Electromagnetic Storms are one of the most dramatic map conditions in ARC Raiders, transforming a regular deployment into a tense, high-risk run filled with lightning strikes, reduced extraction paths, and tougher ARC patrols. These storms appear several times a day across different battlegrounds, and while they’re intimidating, they offer some of the best opportunities to push your Trial progress and collect high-value loot.
What Are Electromagnetic Storms?
Electromagnetic Storms are major map modifiers that periodically take over certain locations in ARC Raiders. When active, these storms bring night-time conditions, violent lightning strikes, and a whole set of gameplay changes that ramp up both difficulty and reward.
Players can freely enter a storm-affected map, but the moment they deploy, the rules shift in significant ways.
All Gameplay Changes During an Electromagnetic Storm
When a storm is active, the map doesn’t just look different — it plays differently in almost every way. Here’s what you should expect:
1. Reduced Return Points
Only a couple of extraction routes stay active during the storm. This forces teams into more dangerous exfil paths and increases the likelihood of running into other Raiders or ARC patrols.
All Raider Hatches remain closed, and Hatch Keys can’t be used.
2. Lightning Strikes
Lightning is the most dangerous part of the storm.
Before a strike, the ground sparks with a brief electric effect. A few seconds later, lightning crashes down, destroying shields and taking a chunk of health if you’re caught in it.
- Ultralight 36g design optimized for FPS agility and flick speed.
- 8,000Hz hyper-polling for ultra-low latency and responsiveness.
- Custom-tuned mechanical switches rated for 100M clicks.
- Up to 70-hour wireless gaming battery life on a single charge.
The good news? That same lightning deals serious damage to ARC machines if you lure them into the strike zone.
3. Increased ARC Activity
ARC presence grows significantly. Expect tighter patrols, quicker detection, and more high-level units across the map. The storm essentially pushes every encounter up a weight class.
4. Double Trial Points
Every completed objective awards twice the usual Trial Points, making storms one of the best times to progress on leaderboards and seasonal challenges.
5. Additional ARCs and Night Conditions
The storm brings night-mode lighting and weather intensity, reducing visibility and making ARCs harder to predict. More ARC units spawn overall, creating a much more hostile environment.
6. Bonus Minor Conditions
Storms can combine with minor map conditions — such as Raider caches or unique environmental effects — letting you scoop up more loot than a regular run.
Do Electromagnetic Storms Improve Loot?
There are mixed experiences across the community. The official observation is that storms do not guarantee improved loot quality, unlike Night Raids.
However, many players report:
- Higher chances of epic-tier items in containers
- Better drops from Security Breach lockers
- More frequent blueprint drops, especially attachments
These aren’t developer-confirmed, but repeated player reports suggest that storms may improve loot indirectly because of the increased difficulty.
Should You Play During an Electromagnetic Storm?
If you want Trial Points, combat intensity, or high-value loot runs, storms are absolutely worth it. They’re one of the best times to chase epic gear, attempt risky objectives, and challenge yourself under harsher map conditions.
If you’re looking for relaxed farming? This is not the mode for that.
Storm Locations
Electromagnetic Storms activate on several major battlegrounds, including:
- Dam Battlegrounds
- Blue Gate
- Spaceport
They rotate in and out over the course of the day, lasting up to an hour each time.
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Electromagnetic Storms are one of ARC Raiders’ most exciting and dangerous dynamic events. The reduced extraction routes, aggressive ARC patrols, and constant threat of lightning create a high-pressure environment that rewards smart movement and tactical play. Whether you’re chasing Trial Points, rare attachments, or simply want a tougher challenge, storm deployments add a thrilling layer to the ARC Raiders loop.
If you enter prepared — and know how to make the storm work for you — these chaotic weather conditions become some of the most profitable and memorable runs in the game. Play Now!
