Arc Raiders Traders: Who They Are, What They Sell, Unlocks

Arc Raiders traders are the in-game vendors you visit between matches to spend the resources you extract with, and they are the main way you unlock new weapons, gear, and upgrades. Each trader sells a specific category of items, and your access to better stock grows as you raise your reputation level with them. This article explains who the traders are, what each one sells, and how the unlock system works.

Who Are the Traders in Arc Raiders?

Arc Raiders is an upcoming free-to-play PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios (the team behind The Finals). In the game, you drop into a map, fight AI enemies and other players, and try to extract with loot. Between raids, you return to the hub area where the traders are located. Each trader is a named NPC with a distinct role, and they act as your primary source of equipment and progression.

While the full roster of traders has been partially revealed through trailers, developer streams, and the game’s official website, the exact names and their full inventories may change before launch. Based on confirmed information, the traders are organized by function: one handles weapons, one handles gear and armor, one handles medical supplies and consumables, and one handles crafting materials and special items. Some traders also offer daily or weekly contracts that reward extra reputation and currency.

What Does Each Trader Sell?

Each trader’s inventory is divided into two main categories: permanent items and rotating stock. Permanent items are always available once you reach the required reputation level. Rotating stock changes on a timer (usually daily or weekly) and may include rare weapons with unique attachments, limited-time cosmetics, or high-tier gear that you cannot buy elsewhere.

• Weapons trader: Sells assault rifles, SMGs, shotguns, sniper rifles, and sidearms. Also sells weapon attachments (scopes, grips, magazines) and weapon skins. Higher reputation unlocks more powerful weapons and attachments.
• Gear trader: Sells armor vests, helmets, backpacks, and tactical equipment like grenades and deployable shields. Higher tiers of armor provide better protection but are heavier.
• Medical trader: Sells bandages, medkits, stims, and antidotes. Also sells field surgery kits that can revive teammates faster. Medical consumables are essential for surviving longer raids.
• Materials trader: Sells crafting components, upgrade parts, and special items needed for weapon mods or base upgrades. This trader also buys your excess loot for currency.
• Special/Black Market trader (if present): May offer rare or illegal items not found elsewhere, such as high-tier armor or prototype weapons, often at a higher price or requiring special currency.

How the Unlock System Works

Unlocks in Arc Raiders are tied to a reputation system with each trader. You earn reputation by completing contracts, selling items to that trader, and successfully extracting with specific loot they request. Each trader has a level bar (e.g., from level 1 to level 10 or higher). As you level up, new items are added to their permanent inventory that you can purchase with in-game currency.

The unlock progression is not linear across all traders; you may need to level up multiple traders to access certain gear combinations. For example, a high-tier assault rifle might require level 5 with the weapons trader, but its best magazine attachment might require level 3 with the materials trader. This encourages you to engage with all traders rather than focusing on one.

Some unlocks are also tied to story missions or special events. For instance, completing a certain number of extraction contracts might unlock a unique weapon blueprint that no trader sells directly. These blueprint unlocks are often account-wide, meaning they apply to all characters you create.

How to Choose the Right Trader for You

Your choice of which trader to prioritize depends on your playstyle. If you prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat, focus on the weapons trader to unlock SMGs and shotguns early. If you play a support role, the medical trader’s higher-tier medkits and revive tools are more valuable. For solo players, the gear trader’s better armor and backpacks can make a huge difference in survivability.

It is also worth noting that some traders offer discounts on certain item categories as you level up. For example, at reputation level 3 with the gear trader, all armor purchases might cost 10% less. These discounts are not always obvious, so check the trader’s reputation rewards screen regularly.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is hoarding currency instead of spending it on trader upgrades. In many extraction shooters, currency is lost if you die in a raid, but in Arc Raiders, currency earned from selling items is safe. However, some special currencies (like “raid tokens” or “scrap”) may be lost on death. Always read the item description to see if it is “secure” or “risky.”

Another misconception is that traders only sell items, but they also buy your loot. Selling to a trader gives you currency and reputation, but you may get a better price from a different trader. For example, selling medical supplies to the medical trader gives you more reputation with them, but the weapons trader might pay more currency. It is a trade-off between fast currency and long-term reputation.

Players also assume that higher reputation always means better items, but some low-level items are still viable. A level 1 SMG with the right attachments can outperform a level 5 assault rifle in close quarters. Don’t ignore early unlocks just because they are low level.

Costs and Currency in Detail

Arc Raiders uses multiple currencies, and each trader may accept different ones. The primary currency is likely “Credits” or “Scrap,” earned from selling loot and completing contracts. There may also be a premium currency (often called “Coins” or “Crystals”) that can be bought with real money, but it is typically only used for cosmetics or convenience items, not for gameplay-affecting gear.

Prices for items vary based on rarity and tier. A common bandage might cost 50 credits, while a legendary medkit could cost 2,000 credits. Higher-tier items also require a minimum reputation level, so you cannot simply buy the best gear immediately. The in-game economy is designed to reward consistent play rather than grinding one raid.

Be aware that some items have a “trade-in” value that is lower than their purchase price. If you buy a weapon and later sell it, you will get back only a fraction of what you paid. This is normal in extraction shooters, so think before you buy.

Safety and Fair Play Considerations

While traders themselves are safe, the items you buy can be lost if you die in a raid. This is the core risk-reward loop of extraction shooters. To minimize losses, consider insuring your gear (if the game offers it) or using cheaper loadouts for high-risk raids. Some traders sell “secure containers” that protect a few items from being lost on death, but these are often expensive and limited.

Also, be cautious of third-party websites or services that claim to sell in-game currency or unlocks. These are against the game’s terms of service and can result in a ban. The only legitimate way to get trader items is through gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I unlock new traders?

New traders are typically unlocked by progressing through the main story or reaching a certain level with existing traders. Some traders may appear in the hub only after you complete a specific mission or extract with a special item. The game will usually notify you when a new trader becomes available.

Can I lose reputation with a trader?

No, reputation with traders only goes up, never down. You cannot lose reputation by failing raids or killing friendly NPCs. This is a common question from players who are used to faction systems in other games where reputation can decrease.

Do traders sell the same items to all players?

Yes, the permanent inventory is the same for all players at the same reputation level. However, rotating stock may be personalized based on your recent activities. For example, if you frequently use sniper rifles, the weapons trader may offer you a sniper rifle with a discount.

What happens to my trader reputation if the game launches?

During beta or early access, progress may be wiped. At full launch, your reputation and unlocks will persist as long as you play on the same account. Always check the game’s official announcements for reset policies.

Are trader items the only way to get gear?

No, you can also find gear in the world during raids, craft items using materials, or buy from other players if the game has a player-to-player marketplace. Traders are the most reliable source, but not the only one.

Is there a limit to how many items I can buy per day?

Some traders may have a daily purchase limit on certain high-tier items to prevent stockpiling. This limit resets at a specific time (usually daily reset). If you see a “sold out” message, it means the daily limit has been reached.

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