With the Cold Snap update live in ARC Raiders, several previously low-priority items have suddenly become important. One of them is the Film Reel, a residential trinket required to progress through the Flickering Flames project.
If you’re stuck on that step or unsure where to search, this guide breaks down exactly how Film Reels work, where they spawn, and how to farm them efficiently, without wasting raids.
What the Film Reel Is Used For
The Film Reel is a Residential-type trinket item tied directly to the Flickering Flames limited-time project.
You need one Film Reel to complete Level 3 of the project. Once committed, it advances the event and rewards you with 1,000 Creds, making it a mandatory pickup if you want to finish the full progression chain.
Film Reels cannot be purchased, crafted, or recycled from other items. The only way to get one is to loot it during a raid or recover it from a downed Raider .
How Film Reel Spawns Work
Film Reels are tagged as Residential loot, which means they only appear in areas marked with the Residential icon on the map.
Important things to understand before farming:
- Film Reels do not have fixed spawn points
- They appear inside standard residential containers
- Spawn chance is random per raid
- Loot resets between runs
Because of this, success comes from searching the right locations with high container density, not from chasing a single building.
Best Places to Find Film Reel in ARC Raiders
Some Residential areas are significantly better than others due to layout, building density, and low contest rate. These locations consistently provide the best chances.
Village (Blue Gate Map)
The Village is the strongest overall location for Film Reels.
- Almost entirely Residential-focused
- Dense clusters of apartments
- Multiple floors per building
- High number of searchable containers in a small area
For best results, focus on the northern side of the Village, where housing is more concentrated. The southern area contains more non-residential structures and is less efficient.
Grandioso Apartments (Buried City)
Grandioso Apartments is another high-value spot, especially after the Flickering Flames project went live.
- Large apartment blocks
- Many individual units per building
- Strong container variety
This area is ideal if the Village is heavily contested or already looted during your run.
Saint Maria Houses (Buried City)
If you prefer faster, lower-risk looting:
- Smaller residential buildings
- Quick entry and exit
- Solid container density across multiple houses
This area works well for solo players or short farming runs.
Ruby Residence & Pale Apartments (Dam Battlegrounds)
These locations are less popular, which makes them useful if you want to avoid PvP pressure.
- Fewer Raiders pass through
- Multiple apartment buildings
- Decent chance to find untouched containers
Ruby Residence also frequently spawns keys, which can open locked residential rooms and increase your loot pool.
Containers You Should Always Check
Film Reels don’t appear in the open. They spawn inside specific residential containers, so your search matters.
Prioritize checking:
- Dressers
- Cabinets
- Lockers
- Suitcases
Also make sure to look:
- Inside attics
- On rooftops
- Through skylight-accessible rooms
Some of the best loot spots are easy to miss if you only clear ground floors.
How to Commit the Film Reel
Once you extract with a Film Reel:
- Open the Raider tab
- Go to the Project section
- Select Flickering Flames
- Commit the Film Reel to Level 3
You must complete Levels 1 and 2 first, or the game will not allow submission.
Is There a Time Limit?
Yes. The Film Reel is tied to the Flickering Flames event, which is active through January. You have enough time, but delaying too long risks missing the project rewards if the event rotates out.
The Film Reel isn’t rare because it’s hidden — it’s rare because players often search the wrong places. Stick to Residential zones, focus on high-density apartment areas, and loot smart rather than wide.
Once you know where to look, completing Level 3 of Flickering Flames becomes a matter of persistence, not luck. Play Now!
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