What to know
- Threat Level: Critical. Full plated armor.
- Primary Attack: Fires guided rockets, locked by lasers (yellow → red) before launch.
- Weaknesses: Target thrusters/rotors and the red glowing core when the unit is grounded.
- Loot Drop: Includes Rocketeer Driver, heavy ammo, ARC components.
- Risk Factor: One of the few ARC units capable of killing mid-level gear players quickly in virtually open terrain.
In ARC Raiders, the Rocketeer stands out as a high-threat aerial enemy designed to challenge even seasoned Raiders. Equipped with multiple thrusters, heavy plating, and guided rocket attacks, it demands precise tactics, heavy ammunition, and solid cover strategy. Whether you’re attempting to farm a Rocketeer Driver or just surviving the round, how you handle the Rocketeer can shape your gameplay success.
Rocketeer location in ARC Raiders
The Rocketeer can spawn or patrol across all major map zones in ARC Raiders:
- It often appears in open extraction areas, high-loot zones, or near key outposts.
- Ideal vantage point: look for high ground or buildings with solid cover to engage safely.
- Note: Because it’s aerial and mobile, you’ll want to research sightlines and avoid being out in wide open with no cover.

How to fight Rocketeer in ARC Raiders
Step 1: Seek cover first
Closed rooms or strong concrete structures help protect you from rocket volleys.
Step 2: Watch for laser lock cues
When the yellow lasers turn red, you’re about to be targeted. Use that moment to dodge or hide.
Step 3: Target thrusters
Hitting two major thrusters will often bring the Rocketeer to the ground, making it vulnerable.
Step 4: Once grounded, shoot the core
Aim for the red glowing core underneath when the machine is unable to fly.
Step 5: Use heavy weapons
High-penetration ammo, grenades like Wolfpack, or any heavy gear can speed up the kill.

Rocketeer attributes in ARC Raiders
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Movement | Fast flying, agile repositioning |
| Attack | Homing missiles, splash damage |
| Weakness | Thrusters, red core underneath |
| Drops | Arc alloy, powercells, rocketeer drivers, parts |
| Role | Heavy ranged threat, high-value loot source |
The Rocketeer is one of ARC Raiders’ most formidable mid-boss-level ARC units. Facing one unprepared often leads to a fast defeat, but engaging it with cover, heavy ammo, and smart tactics turns it into a high-reward opportunity, particularly for farming Rocketeer Drivers or high-tier loot. Treat it as a mission-defining challenge: prepare, strike at weak points, and loot the reward. If you find one on your path, you’re about to earn more than just scrap; you’re about to upgrade your gear.
Discussion