Arc Raiders Frigate Guide: Loadout & Tactics
This guide explains the Arc Raiders Frigate, a heavily armored support vessel in the game, covering its role, weapons, and how to use it effectively. You’ll learn its strengths, weaknesses, and the best tactics for both attacking and defending it.
What Is the Frigate?
The Frigate is a large, slow-moving aerial unit that appears in certain Arc Raiders missions and events. It serves as a mobile command platform and heavy gunship, providing fire support for ground forces. Unlike smaller aircraft, the Frigate is not a player-controlled vehicle; it is an AI-controlled enemy or ally that plays a central role in specific objectives.
In practice, you’ll encounter Frigates in two ways: as an enemy you must destroy or disable, and as an allied unit you must protect. Its design emphasizes durability over speed, making it a prime target for coordinated attacks.
Key Features and Armament
The Frigate is distinguished by its heavy armor and multiple weapon systems. Its primary armament includes:
- Forward cannons: These fire high-damage rounds at targets directly ahead, effective against ground vehicles and structures.
- Missile pods: Located on the wings, these can launch volleys of homing missiles at air and ground targets.
- Point-defense turrets: Small automated guns that engage incoming missiles and light aircraft.
It also has a large cargo bay that can deploy drop pods with enemy reinforcements. The Frigate’s hull is divided into several sections, each with its own health pool. Destroying a section may disable a weapon system or slow the ship, but does not immediately destroy it.
How to Destroy a Frigate
To bring down a Frigate, you must deplete its overall health, but focusing on weak points speeds up the process. The most effective method is to target the engine nacelles (the large pods at the rear) and the main bridge. Damaging these can cause critical failures, such as loss of maneuverability or a chain reaction explosion.
Recommended weapons include anti-vehicle rifles, rocket launchers, and any explosive ordnance. In co-op, coordinate with teammates to focus fire on one section at a time. If you have access to a vehicle with a mounted cannon, use it to deal sustained damage from a safe distance.
Defending a Friendly Frigate
When you must protect a Frigate, your job is to intercept threats before they reach it. Enemy fighters and ground-to-air turrets are the main dangers. Use anti-air weapons to shoot down incoming missiles and aircraft. Also, clear out any ground units that are targeting the Frigate with lock-on launchers.
Stay near the Frigate but not directly under it, as debris from its weapons or falling enemies can hit you. Repair tools (if available in your loadout) can be used on the Frigate’s hull to restore some health, but this is slow and risky.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One common mistake is treating the Frigate like a regular aircraft—it is not agile, so do not attempt to dogfight it with a small fighter. Instead, use cover and hit-and-run tactics. Another misconception is that the Frigate can be destroyed with small arms fire; it cannot. You must use heavy weapons or explosives.
Also, many players ignore the point-defense turrets, which can shred a lightly armored approach. Destroy these first if you plan a close-range assault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pilot the Frigate?
No, the Frigate is not a player-pilotable vehicle. It is an AI-controlled unit that appears in specific missions or as a background event. Your interaction is limited to attacking or defending it.
What is the best weapon to use against a Frigate?
Rocket launchers and anti-vehicle rifles are most effective. Explosive weapons like grenade launchers also work, but you need to be close. Avoid using standard assault rifles or SMGs—they deal negligible damage.
How long does it take to destroy a Frigate?
With a coordinated team of four players using heavy weapons, it can take about 2-3 minutes of continuous fire. Solo, it may take 10 minutes or more, depending on your loadout and the Frigate’s health scaling.
Do Frigates drop loot when destroyed?
Yes, destroying a Frigate often yields a cache of resources and sometimes rare crafting materials. The loot is usually scattered around the crash site, so search the area after the battle.
Can a Frigate be disabled without destroying it?
Yes, you can disable its weapons by destroying the turrets and missile pods. This makes it less dangerous, but it will still attempt to deploy troops. Disabling is useful if you need to capture the ship intact.
Final Tips
Always keep moving when engaging a Frigate—its cannons have a wide area of effect. Use terrain to break line of sight. In co-op, assign one player to focus on point-defense turrets while others attack the main hull. If you are defending, prioritize enemy aircraft and lock-on warnings.
Remember that the Frigate is a high-value target; destroying it can turn the tide of a mission, but doing so requires patience and teamwork. With the right strategy, you can take down even the most heavily armored Frigate.
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