ARC Raiders: Find Rusted Tools & Unlock Key Upgrades
In the chaotic, machine-infested world of ARC Raiders, survival depends on scavenging every last resource. While you’re grabbing ammo and healing supplies, a crucial item can easily be overlooked: Rusted Tools. This unassuming resource is the key to unlocking some of the most important upgrades for your base of operations, making it an essential material for any serious Raider.
Finding this rare-tier item can be a challenge if you don’t know where to focus your efforts. This guide will break down the best locations to find Rusted Tools, provide efficient farming strategies, and detail exactly what makes them so valuable for your progression.
Where to Find Rusted Tools in ARC Raiders
Rusted Tools are not typically found lying out in open fields or inside residential homes. As their name implies, they are a resource tied to industrial and mechanical areas. To maximize your chances of finding them, you need to prioritize looting specific types of locations within the game world.
Each major area on the map is composed of smaller, named sub-locations that have their own distinct loot pools. Pay close attention to the location name that appears on your HUD as you explore. You are looking for zones that feel like they were once places of work, repair, and industry.
Keep an eye out for these key locations:
- Abandoned Workshops and Garages: These are prime hotspots for Rusted Tools. Search thoroughly on workbenches, inside metal shelving units, and within open tool chests.
- Industrial Zones: Larger factory complexes, warehouses, and processing plants often have dedicated maintenance areas. These sections are goldmines for mechanical parts and tools.
- Maintenance Sheds and Outposts: Smaller, isolated buildings that house machinery or power generators are excellent places to check. Don't ignore them just because they're small.
- Wrecked Vehicles and Machinery: Scavenging around destroyed convoys, downed aircraft, and defunct ARC machinery can sometimes yield a set of Rusted Tools.
The item itself often appears as a small, weathered toolbox or a scattered pile of reddish-brown tools. Because they can blend in with the surrounding industrial clutter, it’s important to keep your eyes peeled and search every container and scannable object in these high-priority zones.
Best Farming Strategies for Rusted Tools
Simply knowing where to look is only half the battle. To efficiently gather Rusted Tools and other valuable resources, you need a smart and repeatable strategy. Wasting time in barren areas will only leave you vulnerable to ARC patrols.
Here are some effective strategies for farming Rusted Tools:
- Plan Your Route: Before a run, open your map and identify a route that connects several industrial or mechanical points of interest. Move methodically from one location to the next, looting them completely before proceeding. This is far more effective than wandering randomly.
- Prioritize Specific Containers: Rusted Tools are most commonly found inside large, red tool chests, on metal shelves, and in supply crates found within workshops and garages. Learn to recognize these containers at a glance and make them your first priority when entering a new building.
- Loot Quickly and Move On: The key to efficient farming is speed. Once you've cleared a high-potential area like a garage, don't linger. Move on to the next point on your planned route. The more locations you can hit, the more chances you have to find rare resources.
- Play with a Squad: Coordinating with a team is a massive advantage. You can cover more ground in less time, and teammates can call out resource locations. Have one player focus on watching for threats while others loot, then rotate roles to keep the team safe and efficient.
- Learn the Spawns: As you play, you will start to notice patterns in where rare resources appear. Make a mental note of specific buildings or rooms where you consistently find Rusted Tools. Over time, you can build a highly effective mental map for your farming runs.
What Are Rusted Tools Used For?
The primary and most critical use for Rusted Tools is unlocking a major upgrade for your Workshop: Gunsmith 2. This upgrade is a significant milestone, opening up a new tier of powerful weapon modifications and crafting blueprints that are essential for taking on tougher ARC enemies. Without a steady supply of Rusted Tools, your progress will inevitably hit a wall.
Beyond this essential upgrade, Rusted Tools have other important uses. They are often required for crafting specific high-tier gadgets, weapon parts, and other pieces of equipment.
Furthermore, if you find yourself with a surplus, Rusted Tools can be recycled at your Workshop. Recycling them provides a healthy return of valuable base materials, including 8 Metal Parts and 1 Steel Spring. This makes them useful even after you’ve unlocked the Gunsmith 2 upgrade, as Metal Parts and Steel Springs are constantly needed for crafting and repairs. Never pass up a set of Rusted Tools, as they always hold value for your progression.
ARC Raiders Rusted Tools FAQ
Q: Are Rusted Tools a rare item in ARC Raiders?
A: Yes, Rusted Tools are classified as a Rare-tier resource. They are significantly less common than basic materials like scrap metal or electronics, so finding a set is always a valuable discovery.
Q: Can you craft Rusted Tools?
A: No, you cannot craft Rusted Tools. They must be found by scavenging and looting within the game world. The only way to acquire them is to explore the high-priority industrial and mechanical locations detailed in this guide.
Q: What is the best use for my first set of Rusted Tools?
A: You should save your first few sets of Rusted Tools specifically for the Gunsmith 2 upgrade at your Workshop. This is one of the most impactful upgrades you can unlock in the early-to-mid game, and it should be your top priority. Do not recycle them until after this upgrade is complete.