Out in Arc Raiders, you learn fast that just carrying a gun won't cut it. The machines you're up against don't hesitate, and your basic kit can only get you so far before you're scrap yourself. That's why the Workbench matters. It's not just a menu or a place to tinker—it's your lifeline. Think of it like your own armoury mixed with a mad scientist's lab, where every bit of loot you drag back can turn you from a rookie scavenger into a proper fighter. The moment you start pulling rare parts off fallen ARC units, you're already thinking about what you'll build next. That's the real hook—every mission is a chance to grab something that might change your whole game, and sometimes it's worth risking a few extra seconds in the open for that one crucial ARC Raiders BluePrint.
When you're out in the field, you're not just shooting and moving—you're scanning for anything useful. Scrap metal, old circuit boards, weird glowing cores ripped out of ARC wrecks… all of it has a purpose. You start to get an eye for it. That pile of junk in the corner? Could be hiding the exact piece you need to bump your rifle into a whole new league. And yeah, staying behind after a fight to loot isn't the safest move, but it's part of the thrill. The game makes you weigh that risk every time, and it's hard to walk away when you know you might be leaving a future upgrade behind.
Back at base, the Workbench is where it all comes together. You lay out your weapons and gear, and suddenly you're looking at a bunch of ways to tweak them. It's not just "make it stronger" and call it a day. You can swap scopes for better long-range shots, bump up your mag size so you're not reloading mid-fight, or mess with the firing system to get more rounds out faster. That slow rifle you've been using? With the right parts, it can turn into a mid-range beast. Even your sidearm can go from "last resort" to "trusty backup" if you put in the work.
And it's not only about guns. Your gadgets and armour can get serious love too. That grappling hook you use to zip around? Make it faster or give it more reach, and suddenly you're way more mobile. Your deployable shield? Boost its durability so it can soak up more incoming fire and give your squad breathing room. The beauty of it is how personal it gets—you can build your loadout to fit exactly how you like to play. Sniper, brawler, support… doesn't matter. The Workbench lets you lean into it, and every scrap you collect feels like progress. That's why every run, every loot grab, is another step toward becoming the kind of Raider who can take the fight right back to ARC with the perfect BluePrint.