Arc Raiders Solo vs Squad: Best for Quests

For quests in Arc Raiders, squad play is generally better than solo play because it offers faster completion, better survivability, and access to harder content, though solo play is viable for certain objectives and offers full loot control. This article explains the trade-offs in detail, covering how quests work, the strengths of each mode, and how to choose based on your goals.

How Quests Work in Arc Raiders

Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person shooter where you fight against robotic enemies called ARC. Quests are mission objectives that reward you with currency, crafting materials, and gear. You can play them solo or with a squad of up to three players. The game scales enemy difficulty based on your party size, but the rewards are the same regardless. This means a squad can clear objectives faster and with less risk, while a solo player faces tougher odds but gets to keep all loot and control the pace.

Advantages of Squad Play for Quests

Squads have several clear benefits for quest efficiency:

• Revives: When you go down, a teammate can revive you. Solo, a down is usually a failed quest unless you have a self-revive item.
• Firepower: Three players can focus fire on heavy enemies, breaking shields and weak points much faster.
• Objective speed: Tasks like “defend the pointâ€� or “collect 10 data coresâ€� go faster because players can split up or cover multiple angles.
• Access to harder quests: Some quests are tuned for a full squad and are nearly impossible solo without top-tier gear.
• Shared risk: If one player makes a mistake, the squad can recover. Solo, one mistake can end the run.

For most quests, especially those with timers or heavy combat, squad play is the recommended way to go.

Advantages of Solo Play for Quests

Solo play isn’t just a handicap; it has its own strengths:

• Full loot control: You don’t have to share drops or compete for rare materials.
• Stealth and pacing: You can move at your own speed, avoid fights, and use stealth to bypass enemies, which is often easier alone.
• No coordination issues: You don’t need to wait for teammates or deal with players who rush or lag.
• Personal challenge: Some players enjoy the difficulty spike and the sense of accomplishment.

Solo is best for gathering quests, exploration tasks, and when you want to practice without pressure.

Key Differences in Quest Difficulty

The game scales enemy health and damage with party size. A solo player faces fewer enemies, but each one is tougher relative to your firepower. In a squad, enemies are more numerous but die faster because of combined DPS. This means a well-coordinated squad can clear a quest in half the time of a solo player. However, if your squad isn’t coordinated, you might waste more time than going solo. For example, a “defend the generator� quest that takes 10 minutes solo might take 6 minutes with a good squad, but 15 minutes with a disorganized one.

How to Choose Based on Quest Type

Not all quests are equal. Here’s a quick guide:

• Combat-heavy quests (e.g., eliminate all enemies): Squad is better. The extra firepower and revives are crucial.
• Collection/exploration quests (e.g., find lost items): Solo is fine, especially if you know the map. You can move quietly and avoid fights.
• Boss or elite enemy quests: Squad is almost mandatory unless you have top-tier gear and perfect play.
• Time-limited quests: Squad is better to cover more ground and finish faster.

If you’re unsure, try a quest solo first to learn the layout, then do it with a squad for the rewards.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common myth is that solo play gives better loot. That’s not true—the drop rates are the same, but solo you don’t have to share. Another issue is that players think squads are always faster, but if your teammates are underleveled or uncoordinated, you might fail repeatedly. Also, some players worry that solo is impossible for endgame content. While it’s very hard, skilled players have completed all quests solo, but it requires perfect builds and knowledge.

Tips for Both Playstyles

If you play solo, invest in self-revive items, use cover heavily, and don’t be afraid to retreat. If you play in a squad, communicate roles (e.g., one player focuses on adds, one on the objective). Always check the quest requirements before starting—some are designed for a specific number of players. For the best experience, mix both: use solo for farming and squad for progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you complete all quests solo in Arc Raiders?

Yes, technically all quests can be completed solo, but some are extremely difficult and require near-perfect play, high-level gear, and a lot of patience. The game scales difficulty, so it’s not impossible, but it’s not recommended for casual players.

Does squad play increase the number of enemies?

Yes, the game spawns more enemies for a squad, but they are not proportionally stronger. The total difficulty is balanced so that a coordinated squad has an easier time than a solo player.

Is it better to play solo for rare loot?

No, the drop rates are the same. Solo just means you don’t have to share the loot with teammates, so you get more of it personally.

What’s the best squad size for quests?

Three players is the max and generally the best for combat quests. Two players can be a good balance if you want fewer enemies but still have a revive option.

Do quests give more rewards on higher difficulty?

Yes, higher difficulty settings (if available) give better rewards, but they also increase enemy health and damage. This applies to both solo and squad play.

Can I switch between solo and squad in the middle of a quest?

No, you must choose before starting. Once the quest begins, you can’t invite players or leave and rejoin without failing.

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in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
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out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2