Arc Raiders Crafting: Materials & Storage Guide
This guide answers whether you should craft furniture in Arc Raiders, and the short answer is yes, but only after you understand the materials and storage systems. Crafting furniture is a core part of base building, but it consumes valuable materials that you also need for weapons, ammo, and gear. This article explains how crafting works, what materials you need, how to manage storage, and when crafting furniture is worth it.
Background: Why Furniture Crafting Exists
Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person shooter where you fight against ARC, a robotic threat. The game emphasizes survival and base building, and furniture is a key part of that. Furniture isn’t just cosmetic; it provides functional benefits like increased storage capacity, crafting stations, and defensive structures. The developers designed furniture crafting to give players a sense of progression and personalization, but it also forces you to make strategic choices about resource allocation. Early in the game, you have limited materials, so you need to prioritize what to craft first.
How Furniture Crafting Works
Furniture crafting in Arc Raiders is done at a crafting bench, which you build early in the game. You select a blueprint, and the game shows you the required materials. You need to have those materials in your inventory or in a linked storage container. Once you confirm, the crafting process starts, and the item appears in your base after a set time (or instantly if you use a crafting speed boost). Furniture items range from simple storage crates to advanced turrets and workbenches. Each item has a rarity tier (common, uncommon, rare, etc.), and higher-tier items require rarer materials.
Materials You’ll Need
The materials for furniture crafting are the same ones used for gear and weapon crafting, so there’s a direct trade-off. Here are the main categories:
- Common Materials: Wood, stone, and metal scraps. These are abundant and used for basic furniture like storage boxes and simple walls.
- Uncommon Materials: Copper wire, plastic, and glass. These are found in specific locations or by dismantling loot. Used for advanced storage and workbenches.
- Rare Materials: Circuit boards, rare metals, and specialized components. These are harder to find, often requiring you to explore dangerous areas or defeat strong enemies. Used for high-tier furniture like turrets and medical stations.
You can also salvage materials from existing furniture or loot, but you won’t get back everything you spent. Plan accordingly.
How to Choose What to Craft
Not all furniture is equally useful. Here’s a practical approach to deciding what to craft first:
- Assess your immediate needs: If you’re running out of storage, craft a storage crate. If you can’t repair gear, craft a repair bench.
- Check your material surplus: If you have a lot of wood but little metal, craft wood-based furniture first.
- Think about progression: Some furniture unlocks new crafting recipes or improves your base’s defense. Prioritize those over cosmetic items.
- Consider team needs: If you play with friends, coordinate who crafts what to avoid duplicating expensive items.
Common Problems and Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes is crafting furniture without checking your storage capacity first. If your base is full, you can’t place new furniture, and you might have to dismantle something you need. Another issue is hoarding materials for furniture when you need them for ammo or medkits. Always keep a reserve of essential materials for gear repairs and consumables. Also, be careful about crafting high-tier furniture early; the materials are better spent on weapons and armor that help you survive and progress.
Storage Strategies
Storage is a critical part of the furniture system. Here are some tips to manage it effectively:
- Upgrade storage crates: Higher-tier crates hold more items and are worth the investment.
- Organize by type: Use separate crates for materials, weapons, and consumables. This makes it easier to find what you need.
- Use linked storage: Some crafting stations can pull materials from nearby storage, so place them close together.
- Dismantle unused furniture: If you have furniture you don’t use, dismantle it to get some materials back, but remember you lose a portion.
Comparisons: Furniture vs. Gear Crafting
You can’t craft everything at once, so you’ll often have to choose between furniture and gear. Furniture provides long-term benefits like storage and defense, while gear gives immediate combat advantages. Early on, focus on gear to survive, then transition to furniture as you secure a stable supply of materials. For example, a new gun might help you clear a mission, while a storage crate helps you hoard loot for later. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a balanced approach works best.
Costs and Time Investment
Crafting furniture costs materials and time. Some items take minutes, others take hours. You can speed up crafting with in-game currency or by using certain consumables, but that’s an extra cost. The real cost is opportunity cost: every material you spend on furniture is a material you can’t spend on something else. For instance, a rare circuit board used for a turret could have been used for a high-tier scope. Weigh the benefits carefully.
Safety and Efficiency Tips
While crafting furniture is safe (it doesn’t put you in danger), the process can leave you vulnerable if you’re in a dangerous area. Always craft in a safe location or while your team covers you. Also, be efficient with your time: craft multiple items at once if you can, and use crafting queues to maximize productivity. Don’t forget to repair your crafting bench regularly, as a damaged bench slows down crafting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I move furniture after placing it?
A: Yes, you can dismantle and rebuild furniture, but you only get a portion of the materials back. It’s better to plan your base layout in advance.
Q: What’s the best furniture to craft first?
A: Start with a storage crate and a crafting bench. Those give you the most immediate benefit. Then add a repair bench and a bed if you need to rest.
Q: How do I get rare materials for high-tier furniture?
A: Rare materials are found in high-level zones, in supply drops, and by defeating elite enemies. You can also trade with other players if that feature is available.
Q: Does furniture decay over time?
A: Furniture doesn’t decay, but it can be damaged by enemy attacks. Repair it with the repair tool to keep it functional.
Q: Can I share furniture with my squad?
A: Yes, if you’re in a shared base, all members can use the furniture, but only the owner can dismantle it. Coordinate with your team to avoid conflicts.
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