In the desolate wastelands of ARC Raiders BluePrints, where mysterious machines overrun the Rust Belt and rival players lurk around every corner, your character's skills are the difference between survival and permanent defeat. Developed by Embark Studios, this extraction shooter demands strategic skill selection-no two players need the same build, but certain skills stand out as must-haves, regardless of your playstyle.

Unlike traditional games with fixed classes, ARC Raiders uses a flexible skill tree divided into three core branches: Conditioning (green), Mobility (yellow), and Survival (red). Each branch caters to different strengths, and mastering their key skills will elevate your performance on the battlefield. Below is a breakdown of the best skills in each category, plus tips to tailor your build to your gameplay.

Understanding the Skill Tree: Core Branches Explained

Before diving into specific skills, it's critical to grasp the purpose of each branch. Every skill can be upgraded with additional points, and each branch has major nodes that unlock only after investing enough points in that path. You'll need to activate prerequisite skills to access higher-tier options, so planning your progression is key.

Conditioning focuses on combat durability and recovery, ideal for players who prefer frontline fights. Mobility boosts movement and evasion, perfect for agile, hit-and-run playstyles. Survival enhances looting efficiency and stealth, making it a top choice for resource-focused raiders. With a level cap of 75, you can fully max one branch and partially invest in another, or balance points across all three for a well-rounded build.

Best Conditioning Skills: Survive the Toughest Fights

Conditioning skills are all about staying alive when the odds are stacked against you. The drones and mechs in ARC Raiders hit hard-just a few shots from turret fire or missiles can take you down, and rival players are always ready to steal your loot. These skills ensure you can hold your ground or escape when things go wrong.

Fight or Flight (Minor): A must-have for any build, this skill restores a fixed amount of stamina when you take damage in combat (with a cooldown). Stamina is critical for dodging and sprinting, so this skill keeps you mobile even when injured.

Back on Your Feet (Major): When critically hurt, your health automatically regenerates to a set limit. This skill is a lifesaver in intense fights, giving you time to retreat, heal, or rejoin the action without relying on consumables.

Downed but Determined (Minor): If you get knocked down, this skill extends the time before you collapse. It gives you a chance to crawl to a teammate for revival or reach an extraction point before it closes-preserving all the loot you've worked hard to collect.

Proficient Pryer (Minor): Shortens the time to break locks and open containers. While not directly combat-focused, it speeds up looting and keeps you from lingering in vulnerable areas.

Best Mobility Skills: Outmaneuver Every Threat

Mobility is the backbone of survival in ARC Raiders. Sprinting, climbing, and dodging are essential for evading enemy fire, repositioning in fights, and traversing the harsh terrain of the Rust Belt. These skills help you manage stamina efficiently and stay one step ahead of threats.

Marathon Runner (Minor): Reduces stamina consumption while moving, letting you sprint for longer distances without tiring. This is invaluable for both chasing loot and escaping danger.

Youthful Lungs (Minor): Increases your maximum stamina pool, giving you more room to sprint, dodge, and climb. It's a foundational skill for any mobility-focused build and benefits all playstyles.

Inertia Sprint (Major): After a sprint roll, you can sprint for a short time without consuming stamina (with a cooldown). This skill lets you chain evasive moves, making it hard for enemies to land shots.

Nimble Climber (Minor): Boosts climbing and vaulting speed, letting you traverse obstacles quickly. It's perfect for reaching high ground for sniping or escaping enemies by taking unexpected routes.

Best Survival Skills: Loot Efficiently and Thrive

Survival skills are all about maximizing your resource gain and adapting to the battlefield. In ARC Raiders, looting is just as important as fighting-these skills help you carry more loot, craft essential items on the fly, and avoid detection.

In-Round Crafting (Minor): Unlocks the ability to craft items like bandages, ammo, and shield rechargers while on the surface. This skill reduces your reliance on random loot drops and keeps you prepared for long raids.

Broad Shoulders (Minor): Increases your maximum load, letting you carry more loot without becoming overburdened. It's a must for "loot goblin" playstyles and ensures you don't have to leave valuable resources behind.

Security Breach (Major): Allows you to hack security lockers, which often contain rare and powerful loot. This skill adds a new layer of buy ARC Raiders Armors progression and gives you an edge over other players.

Looter's Luck (Minor): Gives you a chance to find double items while looting. While it has an element of luck, it significantly boosts your resource gain over time, making it worth the investment.