Nothing feels worse than completing a successful ARC Raiders run only to get ambushed by rats at the extraction point. These opportunistic players camp exit zones, plant mines, and strike when you’re most vulnerable. But don’t worry—with the right strategies, you can outsmart these extraction campers and secure your hard-earned loot every time.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Rat Problem in ARC Raiders
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What are Rats? | Players who camp extraction zones and ambush others |
| Common Tactics | Mine planting, trap setting, surprise attacks |
| Target Timing | Final stretch when players reach lifts/exits |
| Risk Level | High – Can nullify entire match progress |
| Best Defense | Lure Grenades, Raider Hatch Keys, Patience |
| Game Mode | PvPvE Extraction Shooter |
3 Effective Counter Strategies
1. Carry Lure Grenades & Snitch Scanners
The most tactical approach involves using throwables to turn the environment against rats. Lure Grenades and Snitch Scanners summon ARCs (hostile AI enemies) that create chaos for camping players.
How It Works: When approaching extraction, throw these items near suspected camping spots. The incoming ARCs force rats to choose between fighting you, battling AI enemies, or abandoning their position entirely.
Pro Tip: If minibosses like Rocketeers or Leapers patrol nearby extraction points, intentionally draw their attention. Shoot them and position yourself so they chase toward the extraction lift. This creates a dangerous environment that discourages rats from engaging directly.
According to Embark Studios’ official gameplay guides, environmental manipulation represents a core strategic element in ARC Raiders.
For more extraction shooter tactics and gaming guides, visit TechnoSports’ gaming section.
2. Always Bring a Raider Hatch Key
Raider Hatch Keys provide the ultimate insurance policy against extraction campers. These keys unlock alternative exits that rats typically ignore, preferring to camp the standard extraction lifts where most players congregate.
Why This Works: Since few players use Hatch exits, rats concentrate their efforts on high-traffic extraction points. By carrying a Hatch Key, you maintain a backup escape route whenever you encounter hostile players near primary exits.
Additional Benefits: Hatch Keys prove invaluable when escaping from hostile Raiders and ARCs simultaneously, especially when encumbered with heavy loot items. The guaranteed clean exit justifies the inventory slot.
3. Survey Extraction Zones Patiently
Time management becomes crucial during final match phases. Before committing to extraction, invest a few minutes conducting stealthy surveillance of the lift area and surrounding “rat spots”—corners offering tactical third-person perspective advantages.
Surveillance Checklist:
- Scan all corners and elevated positions near extraction
- Look for suspicious player movements or shapes
- Throw basic grenades into suspected hiding spots
- Listen for audio cues indicating player presence
- Check for recently placed mines or traps
If grenades flush out campers, be ready to engage immediately. This methodical approach works best in trio squads where teammates can cover multiple angles simultaneously, though solo players can adapt by prioritizing sightlines.
For advanced combat strategies and ARC Raiders updates, check out TechnoSports.
How to Play ARC Raiders
Platform Availability: ARC Raiders is available on PC via Steam. Visit the official Steam page to download and install the game.
System Requirements: Check minimum and recommended specs on Steam before purchasing. The extraction shooter demands moderate hardware for optimal performance during intense PvPvE encounters.
Getting Started: After installation, complete the tutorial to understand core mechanics including extraction procedures, ARC enemy types, and PvP combat fundamentals. Practice extraction routes in low-stakes matches before risking valuable loot.
Community Resources: Join the official ARC Raiders Discord and subreddit for updated rat camping hotspots, extraction meta strategies, and squad finding. The community actively shares counter-tactics against common camping positions.
Practice Modes: Familiarize yourself with different extraction points across various maps. Understanding alternative exits and Hatch locations dramatically improves survival rates against rats.
Best Anti-Rat Loadout
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lure Grenades (2-3) | Summon ARCs near extraction |
| Raider Hatch Key (1) | Backup extraction route |
| Basic Grenades (2-3) | Flush out camping spots |
| Mid-Range Weapon | Engage rats after flushing |
| Healing Items | Survive potential firefights |
FAQs
What exactly are “rats” in ARC Raiders?
Rats are players who employ camping tactics at extraction points, planting mines and traps to ambush other players during vulnerable extraction moments. They typically remain hidden until targets reach exit zones, then attack when victims have lowered their guard, effectively nullifying an entire match’s progress and stealing accumulated loot.
Which counter method works best for solo players?
Solo players should prioritize carrying Raider Hatch Keys as their primary defense. Unlike group-dependent surveillance tactics, Hatch Keys provide guaranteed safe extraction regardless of rat presence. Combined with Lure Grenades to create AI distractions, solo players can escape most camping situations by maintaining backup exit options and environmental awareness.
