Where to Find Film Reel in Arc Raiders (March 2026) Expert Guide
Are you struggling to find Film Reels in Arc Raiders? You’re not alone. These elusive trinkets have become essential items with the Flickering Flames event, and knowing exactly where to look can save you hours of frustrating searching. As someone who’s spent countless hours looting every residential container across Speranza, I’m here to share everything you need to know about finding Film Reels efficiently.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the best locations, farming strategies, and insider tips that most players miss. Whether you’re a seasoned raider or just starting your journey, this guide will transform you from a frustrated scavenger into a Film Reel-hunting machine.
Quick Overview: Film Reel Basics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Rare Trinket |
| Sell Value | 2,000 Coins |
| Event Use | Flickering Flames Stage 3/5 |
| Quantity Needed | 2 Film Reels |
| Stack Size | 3 |
| Weight | 0.2 |
| Finding Method | Looting Only (Cannot be crafted/purchased) |
Understanding Film Reels and Their Importance
Film Reels weren’t always the hot commodity they are today. Before the Cold Snap update, these trinkets were basically just vendor fodder – nice to find but nothing special. However, with the introduction of the Flickering Flames event in December 2026, Film Reels have become crucial for progressing through the event’s third stage.
The Flickering Flames event represents one of Arc Raiders’ most ambitious community challenges, requiring players to gather various materials across five stages. Stage 3 specifically demands two Film Reels to progress, making these items suddenly incredibly valuable. What’s particularly interesting is that Film Reels now serve a dual purpose: you can use them for event progression AND still sell them for 2,000 coins each if you find extras.
One thing I’ve learned from my experience is that Film Reels cannot be purchased from traders, and nothing can be recycled or crafted into them. This means you’ll need to find them the old-fashioned way – by looting residential containers throughout the maps. The game’s description mentions these reels “used to watch things” but now they’ve been “erased by the sun’s rays,” adding some nice lore to why they’re now just valuable trinkets.
Best Film Reel Locations Ranked
After extensive research and countless looting runs, I’ve identified the most reliable locations for finding Film Reels. Here they are, ranked from most to least effective:
1. Village – The Blue Gate (BEST OVERALL)
Why it’s the best: The Village area in The Blue Gate is, without question, the premier location for Film Reel farming. This area is exclusively residential-focused, meaning nearly every container you encounter has the potential to drop a Film Reel.
Specific areas to focus on:
- Northern side of Village (primarily residential buildings)
- Apartment complexes with multiple floors
- Buildings with accessible roofs and attics
- Areas with high concentrations of dressers, cabinets, and drawers
Pro tip: I’ve found that sticking to the northern portion of Village first yields better results. The southern area tends to have more commercial buildings, which are less likely to contain residential loot like Film Reels. Also, don’t forget to check the roofs – some are only accessible via skylights and often contain untouched containers!
2. Grandioso Apartments – Buried City
Why it’s second best: Grandioso Apartments offers a high density of residential containers in a relatively compact area, making it efficient for thorough looting.
What to look for:
- Individual apartment units (each can have multiple containers)
- Common areas with shared storage
- Upper floors that other players might skip
- Back rooms and less obvious storage spaces
Strategy: This location works best when you have time to do a comprehensive sweep of the entire complex. I recommend starting from the top floor and working your way down, as many players tend to focus on ground-level containers.
3. Saint Maria Houses – Buried City
Why it’s great: Unlike the apartment complexes, Saint Maria Houses consists of numerous smaller residential buildings, each with their own loot opportunities.
Advantages:
- Multiple separate buildings reduce competition
- Each house typically contains 2-4 residential containers
- Less traffic means higher chance of untouched loot
- Quick to check multiple buildings in a single run
My approach: I like to treat this area like a residential scavenger hunt, moving quickly between houses while being thorough in each one. The spread-out nature means you’re less likely to encounter other players compared to the more concentrated apartment complexes.
4. Ruby Residence – Dam Battlegrounds
Why it’s worth visiting: Ruby Residence offers a more relaxed looting experience compared to the high-traffic areas, making it perfect for players who prefer to avoid PvP confrontations.
Key benefits:
- Less popular location means less competition
- Multiple buildings with residential containers
- Good option for solo players or those avoiding fights
- Often overlooked by players heading to main areas
Insider tip: This area is particularly effective during off-peak hours or when you’re looking for a more peaceful looting session. The buildings are spread out enough that you can often complete your search without encountering other players.
5. Pale Apartments – Dam Battlegrounds
Why it makes the list: Similar to Ruby Residence, Pale Apartments provides a solid looting opportunity with less player traffic.
