Rocketeer Drivers are an epic-tier drop in ARC Raiders, and they matter: you need three of them to push the Explosives Station from level 2 to 3. You can pull them straight off a downed Rocketeer or lift them from Rocketeer Husks scattered across the maps. If you want speed and lower risk, target husks; if you’re kitted for a fight, hunt the Arc itself.
Rocketeer Driver basics (rarity, value, crafting)
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item | Rocketeer Driver (Epic) |
| Weight | 1KG |
| Stack size | 3 |
| Sell price | $5,000 |
| Recycle output | 2x Advanced Electrical Components, 3x ARC Alloy |
| Salvage output | 2x ARC Circuitry |
| Workshop use | Explosives Station 2 → 3 requires 3x Rocketeer Driver, 5x Explosive Compound, 3x Laboratory Reagents |
Where Rocketeers spawn (direct drops)
Rocketeers appear on every map. They favor high‑loot zones and often hover near extraction points. Visually, they resemble a supersized Hornet and tend to arrive with Wasps and Hornets as escorts.
- Risk profile: with a light shield, expect to be downed in two hits.
- Loadout guidance: Wolfpack grenades, Heavy Fuze Grenades, and Heavy ammo from a Ferro or Anvil make a noticeable difference.
- Positioning: fight from elevation with cover. On Dam Battlegrounds, the Testing Annex’s front window overlooks an extraction route and gives you a safe angle on the patrolling Rocketeer below.
Get Rocketeer Drivers without fighting (husks and events)
You don’t have to kill a Rocketeer to get its Driver. Rocketeer Husks are lootable remains that can spawn on every map, and they can contain fully intact Drivers. If you prefer low‑conflict routes, prioritize husks and plan extractions around nearby call points.
- Map event to watch: First Wave Husks. It increases the number of Arc husks on the map, including Rocketeers, making solo farming much simpler.
- Solo-friendly option: load into The Blue Gate alone for a quieter run and sweep husk clusters.
Dam Battlegrounds husk hotspots (fast loop)
The northwestern quadrant of Dam Battlegrounds has dense Rocketeer Husk spawns and is a strong place to build a repeatable path. Use a clockwise or counterclockwise loop across these landmarks:
- South Swamp Outpost — at least one Rocketeer Husk spawns in the area.
- Old Battleground — two husks commonly appear near the site.
- Ben Welder’s Sunroof — expect multiple husks clustered nearby.
Ping husks to confirm the type before committing time. Run the loop, extract if you secure a Driver, then reset and repeat. When the First Wave Husks event is active, extend your sweep to adjacent POIs to capitalize on the extra spawns.
Hunt vs. husk: which method to use
| Method | How it works | Risk | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kill a Rocketeer | Track patrols near high‑loot areas and extraction points; engage from elevation with explosives and Heavy ammo. | High | Direct access to epic drop; clears the squad escort; can double as a loot sweep | Requires gear, ammo, and positioning; lethal if under‑shielded |
| Loot Rocketeer Husks | Search static husks on every map; prioritize Dam Battlegrounds NW loop or The Blue Gate solo. | Low to medium | Solo‑viable, consistent pathing, minimal ammo use | Not every husk yields a Driver; occasional competition from other Raiders |
| First Wave Husks event | Run the same husk routes while the event spawns extra Arc husks. | Low to medium | Higher husk density, faster accumulation | Event‑dependent timing |
Loadout and tactical checklist for Rocketeer fights
- Explosives: Wolfpack grenades plus Heavy Fuze Grenades to burn through armor quickly.
- Heavy damage: carry Heavy ammo for a Ferro or Anvil to capitalize on stagger windows.
- Positioning: pick elevated, covered spots; the Testing Annex window on Dam Battlegrounds is a reliable vantage.
- Crowd control: expect Wasps and Hornets alongside the Rocketeer — clear them to reduce chip damage and distractions.
- Extraction plan: secure a Driver in a safe pocket if possible, then move toward the nearest extraction or call station.
What to do with Rocketeer Drivers once you have them
- Upgrade: bank three Drivers for Explosives Station level 3 (with 5x Explosive Compound, 3x Laboratory Reagents).
- Economy: sell for $5,000 if you’re flush on upgrade parts and need currency.
- Materials: recycle for Advanced Electrical Components and ARC Alloy, or salvage for ARC Circuitry if that’s your bottleneck.
If you want the lowest-friction path, farm husks in Dam Battlegrounds’ northwest loop and extract as soon as you secure a Driver. If you’re set on combat, take elevation, bring explosives and Heavy ammo, and use the Testing Annex sightline to drop the Rocketeer safely. Either way, plan your extraction before you engage — Drivers are valuable, and you only need three to hit that key Explosives Station upgrade.
