Power Rods are epic-level items in Arc Raiders , and the game treats them accordingly. They drop rarely, are used in multiple systems, and using them without a plan can later feel like a mistake. At first glance, a Power Rod may seem like just another high-level crafting component, but its value is far greater.
These items are at the intersection of progress and risky exploration, so experienced players will think twice before spending them. If you’ve found a Power Core and aren’t sure what it’s for, or are trying to figure out how best to use it, this guide will explain their importance and how to approach their use without wasting this rare resource.
How to find and open the room with the power rod
Power Rods can be used to open a locked loot room in the Cursed Battlegrounds location . The door is located inside the Power Generation Complex, at the southeast end , and is marked by a large locked door.
Using the Power Rod on this door consumes an item, so it’s important to plan your run carefully before attempting to open it.
A safer way to reach the room is to approach the Power Generation Complex from the Red Lakes to the south . From this side, you can climb into the building through the roped-off entrance , which is usually less crowded.
Inside the complex, look for a large industrial corridor leading deeper into the structure . This corridor indicates proximity to a locked door.
There may be threats in the area, such as turrets, so it’s best to quickly open the door and go inside. Before entering the complex, place the power rod in a secure pocket to avoid losing it if you die along the way. Once the door is open, you’ll gain access to the loot room.
The room with the power core contains a variety of valuable items in red lockers, including weapons, shields, armor, and medical supplies . Loot quality improves at night, with a higher chance of finding epic weapons and blueprints.
Since this room is known to other players, it is recommended to quickly collect the loot and leave the area to avoid attracting attention.
What other uses does the power rod have?
In addition to unlocking a special room, Power Rods are used in several crafting and repair recipes . Therefore, it may make sense to save a Power Rod for gear progression, especially considering that loot from a locked room isn’t always equivalent to an epic item.
At the Level 3 Equipment Workbench , they are required to craft the Heavy Shield and are also used to create the Hitch , although its recipe is locked by a blueprint. Power Rods are also needed to repair the Hitch after it’s been crafted.
Power rods can also be recycled or disassembled if they are not needed for equipment.
Recycling a Power Rod yields Advanced Electronic Components , and disassembling it can return Advanced Electronic Components along with ARC Schematics . These materials are often used in high-level crafting recipes, making Power Rods useful even when disassembled.
