Arc Raiders Frequency Modulation Box Loot & Value

In Arc Raiders, the Frequency Modulation Box is a lootable container that can yield valuable crafting materials and gear, but its exact contents and worth depend on the zone and your luck. This article explains what it is, how to loot it efficiently, and how to judge whether the time spent is worth the reward.

Formula

The calculator above is a generic pace/speed tool, not specific to Arc Raiders. For the Frequency Modulation Box, there is no single formula—loot is randomized. However, a useful metric is loot value per minute: divide the estimated market value of the items you extract by the minutes spent acquiring them. That gives you a comparable efficiency score.

Symbols: V = total value of extracted items (in in-game currency or scrap), T = time in minutes, E = efficiency (V / T).

Worked Example

Suppose you spend 50 minutes looting three Frequency Modulation Boxes and extract items worth 1,500 credits total. Your efficiency is 1,500 / 50 = 30 credits per minute. The calculator above, using the same time and a 10 km distance, gives a pace of 5:00 min/km—an unrelated but analogous ratio.

What Is the Frequency Modulation Box?

The Frequency Modulation Box (often abbreviated as FM Box) is a type of loot container found in Arc Raiders, a cooperative extraction shooter. It appears as a metallic crate with a radio-wave icon. Unlike standard supply crates, FM Boxes require a brief interaction to open and may emit a distinct audio cue when nearby. They are typically located in mid-tier zones—not the easiest, but not the hardest—and often require a keycard or a tool to access.

Players seek them because they drop electronics, circuit boards, and rare tuning modules used in crafting weapon attachments and gear upgrades. Some boxes also contain cosmetic items or consumables, but the primary value is in the crafting components.

How to Loot an FM Box Efficiently

To maximize your return, follow this order:

• Scout the area first—FM Boxes are often in open spaces where you can be ambushed.
• Bring the right tool (e.g., a lockpick or keycard) if the box is locked; otherwise you waste time.
• Open and loot fast—the interaction takes 2–3 seconds, during which you are vulnerable.
• Prioritize high-value items like tuning modules over common scrap if your bag is limited.
• Extract immediately after looting if you have rare items; don’t push your luck.

How to Choose Which Boxes to Open

Not all FM Boxes are equal. Consider the following factors:

• Zone difficulty—higher-tier zones yield better loot but have stronger enemies and more player traffic.
• Lock type—a box requiring a rare keycard may be worth more, but the keycard itself has value; calculate the opportunity cost.
• Proximity to extraction—a box far from the extraction point is riskier; the value must justify the travel.
• Current market prices—if tuning modules are selling low, focus on boxes that drop other electronics.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent mistake is assuming every FM Box contains a legendary item. In reality, most boxes drop common or uncommon components. Another issue is not checking your inventory space—you might be forced to leave behind a rare module because your bag is full of low-value scrap. Also, some players confuse the FM Box with the similar-looking Signal Relay, which has a different loot table. Always verify the icon and name before opening.

Another misconception is that FM Boxes respawn in the same match. They do not—each box can be looted once per raid. If you see an open box, it’s already been emptied.

Comparison with Other Loot Containers

Compared to standard ammo crates, FM Boxes have a higher chance of dropping electronics and rare components. However, they are less common than supply crates and require more effort to reach. In contrast, Medical Boxes drop healing items but rarely crafting materials. Weapon Crates may contain guns but are heavier and attract more attention. FM Boxes sit in a middle ground: good for crafting, moderate risk.

Costs and Safety Considerations

The main cost is time and risk. Opening an FM Box exposes you to enemy fire and player ambushes. If you die, you lose everything you’ve looted. To mitigate this:

• Always have an escape route planned.
• Use audio cues—the box emits a beep when opened, which can attract enemies.
• Don’t open a box if you are low on health or ammo; survival is worth more than loot.

There is no real-world monetary cost, but in-game, the keycards or tools you use have a market value. Calculate whether the expected loot value exceeds the cost of the keycard.

Alternatives to FM Boxes

If FM Boxes are too risky or rare, consider other sources of crafting materials:

• Dismantling unwanted gear—break down weapons and armor you don’t need.
• Completing missions—some missions reward electronics directly.
• Trading with other players—buy components on the auction house if available.
• Looting regular containers—even basic crates sometimes drop circuit boards, just at a lower rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly drops from a Frequency Modulation Box? Typically, you get electronics, circuit boards, tuning modules, and occasionally a weapon attachment or consumable. The exact drop rates are not publicly documented, but the box is known for crafting materials rather than weapons.

Do I need a keycard to open every FM Box? No—some are unlocked, others require a keycard or tool. The lock type is visible on the box itself. If you don’t have the required item, you can’t open it.

Can I find FM Boxes in the first zone? Yes, but they are rare and usually contain low-tier loot. Higher-tier zones have more boxes and better loot, but also more risk.

Is it better to sell the contents or use them for crafting? That depends on your current goals. If you are close to crafting a high-tier attachment, keep the components. If you need credits, sell them—especially if the market price is high.

How do I know if an FM Box is worth opening? Estimate the value of the possible drops and compare it to the time and risk. If you are in a safe area with a clear extraction path, it’s usually worth it. If enemies are nearby, skip it.

Does the FM Box respawn after a while? No, within a single raid, once opened it stays open. It may appear again in a future raid, but not in the same session.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2