Wires are among the most valuable uncommon resources in Arc Raiders, essential for crafting weapon mods and upgrading your arsenal. However, these elusive items are scattered across the map, making them challenging to acquire consistently. Whether you’re scavenging technological zones, salvaging damaged components, or trading with vendors, this comprehensive guide covers every method to secure wires efficiently.
Table of Contents
Why Wires Matter in Arc Raiders
Wires serve multiple crucial functions in Embark Studios’ extraction shooter. They’re primarily used to craft weapon modifications that enhance your combat effectiveness. When recycled, wires convert into Raider Coins—the game’s premium currency—though in limited quantities. Understanding the best acquisition methods can significantly accelerate your progression.
All Methods to Get Wires in Arc Raiders
| Method | Difficulty | Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salvaging Motherboards | Medium | 1:1 Ratio | Players with excess damaged components |
| Scavenging Tech Zones | High | Variable | Early-game resource gathering |
| Trading with Celeste | Easy | 1 Wire per 200 Coins | Quick acquisition with currency |
Method 1: Scavenging Technological Zones
The most direct approach involves exploring technological areas marked on your map with chip icons. The Control Tower point of interest is particularly lucrative for wire farming.
Step-by-Step Scavenging Process:
- Open Your Map: Press M (PC) or View button (Xbox) to access the map
- Locate Tech Zones: Check the legend for chip icons indicating technological areas
- Navigate to Server Rooms: Large server rooms within these zones contain the best loot
- Breach Containers: Interact with unlooted server containers using E (PC) or X (Xbox)
- Collect Components: Gather damaged motherboards, heat sinks, sensors, and plastic parts
These server containers reset periodically, making them reliable farming locations. For more extraction shooter survival strategies, explore our Arc Raiders beginner’s guide.
Method 2: Salvaging Damaged Motherboards
The most efficient conversion method involves salvaging damaged motherboards found in technological zones.
Salvage Conversion Rate: 15 fried motherboards = 15 wires (1:1 ratio)
How to Salvage Items:
- Collect damaged motherboards from server containers
- Open your inventory (Tab on PC)
- Select the damaged motherboard
- Choose the “Salvage” option
- Confirm to convert items into wires
Pro Tip: Industrial batteries also salvage into valuable resources—specifically two batteries per salvage. Prioritize collecting these alongside motherboards during scavenging runs.
Method 3: Trading with Celeste
For players with surplus Raider Coins, purchasing wires from Celeste offers the fastest acquisition method. Celeste is Speranza’s leader and one of Arc Raiders’ primary traders.
Complete Trading Process:
| Step | Action | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Main Menu | ESC (PC) / Menu (Xbox) |
| 2 | Navigate to Traders Tab | Click/Select |
| 3 | Select “Trades” | Enter |
| 4 | Find Celeste in Vendor List | Left panel navigation |
| 5 | Purchase Wire (200 Coins) | E (PC) / Confirm (Xbox) |
Cost Analysis: At 200 Raider Coins per wire, this method is expensive but guarantees immediate access. Compare this to recycling wires, which yields limited coins, making salvaging the more economical long-term strategy.
Advanced Resource Management Tips
Recycling Strategy: Arc Raiders features a recycling system where unwanted items convert into new resources, including wires. This mechanic complements salvaging and provides an alternative disposal method for excess loot.
Inventory Optimization: Since wires are uncommon items, maintain dedicated inventory space during technological zone runs. The risk-reward balance of extraction shooters means losing your haul before extraction wastes valuable time.
Route Planning: Identify 2-3 technological zones on your preferred map and create efficient rotation routes. This maximizes wire collection per raid while minimizing exposure to hostile players and AI threats.
For comprehensive crafting guides and material locations, visit the official Arc Raiders website or check our materials farming guide on TechnoSports.
Best Practices for Wire Farming
- Prioritize Control Tower: This location consistently spawns high-tier server containers
- Check Loot Status: Look for the breach prompt—already-looted containers are empty
- Balance Risk: Technological zones attract PvP encounters; farm during off-peak times
- Diversify Methods: Combine scavenging with occasional trading to maintain steady supply
Arc Raiders is currently available during the Server Slam playtest on PC via Steam and Xbox platforms, with full release details to be announced by Embark Studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Fastest Way to Get Wires in Arc Raiders?
Trading with Celeste offers the fastest method, requiring only 200 Raider Coins per wire. However, salvaging damaged motherboards is more sustainable long-term since it doesn’t deplete your currency reserves. If you have excess coins and need immediate wires for crafting, purchase from Celeste; otherwise, farm technological zones and salvage components for the 1:1 conversion ratio.
Can You Get Wires by Recycling Other Items in Arc Raiders?
Yes, Arc Raiders features a recycling system that converts unwanted items into various resources, including wires. While the article doesn’t specify exact recycling ratios, this mechanic provides an alternative to direct scavenging. Recycling is particularly useful for disposing of excess equipment while generating crafting materials. For detailed recycling mechanics, check our Arc Raiders recycling guide.
