Arc Raiders: Best Gadget Guide & How to Use It

This guide covers the most versatile gadget in Arc Raiders — the Recon Drone — and how to use it effectively in both solo and squad play. You’ll learn its core functions, positioning tricks, and how to avoid the mistakes that get it shot down. No prior unlocks are needed; the drone is available early in the tech tree.

What You’ll Need

• Arc Raiders game client (current version)
• Recon Drone unlocked in the Engineering skill tree
• A deployed match (solo or co-op)
• Basic keybind knowledge (default: G to deploy)

Step-by-Step

1. Equip the Recon Drone — Open your loadout screen before deploying. Select the Gadget slot and choose Recon Drone. Confirm it’s active, not just in your inventory.
2. Deploy in a safe spot — Press the gadget key (G by default) while your character is crouched or behind cover. The drone launches from your position, so avoid deploying in open sightlines.
3. Take manual control — Once airborne, hold the aim button (right mouse button on PC) to enter first-person drone view. This lets you fly precisely rather than relying on the auto-hover.
4. Scout ahead of your team — Fly 30–50 meters ahead of your squad’s advance. Use the drone’s camera to mark enemy positions with the ping key (Q). Marked enemies appear on your team’s HUD.
5. Use verticality — Keep the drone at 10–15 meters altitude. This avoids ground-level obstacles and most melee attacks, while still being low enough to spot enemies under cover.
6. Return or recall — Press the gadget key again to recall the drone. It returns to your position and recharges. If it takes damage, recall it early to preserve the cooldown.
7. Deploy as a distraction — In a firefight, send the drone on a noisy flight path past enemy positions. The sound and visual draw attention, letting your team flank.
8. Combine with sniper roles — If you’re a marksman, deploy the drone to hover over a known enemy camp, then use its marks to line up shots through walls or foliage.
9. Practice manual landings — You can land the drone on ledges or rooftops to create a stationary surveillance post. This uses less battery than hovering.
10. Recover after destruction — If the drone is destroyed, wait for the cooldown (around 45 seconds) and redeploy. Don’t rush; reposition first.

Common Mistakes

• Deploying in the open — Launching while standing in a field makes you an easy target during the 1-second deploy animation.
• Flying too high — Above 20 meters, the drone becomes visible against the sky and is easily shot by enemies looking up.
• Ignoring battery — The drone has a limited battery (about 60 seconds of flight). If you stay in manual control too long, it dies and goes on a longer cooldown.
• Not pinging — Flying the drone without marking enemies wastes its main advantage. Always ping at least one target before returning.
• Using it in close quarters — In tight indoor spaces, the drone is less effective and more likely to crash into walls. Save it for outdoor areas.

Tips

• Use the drone’s camera to check corners before you round them — this prevents ambushes.
• If you’re playing solo, use the drone to scout extraction points before committing.
• Coordinate with a teammate: one flies the drone, the other covers the pilot’s body.
• Learn the battery meter — it’s the thin bar under the drone’s icon. Recall at 20% to avoid the full cooldown.
• In squads, alternate drone usage between members to maintain constant surveillance.

Troubleshooting

Drone won’t deploy — Check that you’re not in a restricted zone (some interiors block gadgets). Move to an open area and try again. Also verify the gadget isn’t on cooldown.

Drone flies erratically — This usually happens when you’re in manual control and the game’s auto-stabilize is fighting your input. Release the aim button to let it hover, then re-enter manual mode.

No pings appear for teammates — Ensure you’re using the ping key while in drone view, not just looking at enemies. Pings only register when you press the button.

Drone keeps getting shot down — Lower your altitude and fly behind cover. Use buildings and trees as shields. Also, avoid flying directly over enemy positions.

Battery drains too fast — Hovering in place drains slower than moving. Use short bursts of movement and then pause to conserve power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Recon Drone be used indoors? — Yes, but it’s less effective. It works in larger rooms like warehouses, but tight corridors cause collisions and make it easy to spot.

Does the drone make noise? — Yes, it emits a low hum. Enemies can hear it if they’re close, so use it at a distance or during gunfire.

Can enemies destroy the drone? — Yes, it has about 30 HP. A few shots will destroy it, triggering a longer cooldown.

How long is the cooldown after recall? — If you recall manually, the cooldown is about 20 seconds. If destroyed, it’s 45 seconds.

Can I use the drone while moving? — Yes, but your character stops to control it. You can move while it’s in auto-hover, but manual control requires you to stand still.

Is the drone better than the turret gadget? — It depends on your playstyle. The drone provides information, while the turret provides firepower. For recon, the drone is superior.

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