If you’re playing Arc Raiders, understanding how crafting and gear upgrades work is key to improving your performance. In this guide, I’ll explain some of the most common gear blueprints, how to get the components you need, and how most players approach upgrading their loadouts. The goal is to give you practical insights that actually help in-game, not marketing hype.

How Do Gear Blueprints Work in Arc Raiders?

In Arc Raiders, most equipment and upgrades are created using blueprints. Blueprints are recipes that require specific materials and money. Once you have a blueprint, you can craft the item at the appropriate workbench.

There are usually three tiers of workbenches:

• Gear Bench I/II/III – for armor and gear upgrades.

• Gunsmith I/II/III – for weapon mods and attachments.

The tier of the workbench needed usually corresponds to the complexity of the item. For example, a high-level flanking gear piece will require Gear Bench III, while a weapon compensator might require Gunsmith III.

Most players prioritize unlocking blueprints that directly improve their combat style. If you like stealth or flanking, focus on Combat MK3 blueprints. If you are more focused on gun damage and accuracy, compensators are usually more useful.

Combat MK3 (Flanking) – How It Works

The Combat MK3 Flanking Blueprint is one of the higher-tier gear pieces in the game.

Requirements to craft:

• 2x Advanced Electrical Components

• 3x Processor

• $5000

• Crafted at Gear Bench III

In practice, most players use this gear for mobility and positioning advantages. It gives a noticeable boost when flanking enemies, which is why it’s commonly sought after in higher-level missions.

Common player tips:

• Save advanced electrical components and processors for this item if you plan to focus on flanking tactics.

• Crafting multiple units is usually unnecessary unless you like having backups or want to equip multiple loadouts.

Weapon Upgrades: Compensators

Weapon attachments like Compensator II and Compensator III are essential for controlling recoil and improving accuracy.

Compensator II Blueprint:

• 2x Mechanical Components

• 4x Wires

• $5000

• Crafted at Gunsmith II

Compensator III Blueprint:

• 2x Mod Components

• 8x Wires

• $5000

• Crafted at Gunsmith III

How players usually use them:

• Compensator II is often the first upgrade most players craft because it requires easier-to-find materials. It’s enough for mid-level missions.

• Compensator III is more expensive and harder to craft, but in general, it provides a more stable shooting experience for automatic weapons.

• Many players prioritize these upgrades for rifles and SMGs rather than pistols, as the effect is more noticeable on high-recoil weapons.

In practice, you’ll find that having at least one compensator upgrade significantly improves accuracy in fast-paced fights.

Where to Get Crafting Materials

One of the main challenges in Arc Raiders is gathering enough components. Most players rely on mission drops and scavenging to collect materials like processors, wires, and mechanical components.

Some tips based on common player behavior:

• Advanced Electrical Components are often found in higher-level missions or sold by specific NPCs.

• Wires and mechanical components are usually abundant in early and mid-level missions. Players often stockpile these for later upgrades.

• Mod Components are rarer and usually saved for high-tier items like Compensator III or specialized gear.

It’s worth noting that in some player communities, people look for ways to buy ARC Raiders items cheaply. You can sometimes buy ARC Raiders items cheap from U4N sellers if you don’t want to spend too much time farming materials. However, most experienced players prefer gathering components themselves, as it also helps them understand which gear is truly worth investing in.

Crafting Strategy for Most Players

Here’s a practical approach that most players follow when planning gear and weapon upgrades:

1. Prioritize critical blueprints – Choose items that match your playstyle first. For example, flanking gear for stealth-focused players or compensators for aggressive shooters.

2. Plan your component usage – Don’t craft items immediately after collecting materials. Usually, it’s better to save rarer components for higher-tier upgrades.

3. Upgrade incrementally – You don’t need every piece of gear at max tier immediately. Crafting one or two critical items first usually has the biggest impact.

4. Monitor your in-game economy – Most players track how much money they spend on crafting versus what they can earn from missions. Crafting the wrong item too early can delay progression.

By following these strategies, you can maximize your effectiveness without wasting resources.

Understanding blueprints, crafting requirements, and common player behavior in Arc Raiders makes a significant difference in progression. Gear like Combat MK3 Flanking and weapon upgrades like Compensator II/III are highly practical when used correctly. Collect materials wisely, prioritize crafting based on your playstyle, and don’t over-invest in items you won’t use often. Most players find that combining careful material management with strategic crafting leads to better performance and less frustration in missions.