Arc Raiders Open ARC Probes Trial Guide (March 2026)

Looking to dominate the Open ARC Probes Trial in Arc Raiders? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to complete this weekly trial with ease, whether you’re aiming for a quick 3-star completion or pushing for maximum leaderboard points. Based on the latest game mechanics and updated strategies from 2026, this guide covers optimal routes, scoring mechanics, loadout recommendations, and pro tips that most players miss.

Aspect	Key Information	Best Choice
Best Map	Spaceport, The Blue Gate	Spaceport (Electromagnetic Storm)
Score per Probe	1334 points (2x modifier)	3 probes = 4002 points
Required for 3-Star	4000 points	3 clustered probes
Best Event	Electromagnetic Storm	2x multiplier, cluster spawns
Team Size	Solo, Duo, Trio	Duo/Trio for max score

Understanding the Open ARC Probes Trial

Trial Mechanics and Scoring

The Open ARC Probes Trial is one of the rotating weekly challenges in Arc Raiders that tests your efficiency in locating and searching ARC probes scattered across the map. Unlike many other trials that focus on combat, this trial emphasizes exploration, awareness, and strategic route planning.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Each ARC probe searched: 1334 points
• Required for 3-star completion: 4000 points
• With 2x modifier (Electromagnetic Storm): Same points but increased spawn rates
• Maximum potential score: 60,000+ points (team strategies)

Critical Insight: You don’t need to be the first player to breach a probe to earn points! If you find an already-opened probe, simply searching it will still award you full points. This game-changing tip means you can follow other players or clean up previously discovered probes without penalty.

Probe Types and Identification

ARC probes come in three distinct sizes, each with unique characteristics:

1. Small Probes (Hornet-sized): Easiest to spot, quick to search
2. Medium Probes (Rocketeer-sized): Moderate visibility, standard search time
3. Large Probes (Baron-sized): Most visible but release fire when breached

Visual Indicators:

• Black smoke plumes rising from crashed probes
• Distinctive beeping sounds that increase in proximity
• Glowing electronic components on intact probes
• Crash impact craters and debris fields

Optimal Map and Event Selection

Best Maps for Open ARC Probes

Based on extensive testing and community feedback, certain maps provide superior advantages for this trial:

1. Spaceport (S-Tier)

• Large open areas for maximum visibility
• Multiple probe spawn clusters during events
• Excellent vantage points from elevated structures
• Easy extraction access

2. The Blue Gate (A-Tier)

• East side optimal: Ancient Fort, Broken Earth, Maintenance Bunker exterior, Ridgeline
• Good probe density in central areas
• Mix of open and covered terrain

3. Dam Battlegrounds (B-Tier)

• Workable but less efficient
• More verticality can obscure probe visibility
• Longer travel times between spawn points

Electromagnetic Storm: The Ultimate Modifier

The Electromagnetic Storm event is your golden ticket for maximum efficiency in the Open ARC Probes Trial:

Benefits:

• 2x Trials Multiplier (standard for all events)
• Probes spawn in clusters of three
• Increased overall probe density
• Higher loot value for additional rewards

Environmental Challenges:

• Lightning strikes that can damage players
• Fewer active Return Points
• No active Raider Hatches
• Electronic interference effects

Pro Tip: Time your raid attempts to coincide with Electromagnetic Storm events using the in-game event timer or community resources. The cluster spawning mechanic means you can complete the 3-star requirement in a single location!

