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How to Get Wires in Arc Raiders: Sources & Recycling

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Wires are a core crafting material in Arc Raiders, used for everything from base upgrades to weapon mods. This guide covers every reliable source and the recycling method to turn unwanted items into wires, so you can keep your arsenal and hideout upgraded without grinding endlessly.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to a workbench or recycling station in your hideout (unlocked early in the campaign).
  • At least one item that can be recycled (weapons, armor, or mods).
  • Patience for looting – wires are most often found in containers, not on enemies.

Step-by-Step

1. Loot Containers and Crates

  1. Search every container you come across: metal crates, toolboxes, ammo boxes, and supply caches.
  2. Prioritize industrial areas like warehouses, factories, and maintenance tunnels – these have a higher chance of spawning wires.
  3. Break open wooden crates and barrels; they often drop scrap that can be recycled into wires.

2. Scavenge from Dead Enemies

  1. Loot every enemy you defeat, especially robots and mechanized units.
  2. Check for small electronic components on their bodies – these are often the only wire source from combat.
  3. Elite or named enemies have a higher drop rate for bundles of wires.

3. Complete Missions and Contracts

  1. Check the mission board for contracts that specifically reward crafting materials.
  2. Repeatable missions often grant wires as a bonus reward – look for the material icon in the reward list.
  3. Focus on missions in higher-level zones, as they tend to drop more wires per completion.

4. Buy from Vendors (if available)

  1. Visit the vendor in your hub area and check their rotating stock.
  2. If wires are available for purchase with in-game currency, buy them – but only if you have surplus credits.
  3. Vendor stock refreshes periodically, so check back after a few missions.

5. Use the Recycling Method

  1. Open your inventory and go to the “Recycle” tab at any workbench.
  2. Select items you don’t need – duplicate weapons, low-tier armor, or unwanted mods.
  3. Preview the recycling output before confirming; it will show the exact number of wires you’ll get.
  4. Confirm the recycle. The wires are added to your inventory instantly.

6. Break Down Scrap Items

  1. Some items are explicitly labeled as “scrap” – these recycle into wires at a higher ratio.
  2. Keep an eye out for broken electronics, circuit boards, and old cables; they are pure wire fodder.
  3. Recycle these immediately to free up inventory space.

7. Salvage from Vehicles and Turrets

  1. In some maps, you can find destroyed vehicles or disabled turrets.
  2. Interact with them to salvage wires – this is a one-time loot per match.
  3. Use a tool or melee attack to break open panels if prompted.

Common Mistakes

  • Recycling items you actually need – double-check before you recycle a weapon you might want later. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
  • Ignoring small containers – even tiny boxes can hold wires. Skipping them adds up to missed opportunities.
  • Not checking vendor stock – you might be passing up a cheap source of wires.
  • Hoarding scrap items – scrap takes up inventory space; recycle it as soon as you’re safe.
  • Recycling mods blindly – some mods are rare and valuable for other builds. Check if you have duplicates before recycling.

Tips

  • Always recycle during downtime, like when you’re back at the hideout, to avoid being caught in the open with a full inventory.
  • Prioritize looting in areas with high industrial density – you’ll find more wires per minute.
  • If you’re short on wires, consider running a few quick missions in a lower-level zone where enemies are easier and you can loot faster.
  • Keep a mental note of which containers you’ve already looted – they don’t respawn in the same run.
  • When recycling, sort your inventory by type to quickly spot duplicates and scrap items.

Troubleshooting

  • Not getting wires from recycling? – Make sure you’re at a workbench or recycling station. Some items might not be recyclable – check the item description for a recycle icon.
  • Can’t find any wires in containers? – Try switching to a different map or difficulty. Higher difficulty usually means better loot, but also tougher enemies.
  • Vendor doesn’t have wires? – Stock rotates, so play a few missions and come back. Alternatively, check a different vendor if your hub has multiple.
  • Recycling gives fewer wires than expected? – The output depends on the item’s rarity and type. Common items give fewer wires than rare ones. Check the preview before confirming.
  • Inventory full of scrap? – Recycle scrap immediately, or drop it if you’re in a pinch and need space for better loot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get wires from dismantling weapons?

Yes, recycling weapons at a workbench gives wires, but the amount depends on the weapon’s rarity. Higher rarity weapons yield more wires.

Do wires respawn in the same containers?

No, containers you’ve looted stay empty for that run. You need to start a new mission or map to find fresh loot.

Is there a cap on how many wires I can hold?

There is no known cap on wires in your inventory, but your overall inventory space is limited. Recycle often to keep space free.

Can I buy wires with real money?

Arc Raiders does not have a real-money shop for crafting materials. Wires must be earned through gameplay.

What items recycle into the most wires?

Scrap items and rare weapons give the most wires per item. Check the recycle preview to see exact numbers.

Do wires have any use besides crafting?

Wires are primarily used for crafting and upgrading. They are not used as currency or for trading.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.