If you've been playing ARC Raiders for a while, you know that blueprints are essential. They allow you to craft the weapons, gear, and items that help you progress in the game. But with so many blueprints available, it's not always clear which ones are worth focusing on, or how to get them efficiently. In this guide, I'll explain what most players consider the best blueprints, how they work in practice, and practical ways to acquire them.
What Are Blueprints and Why Do They Matter?
In ARC Raiders, blueprints are basically the recipes for crafting items. Each blueprint tells you what materials you need and the stats your final item will have. Without the right blueprint, you can't craft certain weapons or equipment, even if you have the materials.
Most players focus on blueprints for a few key reasons:
- Efficiency – A better blueprint means you can craft more powerful gear with fewer materials.
- Customization – Some blueprints allow you to tweak stats to match your playstyle.
- Progression – Certain blueprints unlock items that are necessary for higher-level missions or events.
In general, having a well-chosen set of blueprints can save you time and make your raids more manageable.
Which Blueprints Do Most Players Prioritize?
Not all blueprints are created equal. Most experienced players focus on a combination of weapons and gear that complement their typical playstyle. Here's a breakdown:
Weapons
- Assault Rifles and SMGs – These are usually the workhorses in most raids. Players look for blueprints that increase damage output without compromising ammo efficiency.
- Sniper Rifles – Useful for players who prefer long-range combat. The best blueprints usually improve critical hit chances and reload speed.
- Shotguns – Effective in close quarters. Most players pick blueprints that boost spread and damage per shot.
Gear and Armor
- Defensive Gear – Blueprints that improve armor durability or elemental resistances are commonly prioritized by those who play the tank role.
- Mobility Gear – Some players prefer blueprints that reduce stamina consumption or increase sprint speed, which is especially useful in timed missions.
Tools and Utilities
- Healing Items – Blueprints that improve healing efficiency or reduce cooldown are valuable in group raids.
- Traps and Drones – Usually favored by players who focus on controlling space or supporting teammates from a distance.
In practice, most players try to balance between weapons, gear, and utilities. It's rare for someone to focus exclusively on one category unless it fits a very specific strategy.
How Do Blueprints Work in Practice?
Even if you have the best blueprint, it doesn't automatically make your character overpowered. Here's what most players notice when crafting and using items:
- Material Availability – Some of the most powerful blueprints require rare materials. In general, it's best to focus on blueprints you can actually craft consistently.
- Stat Scaling – Blueprints often improve certain stats, but the gains are not always linear. Most players experiment to see which blueprint actually benefits their playstyle.
- Team Synergy – In group play, a blueprint that looks good on paper might be less effective if it doesn't complement your team's loadout.
Most players learn to prioritize blueprints that offer practical benefits over theoretical maximum stats. Efficiency in crafting and combat tends to matter more than having every rare item.
How to Acquire Blueprints Efficiently
There are several ways to get blueprints, and not all of them are equal in practice:
- Loot Drops – Completing missions or events usually yields blueprints, but it can be random. Most players farm the missions that are known to drop the blueprints they need.
- Crafting Shops – Some blueprints can be purchased or unlocked through in-game shops. This is a more reliable method, especially for blueprints that are hard to find through drops.
- Trading and Online Resources – In general, many players use online platforms to identify which blueprints are currently available and which are most effective. While there are various sources, U4N is one platform that players commonly reference because it organizes available blueprints and shows practical information like crafting requirements and player reviews. It's not about buying randomly—it's about knowing what's worth pursuing.
In practice, a combination of farming drops and checking reliable sources like U4N tends to be the most efficient approach.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Blueprints
Even experienced players make mistakes when selecting blueprints. Here's what to watch out for:
- Ignoring Resource Costs – Some blueprints require materials that are difficult to farm. Most players eventually stop crafting items they can't consistently make.
- Chasing Rare Stats – A blueprint might have high damage numbers, but if it doesn't suit your playstyle or team role, it won't be helpful.
- Focusing Only on Rarity – Rare blueprints aren't always the most useful. Usually, mid-tier blueprints that are easy to craft and reliably effective end up being more practical.
A common habit among experienced players is to maintain a small set of core blueprints they use for most raids, while occasionally experimenting with others for specific strategies.
Tips for Maximizing Blueprint Value
- Plan Your Loadout – Before farming or purchasing blueprints, decide on a weapon and gear setup that fits your style. This reduces wasted resources.
- Check Updates – The game often balances weapons and gear. A blueprint that was strong last season might be less useful now. Players who follow platforms like U4N can see updates and community feedback, which helps in making informed decisions.
- Test in Real Missions – Numbers on paper aren't enough. Most players test new blueprints in lower-risk missions before committing valuable materials.
Blueprints in ARC Raiders are more than just collectible items—they shape how you play the game. Most players focus on a combination of weapons, gear, and utilities that fit their personal playstyle and team needs. Efficiency, practicality, and resource management usually outweigh rarity or hype.
For those looking to make informed choices, using organized references like U4N helps you understand which blueprints are worth pursuing and how they perform in real missions. By balancing farming, crafting, and strategic planning, you can make sure your blueprints actually enhance your gameplay rather than just taking up inventory space.