Loadout Optimization

Essential Equipment

While the Open ARC Probes Trial is relatively combat-light compared to other weekly challenges, proper preparation ensures maximum efficiency:

Primary Weapon:

• Anvil IV (preferred) or Anvil I: Excellent for dealing with aggressive ARC
• High fire rate for quick threat elimination
• Ample heavy ammo availability (80+ recommended)

Secondary Weapon:

• Tactical MK.2: Versatile for various encounter ranges
• Good ammo economy for extended raids

Defensive Equipment:

• Light Shield: Essential for emergency protection
• 5-10 Shield Rechargers: Maintain mobility and safety
• 15+ Bandages: Healing for environmental damage and combat

Utility Items:

• 10-15 Adrenaline Shots: Speed optimization for route efficiency
• 2-5 Smoke Grenades: Escape and positioning tools

Free Loadout Strategy

The trial is completely free-loadout friendly, making it accessible to all players:

Advantages:

• Zero risk of losing valuable equipment
• Focus purely on probe collection
• Lower stress environment for learning routes

Considerations:

• Slower movement without Adrenaline Shots
• Limited combat capabilities
• May need more time for completion

Recommended Free Loadout Approach: Start with basic equipment, focus on probe locations, and extract immediately after achieving 3-star requirement.

Route Strategies by Team Size

Solo Route Optimization

Solo players face time constraints and must prioritize efficiency:

Spaceport Solo Route:

1. Spawn near Departure Building
2. Check immediate area for probe clusters
3. Move along perimeter clockwise
4. Focus on high-probability spawn points
5. Keep extraction point accessible

Key Solo Tips:

• Stick to established routes for consistency
• Prioritize probe clusters over single probes
• Use elevated positions for better visibility
• Extract immediately after 4000 points (3 probes)

Efficiency Target: 4000-8000 points for quick 3-star completion

Duo Strategy

Duo teams can split responsibilities for maximum coverage:

Optimal Duo Split:

• Player 1: Blue path (center areas)
• Player 2: Red path (trench-side and perimeter)
• Maintain communication for probe discoveries
• Share extraction point information

Advantages:

• Nearly double the probe collection rate
• Mutual support for combat encounters
• Can cover more spawn locations

Safety Considerations:

• Stay within reasonable distance of each other
• Establish rally points for emergencies
• Coordinate extraction timing

Score Target: 15,000-25,000 points

Trio Maximum Score Strategy

Three-player teams can achieve the highest scores through complete map coverage:

Optimal Trio Division:

• Player 1: Northern sectors and central areas
• Player 2: Eastern and southern regions
• Player 3: Western perimeter and extraction zones

Advanced Tactics:

• Complete map sweep for maximum probe discovery
• Coordinate to avoid duplicate probe searches
• Use one player as scout/spotter
• Maintain constant communication via voice chat

Score Potential: 40,000-60,000+ points with optimal execution

Advanced Techniques and Pro Tips

Visual and Audio Detection

Mastering probe detection is crucial for efficiency:

Visual Cues:

• Black smoke plumes visible from long distances
• Metallic glint on intact probes
• Crash debris patterns and impact craters
• Disturbed terrain around probe locations

Audio Signals:

• Electronic beeping that intensifies with proximity
• Distinctive activation sounds when nearby
• Environmental audio cues during storms

Detection Strategy:

• Combine visual scanning with audio awareness
• Use elevated positions for better visibility
• Check high-probability areas first
• Learn spawn patterns through repetition

Movement and Positioning

Optimal movement patterns significantly impact completion time:

Efficient Movement Principles:

• Use natural terrain features for cover
• Maintain high ground when possible
• Plan routes around extraction points
• Minimize backtracking and redundant movement

Positioning Tactics:

• Scan 360 degrees regularly
• Use cover while checking open areas
• Maintain escape routes at all times
• Position for multiple probe visibility

Combat Integration

While not the primary focus, combat skills enhance trial completion:

Combat Priorities:

• Eliminate threats quickly to maintain probe focus
• Use environmental advantages during fights
• Preserve resources for probe collection
• Know when to avoid unnecessary engagements

Weapon Management:

• Conserve ammo for essential threats only
• Use appropriate weapons for different ARC types
• Maintain reload discipline during probe searches
• Balance combat readiness with exploration focus

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Route Planning Errors

Mistake 1: Random Exploration

• Wandering without clear direction
• Inefficient pathing between probes
• Missing high-density spawn areas

Solution: Follow established routes and stick to high-probability areas

Mistake 2: Ignoring Event Timers

• Missing optimal Electromagnetic Storm windows
• Playing during low-spawn periods
• Not planning around event schedules

