What to know
- Broad Shoulders is a Survival tree skill in Arc Raiders that boosts maximum carry weight.
- It’s unlocked early and doesn’t require heavy progression investment.
- The skill is great for loot-heavy or exploration-focused players.
- It doesn’t improve combat or stamina, so it’s best used as support.
In Arc Raiders, every extra slot in your backpack can make the difference between a profitable raid and a wasted run. The Broad Shoulders skill directly addresses that by expanding how much you can carry, giving you more freedom to loot and stay in the field longer. It’s a simple but powerful perk, especially for players who enjoy exploration and scavenging.
Arc Raiders Broad Shoulders skill overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Skill Tree | Survival |
| Skill Name | Broad Shoulders |
| Effect | Increases maximum carry weight / encumbrance |
| Unlock Requirement | Requires basic Survival skill points |
| Type | Passive Skill |
| Ideal For | Looters, explorers, long-session players |
| Trade-offs | No direct stamina or speed boosts |
How much Broad Shoulder skill adds to your gameplay
While Arc Raiders doesn’t list an exact number, Broad Shoulders provides a noticeable increase in maximum carry weight. This means you can pick up more materials, components, and loot before needing to extract. It’s especially useful once you begin collecting higher-tier gear and crafting parts, which quickly fill up your inventory.

How to unlock and equip Broad Shoulders
Step 1
Earn Survival points by leveling up and completing exploration-based objectives.
Step 2
Access your character’s skill tree and navigate to the Survival branch.

Step 3
Locate Broad Shoulders in the early section of the tree—it’s available fairly quickly once you have basic Survival points.
Spend the required points to unlock it, then confirm it as part of your active build or loadout setup.
How to make the most of Broad Shoulders in Arc Raiders
- Pair it with stamina or movement skills like Marathon Runner or Youthful Lungs so that your added weight doesn’t slow you down.
- Use it alongside looting speed perks—more carry space means more potential loot, but you’ll want to gather it quickly before extractions.
- Plan longer raids. With Broad Shoulders, you can extend your runs deeper into high-risk areas and extract larger hauls.
- Avoid unnecessary heavy items. Just because you can carry more doesn’t mean you should overload—balance your inventory with essentials first.
Broad Shoulders Skill Playstyle and focus points
| Playstyle Type | Focus Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Explorer | Broad Shoulders + Looter’s Instincts + Stamina Boosts | Perfect for solo players who explore the outskirts and gather supplies efficiently. |
| Loot Collector | Broad Shoulders + Quick Hands + Efficient Storage | Maximizes looting output and minimizes time spent sorting inventory. |
| Combat Raider | Broad Shoulders + Loaded Arms + Damage Focus Skills | Ideal for players who engage heavily in fights but need to carry multiple heavy weapons. |
| Team Support | Broad Shoulders + Healing Boost + Carry Efficiency | Great for support players who need to haul extra items like deployables and ammo. |
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