ARC Raiders: Prickly Pear Locations & Scrappy Upgrades
Welcome, Raider. As you navigate the dangerous and beautiful world of ARC Raiders, you’ll quickly learn that survival isn't just about firepower—it's about preparation, resourcefulness, and upgrading your gear. One of the most sought-after resources early on is the humble Prickly Pear. This vibrant desert fruit is the key to unlocking the full potential of your trusty companion, Scrappy.
This guide will break down exactly what Prickly Pears are, why you desperately need them, and most importantly, the best places to find them.
What Are Prickly Pears in ARC Raiders?
In the world of ARC Raiders, Prickly Pears are a specific type of flora that acts as a crucial upgrade material. You won't be eating these to regain health; instead, you'll be gathering them to enhance your robotic sidekick. They are found growing on cacti and are identifiable by their bright, reddish-purple color, which makes them stand out against the green pads of the cactus and the muted tones of the game's arid landscapes.
Finding these is a top priority for any player looking to improve their effectiveness in the field. They are not just a cosmetic item but a direct component for progression, making them a hot commodity during any expedition.
Why Scrappy Needs Prickly Pears
Your companion, Scrappy, is more than just a mechanical pet; it's a vital tool in your arsenal. This small, bird-like robot assists you in numerous ways, from locating resources to providing support in combat. However, its base-level capabilities are just the beginning.
To make Scrappy a truly indispensable partner, you must upgrade it. This is where Prickly Pears come into play. They are a required ingredient for specific upgrade paths that can enhance Scrappy’s abilities, such as improving its scanning range, unlocking new support functions, or increasing its durability. Neglecting these upgrades means leaving a significant tactical advantage on the table. A fully upgraded Scrappy can be the difference between a successful extraction and a failed mission, making the hunt for Prickly Pears a foundational part of your journey.
The Best Locations to Find Prickly Pears
The golden rule for finding Prickly Pears is simple: where there are cacti, there is hope. These valuable fruits grow exclusively on cactus plants, which are predominantly found in the drier, more desert-like biomes of the map. While they can occasionally be found in transitional zones, your best bet is to focus on specific types of terrain.
Here are the prime environments to search for Prickly Pears:
- Sandy Plains and Dunes: Wide-open areas with sandy ground are often dotted with cactus patches. These locations are excellent because they offer good visibility, allowing you to spot the distinctive shape of the cacti from a distance.
- Rocky Outcrops and Canyons: The bases of cliffs and rocky formations in arid regions are hotspots for cacti. Scan the ledges and crevices as you travel through these areas. The contrast between the rock and the green cactus can make them easy to spot.
- Dry Riverbeds: Areas that look like they were once home to rivers are often filled with the kind of hardy vegetation that includes cacti. Follow these natural pathways and keep your eyes peeled.
- Near Roadsides in Desert Zones: The disturbed earth alongside abandoned roads and paths in the desert biomes is another common place for these plants to grow. Driving along these routes and scanning the sides can be an efficient farming method.
Visually, you are looking for a classic paddle cactus. The plant consists of flat, green pads, and the Prickly Pears themselves are the small, reddish-pink fruits that grow along the edges of these pads. Their vibrant color is your biggest clue.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Farming Prickly Pears
Knowing where to look is half the battle. To truly maximize your haul, you need an efficient strategy. Follow these steps to create a reliable farming route for this essential resource.
- Plan Your Route: Before deploying, look at your map and identify a large, arid region. Plan a path that takes you through several of the terrain types listed above, such as starting in a sandy basin and moving towards a rocky canyon.
- Use a Vehicle: On foot, you can miss a lot. Using one of the game's vehicles allows you to cover vast distances quickly. Drive at a moderate speed and pan your camera to scan the landscape for cactus patches.
- Scan and Harvest: Once you spot a cactus, approach it. The Prickly Pears will be visibly attached. Simply interact with the plant to harvest the fruit. Make sure to collect from every cactus in a given patch before moving on.
- Stay Alert: Farming zones are often patrol routes for enemy ARC units. Don't get so focused on a cactus that you miss the tell-tale signs of an approaching threat. Listen for audio cues and keep your head on a swivel.
- Remember and Return: Resources in ARC Raiders will respawn. If you find a particularly dense cluster of cacti, make a mental note of the location. It will be a reliable farming spot you can return to in future runs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many Prickly Pears do I need to upgrade Scrappy?
A: The exact quantity of Prickly Pears required depends on the specific upgrade you are trying to craft. Early upgrades may only require a few, while higher-tier enhancements will demand a larger amount. It's always a good idea to gather as many as you can whenever you see them.
Q: Do Prickly Pears respawn in the same spot?
A: Yes, like other natural resources in the game, Prickly Pears and their host cacti will respawn. After a location has been harvested, it will be replenished in a subsequent mission or after a certain amount of time has passed, making it possible to establish and reuse effective farming routes.
Q: Are there any tools that make harvesting easier?
A: Currently, harvesting Prickly Pears is a simple interaction. You do not need any special tools to gather them. Just approach the plant and use the interact key. Your most valuable tool for this task is a vehicle to help you find the cacti more quickly.