How to Find FM Boxes in Arc Raiders (January 2026) Ultimate Guide

Updated by Tanvi Mukherjee
December 24, 2025
RobloxGaming

Finding high-tier loot in Arc Raiders can feel like searching for a needle in a radioactive haystack. Among the most sought-after resources right now is the Frequency Modulation Box (often called the FM Box). Whether you are trying to upgrade your comms array or craft that new Tier 3 weapon attachment, you need these boxes.

After spending dozens of hours in the test build and cross-referencing with the latest community findings, I’ve put together the most comprehensive guide available on where to find these elusive items. Forget running around aimlessly; I’m going to show you exactly where to look.

FM Box Basics

Before we dive into the map, here is a quick cheat sheet on what you are looking for and why it matters.

Feature	Details
Item Name	Frequency Modulation Box (FM Box)
Rarity	High (Uncommon/Rare)
Primary Use	Upgrading Radio Equipment, Crafting Tier 3+ Tech Mods
Best Biome	Industrial Zones & Military Bases
Container Type	Weapon Crates, Toolboxes, Server Racks

What are Frequency Modulation Boxes?

In the world of Arc Raiders, technology is your best weapon against the robotic threats. The Frequency Modulation Box is a specific loot item containing circuitry and radio components used primarily for advanced crafting.

You won’t need these in the first hour of gameplay, but as soon as you hit Level 15 and start looking at the Tech Tree, you’ll realize you are short on them. They are essential for:

Signal Jammers: A craftable item to confuse Arc drones.
Weapon Scopes: High-grade optical attachments.
Lute Upgrades: Enhancing your robotic companion’s hacking abilities.

Because they are high-value, they don’t spawn in the starting safe zones. You have to risk your neck to get them.

Best Locations to Find FM Boxes

Based on my experience and current data for 2026, FM Boxes have a higher spawn probability in specific Points of Interest (POIs). Here are the top three locations where I consistently find them.

1. The Industrial Complex (Spearhead Factory)

This is, without a doubt, the gold mine for FM Boxes. The density of tech-related loot here is unmatched.

Why it works: Factories are lore-accurate spots for electronics manufacturing. The game logic spawns high-tier tech loot here.
Where to look:
- The Main Assembly Line: On the ground floor, look for the conveyor belts. Small FM Boxes often spawn underneath or next to the inactive robotic arms.
- Foreman Offices: Go upstairs. The offices usually contain a “Safe” or a high-tier “Weapon Crate.” I have found FM Boxes in Weapon Crates here about 40% of the time.
- Server Rooms: These are usually in the basement or a locked side room. You need a lockpick or a keypad code (found nearby). Inside, you will find Server Racks which have a high chance to drop FM Boxes.

2. Abandoned Military Outposts

If you prefer a combat-heavy looting run, Military Outposts are your best bet.

Why it works: Military tech relies heavily on encrypted communications, hence the Frequency Modulation Boxes.
Where to look:
- Comms Tents: The large green tents housing radio equipment. Check the tables and the crates specifically marked “Ammo.”
- Guard Towers: Climbing the ladders is worth it. The top of guard towers often has a loot cache. It’s a 50/50 split between getting a scope or an FM Box, but both are valuable.
- Bunkers: These are difficult to clear because they are tight quarters, but they usually contain 2-3 high-tier crates.

3. Radio Towers & Comms Stations

These are scattered across the map, usually on high ground.

Why it works: It’s literally in the name—Frequency Modulation. These towers generate the signals, so the components are naturally there.
Where to look:
- The Base of the Tower: Look for the generator shed. There is almost always a Toolbox or Weapon Crate there.
- The Control Panel: At the top of the tower (if accessible), interact with the panel. Sometimes it grants loot directly, or spawns a container nearby.

Pro Tip: When approaching a Radio Tower, watch the sky. These areas often have patrolling Arc Drones. Use your [Lute] to hack them silently before you start looting, or you’ll get swarmed mid-search.

Specific Container Types

Knowing where to go is half the battle; knowing what to open is the other half. In Arc Raiders, not every crate is equal. If you want FM Boxes, ignore the generic wooden crates and “Food Storage” boxes. Focus on these three:

Weapon Crates (Long & Metal):
- Appearance: Usually green or gunmetal grey metal boxes with latches.
- Contents: Guns, Ammo, Scopes, and FM Boxes.
- Priority: High. Always open these first.
**Toolboxes (Small & Red):
- Appearance: Red portable toolbox.
- Contents: Scrap, crafting materials, and FM Boxes.
- Priority: Medium. They are quick to open, so if you see one, grab it.
Server Racks (Electronic):
- Appearance: Large racks with blinking lights found indoors.
- Contents: Data pads, hard drives, and FM Boxes.
- Priority: High. These are rare and almost always guarantee high-tier tech loot.

