Topside is riddled with danger in ARC Raiders, but it is also brimming with valuable resources that can benefit you and civilization below the surface. Players who search every corner, nook, and cranny of the various sites across the game's maps will reap the benefits of their thorough and successful endeavors.

One such material is invaluable in the creation of some seriously devastating explosive weapons that can take down some of the more formidable ARC machines in the game. As such, knowing where to find Explosive Compound in ARC Raiders will help you destroy some of the more significant threats to your safe extraction below.

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How To Get Explosive Compound in ARC Raiders

Explosive Compound is a rare refined material that is found in Industrial and Security sites, which will give players an indication as to where they should look for the item. Thankfully, the game's maps are very clear on what type of items are stored where, so players can strategically drop into a map that accommodates their needs.

In the context of Explosive Compound, players can narrow their search down to the Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, and Blue Gate maps, as these are the only locations from launch that include Industrial and Security sites. While it is not guaranteed that you'll find Explosive Compound at these locations on each run, as the loot is distributed randomly and the material is rare, you'll give yourself the best chance of stumbling upon it by thoroughly searching these sites.

How To Craft Explosive Compound

Given that Explosive Compound is a rare material, it can be difficult to find and is certainly not guaranteed every time you go topside. Thankfully, there is also the option to craft the item for yourself. Players can craft Explosive Compound with two Crude Explosives and two Oil.

In order to craft the item, however, you will first need to craft the Refiner workstation, then upgrade it to level two. To upgrade it, you will need three Toasters, five ARC Motion Core, and eight Fireball Burners.

Best Locations for Explosive Compound in ARC Raiders

As mentioned, players will find Explosive Compound at specific locations across three of the game's launch maps. The following sites are as follows;

Dam Battlegrounds

The Blue Gate

  • Reinforced Reception
  • Adorned Wreckage
  • Warehouse Complex

Spaceport

  • Shipping Warehouse
  • Rocket Assembly
  • Container Storage
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Launch Towers

With this in mind, players can maximize their chances of acquiring Explosive Compound by visiting the Spaceport or Dam Battlegrounds maps. From those locations, four of them are considered to have a high loot value, so prioritize the Hydroponic Dome Complex and Control Tower in Dam Battlegrounds, or Container Storage or Launch Towers in the Spaceport.

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ARC Raiders Tag Page Cover Art
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Extraction
Shooter
Third-Person Shooter
Survival
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
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Released
October 30, 2025
ESRB
Teen / Violence, Blood
Developer(s)
Embark Studios
Publisher(s)
Embark Studios
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ARC Raiders release window announced with launch plans
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
Extraction, Shooter, Third-Person Shooter, Survival