Arc Raiders: Aphelion Blueprint Location and Unlock Guide

What to know

• The Aphelion is a high-precision, burst-fire energy battle rifle introduced as a new legendary weapon in Arc Raiders.
• Its blueprint is exclusively dropped from the challenging Matriarch boss event, which requires good gear and team coordination.
• Drop rates for the Aphelion blueprint are currently low, and players report it only drops reliably under certain event conditions or difficulties.
• The primary crafting component, the Matriarch Reactor, also drops from the Matriarch boss and is required alongside complex gun parts and magnetic accelerators.

The Aphelion is a newly introduced legendary battle rifle in Arc Raiders. It fires bursts of energy with high precision and long-range capability. This guide explains where to find the Aphelion Blueprint and how to craft this powerful rifle.

Aphelion weapon performance

The Aphelion excels at medium-to-long-range engagements. Its double-burst fire mode allows for high precision and damage output at distance, making it effective in PvP and against armored ARC units. The weapon’s energy ammo requires careful reload timing, as its reload is slower than some other rifles. Use crouching to improve aim stability during bursts and maintain distance to capitalize on its range advantage.

Complete the Matriarch Boss event to get the Aphelion Blueprint

The Aphelion Blueprint is obtained exclusively through the Matriarch boss event, similar to how the Equalizer is acquired via the Harvester event.

Step by step guide to get the aphelion blueprint

Step 1

Check the Arc Raiders event timer to identify when the Matriarch is active. Matriarch events usually take place at specific intervals during daily raids. Queue for a Matriarch raid on either Dam Battlegrounds or Acerra Spaceport maps when the event timer shows it is available.

Step 2

Prepare essential gear before entering the raid. Equip strong weapons, healing items, and consider mobility tools to evade the Matriarch’s attacks effectively.

Step 3

Land on the map and locate the Matriarch’s lair. Avoid unnecessary confrontations with other enemies and make your way toward the Matriarch’s core chamber cautiously.

Step 4

Engage the Matriarch boss carefully, using cover and coordinated attacks. The Matriarch uses powerful energy blasts and summons minions, so time your bursts during attack windows.

Step 5

After defeating the Matriarch, loot the Matriarch Reactor Core. This core holds the highest chance to drop the Aphelion Blueprint among the loot containers.

Step 6

Once you’ve secured the Aphelion Blueprint, exit the raid safely and return to the Speranza base.

Unlocking the Aphelion Blueprint

In your inventory, locate the Aphelion Blueprint in the bottom section. Select the blueprint and choose "Learn and Consume" to permanently unlock the recipe. This consumes the blueprint but adds Aphelion crafting to your Gunsmith station permanently. Duplicate blueprints can be sold for 5,000 coins each if you receive extras.

Materials and crafting requirements for Aphelion

Tips

• Use the Safe Pocket feature to secure valuable loot during Matriarch runs. This prevents loss if you’re eliminated before extraction.
• Prioritize looting the Matriarch’s core chamber, as it has the highest chance to drop the Aphelion Blueprint.
• Always bring a Raider’s Hatch key for a smooth extraction, especially when carrying valuable loot.

The Aphelion rifle is a powerful and precise legendary energy weapon that offers exceptional mid-to-long range performance.  Mastering the Aphelion’s burst-fire and energy mechanics can give you a significant edge in both PvE and PvP battles.