Arc Raiders can be intense, and knowing how to manage resources is a key part of staying alive and efficient. One item that comes up frequently in most players’ inventories is the ARC Powercell. Below, I’ll explain what it is, how it works, and how you can make the most of it in practice.
What is an ARC Powercell?
The ARC Powercell is a common material that drops from almost all ARC enemies in the game. Most players encounter it when scavenging destroyed ARC machines. In general, it’s valued for its ability to restore shields in a pinch, making it a useful survival tool during combat.
Here are the key facts about it:
Weight: 0.5
Stack Size: 5
Sell Price: 270 Coins (recently reduced from 640)
Shield Restoration: 20 points
Use Time: 3 seconds
Duration: 10 seconds
Recharge Rate: 2 per second
In practice, this means that while it doesn’t restore a huge amount of shield, it’s fast to use and can make the difference between getting downed or surviving a fight. Most players keep a few in their inventory specifically for emergency situations.
How Do You Get ARC Powercells?
The main way to get ARC Powercells is by scavenging defeated ARC enemies. In general, higher-level enemies may drop them more frequently or in larger quantities. Players often notice that running through areas with concentrated ARC activity, breaking down machines, and clearing patrols tends to net the most Powercells over time.
They can also be recycled from other items. For example, advanced ARC Powercells can be broken down to get multiple standard Powercells. This is useful for players who want to focus on crafting or keeping their inventory lightweight.
How to Use ARC Powercells Effectively
Most players use Powercells primarily for shield restoration. You can use one directly from your inventory or through crafting recipes. The item restores 20 shield points over 10 seconds at a rate of 2 points per second. In practice, this means it won’t fully recharge your shield instantly, but it provides steady recovery during or just after combat.
It’s worth noting that timing is important. Using a Powercell right after taking damage is usually more effective than waiting until your shield is nearly gone. Many experienced players pair Powercells with cover mechanics, so they can regenerate while staying protected from enemy fire.
Crafting with ARC Powercells
ARC Powercells aren’t just for direct use—they’re also a key component in several crafting recipes. The most common is the Shield Recharger, which can be crafted using:
1 ARC Powercell
5 Rubber Parts
You can craft this at various stations, such as:
Workshop 1
Medical Lab 1
Directly in your inventory
In general, most players prefer crafting Shield Rechargers when they plan long runs or anticipate heavy combat, because it’s easier to manage shield regeneration than to rely on using individual Powercells in the middle of a fight.
Additionally, Powercells can be combined with other materials at a Refiner 1 to produce more advanced components. For example, 5 ARC Powercells plus 60 Metal Parts can produce refined resources. This makes Powercells versatile for both immediate use and long-term preparation.
Common Player Strategies
Here are a few practical tips based on what most players do:
Carry a small stack at all times: Since each stack is 5 Powercells and weighs 0.5 per unit, it’s usually best to carry at least one stack for emergencies.
Use during lulls in combat: Because the recharge is not instant, most players use Powercells when they have temporary cover.
Combine with crafting when stockpiling: If you’re planning longer sessions or raids, converting Powercells into Shield Rechargers can be more efficient than holding them as individual items.
Recycle advanced items: Breaking down high-level ARC Powercells or other related components is a common practice to maintain a steady supply without overloading inventory space.
Some players also look for ways to
buy ARC Raiders items cheap, though in general it’s most reliable to gather them through scavenging and crafting. This approach keeps you in control of your resources and avoids relying on inconsistent availability.
In general, ARC Powercells are a low-level but essential resource in Arc Raiders. They’re simple to get, easy to use, and versatile for crafting. Most players who regularly carry at least a few know that they can save you in critical moments and help keep your shields topped up during longer missions. Understanding how and when to use them—and occasionally converting them into crafted items—is a core part of managing your loadout efficiently.
Even though they’re common, Powercells remain a backbone of survival strategy, particularly in encounters with multiple ARC enemies. If you focus on scavenging efficiently and timing your use, you’ll find they make a noticeable difference in your success rate.
PvE Walkthrough:
Arc Raiders Extended Shotgun Magazine 2 Blueprint Location & Guide