How To Get Spotter Relay Arc Raiders (March 2026) Complete Guide

Arc Raiders Spotter Relay is one of the most valuable uncommon items you can find in the game, but knowing exactly where to look and how to farm it efficiently can make the difference between struggling and thriving. After spending countless hours testing different methods and locations across all maps, I’m here to share everything you need to know about obtaining Spotter Relays in 2026.

Aspect	Details
Item Type	Uncommon Material
Sell Price	2,000 Coins (nerfed from 5,000)
Stack Size	3
Weight	1.0
Sources	Spotters/Surveyors, Arc Couriers
Recycling	2x Electrical Components + 1x ARC Alloy
Cannot Be	Crafted, Salvaged

What Are Spotter Relays?

Spotter Relays are uncommon-grade crafting materials in Arc Raiders that can only be obtained by scavenging destroyed ARC enemies, specifically Spotters (also called Surveyors) and Arc Couriers. These items serve as valuable resources that can either be sold for a decent profit or recycled into essential crafting materials.

The recent patch 1.2.0 brought significant changes to the game’s economy, including a substantial nerf to Spotter Relay values. Previously worth 5,000 coins each, they now sell for 2,000 coins at traders. While this might seem like a downgrade, they remain one of the more valuable uncommon materials you can farm consistently.

Why Spotter Relays Matter:

• They provide a reliable source of income for new players
• Essential for crafting Electrical Components and ARC Alloy
• Drop consistently from specific enemy types
• Can be found across all major map locations

How to Obtain Spotter Relays?

Primary Sources: Spotters/Surveyors

The most reliable method for obtaining Spotter Relays is by destroying Spotters (also referred to as Surveyors in some contexts). These flying ARC units are relatively easy to defeat but require specific strategies to farm efficiently.

Spotter Characteristics:

• Always spawn in pairs
• Accompanied by Bombardiers (dangerous ground units)
• Laser-designate players as targets for Bombardier attacks
• Respawn quickly after being destroyed
• Easy to kill with most weapon types

Secondary Sources: Arc Couriers

Arc Couriers represent another potential source of Spotter Relays. These are crashed transport units that can be found scattered across various maps. However, the loot from Arc Couriers is randomized, meaning there’s no guarantee of finding Spotter Relays inside them.

Arc Courier Details:

• Found crashed on the ground
• Must be breached to access contents
• Randomized loot system
• Lower reliability compared to Spotters
• Worth checking when encountered

Best Farming Locations by Map

After extensive testing across all available maps, I’ve identified the most reliable locations for finding Spotters and farming Spotter Relays consistently.

Dam Battlegrounds

Loading Bay Area near the Research and Administration building is your best bet here. This location frequently spawns Spotter pairs, and the layout provides excellent cover from Bombardier attacks.

Strategy Tips:

• Use the loading bay structures for cover
• Focus on Spotters first before engaging Bombardiers
• Clear one pair, wait for respawn, repeat
• Bring ammo-efficient weapons for sustained farming

Buried City

Santa Maria Houses and Marano Park offer excellent opportunities for Spotter farming. The Parking Garage near the Hospital Building is another hotspot that consistently produces Spotter spawns.

Why These Locations Work:

• Open areas with good visibility
• Multiple cover options
• Consistent spawn patterns
• Easy escape routes if overwhelmed

Spaceport

The Spaceport offers four prime locations for Spotter farming:

• Departure Building
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Rocket Assembly
• South Trench Tower

Spaceport Advantages:

• High spawn density
• Vertical gameplay opportunities
• Multiple farming routes
• Excellent loot potential in surrounding areas

Blue Gate

Raider’s Refuge and Checkpoint areas provide reliable Spotter spawns. These locations are particularly good for newer players due to their straightforward layouts and abundant cover options.

Advanced Farming Strategies

The Bombardier-Spotter Dynamic

Understanding the relationship between Bombardiers and Spotters is crucial for efficient farming. Spotters serve as spotters for Bombardiers, laser-designating targets for missile attacks. This dynamic can be exploited for consistent farming.

Optimal Strategy:

1. Identify Bombardier locations
2. Take cover immediately to avoid missile fire
3. Eliminate Spotters quickly with precision weapons
4. Wait for new Spotters to spawn
5. Repeat the process

Weapon Recommendations

Based on extensive testing, these weapons work best for Spotter farming:

Primary Choices:

• Assault Rifles: Good balance of damage and ammo efficiency
• SMGs: Excellent for close-quarters engagements
• Marksman Rifles: Precision targeting from safe distances

Ammo Considerations:

• Bring at least 300-400 rounds for extended farming sessions
• Consider ammo crafting capabilities
• Prioritize common ammo types for sustainability

Team Coordination

Farming with a squad significantly increases efficiency:

• Spotter Killer: Dedicated player focusing on Spotters
• Bombardier Handler: Player managing ground threats
• Loot Collector: Player gathering materials quickly
• Lookout: Player watching for additional threats

Recycling vs. Selling: Making the Right Choice

One common question I see is whether to sell Spotter Relays or recycle them. The answer depends on your current needs and progression level.

When to Sell?

Sell Spotter Relays if:

• You need immediate cash for better equipment
• You have surplus Electrical Components and ARC Alloy
• You’re focusing on quick progression
• Market prices are favorable (currently 2,000 coins each)

When to Recycle?

Recycle Spotter Relays if:

• You need crafting materials for upgrades
• Electrical Components are in high demand
• You’re working on specific blueprints
• Long-term resource management is your priority

Recycling Output:

• 2x Electrical Components
• 1x ARC Alloy

These materials are essential for various crafting recipes and base upgrades, making recycling valuable for players focused on long-term progression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping dozens of players optimize their Spotter Relay farming, I’ve identified these common pitfalls:

1. Ignoring Cover

Many players rush into open areas trying to spot Spotters, only to get eliminated by Bombardiers. Always prioritize cover and use tactical positioning.

