In ARC Raiders, survival is often determined by how well you manage your resources. Ammunition, bandages, and shield rechargers are vital for staying alive in the chaotic open-world raids. One of the best ways to replenish these supplies is through Supply Drops, and understanding how to find and activate them is key to completing “A Better Use” quest for Tian Wen. This guide breaks down every step — from locating Supply Call Stations to safely securing your drop while under fire.
Supply Drops in ARC Raiders are airdropped crates filled with essential gear such as ammo, healing items, and attachments. To summon one, players must find and interact with Supply Call Stations — tall radio antenna structures with a small control panel at their base. Once activated, they send a bright flare into the sky, marking the drop zone.
However, that flare is also a signal to everyone nearby — both Raiders and ARC units. Expect hostiles to converge quickly, making defense just as important as discovery.
How To Get a Supply Drop in ARC Raiders
Here’s the step-by-step process to trigger and collect a Supply Drop safely:
1. Locate a Supply Call Station
- These towers can be found across all maps but won’t appear on your map until you’re close.
- Look for thin antennae with flashing lights or a pole with downward prongs on rooftops or open terrain.
2. Activate the Console
- Interact with the panel at the base of the antenna to request a supply drop.
- A flare will shoot upward — keep your eyes on its trail.
3. Track the Drop
- Within moments, a supply pod carried by a balloon will descend to the flare’s location.
- Move toward the drop zone while staying cautious of enemies drawn to the noise and light.
4. Loot the Drop
- Approach the landed capsule and hold the interact button to open it.
- Inside, you’ll typically find ammo types (Light, Medium, Heavy, or Shotgun), bandages, grenades, and shield rechargers.
How To Complete “A Better Use” Quest
Tian Wen’s quest, A Better Use, asks players to call and loot a Supply Drop. While the task sounds simple, locating a station and surviving long enough to collect the loot can be tricky.
Here’s how to complete it effectively:
- Head to the Dam Battlegrounds map, where several reliable Call Station spawns exist.
- Look near these key zones:
- South of Water Treatment Control
- East of Control Tower near the Leaper
- Inside Hydroponic Dome Complex (often multiple spawn points)
- Power Generation Complex, south of the Underpass
- Between Small Creek and Testing Annex in the jungle area
- Once you find a Call Station, interact and wait for the drop.
- Loot it as soon as it lands — completing this action fulfills the quest objective.
Tip: Use binoculars from high ground to spot antennas from a distance. Keep an eye on the minimap — new icons can appear when you’re within detection range.
Recommended Strategy for Safe Retrieval
Because activating a Supply Drop creates both light and sound, you’re likely to attract attention. To minimize risk:
- Bring a teammate if possible — one can guard while the other loots.
- Clear nearby enemies before activating the console.
- Use cover and suppressors to reduce visibility during the call.
- Avoid open areas like highways or rooftops unless you can retreat quickly.
Rewards for Completing the Quest
Upon completing the A Better Use quest and finishing your current raid, you’ll receive:
| Reward | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Light Mag I | Attachment | Increases light weapon magazine capacity |
| Muzzle Brake I | Attachment | Reduces weapon recoil |
| Stable Stock I | Attachment | Improves weapon stability while aiming |
These rewards are valuable early-game attachments that improve your weapon handling, making future fights smoother and more efficient.
Pro Tips in ARC Raiders Supply Drops
- Check multiple maps: Supply Call Stations exist in Buried City and Dam Battlegrounds, but their exact spawn points may vary per match.
- Be patient: Supply Drops may not spawn immediately after the flare — stay alert for ambushes.
- Don’t rush the loot: Enemies often flank while players focus on the drop. Secure the area first.
Supply Drops are an essential mechanic for sustaining yourself during raids in ARC Raiders. They not only provide critical ammo and healing but also serve as the key to completing the A Better Use questline. Mastering how to locate, call, and defend these drops turns you from a scavenger into a true survivor of the wasteland.
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If you’ve already completed the quest, consider scouting all Call Station zones for consistent mid-raid refills — the loot can mean the difference between extraction and elimination. Play Now!