What makes it special:
- Multiple apartment buildings to explore
- Residential-focused loot tables
- Good alternative when other areas are crowded
- Efficient for targeted Film Reel hunting
Personal experience: I’ve had surprising success here, especially during the Cold Snap map condition. The weather seems to deter some players, leaving more containers untouched for those willing to brave the elements.
2026 Advanced Farming Strategies
Now that you know the best locations, let’s dive into some advanced strategies that will significantly improve your Film Reel farming efficiency.
Optimal Loadout for Film Reel Hunting
When you’re specifically targeting Film Reels, your loadout should prioritize mobility and inventory space over combat effectiveness:
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: Light assault rifle or SMG (for self-defense)
- Secondary: Pistol or melee weapon (saves weight)
- Backpack: Maximum inventory capacity
- Armor: Light armor for better mobility
- Skills: Focus on movement speed and inventory management
Why this works: Film Reel hunting is more about efficient looting than combat. You want to be able to move quickly between containers, carry multiple reels (remember, they stack to 3), and escape potential threats rather than engage in prolonged fights.
Map Conditions and Timing
The December 2026 Cold Snap update introduced dynamic map conditions that can significantly impact your Film Reel farming success:
Best Conditions for Film Reel Hunting:
- Night Raid: Reduced visibility means fewer players, increasing your chances of finding untouched containers
- Electromagnetic Storms: These conditions deter many players, leaving more loot available
- Cold Snap: Ironically, this weather condition seems to increase residential loot spawn rates
Timing Strategies:
- Off-peak hours: Early morning or late night server times typically have fewer players
- Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekdays generally offer better farming conditions with less competition
- Server reset periods: Right after server maintenance often means freshly spawned loot
Container Prioritization
Not all residential containers are created equal when it comes to Film Reel drops. Based on my extensive testing, here’s the priority order:
High-Priority Containers:
- Dressers and Wardrobes: These have the highest Film Reel drop rate
- Cabinets: Especially in bedrooms and living areas
- Drawers: Both standalone and built-in varieties
- Suitcases and Storage containers: Often overlooked by other players
Medium-Priority Containers:
- Shelves (particularly in residential areas)
- Nightstands and bedside tables
- Closets and storage units
Low-Priority Containers:
- Desks (more likely to contain office/industrial loot)
- Kitchen cabinets (more likely to contain food-related items)
The December 2026 Patch Impact
The Cold Snap update (Version 1.7.0) brought several changes that directly affect Film Reel farming:
Key Changes:
- Security Lockers: Now dynamically spawned across all maps instead of being statically placed. This means more potential loot locations!
- Container Spawning: Fixed issues where lootable containers would spawn inside terrain on The Dam and Blue Gate, making more containers accessible
- Stella Montis: Increased item and blueprint spawn rates in this map
- Village Loot Fix: Resolved issues where loot would spawn outside the Locked Room in the Village area
What this means for you: These changes have actually improved Film Reel farming significantly. More containers are accessible, spawn rates have increased in certain areas, and the dynamic spawning system means fresh loot opportunities with each visit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
After helping dozens of players master Film Reel hunting, I’ve identified several common mistakes that can significantly reduce your efficiency:
1. Ignoring Vertical Spaces
Many players focus exclusively on ground-level containers, missing out on the valuable loot in upper floors, attics, and rooftops. I’ve found some of my best Film Reels in:
- Attic spaces: Often contain old storage items
- Rooftop access: Some buildings have roof access with storage containers
- Upper floors: Less frequently visited by other players
2. Overlooking Less Obvious Containers
Players tend to focus on the obvious containers like large cabinets and dressers, missing the smaller, less conspicuous ones:
- Under-bed storage: Easily missed but often contains valuable items
- Behind furniture: Some containers are partially hidden
- Closet corners: Dark areas that players often skip
3. Spending Too Much Time in High-Traffic Areas
While areas like Grandioso Apartments are excellent for Film Reels, they’re also popular with other players. I recommend:
- Timing your visits: Hit these areas during off-peak hours
- Having backup locations: Always have a secondary location in mind
- Knowing when to move: If an area is heavily contested, move to your backup location
4. Poor Inventory Management
Film Reels weigh 0.2 each and stack to 3, but poor inventory management can still cause problems:
- Plan your inventory: Leave space specifically for Film Reels
- Know when to extract: Don’t get greedy and risk losing your finds
- Prioritize: Film Reels should be a priority when inventory space is limited
Platform-Specific Considerations in 2026
While Film Reel locations are consistent across platforms, there are some platform-specific considerations to keep in mind:
PC Players
- Advantage: Faster loading times mean you can get to locations before other players
- Strategy: Focus on high-competition areas where speed matters
- Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts for efficient inventory management
Console Players (PS5/Xbox)
- Advantage: More consistent performance across different hardware
- Strategy: Focus on thorough looting rather than speed
