will only count toward one of the two objectives, as Shani also requires you to take down a Rocketeer.
Fastest Way to Beat Rocketeer with High-Level Gear
For veteran ARC Raiders players with high-end equipment, Rocketeers are easy to take down. A couple of Wolfpacks or a handful of Sticky Grenades are usually enough to drop the infamous ARC in seconds.
The issue is that most players receive the Out of the Shadows quest early, before they have access to high-tier gear like Wolfpacks. In that case, it is better to rely on more accessible items, such as the Hornet Driver or even the Snap Grenade, which are much easier to obtain.
Tips and Notes for Combating Rocketeers
Keep these points in mind when fighting Rocketeers:
- Bring Lure Grenades. There may be situations where your gear or positioning is not enough to handle a Rocketeer. In those moments, throwing a Lure Grenade away from your location can distract the ARC and give you a chance to escape.
- Use the building peek method. Find a structure with two nearby entrances. Shoot the Rocketeer from one side, then quickly rotate and attack from the other angle. This makes it easier to avoid its missiles, as Rocketeers are slow and tend to commit to targeting your initial position.
- Hold onto your Rocketeer Drivers. You will need them for the Explosives station upgrade in ARC Raiders' Workbench menu.
ARC Raiders
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
- Released
- October 30, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Embark Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Embark Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Extraction, Shooter, Third-Person Shooter, Survival
