ARC Raiders Augments Mastery Guide

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If you're diving into the tense world of ARC Raiders, where every raid counts, getting your loadout just right can mean the difference between a successful extraction and a frustrating wipe. Augments play a key role in tailoring your raider's capabilities, and as someone who's spent countless hours tweaking setups for optimal survival, I love how they let you adapt to different playstyles.

Before we jump in, if this guide sparks some ideas for your next run, why not bookmark it for quick reference later? And if you're gearing up, swing by our ARC Raiders Shop to grab essentials like Coins, Map Keys, Weapons, Materials, Blueprints, or even a Boosting Service to level up faster.

Core Role of Augments

Augments serve as essential upgrades for your raider, focusing on expanding inventory options and overall endurance during missions. They primarily increase the amount of gear you can haul —from raw materials to vital tools —while unlocking access to stronger defensive gear. Think of them as the backbone of your preparation phase—allowing you to prioritize scavenging, combat readiness, or strategic mobility based on the raid ahead.

What sets augments apart is their flexibility with added benefits. For instance, certain models trade a bit of hauling power for quicker access to items in the heat of battle. However, remember that once you're deployed topside, these choices are locked in; no mid-raid swaps to keep the tension real and decisions meaningful.

Durability adds another layer of strategy. These upgrades don't wear down from normal use but take a hit only upon a fatal setback, shedding durability in fixed steps of 30 units each time. This encourages careful play without constant micromanagement, letting you focus on the thrill of the hunt.

Starting with the Free Loadout

Every raider starts with a baseline augment that provides a solid foundation with no upfront investment. This default setup strikes a balance suitable for early explorations, offering moderate space for essentials while supporting basic defenses.

To illustrate the starting point clearly, here's a quick breakdown:

Feature

Value

Weight Limit

35.0

Backpack Slots

14

Safe Pocket Slots

0

Quick Use Slots

4

Weapon Slots

2

Shield Compatibility

Light Shields

This configuration keeps things lightweight, ideal for learning the ropes and avoiding overload in your first few drops.

Mark 1 Upgrades: Building Foundations

As you progress, unlocking Mark 1 augments opens doors to specialized paths. These entry-level enhancements build on the free loadout by boosting capacity slightly and introducing minor trade-offs or bonuses. Whether you're leaning toward gathering resources or holding your ground, there's an option that fits.

The three core variants cater to distinct approaches:

  • Looting Focus: Emphasizes maximum haulage for resource runs, with a small secure spot for valuables.

  • Combat Orientation: Balances storage with broader shield options, perfect for direct confrontations.

  • Tactical Edge: Sacrifices some weight for faster item retrieval, aiding in dynamic skirmishes.

For a side-by-side view:

Augment Name

Weight Limit

Backpack Slots

Safe Pocket Slots

Quick Use Slots

Weapon Slots

Shield Compatibility

Looting Mk. 1

50.0

18

1

4

2

Light Shields

Combat Mk. 1

45.0

16

1

4

2

Light or Medium Shields

Tactical Mk. 1

40.0

15

1

5

2

Light or Medium Shields

These upgrades encourage experimentation—try swapping based on mission objectives to see what clicks with your style.

Mark 2 Enhancements: Layered Perks

Stepping up to Mark 2 introduces more nuanced perks, expanding not just raw numbers but also dedicated slots for specific items. This tier rewards investment in crafting or acquisition, allowing for hybrid builds that blend utility with power.

Here, the augmented slots come into play, reserving space for trinkets, grenades, or tools that can turn the tide. Shield compatibility widens too, accommodating heavier protection for riskier ventures.

Breaking it down:

Augment Name

Weight Limit

Backpack Slots

Safe Pocket Slots

Quick Use Slots

Augmented Slots

Weapon Slots

Shield Compatibility

Looting Mk. 2

60.0

22

2

4

3 Trinket

2

Light Shields

Combat Mk. 2

55.0

18

1

4

1 Grenade

2

Light, Medium, or Heavy Shields

Tactical Mk. 2

45.0

17

1

5

1 Utility

2

Light or Medium Shields

With these, you'll notice how a grenade slot can enable aggressive pushes, while extra trinkets support prolonged looting sessions. It's all about aligning with your raid's demands.

Mark 3 Specializations: Advanced Variants

The pinnacle of augment progression, Mark 3 offers branched specializations within each category. These aren't one-size-fits-all; instead, they diverge into cautious, survivalist, aggressive, or supportive flavors, each with tailored augmented slots like integrated binoculars for scouting or healing kits for sustain.

This level demands more from your resources but pays off in versatility. For example, a defensive setup might prioritize recharge capabilities, while a flanking one amps up utility for hit-and-run tactics.

To help compare the options:

Augment Name

Weight Limit

Backpack Slots

Safe Pocket Slots

Quick Use Slots

Augmented Slots

Weapon Slots

Shield Compatibility

Looting Mk. 3 (Cautious)

70.0

24

2

5

1 Integrated Binoculars

2

Light Shields

Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor)

80.0

20

3

5

1 Utility

2

Light or Medium Shields

Combat Mk. 3 (Aggressive)

65.0

18

1

4

2 Grenade

2

Light, Medium, or Heavy Shields

Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking)

60.0

20

2

5

3 Utility

2

Light Shields

Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive)

60.0

20

1

5

1 Integrated Shield Recharger

2

Light, Medium or Heavy Shields

Tactical Mk. 3 (Healing)

55.0

16

3

4

3 Healing

2

Light or Medium Shields

These variants shine in team play or solo endurance runs, where the right perk can amplify your contributions.

Strategic Tips for Augment Use

Beyond the stats, integrating augments effectively involves planning around your team's composition and the map's challenges. Pair a high-capacity looting build with a combat-focused ally for balanced extractions, or go full tactical in tight urban zones where quick draws save lives. Always factor in durability—stock spares to avoid being caught short after a tough encounter.

FAQs on ARC Raiders Augments

What happens if I die with an augment equipped?

Augment durability decreases by exactly 30 units per death, regardless of mission length or damage taken. This mechanic promotes risk assessment without punishing minor slips, but repeated failures can sideline a prized upgrade until repaired.

Can augments be repaired, and how?

Yes, repairs use workshop materials like metals and circuits, available through scavenging or trading. Higher-tier augments require rarer components, so prioritizing blueprint unlocks early can streamline this process and keep your favorites in rotation.

How do augmented slots interact with other gear?

These dedicated slots—such as for grenades or healing items—are exclusive to the augment's perk, preventing overlap with backpack or quick use areas. This forces deliberate choices, like opting for binoculars over extra ammo, to optimize for specific threats like distant ARC patrols.

Are there augments beyond Mark 3?

Currently, Mark 3 represents the top tier, but seasonal updates or expansions may introduce elite variants. Keep an eye on patch notes for potential evolutions, especially those tying into new biomes or enemy types that demand fresh adaptations.

Which augment is best for solo players?

It depends on your style, but the Survivor Looting Mk. 3 offers a strong all-rounder with ample safe pockets and utility for self-reliant runs. For pure aggression, Aggressive Combat Mk. 3 edges out with grenade access and heavy shield support, ideal for clearing nests alone.

Thanks for Reading

There you have it—a deep dive into making augments work for you in ARC Raiders. Keep following MMOJUGG for more insights to sharpen your edge.

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