If you’ve spent some time in Arc Raiders, you’ve probably realized that understanding how gear, mods, and upgrades work is more important than raw skill. Most players focus on upgrading weapons and equipment efficiently to survive longer and do more damage. This guide is based on how things actually play out in the game, with practical advice for new and experienced players. What Are Weapon Mods and How Do They Work? In Arc Raiders, weapon mods are enhancements you can attach to your guns to improve stats like damage, magazine size, reload speed, or recoil. In general, mods are not just cosmetic—they change how your weapon behaves in combat. For example, the Extended Shotgun Mag I increases the magazine size of a shotgun by 2. To get it, you usually need 6 Plastic Parts and 1 Steel Spring. In terms of in-game currency, crafting it costs around $1920, while buying the parts separately is about $640. Most players use this mod on shotguns when they plan to engage multiple enemies in short bursts. In practice, the extra 2 rounds can be the difference between reloading in the middle of a fight or finishing off a small group of enemies without stopping. How Should Players Collect Materials for Upgrades? Materials like Plastic Parts and Steel Springs are common crafting resources, but in general, they can feel limited if you don’t farm them efficiently. Most players focus on:
Completing missions: Standard missions often drop Plastic Parts as loot, especially if you clear areas without taking heavy damage.
Salvaging weapons: Breaking down unused weapons usually gives small amounts of both Plastic Parts and Steel Springs.
Enemy drops: Certain enemies carry parts you need. Usually, higher-tier enemies drop Steel Springs more often than common foes.
In practice, it helps to track which missions and enemies give the materials you’re short on. Most experienced players rotate between missions that drop common parts and daily challenges that can give rarer items. Is It Worth Upgrading Your Weapons Early? This depends on your play style. In general, most players focus on upgrades that improve magazine size, reload speed, and handling before worrying about raw damage. Here’s why:
Magazine size mods like Extended Shotgun Mag I let you shoot more before reloading, which is practical in chaotic fights.
Reload speed mods prevent long downtime during combat, which is especially important in missions with waves of enemies.
Damage mods are useful, but unless you’re facing high-health enemies, they’re often less immediately noticeable than magazine or reload upgrades.
Usually, it’s best to upgrade one or two weapons you use most often rather than spreading your resources across all guns. How Do Most Players Use the Extended Shotgun Mag I? In practice, the Extended Shotgun Mag I is most effective when paired with a shotgun used for close-quarters combat. Most players:
Use it in missions where enemies spawn quickly in tight spaces. The +2 rounds mean fewer reload interruptions.
Combine it with cover-based strategies. Even with more rounds, you still need to manage recoil and aim carefully.
Prioritize enemies with lower health first, making full use of the extra magazine before a reload.
It’s important to note that while the mod gives a clear advantage, it’s not game-breaking. You still need solid aiming and positioning to get the most out of it. What Are Common Mistakes New Players Make with Upgrades? Even experienced players notice the same patterns in beginners. Common mistakes include:
Upgrading too many weapons at once: You’ll often run out of materials before any weapon feels significantly better. Most players focus on one main weapon.
Ignoring practical use: Upgrading a weapon you rarely use gives little benefit. It’s better to upgrade the guns you use most in the missions you run frequently.
Overvaluing rare materials: Steel Springs and high-tier mods are limited. Most players save them for key upgrades rather than experimenting with minor improvements.
In general, taking a planned approach—deciding which weapon to prioritize and farming only necessary materials—works best. How Do Costs Work in Practice? Looking at the Extended Shotgun Mag I:
Crafting cost: $1920
Parts cost: $640
Most players calculate whether it’s cheaper to buy materials individually or farm them. In practice, if you already have excess parts from missions or salvage, crafting directly can save time. If not, targeting specific missions to farm parts can be more efficient. Another practical point: some players stockpile common materials like Plastic Parts, because they’re used in multiple upgrades. This reduces repeated farming trips. Final Tips from Experienced Players
Always track your materials and upgrade plans. Don’t upgrade randomly.
Focus on one weapon until it feels significantly better. Most players see the biggest difference by fully upgrading their favorite gun first.
Combine upgrades with playstyle adjustments. Extra magazine size is only helpful if you manage your ammo and aim efficiently.
Pay attention to enemy types and mission layout. The same mod can feel very different in open areas versus confined spaces.
Don’t stress over minor stats. In general, practical use and combat efficiency matter more than small numeric improvements.
By focusing on efficient upgrades, smart farming, and adapting your playstyle, most players find Arc Raiders missions more manageable and enjoyable.
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