How To Get Arc Raiders Watch Event Loot (March 2026) Expert Guide

Updated by Sunny Kaushik
February 11, 2026
Gaming

The Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event is currently the hottest topic for survivors gearing up to fight the mechanical menace. If you are anything like me, you love free in-game cosmetics that give your character a unique edge without spending extra cash. This event is a fantastic opportunity to deck out your loadout simply by tuning into your favorite streamers.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through exactly what the Shared Watch Event is, every single reward you can unlock, and the step-by-step process to ensure you don’t miss a single drop. I’ve dug through the official patch notes and community discussions to bring you the most accurate information available for March 2026.

Quick Overview of Rewards

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, here is a quick table summarizing the rewards available during this event window. This gives you a snapshot of what is up for grabs.

Watch Time Requirement	Reward Name	Reward Type	Rarity
30 Minutes	Shared Watch Badge	In-game Title/Badge	Common
1 Hour	Patched Up Skin	Character Cosmetic	Rare
2 Hours	Scrapseeker Backpack	Back Bling	Epic
4 Hours	Mechanical Skull Charm	Weapon Charm	Legendary
Total	4 Exclusive Items	Full Set	Various

Note: Times are cumulative. You do not need to watch for 4 hours straight in one sitting, but the total viewing time must be reached across participating streams.

What is the Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event?

For those new to the scene, Arc Raiders is the highly anticipated free-to-play extraction shooter from Embark Studios. The “Shared Watch Event” is a promotional campaign designed to hype up the community and reward players for engaging with the game’s ecosystem on streaming platforms like Twitch.

Unlike standard battle passes that require grinding gameplay hours, this event leverages “Twitch Drops.” Essentially, developers partner with streamers to give away loot to viewers. It’s a win-win: streamers get more viewers, and we get cool, exclusive gear that might not be available again once the event ends in 2026.

Based on my research across top gaming communities, the consensus is that these specific cosmetic items will likely become “legacy” items—status symbols showing you were part of the game’s early evolution.

Why You Should Participate?

You might be wondering, “Is it really worth the hassle?” From my experience, yes. Extraction shooters thrive on customization. Being able to spot your teammates or distinguish your character in the heat of a chaotic raid against Arcs is crucial. Plus, the Patched Up Skin included in this tier list has a rugged, survivor aesthetic that fits the game’s lore perfectly.

All Shared Watch Event Rewards Detailed

Let’s break down the loot. I’ve analyzed the assets and descriptions so you know exactly what you are grinding for.

1. Shared Watch Badge (30 Mins)

This is the entry-level reward. It’s a small but significant identifier. It usually appears next to your name in the lobby or on your character’s ID card. While it doesn’t change gameplay, it signals to other players that you are an active community member.

2. Patched Up Skin (1 Hour)

This is the first major cosmetic. The Patched Up Skin applies to your base character model. It features heavy stitching, reinforced fabric, and a look that says “I’ve survived Arc attacks before.” It’s one of the more lore-friendly skins in the game right now.

3. Scrapseeker Backpack (2 Hours)

In Arc Raiders, inventory management is key. The Scrapseeker Backpack is not just a cosmetic; in some game modes, backpacks alter your visual silhouette, which can actually be a tactical disadvantage (or advantage) depending on how you play. Visually, it looks like it’s cobbled together from old scavenged tech, complete with dangling wires and rusted metal.

4. Mechanical Skull Charm (4 Hours)

The crown jewel of the event. This Legendary Weapon Charm can be attached to your primary weapons. It features a small, polished skull made of mechanical parts. It adds a menacing flair to your rifle or sniper and is easily the most desirable item for collectors.

How To Get the Rewards: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting these rewards isn’t just about turning on Twitch and walking away. You need to ensure your accounts are talking to each other correctly. I’ve seen too many people miss out because they skipped a simple linkage step. Follow this process exactly to secure your loot.

Phase 1: Preparation

1. Create Your Arc Raiders Account
If you haven’t already, head over to the official Arc Raiders website and create an account. Make sure this is the account you intend to play the game with.

2. Set Up Your Twitch Account
Ensure you are logged into your Twitch account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to sign up—it’s free.

Phase 2: Linking Accounts

This is the most critical step where errors usually happen.

Go to the Twitch Connections page (twitch.tv/connections).
Scroll down to the Connections section.
Look for Arc Raiders or Embark Studios in the list of services.
Click Connect.
You will be redirected to an Arc Raiders login page. Authorize the connection.
Verification: Once connected, you should see a green checkmark or “Linked” status next to Arc Raiders on your Twitch connections page.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple Arc Raider accounts (for different regions or platforms), double-check that the email linked to Twitch matches the one you use for your primary game profile.

Phase 3: Watching Streams

Now that the technical side is sorted, it’s time to grind the watch time.

