Arc Raiders High-Gain Antenna Project - All Steps And Rewards
Introduced with the Flashpoint update, the High-Gain Antenna Project is a key player task in Arc Raiders that combines scavenging, combat, and progression rewards. Unlike previous five-stage projects, this mission features three focused phases, each requiring you to donate specific ARC Raiders Materials gathered from raids to construct a powerful antenna.
Engineered by Shani to enhance Speranza's ability to detect mysterious ARC signals, this project offers valuable weapons, attachments, gadgets, and Raider Tokens-making it a must-complete for both new and seasoned raiders alike. This guide breaks down every step, material farming tip, and reward to help you complete the project efficiently.
Overview: What Is the High-Gain Antenna Project?
The High-Gain Antenna Project is a semi-long-term scavenger-style mission centered on building an antenna to boost ARC signal detection. It differs from time-limited events in that no official expiry date has been confirmed-but the previous Weather Monitor System project ended abruptly, so stockpiling materials early is wise.
The project is divided into three stages: Sturdy Base, Data Logger, and Parabolic Dish. Each stage has four donation tasks, and while donated materials are consumed, the rewards are well worth the effort. Importantly, the final two stages rely heavily on the "Close Scrutiny" map condition, a new ARC Operation introduced in the Flashpoint update.
Key Pre-Requisite: Understanding Close Scrutiny Map Condition
Close Scrutiny is the first ARC Operation in Arc Raiders, and it is critical for completing Stages 2 and 3. This map condition appears on four of the five available maps: Dam Battlegrounds, Blue Gate, Spaceport, and Buried City-but not Stella Montis (an indoor bunker unsuitable for Assessor landings).
During Close Scrutiny, civilian loot is drastically reduced, but ARC-related rewards are concentrated around Assessors-large three-legged ARC probes marked by vertical red beams visible across the map. These probes are guarded by dense ARC patrols and Vaporizer drones, making them high-risk but high-reward targets.
Looting Assessors triggers an alarm that spawns additional ARC enemies, so it's best to clear surrounding Vaporizers first or use stealth to sneak in and out. Additionally, this condition increases ARC material drops, making it ideal for farming rare components.
Stage 1: Sturdy Base - Lay the Foundation (No Close Scrutiny Required)
Stage 1 is the most accessible phase, designed to get you comfortable with material farming. It requires four basic ARC materials, all obtainable from standard ARC enemies during regular raids-no special map conditions needed.
Required Materials for Stage 1: 50x ARC Alloy, 10x ARC Flex Rubber, 10x ARC Performance Steel, 15x Advanced ARC Powercell.
ARC Alloy is the most common-you'll get it from looting any ARC machine or salvaging their remains, with larger enemies dropping 2 to 10 pieces at a time. ARC Flex Rubber and ARC Performance Steel come from high-tier ARC enemies like Bastions, Bombardiers, Leapers, and Hornets; Baron husks are also a secondary source.
Advanced ARC Powercells are exclusive to heavy units such as Comets, Rocket Troopers, and Fortresses. Matriarch raids are the fastest way to farm these, as they guarantee drops from high-tier enemies.
Stage 1 Rewards: Torrente II Assault Rifle, Extended Medium Mag III, Extended Barrel, Padded Stock. These attachments improve weapon stability and ammo capacity, making them a valuable early-game boost.
Stage 2: Data Logger - Step Up the Challenge (Close Scrutiny Mandatory)
Stage 2 increases the difficulty, with two of its four required materials exclusive to the Close Scrutiny map condition. This phase focuses on gathering components for the antenna's data logger, requiring more specific and rare materials than Stage 1.
Required Materials for Stage 2: 15x ARC Coolant, 15x ARC Thermo Lining, 4x Vaporizer Regulator, 6x Assessor Matrix.
ARC Coolant and ARC Thermo Lining drop from mid-tier ARC enemies like Comets, Fireballs, and Sentinels-you can farm these passively during any raid, but Close Scrutiny's increased ARC density speeds up the process.
Vaporizer Regulators are obtained only by defeating Vaporizer drones-flying laser units that guard Assessors during Close Scrutiny. These drones have high damage and erratic movement, so engage them from a distance with powerful weapons.
Assessor Matrixes are looted from three breachable containers on the legs of Assessors. Each Assessor drops only one matrix, so expect competition from other squads on high-population servers.
Stage 2 Rewards: Bobcat III Submachine Gun, Extended Light Mag III, Vertical Grip III, 100 Raider Tokens. The Vertical Grip III is a standout attachment, improving weapon stability for most loadouts.
Stage 3: Parabolic Dish - The Final Push (Close Scrutiny Mandatory)
Stage 3 is the most time-consuming phase, requiring larger quantities of rare materials and introducing Surveyor Vaults as a new requirement. This stage completes the antenna's parabolic dish, and its rewards are the most valuable in the entire project.
Required Materials for Stage 3: 10x Surveyor Vault, 20x ARC Synthetic Resin, 15x Vaporizer Regulator, 18x Assessor Matrix.
Surveyor Vaults drop exclusively from Surveyors-large spherical ARC machines that spawn on most maps. They are passive unless attacked but will flee quickly if provoked, so ambush them for the best chance to loot.
ARC Synthetic Resin has a wide drop pool: you can get it from Sentinels, Shredders, Wasps, and even Baron or Deforester husks. Buried City is the best map for farming Vaporizer Regulators and Assessor Matrixes, as its dense buildings provide cover from Vaporizer lasers.
Stage 3 Rewards: Vita Spray (healing item), Photoelectric Cloak (stealth gadget), Snap Hook (mobility tool), 400 Raider Tokens. The total Raider Token payout across all stages is 500, making this project a top choice for cosmetic and weapon part farming.
Pro Tips for Efficient Farming
Group with a squad to speed up progress-solo farming around Assessors is risky due to dense ARC patrols. Use Discord to find teammates for faster clears and shared loot.
Prioritize Close Scrutiny matches for Stages 2 and 3. They are the only way to get Vaporizer Regulators and Assessor Matrixes, and their increased ARC density helps farm other materials faster.
Stockpile materials in your stash-you can gather materials for later stages before unlocking them, which saves time once you progress. Pair the project with side quests like "Clamoring for Attention" to earn extra resources while farming.
Focus on Matriarch raids for Stage 1's Advanced ARC Powercells-they offer the best time-to-material ratio for high-tier components.
Final Notes
The High-Gain Antenna Project is a rewarding addition to Arc Raiders, offering practical weapons, game-changing gadgets, and plenty of cheap ARC Raiders Coins. While it requires time and effort, the process is straightforward with the right strategy.
Remember to stay patient, focus on one stage at a time, and take advantage of Close Scrutiny matches. With these tips, you'll complete the project in no time-and be well-equipped for future raids against the evolving ARC threat.