ARC Raiders Update 1.42 Guide: Phantom Targets, Glitched Wasp Farming & Regional Servers

summary

ARC Raiders Update 1.42 brings the second chapter of Phantom Targets, a new Merit Rewards progression system, Glitched Wasps, the free Anomalia outfit, improved regional map-condition scheduling, and several important gameplay fixes. For players looking to complete the new project quickly, the best strategy is to farm Glitched Wasps, collect their valuable ARC parts, use regional servers to find useful map conditions, and recycle unwanted materials instead of selling everything. This approach can also help players build up valuable ARC Raiders Items while progressing through the update.

What's New in ARC Raiders Update 1.42?

The biggest feature of Update 1.42 is Phantom Targets Part 2. Shani has discovered that unusual Wasps are behaving differently across the Rust Belt. These Glitched Wasps make strange noises, fly unpredictably, and carry unidentified ARC technology.

The update also adds a Merit Rewards progression track, where players can earn rewards by collecting Glitched ARC parts and gaining experience. Among the rewards is the Anomalia outfit, which can be unlocked for free through progression.

Other notable additions include the Tick Hunter set, new Twitch Drops, improved audio, regional matchmaking information, and further anti-cheat and economy-exploit measures.

How to Find Glitched Wasps

If your main goal is completing Phantom Targets Part 2, don't overcomplicate the farming process.

Look for the new Glitched Wasps and kill them.

They can be identified by their unusual appearance, strange audio, and erratic movement. Despite their unusual behavior, they aren't significantly stronger than normal Wasps, making them relatively safe targets for repeated farming.

After killing one, loot the entire husk. This is where the new Glitched ARC materials can be found.

The materials include items such as:

· Glitched ARC Circuitry

· Glitched ARC Transmitters

· Glitched ARC Power Converters

· Glitched ARC Light Rings

Different rarities can also appear, meaning you should continue farming even after obtaining your first few pieces.

Best Way to Farm Glitched ARC Parts

The most efficient strategy is to focus your entire raid around ARC farming rather than chasing unrelated objectives.

Bring a weapon that can quickly deal with Wasps and avoid unnecessary fights with dangerous large ARC. Wasps are weak enough that you can eliminate several of them without spending excessive ammunition or healing resources.

If you find a large group, clear them and loot every Glitched Wasp before moving to the next area.

An important bonus is that these materials can have significant sell value. Some Glitched ARC components can be worth thousands of Coins, making Phantom Targets farming useful even if you don't urgently need the project materials.

Don't Sell Everything: Recycle Glitched ARC Parts

One of the most useful discoveries from the update is that Glitched ARC materials aren't simply junk loot.

You can recycle certain Glitched ARC components into crafting materials.

For example, Glitched ARC Circuitry can be converted into resources such as Exodus Modules and ARC Alloy, while other components provide Electrical Components and additional ARC Alloy.

Before selling a rare Glitched ARC component, check its recycling recipe. Depending on your crafting needs, recycling can provide significantly more practical value than immediately converting everything into Coins.

This also makes the Phantom Targets event useful for players who are not specifically interested in the cosmetic rewards.

How to Use Regional Servers

Update 1.42 introduces regional map-condition scheduling, which is one of the most interesting changes for active Raiders.

Previously, map conditions followed a more unified schedule. Now, different regions can have different active conditions based on local peak playing times.

The important part is that the game now shows your matchmaking region on the map selection screen.

You can check different server regions through the game settings and potentially find a map condition that better matches your farming goal.

For example, one region may have Bird City or Prospecting Probes available, while another may currently offer Night Raid, Blue Gate, or a Matriarch condition.

Is Server Switching Worth It?

If you're specifically farming a certain map condition, checking another region can be useful.

However, there is an obvious trade-off: higher ping.

For casual farming, a different region may be worth testing. For serious PvP, extracting valuable loot, or fighting other players, staying on the lowest-ping region is usually safer.

Don't switch regions simply because a condition looks attractive. Compare the potential loot advantage against the additional latency.

Phantom Targets Part 2 Objectives

The new project focuses heavily on ARC materials.

You should expect to collect different Glitched ARC components, including the materials required for later stages of the project. The final objective also requires you to deal damage to a flying ARC using Fireworks.

The project rewards include several upgraded equipment blueprints and attachments, including:

· Fireworks Box blueprint

· Crash Mat blueprint

· Anvil 4

· Anvil Splitter

· Volcano 3

· Additional weapon attachments

The rewards aren't necessarily the strongest items in the game, but completing the project is worthwhile if you want the free cosmetic progression and Merit rewards.

Best Farming Route for Players

For players who want maximum efficiency, use this simple approach:

1. Enter the map with a combat-ready but inexpensive loadout.

You don't need your most valuable weapons for Wasp farming.

2. Search areas with frequent ARC activity.

Prioritize locations where multiple Wasps can be found close together.

3. Kill every Glitched Wasp.

Loot the husks completely and keep the new ARC components.

4. Check the value of every component.

Don't automatically sell rare materials.

5. Recycle duplicates when useful.

Use the recycling system to obtain ARC Alloy and other crafting resources.

6. Progress the Merit Rewards track naturally.

The same ARC farming activity can advance both your project and Merit progression.

7. Extract before greed becomes the problem.

Glitched ARC parts can be valuable. Once you've collected a strong haul, extraction is often more profitable than continuing to fight.

Other Important Update 1.42 Changes

Update 1.42 also contains several quality-of-life and gameplay improvements.

The Photoelectric Cloak now works against Turbine lightning attacks and Matriarch missiles, which can significantly change defensive strategies against these threats.

Audio has also received several improvements, including new Tier 3 magazine firing sounds, better footsteps on plastic and foliage, and refined indoor movement audio.

The update additionally addresses anti-cheat and economy exploits, with developers stating that they are improving detection of cheating, duplication exploits, teaming abuse, and matchmaking manipulation.

Final Tips

The easiest way to approach ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 2 is to treat it as both an event and a farming opportunity.

Farm Glitched Wasps, loot every husk, check recycling recipes, and use regional map conditions when they provide a meaningful advantage. Don't waste expensive gear fighting large ARC when your objective is simply collecting Glitched materials.

For most players, Wasps are the safest and most efficient targets. Combine their drops with the Merit Rewards progression, recycle unwanted components for crafting materials, and extract regularly. If you want to buy ARC Raiders Items, this efficient farming approach can also help you build up the resources you need.

With Update 1.42 now live, Phantom Targets Part 2 gives Raiders a straightforward way to earn new rewards while building up valuable resources for the upcoming Frozen Trail content.