Upgrading workstations is one of the key progression systems in ARC Raiders, and the Utility Station in particular demands rare materials to unlock new crafting options. Among these, the Damaged Heat Sink stands out as a crucial yet elusive component — often the missing piece holding back your next upgrade.
What Is a Damaged Heat Sink?
The Damaged Heat Sink is a rare recyclable item used mainly for workstation upgrades and material crafting. When recycled, it yields components such as Metal Parts and Wires, which are essential for building or upgrading tools at your workshop.
You’ll most often need it while upgrading the Utility Station 1 → Utility Station 2 stage.
Where to Find Damaged Heat Sinks
1. Launch Towers — Spaceport Map (Best Farming Spot)
- The Launch Towers in the middle of Spaceport have one of the highest drop rates for Damaged Heat Sinks.
- How to reach: Use the internal ziplines to ascend to the upper platforms. The area contains numerous breachable containers that frequently drop Heat Sinks and other technological gear.
- Loot tip: During an active Launch Tower Loot Event, you’ll first need to find a battery and bring it to the Generator to activate the ziplines.
- Average yield: Players commonly report 2 – 3 Heat Sinks per full clear.
Pro Tip: Because Launch Towers are a high-traffic PvPvE area, equip an Augment with Safe Pocket to secure your loot if you’re taken out before extraction.
2. Trench Towers — Spaceport Map
- Smaller than the Launch Towers but located in a quieter northern section of the Spaceport.
- Fewer enemies and fewer players, so it’s safer for solo scavenging.
- Expect a lower overall spawn rate but consistent technological loot.
3. Pilgrim’s Peak — The Blue Gate Map
- Found in the northeast corner of The Blue Gate.
- Split into two zones: an upper tower and an underground bunker network.
- The underground area offers the best chance to find Damaged Heat Sinks due to the abundance of containers and breach points.
- Caution: Enemies hit harder here — bring extra meds and ammo, especially when playing solo.
4. Research & Administration and Control Tower — Dam Battlegrounds
- These two interconnected structures are packed with locked rooms and loot spawns.
- Being close to valuable chests, they’re often contested, so arrive early in a match.
- Expect decent odds of finding at least one Damaged Heat Sink if the area hasn’t been looted yet.
Recognizing Technological Loot Zones
Damaged Heat Sinks only spawn in Technological Points of Interest — look for the microchip-like icon on your map (a square with lines and circles). These areas yield circuit-based salvage like Electrical Components, Snitch Scanners, and Heat Sinks.
If you’re roaming freely, prioritize locations that share this icon on your Legend map filter.
Recycling and Crafting Uses
Once collected, you can recycle or use Damaged Heat Sinks in the workshop:
| Input | Output | Station |
|---|---|---|
| 1 × Damaged Heat Sink | 6 × Metal Parts + 2 × Wires | Utility Station |
| 1 × Damaged Heat Sink | 3 × Wires | Utility Station |
| 2 × Damaged Heat Sinks + 5 × Electrical Components + 6 × Snitch Scanners | Utility Station 1 → Utility Station 2 Upgrade |
This makes them invaluable both as raw crafting inputs and as upgrade catalysts.
Pro Tips for Players
- Rotate Maps: If Spaceport is overly contested, alternate with The Blue Gate or Dam Battlegrounds.
- Bring Friends: Squad runs are faster for clearing enemy patrols guarding the Technological zones.
- Use Extraction Safely: Always store your Heat Sinks before engaging in risky fights — the loss can set your upgrades back significantly.
- Check Event Cycles: Certain events, like Launch Tower Loot Events, temporarily increase the drop frequency of rare items.
The Damaged Heat Sink may appear as just another scrap item at first glance, but it’s a cornerstone of your crafting progression in ARC Raiders. Prioritize the Launch Towers in Spaceport whenever possible — it’s the most consistent and rewarding location. Combine patience, route knowledge, and smart extraction habits, and you’ll never run short of this vital resource again. Play Now!
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