2. Wasting Ammo on Bombardiers

While Bombardiers are threats, focus your primary effort on Spotters. They’re your target for Spotter Relays, and Bombardiers can often be avoided or handled strategically.

3. Poor Inventory Management

With a stack size of only 3, proper inventory management is crucial. Plan your farming routes around trader locations or recycling points.

4. Ignoring Respawn Timers

Spotters respawn consistently after being destroyed. Learn the respawn patterns at each location to maximize your farming efficiency.

5. Solo Farming Difficult Locations

Some locations are much more manageable with a team. Don’t hesitate to group up for higher-yield farming spots.

Economic Impact of Recent Changes

The patch 1.2.0 changes significantly impacted the Spotter Relay market. Understanding these changes helps optimize your farming strategy.

Value Nerf Analysis

Previous Value: 5,000 coins Current Value: 2,000 coins Percentage Decrease: 60%

What This Means:

• Farming is less profitable but still viable
• Focus shifts toward volume farming
• Recycling becomes relatively more attractive
• Market saturation is less likely

Adaptation Strategies

Post-Nerf Optimization:

1. Focus on high-density spawn locations
2. Improve farming efficiency and speed
3. Consider team-based farming for better results
4. Balance between selling and recycling based on needs

Advanced Tips from Experienced Raiders

Movement Techniques

Master these movement patterns for optimal Spotter farming:

• Peek Shooting: Quick exposure for accurate shots
• Strafe Aiming: Maintaining mobility while targeting
• Cover Transitions: Moving safely between positions
• Escape Routes: Always knowing your exit strategy

Loadout Optimization

Essential Equipment:

• Ammo-efficient primary weapon
• Backup weapon for different ranges
• Medical supplies for sustained farming
• Utility items for tactical advantages

Time Management

Optimal Farming Windows:

• Early morning: Less competition, more spawns
• Mid-week: Lower player density
• Post-patch days: Fresh economy, better prices

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Low Spawn Rates

If you’re not finding enough Spotters:

• Check server population (lower pop = fewer spawns)
• Try different times of day
• Move to alternative locations
• Consider server hopping if available

Inventory Management

Running out of space quickly:

• Plan routes around traders/recyclers
• Prioritize high-value items
• Use team coordination for loot distribution
• Consider backpack upgrades

Combat Difficulties

Struggling with Bombardiers:

• Focus on cover usage
• Learn attack patterns
• Use environmental advantages
• Consider specialized loadouts

Future Outlook and Speculation

Based on developer communications and community trends, here’s what we might expect for Spotter Relays in future updates:

Potential Changes

Likely Developments:

• New crafting recipes using Spotter Relays
• Additional sources or methods for obtaining them
• Economic balancing adjustments
• Community events featuring increased drop rates

Investment Strategies

Long-term Considerations:

• Stockpile during low-value periods
• Monitor patch notes for economic changes
• Diversify farming methods
• Stay engaged with community updates

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Spotter Relays can I carry at once?

You can carry a maximum of 3 Spotter Relays in a single stack due to their stack size limit. Consider team coordination or multiple trips for larger farming sessions.

Are Spotter Relays worth farming after the nerf?

Yes, they’re still valuable! While the sell price decreased from 5,000 to 2,000 coins, they remain one of the more reliable uncommon items for farming and provide essential crafting materials when recycled.

Can I craft Spotter Relays?

No, Spotter Relays cannot be crafted. They can only be obtained by scavenging destroyed Spotters/Surveyors or from Arc Couriers.

What’s the best map for Spotter Relay farming?

Spaceport offers the most consistent opportunities with four prime locations (Departure Building, Vehicle Maintenance, Rocket Assembly, and South Trench Tower), but Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City are also excellent choices.

Should I sell or recycle Spotter Relays?

This depends on your needs. Sell if you need immediate cash or have surplus crafting materials. Recycle if you need Electrical Components and ARC Alloy for crafting and upgrades.

Do Spotters respawn after being destroyed?

Yes, Spotters respawn consistently after being destroyed, typically in pairs. Learn the respawn patterns at each location for optimal farming efficiency.

Are Spotters dangerous enemies?

Spotters themselves are relatively weak and easy to destroy, but they’re always accompanied by Bombardiers, which are highly dangerous. Focus on taking cover and eliminating Spotters quickly.

Can I find Spotter Relays in Arc Couriers every time?

No, Arc Couriers have randomized loot, so there’s no guarantee of finding Spotter Relays inside them. They’re a secondary source compared to the more reliable Spotters.

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Conclusion

Mastering Spotter Relay farming in Arc Raiders requires understanding enemy patterns, knowing the best locations, and adapting to the game’s evolving economy. While the recent value nerf in patch 1.2.0 reduced individual profits, strategic farming and smart resource management can still yield excellent results.

Remember to stay updated with official patch notes and community discussions, as the economic landscape continues to evolve. Whether you’re saving up for better equipment or building your crafting material reserves, Spotter Relays remain a valuable resource for dedicated Raiders.

Happy farming, and may your extraction be successful!

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• ARC Raiders: 10 Best Weapons for Dam Battlegrounds – Perfect for optimizing your Spotter farming loadout
• Which Items Are Safe to Recycle in ARC Raiders – Essential for making smart recycling decisions
• How to Unlock Stella Montis Arc Raiders – New content and farming opportunities
• Arc Raiders Best Skill Tree After Expedition – Optimize your character for efficient farming
• How to Kill the Queen With One Grenade in Arc Raiders – Advanced combat techniques