Advanced Farming Route (Step-by-Step)

If you want to maximize your haul per hour, don’t just wander. Follow this route. This loop is designed for a standard 3-player squad but works solo if you are stealthy.

Prerequisites:

At least 10 inventory slots free.
A melee weapon for stealth kills.
Medkits (you will need them).

The Route:

Drop at Spearhead Factory (The Industrial Complex):
- Land on the roof to avoid ground patrols.
- Clear the top floor (Office area). Loot the Safe and Weapon Crate.
- Expected Yield: 0-1 FM Boxes.
Move North to the Comms Station:
- It’s about a 2-minute run. Use the trees for cover.
- Clear the perimeter. Hack the turret if it’s active.
- Loot the Generator Shed and climb the tower.
- Expected Yield: 0-1 FM Boxes.
Head East to the Military Checkpoint:
- This area is usually guarded by regular human AI (Scrappers) or basic Arcs.
- Clear the tents. Focus on the “Comms Tent” in the center.
- Expected Yield: 1-2 FM Boxes (This checkpoint is rich in loot).
Extract:
- Don’t get greedy. Call the extraction at the checkpoint helipad.
- Total Time: ~15 minutes.
- Total Haul: 2-4 FM Boxes on average.

Enemies to Watch For

Looting for FM Boxes often puts you in “Red Zone” or “High Danger” areas. Here are the enemies that will ruin your day if you aren’t careful.

Arc Drones (Scouts): These little guys fly around. If they spot you, they call in bigger enemies. If you hear a buzzing sound, look up and shoot it down immediately with a shotgun or pistol.
Tank-type Arcs: You might encounter these at Military Outposts. Don’t waste your ammo fighting them unless you have high-tier explosives. It’s usually better to loot around them or distract them with noisemakers.
Human Snipers: They love the high ground near Radio Towers. When approaching a tower, zigzag run to avoid getting one-shot.

Tips for Efficient Looting

I’ve learned these tricks the hard way. Keep these in mind to save time and keep your loot.

Listen for the “Hum”: High-tier tech crates (the ones that hold FM Boxes) emit a very faint electronic hum. If you are in a building and hear a buzzing noise that isn’t an enemy, it’s likely a Server Rack or special crate nearby.
The “Leave-One” Rule: When looting a building, try to leave one item behind in a crate. This prevents the crate from respawning empty if you happen to loop back (though in Arc Raiders, instances usually reset upon extraction, this is a good habit for survival games in general).
Ping Everything: If you are in a squad, ping the crates. Don’t be the guy who opens a crate, takes the FM Box, and leaves the Scope for your teammate without saying anything. Communication wins games.
Check Vehicles: Sometimes, FM Boxes spawn in the back of technical trucks or jeeps, especially in Military convoys. Don’t ignore the wrecks on the side of the road.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Find Any?

If you’ve run the route above and came up empty, check these factors:

Server Loot RNG: Sometimes, the server instance just has bad luck. If a zone is completely empty, extract and re-queue for a new match.
Already Looted: Another squad might have passed through 5 minutes before you. Check the ground; if doors are open and crates are sparkling but empty, move to the next POI immediately.
Patch Changes: Embark Studios tweaks drop rates frequently. As of January 2026, the drop rate is balanced, but if you feel like it’s nerfed, check the official Arc Raiders Discord to see if a hotfix changed the spawn tables.

Conclusion

Finding Frequency Modulation Boxes in Arc Raiders is all about knowing where to look. Stop searching in residential houses and gas stations; head straight for the Industrial Complexes, Military Bases, and Radio Towers. Focus your efforts on Weapon Crates and Server Racks, and you’ll have enough FM Boxes to max out your tech tree in no time.

Good luck out there, Raiders. Watch the skies, and loot fast.

FAQ

How many Frequency Modulation Boxes do I need for a full upgrade? For a full Tier 3 tech tree unlock in the current patch 2026, you will need approximately 15 to 20 FM Boxes.

Can I buy FM Boxes from vendors? No, currently FM Boxes are not sold by any in-game traders. They must be found in the open world.

Do FM Boxes spawn in safes? Yes, Safes found in offices or boss rooms have a moderate chance to contain FM Boxes alongside Gold and Bars.

What is the fastest way to get FM Boxes solo? Solo players should stick to the edge of the Industrial Complex. Looting the perimeter buildings and the exterior assembly line is lower risk than going into the center of the factory but still yields decent results.

Do higher difficulty levels have more FM Boxes? While not officially confirmed, “High Threat” zones (marked red on the map) definitely have a higher density of Military and Tech crates, which naturally results in more FM Boxes found per hour.