How to Find Rusted Tools in ARC Raiders — Best Farming Routes and Uses

Rusted Tools are one of those underrated loot items that quietly gate early progression in ARC Raiders. They’re not flashy, but without them, you’ll stall on your Workshop upgrades — especially the jump from Gunsmith 1 to Gunsmith 2.

What Are Rusted Tools?

Rusted Tools belong to the Mechanical loot pool in ARC Raiders. They’re classified as rare items, each weighing 2 kg, stacking three per slot, and selling for 1,000 coins apiece. Their key role is in crafting and progression, particularly in upgrading your Workshop.

Property	Details
Rarity	Rare
Loot Pool	Mechanical zones only
Weight	2 kg each
Stack Size	3 per slot
Sell Price	1,000 coins
Recycle Output	8× Metal Parts + 1× Steel Spring
Salvage Output	7× Metal Parts
Primary Use	Workshop Upgrade (Gunsmith 1 → Gunsmith 2)

Where to Find Rusted Tools

Rusted Tools only spawn in Mechanical zones, so don’t waste time looting in other themed areas. Each ARC Raiders map divides into sub-zones — your HUD will display a tag (Mechanical, Biological, Chemical, etc.) when you enter. If you don’t see “Mechanical,” move on immediately.

Best Areas to Search

• Industrial buildings – Workshops, repair bays, and maintenance rooms.
• Apartment basements – Utility spaces often have mechanical containers.
• Blue Gate map – Its larger industrial complexes frequently spawn Rusted Tools, but spawns rotate between runs.

When inside, open every safe container you can reach. Be aware that the interaction is noisy, alerting nearby ARC patrols. Always scan the area first, keep your back to solid cover, and plan an escape route. If you hear footsteps or drones, cancel the interaction and reposition — getting caught mid-animation is a quick way to lose your loot.

How to Farm Rusted Tools Fast — Routes & Loadouts

1. Build Your Route Around Mechanical Landmarks

Create short loops connecting multiple mechanical zones. The goal is to hit as many containers per minute as possible while minimizing time in open paths.

2. Free Loadout Runs (Low Risk)

Use basic kits and hit two to four mechanical areas quickly. Extract once your bag is full — even a single Rusted Tool is a win since your loss risk is minimal.

3. Custom Loadouts (High Reward)

Bring:

• A mobile shield for quick cover.
• A weapon with ARC armor penetration for patrols.
• One Safe Pocket slot reserved for Rusted Tools or rare components — Safe Pocket items survive on death.

Maintain sound discipline by crouch-walking indoors and avoiding unnecessary sprints. Every container interaction and extraction broadcast reveals your position.

How to Use Rusted Tools

Their main use is for the Gunsmith 2 Workshop upgrade, a major milestone for unlocking new weapon mods and advanced gear crafting.

Gunsmith 2 Upgrade Requirements

Upgrade	Materials Needed
Gunsmith 1 → 2	3× Rusted Tools, 5× Mechanical Components, 8× Wasp Drivers

Tip: All three materials come from mechanical-leaning areas. Collect them together in one run so you don’t have to grind the same spots later.

Sell, Recycle, or Salvage?

You can profit from Rusted Tools in several ways depending on your immediate needs:

Action	Outcome	Coin Equivalent	Best Use
Sell (Vendor)	1,000 coins	1,000	When you need currency fast.
Recycle (Base)	8× Metal Parts + 1× Steel Spring	≈900	For long-term material crafting.
Salvage (Mid-Raid)	7× Metal Parts	≈525	To free up space during a run.

Salvage only when necessary — it increases slot pressure since parts take up more space. Ideally, extract and recycle them safely at base.

Extraction and Inventory Management

You only keep what leaves the map. Plan your extraction carefully.

• Silent Hatches: Require keys but let you extract without drawing attention.
• Standard Exits: Trigger alarms, attracting patrols and players. Clear nearby bots first and hold for 30–60 seconds while extraction completes.

If you get downed near the door, some exits allow crawling inside to still secure your loot.

Weight Planning

Each Rusted Tool weighs 2 kg, and a full stack of three weighs 6 kg. Manage your kit weight — you don’t want to drop ammo or meds mid-run just to carry tools. Keep at least one empty slot ready if you’re target-farming mechanical loot.

ARC Raiders Rusted Tools Run — Example Path

1. Spawn Check: Confirm your zone tag is Mechanical. If not, rotate immediately.
2. First Loop: Hit an industrial structure and nearby utility rooms. Open every safe container.
3. Second Loop: Move to your next mechanical cluster while avoiding patrols.
4. Extraction: Once you have a full stack or other rare items, head for a nearby hatch or secure a noisy exit.

This steady method yields consistent progress without unnecessary combat or wasted time. Play Now!

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