A special type of challenge in the game that perfectly combines both objectives is Night Raids. If you occasionally see this mode on the map but aren’t sure what it is, in this guide we’ll provide a simple yet detailed explanation of how Night Raids work in ARC Raiders.
What are Night Raids in ARC Raiders?
Night Raids are a unique, limited-time mode that, as the name suggests, only takes place at night. Aside from unlocking the regular maps on which they can be played, no other prerequisites are required to participate.
In a basic sense, Night Raids are essentially the same as regular daytime raids, but at night. You need to explore and collect all the loot you can, avoid and/or destroy ARC vehicles that hinder your progress, be aware of other raiders in the area, and make it back to Speranza before the timer runs out.
Of course, there are a few differences that make Night Raids a unique challenge.
First, the presence of ARC vehicles. In this case, there are many more of them, both in total numbers and in individual groups. You’ll want to be armed with the best weapons, as encounters with these hostile robots are practically inevitable.
Another key difference that makes Night Raids particularly challenging is that, in addition to fewer return points, there are no raider hatches (so don’t bring raider hatch keys). This means players on the map will be forced to concentrate on the only available return points, increasing the likelihood of conflict. There’s always a chance you’ll encounter pacifist players, but be prepared for anything.
The main thing that makes Night Raids worthwhile is the increased value of the loot. Everything you collect will be worth more when you return to Speranza. Make sure your stash has enough space for everything you find. Also, consider expanding your Secret Pockets slots if possible to ensure your most valuable items remain safe.
How often do Night Raids happen in ARC Raiders?
As mentioned earlier, Night Raids can occur on most ARC Raiders maps, including Dam Battlefield, Buried City, Spaceport, and Blue Gate. A Night Raid icon along with a countdown timer should appear under each map.
If the Night Raid option for a specific map is dimmed, it means the raid is not yet available. The timer in this case shows the time until the next available Night Raid on that map. For example, if the timer shows 30 minutes, it means the next Night Raid will become available in 30 minutes.
While a Night Raid is active (meaning you can select it and click “Confirm”), a timer displays the time remaining before the raid goes on cooldown. After that, Night Raids typically refresh every couple of hours (real time), with some margin of error. Each map has its own timer, so while one Night Raid is unavailable, at least another should be available at any time.