The Snitch is Arc Raiders’ instigator-in-chief: a small, airborne scout that won’t hurt you directly but will absolutely escalate the situation. Left alone, it scans, spots, and summons flying ARC reinforcements — typically a mix of Wasps and a Hornet — turning a quiet route into a noisy chase. It’s common, fragile, and worth removing the moment you see it.
Snitch at a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Unarmed scout drone (ARC) |
| Mobility | Small aerial unit with three rotors |
| Behavior | Patrols and scans; on detection, alerts nearby ARC |
| Reinforcements | Commonly calls a wave of flying ARC, often 2 Wasps and 1 Hornet |
| Direct attack | None |
| Primary weakness | Fragile; best counter is preventing detection |
| Fast takedown | Target rotors or central body; disabling two rotors can drop it |
| Alarm behavior | Alarm persists until the Snitch is destroyed |
| Loot | ARC Alloy, ARC Powercell, ARC Synthetic Resin, Sensors, Snitch Scanner |
| XP | Destroy: 100 XP · Loot: 200 XP |
How the Snitch detects you
Think of the Snitch as a flying lookout. It’s unarmored, runs a visible scan with a forward light, and flies just high enough to keep a wide view. If it tags you, expect reinforcements within seconds — often several flying ARC converging on your position.
Reports vary on whether the Snitch responds to noise. What’s consistent is that line-of-sight and the scanning beam matter. If you’re within that sweep, you’re on the clock. Use cover, terrain, and elevation to break sightlines and avoid the initial ping altogether.
Best ways to neutralize a Snitch
- Prioritize it on sight. The longer it lives, the more risk you inherit.
- Aim for the rotors or the central chassis. Breaking two rotors can force a crash; a few accurate shots to the body also works.
- Use controllable, sustained fire. LMGs and long‑range rifles reliably strip a rotor or core before it can finish its call.
- If it’s already flaming, it will burn out over time (roughly 20–30 seconds), but the alarm won’t stop until it’s gone. Don’t wait — finish it.
- If it alerts reinforcements, move to solid cover and control angles before engaging Wasps and Hornets.
Positioning and line-of-sight control
Snitches punish skyline silhouettes and long, exposed traversals. Keep to buildings, ridgelines, and tree cover to cut the scan beam. If you must cross an open field, clear the air first — one downed Snitch can save you a long fight with multiple flyers.
If you’re spotted in a busy area, relocate immediately. Reinforcements arrive fast and can pin you between ARC and other players. Reposition to a defensible angle, then pick off flyers as they funnel into view.
Using the Snitch to your advantage
There are times you may want the call. If an objective requires defeating ARC in a low‑density zone, letting a Snitch survive long enough to trigger a wave can speed progress. Do it on your terms: pick a building or choke point first, confirm ammo, then let it see you and be ready to delete it once the alarm is active. This keeps the fight contained while preventing a chain of additional alerts.
Loot, materials, and XP
Snitches are quick wins for both materials and experience. Expect drops like ARC Alloy, ARC Powercell, ARC Synthetic Resin, Sensors, and the Snitch Scanner. You’ll earn 100 XP for the destroy and 200 XP for the loot, which adds up given how often these drones appear.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the Snitch while you focus on ground targets. It’s the escalation trigger — remove it first.
- Letting it burn out. The siren keeps drawing ARC until the drone is destroyed.
- Standing in the scan beam. Break sightlines with hard cover; don’t try to out‑run a scan in the open.
- Overcommitting with slow explosives. Precision small‑arms fire is faster, quieter, and wastes less time.
Quick checklist
- Spot the three‑rotor drone with a forward scan light.
- Take the shot immediately — rotors or center body.
- If it calls backup, change position and set a firing lane.
- Finish the unit even if it’s burning to silence the alarm.
- Secure drops and move before another patrol drifts in.
Handled decisively, Snitches are free resources and predictable fights. Give them time, and they’re a siren that never pays off.
