Arc Raiders Call Stations vs Supply Drops: Better Use?
In Arc Raiders, call stations and supply drops serve different purposes, and neither is universally better—the right choice depends on your squad’s immediate objective, position, and risk tolerance. Call stations are for calling in a targeted airdrop of gear and weapons at a fixed location, while supply drops are pre-existing, unmarked caches that spawn randomly across the map. This guide breaks down how each works, when to prioritize one over the other, and how to avoid common mistakes that cost teams the match.
Background: How Loot and Extraction Work in Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter set on a hostile planet. You drop into a map with a squad, complete objectives, fight AI enemies and other players, and extract with loot. The core loop revolves around scavenging weapons, armor, and resources, then getting out alive. Two key mechanics help you gear up mid-match: call stations and supply drops. Both provide loot, but they operate on different rules and risk levels.
Call stations are map-fixed terminals that let you spend in-game currency (usually earned by completing objectives) to request an airdrop at a specific, marked location. Supply drops, on the other hand, are random crates that fall from the sky at unannounced locations, often after a timer or a player triggers them. Understanding the difference is critical because using a call station in the wrong situation can get your squad wiped.
How Call Stations Work
Call stations are scattered around the map, often near major landmarks or central areas. To use one, you approach the terminal, interact with it, and spend a set amount of in-game currency. The station then marks a drop zone on your map, and after a short delay (usually 30–60 seconds), a supply crate lands at that exact spot. The crate contains a random selection of weapons, ammo, meds, and sometimes armor.
- Cost: Typically 500–1,000 credits, which you earn by looting or completing side objectives.
- Delay: The airdrop takes time to arrive, and the drop zone is visible to all players on the map.
- Loot quality: Generally higher than random supply drops, often including blue or purple rarity items.
- Risk: High—enemies can camp the drop zone, and the broadcast attracts attention.
How Supply Drops Work
Supply drops are crates that fall from the sky at random intervals and locations, independent of player actions. They are not marked on the map until they land, and even then, only players within a certain radius get a notification. They contain a mix of common and uncommon loot, sometimes with a chance for a rare item.
- Cost: Free—you just need to reach the crate before others.
- Delay: No delay—the crate is already on the ground when you see it.
- Loot quality: Variable, usually green or blue, occasionally purple.
- Risk: Moderate—you might run into another squad, but there’s no broadcast to the whole map.
When to Prioritize Call Stations
Call stations are best used when your squad is under-geared and needs a guaranteed upgrade, or when you have a safe, defensible position. For example, if you’ve cleared a building and have sightlines on the drop zone, calling in an airdrop can give you a significant advantage. They are also useful when you’re playing aggressively and want to bait enemies into a fight on your terms—set up an ambush near the drop zone.
However, avoid using a call station if you’re low on meds or if the drop zone is in an open field with no cover. The delay gives enemies time to set up their own ambush, and you’ll be walking into a kill zone.
When to Prioritize Supply Drops
Supply drops are better when you’re trying to stay off the radar. Since they don’t broadcast to the entire map, you can loot them quietly and move on. They’re ideal for solo players or squads that want to avoid early fights. If you see a supply drop land near your position, it’s often worth a quick detour—the loot is usually better than what you’d find in regular containers, and the risk is lower than a call station.
But don’t chase every supply drop you see. If it’s on the other side of the map, you’ll waste time and expose yourself to unnecessary travel. Use your judgment: if it’s within 200 meters and you have a safe route, go for it; otherwise, let it go.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the biggest mistakes is using a call station without checking the surrounding area. Always clear the immediate vicinity and have one teammate watch the drop zone while another loots. Another common error is spending all your credits on a call station early in the match, leaving you with nothing for extraction fees or emergency purchases. Save at least a few hundred credits as a buffer.
With supply drops, a frequent mistake is assuming the crate is safe because it wasn’t broadcast. Other players can still see the drop animation if they’re nearby, and they might be heading to it just like you. Approach with caution, and never run straight to the crate without checking for enemies.
Comparing Costs and Rewards
To decide which is better for your current situation, consider the cost-benefit. A call station costs credits but guarantees a decent loot drop. A supply drop is free but random. If you’re on a budget, supply drops are the safer bet. If you have surplus credits and need a specific weapon type, a call station is more reliable.
Also consider the time investment. Call stations take time to reach, activate, and wait for the drop. Supply drops are instantaneous once you arrive. In a fast-paced match, time is often more valuable than credits. If you’re close to extraction and need just one more item, a supply drop you can see is usually faster than a call station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a call station more than once?
Yes, but each use costs credits, and there’s usually a cooldown of a few minutes. The cooldown prevents you from spamming airdrops in a single location. Plan your calls accordingly.
Do supply drops appear on the map for everyone?
No, only for players within a certain radius (roughly 150–200 meters). The drop animation is visible from a distance, but the map marker only appears for nearby players. This makes them less risky than call stations, which broadcast to the entire map.
What’s the best way to secure a call station drop?
Have one teammate watch the drop zone from a distance while another loots. If possible, place a trap or use a smoke grenade to obscure the area. Never all stand on the crate—that’s a grenade magnet.
Can I call in a drop at an enemy’s location?
Yes, you can, but it’s risky. The drop will attract enemies, and you’ll have to fight them. It can be a good distraction tactic, but only if you have a solid escape plan.
Are supply drops ever better than call stations?
Yes, when you’re low on credits, in a hurry, or want to stay hidden. Supply drops are also better if you’re playing solo, since call stations require more coordination to secure safely.
Do call station drops ever contain unique items?
They can contain higher-tier gear, but not unique or exclusive items. The loot pool is the same as supply drops, just with better odds of higher rarity. Don’t expect a one-of-a-kind weapon from a call station.
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