ARC Raiders Sep 14–20 Update: Trials Season 5 Finale, Queen & Scrappy's Helmet

Summary:

ARC Raiders enters its final week of Trials Season 5 from September 14 to September 20, giving Raiders one last chance to take on the most dangerous ARC machines roaming the Rust Belt. The Queen and Matriarch are the headline targets, while Ermal is also preparing a special helmet to protect Scrappy during his foraging adventures. This guide covers the week's key activities, rewards, preparation tips, and the best way to approach the final Trials before the season ends. Raiders looking to prepare their gear and resources can also check out ARC Raiders Items.

1. Trials Season 5 Enters Its Final Week

The week of September 14–20 marks the final stretch of Trials Season 5.

That makes this a particularly important reset for players who have been working through the seasonal challenges. Instead of another routine farming week, Raiders now have a clear objective: prepare for the biggest ARC threats currently patrolling the Rust Belt.

The final Trials challenge focuses on the Queen and Matriarch, two of the most dangerous targets players can encounter.

For anyone who has delayed their Trials progression, this is the week to finish those remaining objectives.

2. Prepare for the Queen and Matriarch

The biggest gameplay recommendation is simple: do not approach the Queen or Matriarch like ordinary ARC encounters.

The weekly announcement specifically tells Raiders to grab their Hullcracker before taking on these targets. That makes equipment preparation especially important.

Before deploying, players should make sure they have enough ammunition, healing supplies, and room in their loadout for a potentially extended fight. A failed encounter can also turn into a PvP problem if another squad notices the noise and attempts to capitalize on the fight.

The safest approach is to avoid unnecessary engagements while moving toward the target. Preserve resources for the ARC encounter itself and identify an escape route before committing to the fight.

3. Rust Belt Is the Main Battlefield

The Rust Belt remains the center of attention during this final Trials week.

Large ARC machines can create enormous pressure because they force players to balance three threats at once: the ARC itself, other Raiders, and limited resources.

This is where positioning matters more than simply bringing stronger gear.

Use terrain and cover whenever possible, avoid getting trapped in open areas, and pay attention to the sounds created by nearby combat. If another squad is already fighting a Queen or Matriarch, patience can sometimes be more valuable than immediately joining the engagement.

For experienced players, the final Trials week is also an opportunity to test how efficiently their preferred loadouts handle high-pressure PvE encounters.

4. Ermal Has a New Reward for Scrappy

Ermal is also bringing something lighter to the week's activities.

According to the weekly announcement, Ermal is stocking a fashionable little helmet designed to keep Scrappy safe while he is foraging.

While this is very different from the Queen and Matriarch challenge, it adds another reason to check Ermal's offerings during the week.

Players interested in collecting cosmetic or character-focused items should make sure they do not overlook the smaller seasonal rewards while concentrating on the major ARC encounters.

5. What Players Should Prioritize This Week

With the final Trials week underway, Raiders should prioritize their time carefully.

First, finish any remaining Trials objectives. The season is entering its final week, so unfinished progression should take priority over routine farming.

Second, prepare a dedicated Queen and Matriarch loadout. Bring the Hullcracker and enough supporting supplies to survive a prolonged engagement.

Third, manage your extraction route. A successful ARC kill means little if another squad catches you while you are carrying valuable loot.

Finally, check Ermal's inventory. The Scrappy helmet gives collectors another limited weekly item to look for.

Final Thoughts

The September 14–20 update gives ARC Raiders a strong finale for Trials Season 5. The Queen and Matriarch provide a serious PvE challenge, while the Hullcracker gives players a clear preparation goal. Players who need additional resources before tackling these encounters can also check out buy ARC Raiders Items.

For Raiders still chasing seasonal progress, this is not the week to wait. Finish your Trials objectives, prepare for the Rust Belt's biggest ARC threats, and make the final week count before Season 5 comes to an end.