PvP Combat Fundamentals
ARC Raiders PvP is a time-to-kill vs. information trade. Whoever dictates vision wins. Build habits around sound cues, shots fired, and drone sightings.
- Information loop: scout → mark → collapse → loot.
- Tempo: never take a fight without a defined exit route.
- Economy: insure key kits so you can contest high-tier loot every run.
Engagement Strategy & Decision Making
Treat every encounter as a math problem. If you do not have numbers, angles, or utility advantage, disengage.
- Pre-fight checklist: ammo > 60%, armor intact, stims ready, extraction path planned.
- Initiation: lead with utility (flash drones, shock grenades) before bullets.
- Reset timers: after every downed opponent, armor swap or stim before re-peeking.
Chasing rule
If you cannot re-establish visual within 10 seconds, break chase. You are walking into traps.
Positioning & Map Control
Verticality wins fights on the Dam. Control rooftops, cranes, and catwalks to force enemies into predictable lanes.
- Triangle setup: split into two anchors and one flex pushing flanks.
- Sound bait: open chests or fire shots to lure squads into crossfires.
- Map zones: color-code routes (hot, warm, cold) based on scouting intel.
Gunfight Mechanics & Aim
Mechanical skill matters, but discipline matters more. Most deaths come from ego peeks, not faulty aim.
- Recoil control: burst-fire LMGs and DMRs; only hold mouse1 with SMGs.
- Peeker’s advantage: quick strafe out, take a shot, immediately duck to break vision.
- Pre-aim: ADS corners before swinging. Hip-fire is for < 5 meters only.
Training loop
Spend 10 minutes in the firing range each session practicing transitions: shoulder swap → ADS → burst → swap cover.
Squad Combat Tactics
Squads dominate when roles are clear. Assign Entry, Anchor, and Flex before deploying.
- Entry: breaks doors, takes first peek, calls damage numbers.
- Anchor: holds power positions, keeps drone intel updated.
- Flex: floats between lanes, finishes downs, watches flanks.
Comms template
“Contact 2 west roof - armor cracked on ping 3 - rotate east stairs.” Keep calls short, include direction + status.
Solo PvP Strategies
Solo raiders thrive on patience. Avoid mirror fights; focus on third parties and extraction denial.
- Sound discipline: crouch-walk near loot rooms, never sprint up stairwells.
- Soft resets: break line of sight every 5 seconds to avoid being tracked.
- Extraction traps: plant mines or cloak near evac points to punish greedy squads.
Common Combat Scenarios
Most wipes come from three repeatable mistakes. Learn the counters:
- Third-party collapse: when you hear two squads fighting, wait for armor swap animations before pushing.
- Sniper overwatch: smoke your advance, double-sprint between cover, force close range.
- ARC interference: kite enemies toward ARC patrols, then rotate while they are distracted.
Advanced Techniques
Master these habits for ranked or tournament play.
- Echo peeking: one player fires to draw attention while another swings from a second angle.
- Utility chaining: EMP → shock grenade → push to guarantee armor break.
- Fake extracts: start extraction, cancel at 2 seconds, ambush anyone rushing the platform.
- Inventory juggling: drop extra armor plates mid-fight so teammates can re-plate faster.