Hornet Drivers in ARC Raiders are valuable salvage items obtained by destroying Hornet drones and looting their wreckage. These internal control modules serve as quest items for Shani’s “Wasps and Hornets” mission and are highly useful in combat for stunning ARCs and enemy raiders—lasting about 10 seconds on ARCs and 2 seconds on raiders. Lightweight and stackable, Hornet Drivers are often farmed in Hornet-infested zones for both quests and combat advantage.

Hornet Driver location

#1 Dam Battlegrounds
  • Description: Forests, swamps, old research centers, rooftops
  • Key Hornet Spawn Areas: Rooftops, terraces, apartment buildings.
#2 Buried City
  • Description: Desert ruins with narrow alleys and sand dunes
  • Key Hornet Spawn Areas: Rooftops and terraces in urban areas.
#3 Acerra Spaceport
  • Description: Industrial launch facility with building clusters
  • Key Hornet Spawn Areas: Rooftops, housing near tech installations.
#4 Blue Gate
  • Description: Mountainous areas with small towns and tunnels
  • Key Hornet Spawn Areas: Buildings and elevated structures

How to get Hornet Drivers quickly and efficiently

Step 1: Identify Hornets in your zone

Hornets are flying enemies often found in red and yellow zones, primarily during topside exploration. They are more prevalent in these areas, so focus your efforts there.​

Step 2: Target their back rotors

Hornets are best taken down by shooting their two back rotors, which do not have armor and are easier to hit. They usually stand still while attacking, making aiming simpler.​ Use high-penetration or suitable damage rounds to shoot the back rotors. Aim precisely to disable the Hornet's flight capabilities quickly. This tactic is highlighted by guides and video tutorials, emphasizing the importance of targeting these non-armored rotors.​

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Step 4: Loot Hornet Drivers

After downing a Hornet, loot its wreckage to acquire the Hornet Driver, a valuable item useful for stunning ARCs and raiders. Looting should be quick, as Hornets tend to be in open areas and frequently patrol.​

"Wasps and Hornets" quest

The mission that involves destroying a Hornet and a Wasp, obtaining both their drivers, and completing related objectives is called the "Wasps and Hornets" quest. This quest is offered by the vendor Shani and requires you to:

  • Destroy a Wasp
  • Destroy a Hornet
  • Obtain a Wasp Driver for Shani
  • Obtain a Hornet Driver for Shani

Completing the "Wasps and Hornets" quest grants both drivers along with additional components such as Mechanical and Electrical Components, and awards experience points (about 9,000 XP). The quest does not restrict you to any specific zone, allowing you to farm these enemies flexibly while progressing through other tasks.

Additional tips

  • Tips for using Hornet Drivers strategically in combat
  • Use Hornet Drivers as throwable stun grenades to incapacitate ARCs and raiders briefly, creating openings for attack or escape.
  • Always check damaged ARC or raider wrecks for extra Hornet Drivers to stockpile useful gear.
  • Hornet Drivers are lightweight and stackable, so carry several to maximize your combat utility without inventory burden.
  • Time your throws carefully to stun multiple enemies, turning difficult encounters in your favor.
  • Combine Hornet Driver throws with other crowd control or damage abilities for stronger effects.

Focus on topside zones where Hornets spawn in large numbers, target their back rotors for quick kills, and loot their wreckage to gather Hornet Drivers. Completing the relevant quest and integrating the drivers into your combat strategy will elevate your effectiveness against aerial threats.