Here is a structured overview of the current state of combat in Arc Raiders. A while back, certain tactics worked flawlessly, but Embark Studios has recently nerfed many of our favorite cheat codes. Wolfpacks, while still the undisputed god-tier option for dealing with any Arc, are now significantly harder to craft since you need a rocketeer driver.

What this means for us is that relying solely on explosive spam is no longer viable. Furthermore, the Shrouded Sky update introduced two massive headaches: the Comet and the Firefly. If you find yourself short on wolf packs or struggling with the recent balance changes, this guide is built specifically for you. We are going to break down the most efficient, ammo-saving, and reliable methods to take out every single Arc currently roaming the map.

Let's unpack these strategies step by step, categorized by the type of threat you will face.

• The Ground Fodder: Ticks, Pops, Comets, and Surveyors
• The Aerial Threats: Snitches, Wasps, Hornets, and Fireflies
• High-Risk Rocketeer Tactics
• The Heavy Hitters: Turrets, Shredders, and Leapers
• The Behemoths: Bastions, Bombaders, Queens, and Matriarchs
• The Mounting Strategy (Bosses)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Tactical Takeaways

↖ The Ground Fodder: Ticks, Pops, Comets, and Surveyors

These ground-based Arcs might seem manageable, but they can quickly overwhelm you if handled improperly. The Comet, one of the newest additions, acts as a much deadlier version of the Pop.

Because Surveyors will immediately roll away upon taking damage, you must approach them with a specific trap-and-destroy mindset. Here is the breakdown of how to handle the light-to-medium ground units.

↖ The Aerial Threats: Snitches, Wasps, Hornets, and Fireflies

Taking control of the skies requires precision. Why waste multiple seeker grenades on a Snitch when a few well-placed bullets do the trick? The key to defeating flying Arcs usually lies in destroying their mobility.

The Firefly is the second new Arc added in 2026, essentially acting as a Hornet on steroids with a devastating close-range flamethrower. Always prioritize breaking the turbines of these enemies before they can close the distance.

↖ High-Risk Rocketeer Tactics

If you are feeling incredibly bold, you can use a snap hook to latch onto a Rocketeer, climb on top, plant a deadline mine on its back, and jump off. This will one-shot the Rocketeer, but it requires a safe landing strategy and is only recommended for veteran players.

↖ The Heavy Hitters: Turrets, Shredders, and Leapers

This is where the recent Embark Studios nerfs are felt the most. Why did fire stop working against Leapers? Because the developers realized it was a complete cheat code. In 2026, dumping flame sprays or blaze grenades into a Leaper will just waste your inventory.

When dealing with stationary or heavily armored targets, positioning and heavy ammo are your best friends.

↖ The Behemoths: Bastions, Bombaders, Queens, and Matriarchs

At the very top of the food chain sits the Matriarch, requiring absolute precision and situational awareness to defeat. Engaging these massive Arcs requires patience, a lot of space, and preferably heavy weaponry.

If you are hunting the Queen, doing it in a solo lobby is highly recommended. Trio lobbies often devolve into heavy PvP griefing, whereas solo players are much more likely to organically group up and take down the boss together.

↖ The Mounting Strategy (Bosses)

Just like the Rocketeer, you can use the snap hook to get on top of the Queen or Matriarch. Shoot the metal plate at the top of their body until it breaks, place a deadline mine, and get out. It takes about 8-9 deadlines to kill a Queen this way, but even planting one deals massive damage. However, riding the Matriarch is exceptionally dangerous because she frequently calls in Rocketeer or Bombader backups.

↖ Frequently Asked Questions

Are Wolf packs still worth using?

Yes, they remain the most powerful tool in the game. If you throw one at a Rocketeer, it will completely kill it. However, if there are other Arcs nearby, the Wolf pack projectiles will divide among targets, leaving the Rocketeer alive and angry. Always ensure your target is isolated.

How many Trailblazer grenades does it take to kill a Bastion now?

Following the recent nerfs, it now takes around six Trailblazer grenades to kill a Bastion or Bombader, up from the previous three.

What should I bring to a Queen or Matriarch fight?

Always bring a backup shield in your backpack. These bosses hit incredibly hard and can completely break your shield beyond repair mid-fight.

↖ Final Tactical Takeaways

Surviving the 2026 meta requires a shift from brute-force explosive spam to surgical precision. By memorizing the exact weak points—like the V-shaped armor on Rocketeers, the unarmored back turbines on Hornets, and the yellow joints on Bastions—you will save precious heavy ammo and drastically increase your survival rate.

Always dictate the terms of the engagement. Engage Rocketeers from maximum distance to break their AI charging behavior, fight Leapers near doorways to exploit their pathing issues, and bait Comets into exploding harmlessly against cover. Equip your Anvil or Pharaoh, manage your distance, and you will clear the map with ease.