Fast Ways to Level Up in ARC Raiders

To effectively level up in ARC Raiders and accelerate your progression, it’s essential to adopt strategies that yield higher XP. Each level you achieve unlocks valuable Skill Points and new equipment, enhancing your strength in the game. Below is a comprehensive guide outlining the most effective methods for earning quick XP and leveling up in ARC Raiders.

Understanding the XP System in ARC Raiders

Achieving rapid levels in ARC Raiders extends beyond merely defeating enemies. Instead, it revolves around accumulating XP from diverse activities during each raid, surviving to extract, and then repeating the process. Your character’s level is crucial, as each advancement grants a skill point for Conditioning, Mobility, or Survival. To maximize your experience points, familiarize yourself with how XP is calculated and tailor your gameplay to capitalize on it. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

In ARC Raiders, you earn XP for nearly every action taken in a raid, with totals summed up on the post-raid summary screen.

Action / Source	Typical XP Value
Time on Surface	181 XP per minute
Successful Extraction (Safe Return Bonus)	1, 000 to 2, 000 XP
Search regular container / locker	200 XP per search
Search higher-value container / airdrop	500 XP per search
Search any Raider / player body	500 XP
Assist on Raider (PvP)	250 XP
Raider kill / knockout	500 XP for kill + damage XP + 500 for loot
Kill small ARC (Tick / basic bot)	80 to 200 XP total
Kill Wasp / Hornet	100 XP for kill + 300 XP from damage
Kill Rocketeer ARC	500 XP for the kill, plus thousands from damage
Loot Rocketeer remains	Up to 2000 XP total
Scan / loot probes or special world objects	500 XP
Mid-to-late quests	5, 000 to 30, 000+ XP

The most proficient players aren’t necessarily the strongest combatants; rather, they are adept at consistently engaging in quests, looting efficiently, and always extracting alive.

ARC Raiders post game XP breakdown — Screenshot by Prima Games

Top Strategies for Quick XP and Leveling in ARC Raiders

Maximize Quests Before You Deploy

Prior to launching a raid, ensure that you visit all traders in Speranza to pick up each available quest. Many advanced quests reward between 5, 000 to 30, 000 XP upon completion. Plan your raid objectives around your acquired quests, whether they require specific ARC kills or materials, guiding your route accordingly.

Optimize XP through Breaching and Scavenging

Engaging with both regular containers (200 XP) and high-value caches (500 XP) can greatly enhance your total experience. There’s no obligation to collect the loot—simply search and move on. For instance, if you search ten containers in a single building, you can potentially earn 2, 000 XP in a minute. Additionally, looting fallen bodies awards you 500 XP each, providing free XP opportunities after battles.

ARC Raiders breach and scavenge for XP — Screenshot by Prima Games

Capitalize on ARC Damage XP

Remember, you earn XP for damaging ARC targets as well as for kills. High-health enemies such as Rocketeers and larger drones serve as significant XP opportunities, as dealing even minor damage can accumulate substantial XP. Additionally, looting parts from these foes can yield up to 500 XP per piece.

ARC Raiders fighting ARC enemies — Image via Embark Studios

Loot Raider Corpses

Each Raider or ARC body represents a chance to earn 500 XP. It’s important to take advantage of every body you encounter, even if you didn’t deal the final blow. Clearing away fallen foes allows you to accumulate XP effortlessly.

Prioritize Survival for the Safe Return Bonus

Successful extraction isn’t just about leaving with treasure; it significantly boosts your XP. You’ll earn approximately 181 XP per minute while staying alive, plus an additional 1, 000 to 2, 000 XP upon extraction—XP you forfeit if you die. In this game, recklessness can hinder your leveling speed.

Arc raiders extraction elevator to end round — Screenshot by Prima Games

Strategic Routing

At the beginning of your mission, consult your map. Identify your current location in relation to the nearest extraction point and its lockout time. Consider the quest objectives that lie between you and that exit. Focus on consistent, smaller raids that yield 5, 000 to 10, 000 XP rather than gambling on larger, riskier hauls.

ARC Raiders map icon for extraction location — Screenshot by Prima Games

Select Effective Scavenging Skills

Your skill tree can directly influence your leveling speed.

Proficient Pryer (Conditioning): Quicker breaches on doors and containers enable more efficient looting, resulting in additional XP from each search.
Looter’s Instinct (Survival): Accelerates the process of revealing loot, allowing you to loot more efficiently and making the most of your time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Level Efficiency

Chasing loot instead of extracting will cost you XP and may lead to your demise.
Overlooking containers in already-looted areas is unwise—searching always nets you XP.
Avoid challenging tough enemies without a thorough plan, as this often attracts more players and results in failure.
Meandering without a clear strategy diminishes your efficiency; prioritize scavenging and successful extractions.
While engaging in PvP can be thrilling, it often leads to being outmatched and eliminated.

While you’re here, explore our guide on locating all Scrappy the Rooster upgrade items and discover the top loot items in ARC Raiders.

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