Arc Raiders Tutorial Exploit: Keep Starter Pistol & Loot
Yes, the Arc Raiders tutorial exploit lets you keep your starter pistol and the loot you find during the tutorial, carrying them into the main game. By deliberately failing the tutorial at a specific point, you bypass the scripted loadout reset, allowing you to retain the gear you’ve picked up.
Background: Why This Exploit Exists
Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person shooter where you fight robot enemies and extract with loot. The tutorial is designed to teach you the basics—shooting, looting, and extraction—but it ends with a scripted sequence where your character is captured and all your gear is stripped away. This is a narrative device to explain why you start the main game with only a basic pistol.
The exploit takes advantage of a quirk in how the game handles the tutorial’s end state. Instead of completing the final objective, you intentionally die or fail the mission in a way that triggers a different ending—one that doesn’t remove your inventory. This is a classic ‘sequence break’ type of exploit, similar to those found in many games where a scripted event can be bypassed by failing a condition.
How the Exploit Works
The exact steps can vary slightly with game updates, but the core method is consistent. You play through the tutorial normally, collecting loot and the starter pistol. When you reach the final extraction point, instead of boarding the dropship (which triggers the capture cutscene), you do the opposite—you let yourself be killed by enemies or fall off the map.
Here is the general sequence of steps:
- Complete the tutorial objectives up to the final extraction point.
- Ensure you have the starter pistol and any other loot you want to keep in your inventory.
- Instead of entering the extraction zone, get yourself killed by enemy fire or environmental hazards.
- When the ‘Mission Failed’ screen appears, choose to return to the lobby or restart—do not choose to retry.
- After loading back into the main hub, check your inventory. You should still have the pistol and loot.
This works because the game’s script that removes your gear is tied to the successful extraction cutscene, not to the failure state. Failing the mission skips that script entirely.
What You Can Keep
The exploit primarily allows you to keep the starter pistol, which is a basic but reliable weapon. In the main game, you would normally start with nothing and have to find or craft a weapon. With this exploit, you begin with a weapon already equipped, giving you a small early-game advantage.
You can also keep any loot you find during the tutorial. This includes crafting materials, medical supplies, and other consumables. However, the tutorial has limited loot spawns, so you won’t be able to stockpile a huge amount. The main value is the pistol itself, as it saves you the effort of finding your first weapon.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Players often report that the exploit doesn’t work after a game update. Developers frequently patch these kinds of exploits, so the method may be fixed. If you find that you lose your gear despite following the steps, the patch has likely removed the exploit.
Another common issue is that the game may still trigger the capture cutscene even if you die, depending on how you die. For example, if you die while inside the extraction zone, the game might still register it as a success. The key is to die well outside the zone, ensuring the failure state is triggered.
If you are playing with a group, the exploit may not work for all members. The game’s netcode might sync the state, causing everyone to lose gear if even one player extracts successfully. It’s best to attempt this solo.
Is It Worth Doing?
For most players, the exploit offers a minor early-game convenience. The starter pistol is not a powerful weapon, and you will quickly replace it with better gear within the first few missions. The loot you keep is also minimal. If you are a completionist or want a slight edge at the start, it’s a fun trick to try. However, if you are concerned about the game’s intended progression, it’s not necessary.
There is also a risk of a soft-lock or a corrupted save if the game’s state gets confused. While rare, it’s a possibility with any exploit. Always back up your save file before attempting it.
Safety and Fair Play
Using this exploit is generally considered safe in terms of not getting banned, as it doesn’t involve modifying game files or cheating. It’s a gameplay exploit that relies on a script error. However, the developers may patch it without notice, and some players consider it an unfair advantage in a competitive setting.
If you’re playing solo or co-op with friends, it’s harmless. If you’re playing in a competitive mode, it’s best to avoid it to keep the experience fair for everyone. The game’s terms of service likely prohibit exploits, but enforcement is rare for this kind of minor glitch.
Alternatives to the Exploit
If you don’t want to use the exploit, there are legitimate ways to get a weapon early. The main game’s first missions often reward you with a basic weapon for completing objectives. You can also craft a simple pistol using materials found in the hub area.
Another alternative is to focus on melee attacks and stealth until you find a weapon drop. The game’s early enemies are not too difficult, and you can often avoid combat altogether. This makes the exploit less valuable, as the intended progression is not particularly punishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the exploit still work in the latest version?
It depends on the current patch. Developers frequently fix such exploits, so the method may be patched. Check recent player reports or forums to see if it’s still viable. If it doesn’t work, you’ll lose your gear on death.
Can I keep the pistol if I play with friends?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. The game’s sync might cause all players to lose gear if one extracts successfully. It’s best to attempt the exploit solo to ensure you control the outcome.
Will I get banned for using this exploit?
In most cases, no. It’s a minor glitch that doesn’t affect other players. However, the game’s terms of service may prohibit exploits, and in rare cases, developers have issued warnings. The risk is low, but not zero.
What other loot can I keep?
Any item you pick up during the tutorial—medkits, ammo, crafting parts—will be kept. However, the tutorial has limited loot, so don’t expect a full inventory. The pistol is the primary prize.
Does the exploit work on all platforms?
It works on any platform where the game runs, as it’s a game logic issue, not a platform-specific one. However, the exact steps may differ slightly due to controls or UI differences. The core method—failing the mission—remains the same.
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