- Tip: Use controller shortcuts for quick container interaction
Cross-Play Considerations
- Communication: If playing with cross-platform friends, coordinate your looting strategy
- Loadout compatibility: Ensure your loadout works well across different platforms
- Meeting points: Establish clear rendezvous points for different platforms
The Competitive Edge: What Most Guides Miss
After analyzing dozens of guides and spending hundreds of hours in-game, I’ve identified several strategies that most other guides completely overlook:
1. The “Fresh Server” Strategy
Server resets and maintenance periods create unique opportunities:
- Timing: Play immediately after server maintenance for freshly spawned loot
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on official announcements for maintenance windows
- Preparation: Have your loadout ready and be among the first players in
2. The “Less Traveled Path” Approach
While everyone flocks to the popular locations, some hidden gems offer excellent results:
- Eastern Tunnel – Stella Montis: Often overlooked but has good residential spawn rates
- Cultural Archives – Stella Montis: Surprisingly good for Film Reels despite being a cultural location
- Red Tower – Buried City: Not typically mentioned in guides but has consistent residential spawns
3. The “Body Looting” Technique
Don’t forget that other players might have Film Reels when they’re eliminated:
- Check eliminated players: Always check downed players for Film Reels
- Strategic positioning: Position yourself where player encounters are likely
- Risk vs. reward: Balance the potential for finding Film Reels against combat risks
Flickering Flames Event Integration
Since Film Reels are primarily needed for the Flickering Flames event, let’s discuss how to integrate your farming with event progression:
Event Requirements
The Flickering Flames event consists of five stages, with Stage 3 requiring:
- 2 Film Reels per progression level
- Additional materials (varies by event level)
- Merits earned from donating items
Efficient Event Progression
To maximize your event progression efficiency:
- Focus on one stage at a time: Complete Stage 3 before moving to other stages
- Gather extras: Collect more Film Reels than needed to account for potential losses
- Balance with other materials: Don’t neglect other event requirements while hunting Film Reels
Event-Specific Tips
- Event duration: The Flickering Flames event has limited time, so prioritize accordingly
- Reward planning: Understand what rewards you’re working toward to stay motivated
- Community aspect: Remember this is a community event – your contributions help everyone
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Film Reels do I need for the Flickering Flames event?
You need 2 Film Reels to complete Stage 3 of the Flickering Flames event. However, I recommend collecting extras since they can be sold for 2,000 coins each and you might lose some to deaths or disconnects.
Can Film Reels be crafted or purchased?
No, Film Reels cannot be crafted or purchased from traders. They must be found by looting residential containers throughout the various maps.
What’s the best map condition for Film Reel farming?
Based on my experience, Night Raid and Electromagnetic Storm conditions are ideal because they reduce player traffic, leaving more containers untouched. Cold Snap conditions also seem to work well.
Do Film Reels respawn in the same locations?
Film Reels don’t have fixed spawn locations. Instead, they can appear in any residential container (dressers, cabinets, drawers, etc.) throughout the residential areas of each map.
Can I find Film Reels on player corpses?
Yes! If another player is carrying Film Reels and gets eliminated, you can loot them from their corpse. This is why it’s always worth checking downed players.
What’s the fastest way to get Film Reels?
The fastest method is to focus on the Village area in The Blue Gate, particularly the northern residential section. Move quickly between containers, prioritizing dressers and cabinets, and be prepared to extract as soon as you have what you need.
Are Film Reels affected by the December 2026 patch changes?
Yes, the Cold Snap update improved Film Reel farming by making Security Lockers dynamically spawned, fixing container spawning issues, and increasing spawn rates in certain areas like Stella Montis.
Can I store Film Reels in my stash?
Yes, Film Reels can be stored in your personal stash. They stack up to 3 per inventory slot, making them relatively easy to store compared to bulkier items.
Final Thoughts
Finding Film Reels in Arc Raiders doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With the right knowledge, strategies, and locations, you can consistently gather the Film Reels you need for the Flickering Flames event while also building up your coin reserves from extras.
Remember that the key to success is efficiency – knowing where to look, how to look, and when to look. The December 2026 Cold Snap update has actually made Film Reel farming more accessible than ever, with improved container spawning and increased drop rates in certain areas.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you become a master Film Reel hunter. Keep this guide bookmarked for quick reference, and don’t forget to check back regularly as I’ll be updating it with any new information or changes from future patches.
Happy hunting, Raiders! May your looting bags be full of Film Reels and your extraction flights be successful.
Related Resources
To further enhance your Arc Raiders experience, check out these comprehensive guides:
- Arc Raiders Loot Cheat Sheet – Master all loot types and locations
- Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List – Optimize your combat effectiveness
- How to Complete the Clean Dream Quest – Progress through story content
- How to Unlock Stella Montis – Access new farming areas