How to Get Rocketeer Drivers in ARC Raiders
For ARC Raiders players pushing through mid-game progression, Rocketeer Drivers are more than just collectible items-they are a critical bottleneck for upgrading key equipment and unlocking powerful explosives. As an epic-rarity recyclable component, this ARCR Items is essential for advancing your Explosives Station from Level 2 to Level 3, a upgrade that grants access to stronger explosive weapons and valuable crafting recipes. While Rocketeer Drivers can feel elusive at first, mastering targeted farming methods will make gathering them efficient and straightforward. Below is a comprehensive guide to securing this vital resource.
Understanding Rocketeer Drivers: What They Are and Why You Need Them
Before diving into farming strategies, it's important to know the basics of Rocketeer Drivers. Classified as an epic recyclable item, they cannot be crafted-they must be looted or salvaged from specific ARC units or events. Their primary use is upgrading the Explosives Station: you'll need exactly three Rocketeer Drivers to progress from Level 2 to Level 3, a milestone that significantly boosts your firepower and crafting capabilities.
Additionally, Rocketeer Drivers can be recycled into high-tier materials like ARC Alloy and Advanced Electrical Components, making them valuable even if you've already completed your Explosives Station upgrade. Ignoring them will leave you stuck with weaker explosives and limited late-game progression, so prioritizing their collection is key for any serious raider.
Method 1: Farm Rocketeer Husks During the Husk Graveyard Event (Easiest & Safest)
The most efficient and low-risk way to get Rocketeer Drivers is by taking advantage of the Husk Graveyard event. This in-game event spawns destroyed ARC units (called husks) across the map, allowing you to salvage components without fighting live, dangerous ARC enemies. For solo players or those looking to avoid combat, this is the ideal method.
First, track when the Husk Graveyard event is active using in-game event timers or community resources like MetaForge's ARC Raiders event tracker. The event typically appears on three maps: Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, and Blue Gate. For the best results, focus on Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport-these locations have the highest spawn rates for Rocketeer Husks.
Once the event is live, head to your chosen map and start your salvage route. Rocketeer Husks are large, broken-down ARC machines easily identifiable on the terrain. In Dam Battlegrounds, focus on the swamp region and old battleground area, where multiple Rocketeer Husks spawn together. In Spaceport, the southern section of the map consistently spawns several husks-many players report gathering enough drivers for the Explosives Station upgrade in just three runs here.
To salvage a Rocketeer Husk, approach it and interact to breach its top. During the Husk Graveyard event, breaching may cause a brief electric shock that stuns you for a few seconds, but it deals no damage-so you can salvage safely without fear of dying. The drop rate for Rocketeer Drivers isn't 100%, so you may need to check multiple husks, but this method is far more reliable than fighting live ARC units.
Method 2: Defeat Live Rocketeer ARC Units (For Combat-Focused Players)
If you prefer a more action-packed approach, you can obtain Rocketeer Drivers by defeating live Rocketeer ARC units and looting their remains. Rocketeers are powerful enemies with high burst damage, so this method is riskier-especially for solo players-but it can be rewarding for those with strong gear and combat skills.
Rocketeers spawn in high-loot areas marked red on the in-game map, as well as near raider camps, extraction points, and ARC-controlled zones like the Hydrophonic Dome Complex and Dam Battlegrounds. They are easily distinguishable: bulkier than other ARC units like Wasps or Hornets, with shoulder-mounted rocket launchers that fire high-damage projectiles.
To defeat a Rocketeer, focus on its thrusters-this weakens the unit and prevents it from hovering, making it easier to target. Use cover strategically, as a single rocket can drain your entire shield and most of your health. The "shoot and scoot" tactic works well here: fire a few shots, dodge roll to cover, and repeat until the Rocketeer is down. Once defeated, loot its remains to potentially find a Rocketeer Driver.
Method 3: Loot ARC Courier Pods (Secondary Source)
Another way to get Rocketeer Drivers is by looting ARC Courier Pods, which are scattered near ARC crash sites and high-loot areas. These pods often spawn in groups of five to six, and while they don't guarantee a Rocketeer Driver drop, they offer an additional chance to collect the item.
Approach ARC Courier Pods carefully-breaching them can trigger a random electrocution effect that deals damage. Use dodge rolls to avoid this damage, then thoroughly loot each pod. This method works best as a supplement to the Husk Graveyard event or live Rocketeer farming, rather than a primary strategy, due to its lower drop rate.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Rocketeer Driver Farming
To make your farming runs even more efficient, keep these tips in mind. First, equip an augment with a "Safe Pocket" feature-this ensures you won't lose your Rocketeer Drivers if you die during a run, saving you time and frustration.
Second, use community resources like interactive maps to find optimal spawn locations for Rocketeer Husks and live Rocketeers. These maps mark high-yield areas, helping you avoid aimless wandering and focus on productive looting.
Finally, farm Rocketeer Drivers during trials or quests that require defeating Rocketeers (like the "Out of the Shadows" quest). Completing these quests while farming drivers lets you earn rewards twice-progressing your questline while gathering the components you need.
Final Thoughts
Rocketeer Drivers may seem hard to find at first, but with the right strategies, you can gather the three you need for the Explosives Station upgrade in no time. The Husk Graveyard event is the best choice for most players, offering a safe and efficient way to salvage drivers without combat. For those who enjoy fighting, taking down live Rocketeers provides a thrilling alternative, while ARC Courier Pods offer a secondary source to boost your chances. To acquire more resources, you can choose to purchase cheap ARC Raiders Materials for quick access.
Remember to stay patient-drop rates aren't perfect, and you may need to run your chosen farming route a few times. With consistent effort and these tips, you'll have your Rocketeer Drivers in hand, ready to unlock the full potential of your explosives and dominate the ARC threat.