1. Find Participating Channels
Not every streamer will have drops enabled. To find eligible streams:

Go to the Arc Raiders category on Twitch.
Look for the tag “Drops Enabled” on the thumbnail of the livestream.
Alternatively, check the official Arc Raiders Twitter or Discord for a list of partnered streamers.

2. The Viewing Rules

Minimum Quality: You usually need to watch at a quality of 480p or higher. I recommend 720p or 1080p to ensure the tracker doesn’t glitch.
Activity: Twitch has systems to detect “botting.” Don’t mute the tab entirely or leave it paused. You don’t have to be glued to the screen, but keeping the volume low or interacting in the chat occasionally helps confirm you are a human viewer.
Progress Tracking: At the top of the Twitch chat window on a Drops Enabled channel, you should see a progress bar or a countdown timer indicating how close you are to the next reward.

Phase 4: Claiming and Receiving

1. Claiming the Drop
When the progress bar hits 100% for a tier, a notification will pop up on the Twitch video player. You must click the “Claim” button on that notification. If you don’t click it, you won’t get the item. You usually have up to 24 hours to claim it after the session ends, but I recommend doing it immediately.

2. In-Game Delivery
Once claimed, the items are sent to your game account.

For PC (Steam/Epic): They should appear in your inventory immediately or upon the next login.
For Console: Sometimes requires a full reboot of the game client to sync the inventory.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, tech hiccups happen. Here are solutions to the most common problems I’ve encountered during watch events.

Issue 1: Progress Bar Not Moving

Check Connection: Go back to Twitch Connections and ensure Arc Raiders is still linked. Connections sometimes drop.
Incognito Mode: Try watching in an Incognito/Private window. Extensions like ad blockers can sometimes interfere with the drop script.
Device Limits: Ensure you aren’t watching on multiple devices at once. Drops usually track one active session per account.

Issue 2: “Inventory Full” Error

Arc Raiders has a stash limit. If your in-game inventory is maxed out, the system might fail to deliver the cosmetic.

Solution: Clear some space in your stash or inventory, then relog into the game.

Issue 3: Claimed Item Not Showing Up

This is almost always a synchronization delay.

Solution: Completely close the game client (ensure it’s not running in the background) and restart it. If that fails, unlink and relink your Twitch account, then log in again.

Pro Tips for the Event

To get the most out of the Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event, here are some advanced strategies I use:

The Overnight Strategy: If you are comfortable leaving your PC on, find a streamer who streams for long hours (8+ hours) while you sleep. Ensure your power settings are set to “Never sleep” so the stream doesn’t cut out.
Mobile Viewing: If you are on the go, you can watch on the Twitch mobile app. Just make sure you are logged into the correct account that is linked to your Arc Raiders profile.
Chat Interaction: Engaging with the chat not only helps the algorithm detect you as a real person but can also be fun. You might learn new game mechanics while waiting for your rewards.

Platform Specifics

PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)

The integration is generally seamless on PC. However, if you play through Steam but linked your Twitch via an Epic Games account, you might run into issues. Ensure your publisher accounts (Embark) are unified across platforms.

PlayStation and Xbox

Console players need to link their Twitch accounts via the QR code method or a browser, as you can’t easily do complex account management on the console dashboard itself. Remember to “claim” the drop on your phone/PC, then jump onto your console to sync the loot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most pressing questions from the community regarding the Shared Watch Event.

When does the Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event end?

The event typically runs for a limited window, often coinciding with a playtest or a major update patch. As of March 2026, you should check the official Arc Raiders Twitter for the exact countdown timer. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Do I need to buy the game to get the rewards?

No. While Arc Raiders is a free-to-play title, you can earn these Twitch Drops and hold them in your account inventory even if you haven’t downloaded the game client yet. They will be waiting for you when you finally start your first raid.

Can I watch VODs (Videos on Demand) to get drops?

Generally, no. Twitch Drops are usually only enabled for Live streams. Watching a recorded past broadcast (VOD) will not progress your drop bar. You must be present when the streamer is live.

Can I watch multiple streams at once to speed it up?

I wish! Unfortunately, Twitch only allows progress for one channel at a time per account. Watching four streams on four tabs will not make the timer go four times faster. It will likely just confuse the system and grant you progress for only one.

What if I miss the event?

While there is always a chance rewards return in the future, developers explicitly state that these cosmetics are exclusive to the event window. Your best bet is to carve out 4 hours before 2026 ends to ensure you lock them in.

Conclusion

The Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event is one of the easiest ways to build your cosmetic collection early in the game’s lifecycle. The Mechanical Skull Charm and Scrapseeker Backpack are going to be highly sought after, so you want to secure them now.

By following the steps above—linking your accounts correctly, watching “Drops Enabled” streams, and claiming your rewards promptly—you will have the full set in no time. Good luck out there, survivors, and I’ll see you in the extraction zone! Don’t forget to bookmark this page for any updates or changes to the reward schedule in 2026.