In ARC Raiders, Rocketeers stand out as one of the most formidable aerial threats, capable of decimating squads with their devastating missile barrages and airborne dominance. These large, heavily armored ARC machines patrol high-value locations, and a single misstep can lead to instant defeat-even experienced Raiders can fall prey to their relentless fire if caught off guard. Fortunately, with the right strategies, weapons, and tactical awareness, you can turn the ARC Raiders BluePrints tide and destroy Rocketeers efficiently. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to take down these aerial menaces, whether you're fighting solo or with a squad.

Understand the Rocketeer: Weak Points and Attack Patterns

Before engaging a Rocketeer, it's critical to learn its weaknesses and attack cues-knowledge that will save you from unnecessary damage. Rocketeers rely on four thrusters to stay airborne, and these thrusters are their primary weak points, despite being partially protected by armor plating. Destroying just two of these thrusters will force the Rocketeer to plummet to the ground, where it will either be instantly destroyed by the fall or burst into flames if left grounded for too long.

Another key weak point is the Rocketeer's core, located underneath its body, and its "eyebrow" component-shooting off the eyebrow with an armor-piercing weapon reveals an unarmored weak point on top, which can be targeted for massive damage. Additionally, Rocketeers have a distinct attack pattern: they lock onto targets with four yellow lasers, which turn red just before firing 1–4 missiles. Each missile deals significant damage, and just two hits can down a Raider.

When the Rocketeer's laser disappears, it signals a full lock-on-this is your cue to dodge, take cover, or reposition immediately. Remember that even behind cover, missile splash damage can still harm you, so choose your shelter wisely.

Gear Up: The Best Weapons and Tools for the Job

Taking down a Rocketeer requires firepower that can penetrate armor and deal consistent damage to airborne targets. Not all weapons are equal here-prioritize heavy weapons and explosives that excel at anti-air combat.

The Hull Cracker is the gold standard for Rocketeer takedowns. This heavy weapon punches through ARC armor effortlessly, and around 12 shots are usually enough to destroy a Rocketeer, making it a reliable (if expensive) investment. If you're on a budget, the Ferro Battle Rifle (a single-shot heavy ammo weapon) or the Bettina Assault Rifle (full-auto heavy ammo) are solid alternatives, offering good armor penetration and sustained pressure.

Sniper rifles like the Osprey are ideal for long-range engagements, allowing you to chip away at the Rocketeer's thrusters from a safe distance without exposing yourself to missile fire. For explosives, Showstopper grenades are game-changers-hitting a thruster with one grounds the Rocketeer for a few seconds, giving you time to attach mines, ride it, or unleash burst damage.

Wolf Pack grenades are even more powerful: their homing mini-rockets can nearly one-shot a Rocketeer if used correctly, making them perfect for quick takedowns when you're flush with resources. Don't forget utility tools like Lure Grenades, which can redirect the Rocketeer's fire to other ARCs, buying you time to reposition or heal.

A budget loadout of Ferro Battle Rifle + Showstopper + Smoke Grenade (around 5,000 credits) is sufficient for solo fights, while an optimal loadout of Hull Cracker + Wolf Pack + Showstopper will make even the toughest Rocketeers easy to handle. Always stock up on heavy ammo and healing supplies-bandages and shield rechargers are essential to survive missile barrages.

Tactical Strategies: Solo and Squad Approaches

Solo Tactics: Stay Covered and Strike Smart

Fighting a Rocketeer solo requires patience and careful positioning-never engage in the open, as this will leave you vulnerable to missile volleys. The "peak-and-shoot" strategy is the safest approach: use a building with windows or doorways to peek out, fire at the Rocketeer's thrusters, and immediately hide when it returns fire.

Look for buildings with multiple windows to give yourself more angles to attack from as the Rocketeer repositions. Long-range engagement is another effective solo tactic: start shooting the Rocketeer from a distance while it's flying toward you, focusing on a front thruster to break its armor early. By the time it gets close enough to fire, you'll have already damaged it significantly, reducing the danger of close combat.

If you're struggling to land shots, use Smoke Grenades to block the Rocketeer's vision (for about 20 seconds) and reset the fight, repositioning to a better angle. You can also hide from its field of view-its red scanner stage lasts about 20 seconds before switching to yellow, giving you time to regroup and plan your next attack.

Squad Tactics: Coordinate and Overwhelm

Teamwork is key to taking down Rocketeers quickly and safely. Communication is essential-inform your squad of the Rocketeer's location, and assign roles to maximize efficiency. One player can act as a distraction, drawing the Rocketeer's fire, while others flank from the sides or rear to buy ARCR Items target its weak points.

Assign one squad member to use a sniper rifle for long-range pressure, another to use heavy weapons for armor penetration, and a third to handle explosives like Showstopper or Wolf Pack grenades. When the Rocketeer is grounded by a Showstopper, coordinate a burst of fire on its core or remaining thrusters to finish it off before it can take flight again.

You can also weaponize Lure Grenades in squad fights: stick one to another ARC, and the Rocketeer will attack that target, allowing your squad to focus fire without being targeted themselves. Always prioritize the Rocketeer over weaker mobs-its high damage output makes it the biggest threat to your squad's survival.