Arc Raiders: ARC Surveyor Guide
In the world of Arc Raiders, players must navigate a harsh, hostile environment filled with dangerous enemies, high-tech weaponry, and unpredictable terrain. One of the most formidable adversaries you'll encounter is the ARC Surveyor-a massive, armored rolling behemoth that emits dangerous signals, and that players must contend with in order to progress and loot valuable resources. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the ARC Surveyor: its behavior, combat mechanics, weaknesses, and strategies for taking it down.

What is the ARC Surveyor
The ARC Surveyor is a colossal mechanical enemy that operates as part of the ARC faction in Arc Raiders. Its purpose is to transmit powerful scanning signals while rolling across the environment. Identifiable by its large size and the distinct blue beacon it shoots into the sky during its transmission phase, the ARC Surveyor can become a real threat if not handled properly. While its size and appearance make it seem intimidating, there are weak spots and strategies that can help players tackle it with the right approach.
The Surveyor's most notable behavior is its transmission phase, where it periodically stops and shoots a blue beacon into the sky, broadcasting signals that can attract the attention of enemies or serve other ARC-related functions. When this occurs, the Surveyor is vulnerable to attacks, but players must act quickly to take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, as the Surveyor takes damage, it begins to break off large panels of armor, which can be looted after the battle. These broken panels will fall onto the ground near the point of impact, rewarding players for damaging specific sections of the Surveyor.
Behavior and Attacks of the ARC Surveyor
The ARC Surveyor is a highly defensive machine, designed for both utility and combat. It moves at high speeds, especially when threatened, and can roll into players, crushing anything in its path. The Surveyor's primary attacks include:
Rolling Attack: If the Surveyor finds itself in close proximity to a player or an obstacle, it may charge at them with considerable speed. This rolling attack can deal significant damage and should not be underestimated. The best way to avoid this attack is to either dodge or move behind cover.
Signal Transmission: The Surveyor has a scanning phase where it stops and begins transmitting signals. This is the moment when the core of the Surveyor becomes exposed, and players can capitalize on this weakness by shooting at it. Once shot, the Surveyor will attempt to roll away, retreating to a safe distance before resuming its transmission.
Armor Panels: When the Surveyor takes damage, panels of its armor will break off. These panels are valuable loot, so it's essential to target the areas where they break off in order to collect them later. These panels will fall on the ground near the point where the damage was sustained.
Combat Tips for Dealing with the ARC Surveyor
While the Surveyor can be intimidating, it has several weaknesses and vulnerabilities that you can exploit. Here are the key strategies and tips to take down the ARC Surveyor effectively:
1. Target the Core During Transmission
One of the Surveyor's key vulnerabilities is its exposed core during the transmission phase. When the Surveyor stops moving to transmit a signal, it exposes its core, making it a prime target. This is your opportunity to deal significant damage. Make sure to take aim at the core and unleash your most powerful shots during this window of vulnerability.
2. Use Heavy Ammo to Break Armor Quickly
The Surveyor's armor can be tough to penetrate, but certain ammo types work better than others. Heavy Ammo is particularly effective at removing the Surveyor's armor plating. Use it to break off the Surveyor's panels more quickly than with regular ammunition. The faster you can strip away the armor, the easier it will be to target the Surveyor's weak points and eventually destroy it.
3. Utilize the Hornet Driver for Stun Opportunities
The Hornet Driver is a weapon that can stun the Surveyor when used effectively. When the Surveyor is transmitting, its core is exposed, and stunning it with the Hornet Driver at this time can leave it incredibly vulnerable. A stunned Surveyor is an easy target, as it will be unable to move or defend itself for a short time, allowing you to deal significant damage.
4. Stay Mobile and Use Cover
The Surveyor's rolling attack can be devastating if it connects, so it's important to stay mobile and avoid being in its path. Use cover whenever possible, and always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your distance when you can, but make sure to use the environment to your advantage.
To avoid the Surveyor's rolling attack, you can also Dodge Roll when it charges at you. This evasion tactic can save you from taking heavy damage, especially when there is no cover nearby.
5. Take Advantage of the Surveyor's Retreat
Once you've damaged the Surveyor's core, it will attempt to roll away. This retreat phase gives you a brief window to regroup, reload, and reassess your strategy. Keep an eye on the Surveyor's movements, as it will soon resume transmitting and expose its core again. If you're quick enough, you can target the exposed core multiple times during a single encounter.
6. Beware of the Surveyor Rolling Off Ledges
Although rare, the Surveyor has been observed rolling off ledges in certain scenarios when attempting to escape or retreat. This can create an unpredictable situation for the player, especially if you've positioned yourself on a high vantage point or near an edge. Be cautious of this behavior, as it may disrupt your strategy and cause the Surveyor to change its position unexpectedly.
Loot from the ARC Surveyor
Defeating the ARC Surveyor is not only a matter of survival but also an opportunity to gather valuable resources. The Surveyor drops both Main Debris and Small Debris, which contain essential crafting materials and blueprints. Here's a breakdown of the loot you can expect to collect:
Main Debris:
ARC Alloy-A primary crafting material used in various ARC technologies.
ARC Powercell-Used to power ARC devices and machines, this item is essential for crafting and upgrades.
ARC Motion Core-A critical component used in the construction of ARC machines.
ARC Circuitry-Essential for building advanced ARC equipment.
Advanced ARC Powercell-A more powerful version of the ARC Powercell, used in high-level crafting and upgrades.
Sensors-These are needed for scanning and other high-tech applications.
Surveyor Vault-A unique loot item that may contain additional rare resources or blueprints.
Blueprints-These are used to craft specialized equipment or upgrade your Raider's gear.
Small Debris:
ARC Alloy-A more common but valuable material.
ARC Motion Core-Used in crafting and upgrading machines.
Advanced ARC Powercell-Often dropped in small amounts for more advanced crafting.
Surveyor Vault-A smaller version of the Surveyor Vault, potentially containing rare or unique ARC Raiders items.
The ARC Surveyor is a challenging adversary that requires both strategic thinking and quick reflexes to defeat. By understanding its behavior, exploiting its vulnerabilities during the transmission phase, and using the right weapons and tactics, you can effectively take down this massive machine. Remember to stay mobile, use cover, and target the Surveyor's exposed core when possible. Don't forget to loot the valuable debris, ARC Raiders Coins and blueprints that it drops, as these materials are essential for advancing in the game and crafting powerful upgrades for your Raider.
With these tips and strategies in mind, you'll be well-equipped to face off against the ARC Surveyor in Arc Raiders and come out victorious.
MMOexp ARC Raiders Team