Blog Information
- Posted By : Miraian Miraian
- Posted On : Dec 27, 2025
- Views : 18
- Category : NBA
- Description :
Overview
The Rocketeer is one of the most dangerous ARC enemies most players will run into in ARC Raiders, especially early to mid game. In general, it’s a large flying artillery unit designed to control open areas. Unlike ground-based ARCs, it doesn’t chase you directly. Instead, it pressures you from range and forces you to move or die.
Most players first encounter Rocketeers while moving through high-threat zones or traveling between objectives in open terrain. ARC often places them to guard valuable locations or to deny safe movement paths. If you are still wearing starter or lightly upgraded gear, running into one unexpectedly can end a raid very fast.
Why do Rocketeers feel so punishing?
The Rocketeer’s strength comes from three things working together: range, damage, and area denial.
It hovers above the battlefield and fires missile barrages that can down a Raider in just two hits. Even if you survive a direct hit, the splash damage usually finishes the job. In practice, most players die not because they stand still, but because they underestimate how wide the explosion radius is.
Another reason it feels unfair at first is visibility. The Rocketeer often spots you before you notice it, especially in wide open areas. Once its targeting lasers turn red, you have very little time to react if you are out in the open.
How does the Rocketeer’s attack pattern work?
Understanding its attack pattern is key to surviving.
Usually, the Rocketeer aims four yellow lasers at a target. When the lasers line up and briefly turn red, it is fully locked. Shortly after that, it fires between one and four missiles. These missiles travel fast and deal heavy damage on impact and explosion.
In general, if the lasers disappear, that means missiles are already on the way. At that point, most experienced players do one of three things: dodge roll, break line of sight behind solid cover, or reposition sharply to throw off the aim.
It’s important to remember that cover needs to be real cover. Thin walls, fences, or vehicles often won’t stop splash damage.
Is it better to fight or avoid a Rocketeer?
Most players avoid fighting Rocketeers unless they have a clear reason. Fighting one takes time, ammo, and attention, which increases the risk of other ARCs or enemy Raiders showing up.
That said, there are situations where fighting makes sense. If the Rocketeer is blocking access to a high-value area, or if you need its specific loot, taking it down can be worth it. In groups, Rocketeers are much more manageable because one player can draw fire while others focus weak points.
Solo players usually only engage if there is strong cover nearby or a way to force it down quickly.
What are the Rocketeer’s weak points?
The Rocketeer is fully armored, but it does have weak points.
Its thrusters are the most obvious ones. In general, thrusters take extra damage, but they are large and still require sustained fire. Destroying two thrusters will cause the Rocketeer to lose stability and fall. If it falls from high enough, it can be destroyed by impact alone.
Another important weak spot is the area players often call the “eyebrow.” Shooting this off exposes a weak point on top of the unit. Most players use weapons with good ARC armor penetration to remove it, then switch to high fire-rate weapons to finish the exposed core.
Grenades also work well here. Snap Blast Grenades placed on top can deal massive damage, especially when combined with other fire.
How do experienced players deal with Rocketeers safely?
In practice, experienced players don’t rush these fights.
The first step is always positioning. Buildings, cliffs, and large structures are essential. Most players won’t even start shooting until they know where they will hide during missile barrages.
Next is target focus. Instead of spreading damage, players usually pick two thrusters and commit to them. Consistency matters more than raw damage.
Another common tactic is using utility items. Showstopper grenades can temporarily ground the Rocketeer if you hit a rotor, giving a short window to attach mines or climb onto it. Lure grenades can also be used creatively. If another ARC is nearby, sticking the lure to it can cause the Rocketeer to damage its own ally.
Can you ride a Rocketeer, and is it worth doing?
Yes, you can ride a Rocketeer, and many players do it at least once for the achievement.
You can get on top by using a Snap Hook, careful jumping, or by grounding it first with a stun. Once on top, any weapon works, including melee. Dealing enough damage while riding also unlocks the Death From Above achievement.
However, in general, riding a Rocketeer is risky. After a short time, it will attempt a flip to throw you off. Most players treat riding as a finishing move or a fun challenge, not a standard strategy.
What loot does the Rocketeer drop?
Rocketeers drop both main debris and small debris loot.
In general, you can expect ARC Alloy, ARC Powercells, Advanced ARC Powercells, and Rocketeer Drivers. Higher-value drops like ARC Motion Cores and Heavy Gun Parts usually come from main debris.
This loot is useful for crafting and upgrades, which is why some players actively hunt Rocketeers once they are well-geared. Others prefer indirect progression routes, and some players choose to buy Arc Raiders coins online from U4N to speed things up rather than farming dangerous ARCs repeatedly.
What gear should you have before fighting one?
Most players agree that fighting Rocketeers in starter gear is a bad idea.
You usually want solid armor, a weapon with decent ARC armor penetration, and enough ammo to sustain fire without reloading at the wrong moment. Grenades and mobility tools make a huge difference.
If you are undergeared, avoidance is usually the smarter option. There is no shame in backing off and coming back later.
Final thoughts from a practical perspective
The Rocketeer is not meant to be fair or forgiving. It exists to control space and punish careless movement. Once you understand its behavior, it becomes predictable, but it never becomes harmless.
Most deaths to Rocketeers happen because players rush, panic, or fight them in the wrong environment. With cover, planning, and patience, they are manageable. Without those, they are one of the fastest ways to lose a raid.
Learning when not to fight is just as important as learning how to fight, and the Rocketeer teaches that lesson better than almost any other ARC in ARC Raiders.