That retro sci-fi gadget with buttons and meters isn’t just eye candy—it’s one of Arc Raiders’ most valuable crafting assets. The Ion Sputter might look like vintage tech, but understanding where to find it and what to do with it separates casual looters from efficient Raiders. Let’s break down everything you need to dominate the hunt for this Epic-tier prize.
Table of Contents
Arc Raiders: Ion Sputter Quick Reference
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Epic |
| Weight | 1.5kg |
| Sell Value | 6,000 Raider Coins |
| Recycle Value | 4,750 coins worth of materials |
| Spawn Type | Exodus locations only |
| Recycling Yield | 1 Exodus Module + 4 Voltage Converters |
| Salvage Yield | 1 Exodus Module only |
| Best Use | Recycle for crafting materials |
Where to Find Ion Sputter: Top Locations
Stella Montis Map (Best Option)
Stella Montis is your best bet for Ion Sputter hunting, featuring two primary Exodus zones with high spawn rates:
Assembly Area – Located north of Medical Research, this zone consistently spawns Ion Sputters. Check the Assembly Workshop building thoroughly, especially containers within the control room. Don’t skip the Central Corridor and surrounding structures.
Business Center & Auditorium – On the western side of Stella Montis, the Business Center and nearby Auditorium offer solid spawn chances. Search containers, breach lockers, and check desks to maximize your odds.
Space Port Map (Alternative Route)
Space Port’s Exodus locations may attract fewer players than Stella Montis, giving you better solo farming opportunities:
Rocket Assembly – The primary Exodus location in Space Port with good Ion Sputter spawn rates.
Fuel Control & East Container Yard – Secondary locations surrounding Rocket Assembly worth checking if you strike out at the main site.
Pro Tip: Since Ion Sputter has the “Exodus” tag, it exclusively spawns in locations marked with the Exodus symbol on your map. Filter your route accordingly to save time.
For more efficient looting strategies and map knowledge, check out our Arc Raiders beginner’s guide covering essential survival tactics.
Recycle vs. Sell: The 1,250 Coin Question
Here’s where strategy matters. While Ion Sputter sells for 6,000 Raider Coins directly, recycling yields materials worth 4,750 coins—creating a 1,250 coin “recycling tax”.
Recycling Returns:
- 1 Exodus Module (2,750 coin value)
- 4 Voltage Converters (2,000 coin value combined)
When to Recycle: If you’re pushing deeper into progression systems and need high-grade parts on demand, recycling is the clear default choice. These components feed critical mid and late-game project requirements.
When to Sell: Only when you’re desperately short on raw currency and flush with crafting materials. The immediate 6,000 coin injection can fund urgent gear purchases or workshop upgrades.
Salvage Warning: Salvaging topside only returns 1 Exodus Module—significantly less generous than Den recycling which also provides 4 Voltage Converters. Always extract to base unless you’re in extreme danger.
Looting Strategy: Container Priority
Ion Sputters don’t announce themselves—you need systematic searching:
- Breach lockers first – Locked containers have higher Epic spawn rates
- Check metal safes – Small safes often hide high-value items
- Search desks systematically – Don’t skip office furniture
- Hit electrical panels – Exodus zones favor tech-themed containers
Search through every container you come across, including lockers, desks, and small metal safes in and around Assembly and Business Center areas.
Struggling with extraction under fire? Our Arc Raiders combat tips will help you survive high-tier zones.
Why Ion Sputter Matters for Progression
This isn’t vendor trash—Ion Sputter functions as a premium crafting bundle disguised as loot. The Exodus Modules and Voltage Converters it provides are bottleneck materials for:
- Heavy Shield crafting
- Showstopper Grenade production
- Workshop upgrade requirements
- Advanced weapon modifications
Treating Ion Sputter as a short-term coin source wastes its true potential. Its real value shows up when you need high-grade parts on demand for late-game systems.
Risk vs. Reward Calculation
Ion Sputter sits in a clever intersection of risk and reward: it only drops in Exodus zones, eats real inventory weight at 1.5kg, and it’s never as simple as “just sell this”.
Exodus locations are PvP hotspots—expect competition. The 1.5kg weight means carrying multiple Ion Sputters reduces combat mobility and other loot capacity. Balance your greed against extraction risk.
For advanced looting economics and what to prioritize, visit the official Arc Raiders wiki for comprehensive item databases and community insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Ion Sputter spawn outside Exodus locations, or is it completely exclusive to those zones?
Ion Sputter is 100% exclusive to Exodus-tagged locations—you won’t find it anywhere else. The game hard-gates it behind these high-risk, high-reward zones marked with the Exodus symbol on your map. This means you cannot farm Ion Sputter in safer, non-Exodus areas no matter how thoroughly you search. Focus your efforts exclusively on Assembly areas, Business Centers, and Rocket Assembly locations. If you’re struggling to identify Exodus zones, look for the distinctive icon on your map interface before dropping into a raid.
Q: If I die before extracting with an Ion Sputter, is it lost forever or does it return to my stash?
If you die during a raid, any Ion Sputter in your inventory is permanently lost—it does not return to your base stash. This is Arc Raiders’ core risk-reward loop: you must successfully extract to keep what you find. The 1.5kg weight and high value make Ion Sputter especially painful to lose, so prioritize safe extraction routes once you’ve looted one. Consider using stealth tactics near extraction zones and avoid unnecessary fights when carrying valuable Epic loot. If you’re playing with a squad, coordinate protection for whoever is carrying the most valuable items.