Solution: Time raids for optimal conditions and use community resources

Resource Management Issues

Mistake 3: Over-preparation

• Bringing excessive combat equipment
• Wasting inventory space on unnecessary items
• Slowing movement with heavy loadouts

Solution: Focus on mobility and essential supplies only

Mistake 4: Poor Extraction Planning

• Losing progress due to late extraction attempts
• Getting caught in combat during extraction
• Not having clear extraction routes

Solution: Plan extraction points and execute early when objectives are met

Scoring Misunderstandings

Mistake 5: Ignoring Already-Opened Probes

• Skipping previously breached probes
• Losing potential points from others’ discoveries
• Inefficient probe collection

Solution: Always search every probe you encounter, regardless of status

Mistake 6: Over-collecting for 3-Star

• Continuing after achieving 4000 points
• Unnecessary risk exposure
• Wasting time on exceeded objectives

Solution: Extract immediately upon reaching 3-star threshold unless pushing for leaderboard positions

Platform-Specific Considerations

PC Optimizations

Visual Settings:

• Maximize draw distance for probe visibility
• Adjust effects for clarity during storms
• Optimize frame rate for smooth scanning

Control Advantages:

• Precise aiming for distant probe identification
• Quick inventory management
• Efficient communication via keyboard

Console Adaptations

Controller Configuration:

• Optimize sensitivity for scanning
• Map frequently used actions to accessible buttons
• Use aim assist for probe identification

Visual Adjustments:

• Increase brightness for probe visibility
• Adjust color settings for contrast
• Use larger UI elements for readability

Community Resources and Updates

Official Channels

Stay updated with the latest trial changes and strategies:

Official Discord: Join 993,809+ members for real-time discussions Twitter/X: @ARCRaidersGame for official announcements Reddit Community: r/ArcRaiders for player strategies and experiences

Third-Party Resources

MetaForge App: Comprehensive trial guides and real-time event timers Community Wiki: Detailed game mechanics and spawn information Content Creator Guides: Video walkthroughs and advanced strategies

FAQ

Why am I not finding enough probes?

Common Causes:

• Playing during non-optimal event times
• Searching low-probability areas
• Not using visual/audio cues effectively

Solutions:

• Wait for Electromagnetic Storm events
• Focus on recommended maps and routes
• Improve detection techniques and awareness

How do I deal with aggressive players during the trial?

Defensive Strategies:

• Use smoke grenades for escape
• Maintain distance from other teams
• Choose less populated server times
• Focus on quick 3-star completion and extraction

What’s the fastest way to complete the 3-star requirement?

Speed Run Strategy:

1. Join during Electromagnetic Storm
2. Land at Spaceport
3. Find first probe cluster (3 probes)
4. Search all three quickly (4002 points)
5. Extract immediately

Time: 5-10 minutes maximum with optimal execution

Can I complete this trial without combat?

Peaceful Completion:

• Yes, focus on avoidance and stealth
• Use free loadout to reduce risk
• Choose less populated areas
• Extract immediately upon objective completion

How often do trial rotations change?

Rotation Schedule:

• New trial set every week
• Open ARC Probes appears regularly in rotation
• Check official channels for current schedule

Conclusion

The Open ARC Probes Trial in Arc Raiders offers an excellent opportunity for players of all skill levels to earn valuable rewards while practicing exploration and awareness skills. Whether you’re a solo player looking for quick 3-star completion or a competitive team pushing for leaderboard dominance, the strategies outlined in this guide will help you achieve your goals efficiently.

Key Takeaways:

• Spaceport during Electromagnetic Storm is optimal
• You don’t need to breach probes first to earn points
• Cluster spawns make 3-star completion very quick
• Team play dramatically increases scoring potential
• Proper route planning is essential for efficiency

Remember to bookmark this guide for future reference, as trial mechanics and optimal strategies may evolve with game updates. Stay connected with the Arc Raiders community through official channels for the latest information and share your own discoveries with fellow Raiders!