Let me tell you something straight up – when I first started playing ARC Raiders, I had no clue what Rusted Tools were even for. I’d find these blue-rarity items while looting, think “cool, more scrap metal,” and immediately recycle them for parts. Big mistake. Huge mistake. It wasn’t until I hit a wall with my weapon progression that I realized these seemingly insignificant tools were actually the key to unlocking the Gunsmith 2 upgrade – one of the most important workshop upgrades in the entire game.
I’ve spent countless hours in the wastelands of ARC Raiders since then, learning the ins and outs of Rusted Tools farming, and I’m here to share everything I’ve discovered. Whether you’re a fresh raider just starting out or a veteran looking to optimize your farming routes, this guide will give you all the knowledge you need to become a Rusted Tools hunting machine.
What Are Rusted Tools and Why Should You Care?
Rusted Tools are rare mechanical items in ARC Raiders that serve as a bottleneck for one of the most crucial early-game upgrades: Gunsmith 2. These blue-rarity items weigh 2 kg each, stack up to three per inventory slot, and can only be found in mechanical loot zones across the game’s maps.
When I first encountered them, I made the rookie mistake of treating them like any other recyclable item. But here’s the deal – you need exactly three Rusted Tools to upgrade your Gunsmith from level 1 to level 2, and this upgrade opens up a whole new world of weapon crafting possibilities. Without it, you’re stuck with basic firearms while other players are running around with customized, high-tier weapons.
Key Rusted Tools Stats:
- Rarity: Rare (blue)
- Weight: 2 kg per item
- Stack Size: 3 per slot
- Sell Price: 1,000 coins each
- Loot Pool: Mechanical zones only
- Primary Use: Gunsmith 1 → Gunsmith 2 upgrade
The thing that makes Rusted Tools so valuable (and frustrating to farm) is their rarity. They’re not just lying around everywhere – you need to know exactly where to look and how to approach your farming runs efficiently. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
The Best Maps and Locations for Rusted Tools Farming
After dozens of hours experimenting with different farming strategies, I’ve identified the most reliable locations for Rusted Tools across all maps. Let me break this down map by map, starting with my personal favorite farming grounds.
Dam Battlegrounds: The Rusted Tools Paradise
If I had to pick just one map for Rusted Tools farming, Dam Battlegrounds would be my go-to every single time. This map has three excellent mechanical zones that you can hit in a single run, and they’re relatively close to extraction points.
Top Dam Battlegrounds Locations:
- Scrap Yard – This area is absolutely loaded with mechanical containers, especially around the car wrecks. I’ve found the most success checking the red tool boxes and larger industrial crates. The containers here respawn frequently, and I’ve pulled multiple Rusted Tools from single runs through this area.
- Water Treatment Control – Head to the lower floors of this facility for the best results. The mechanical containers here have a higher spawn rate for Rusted Tools compared to other areas, and the layout makes it easy to move between containers quickly.
- Primary Facility – Similar to Water Treatment Control, this facility has multiple floors with mechanical containers. I recommend starting from the top and working your way down, checking every container you come across.
What I love about Dam Battlegrounds is how these three locations form a nice triangle. You can hit all three in a single run without wasting too much time traveling between them, and there are multiple extraction points nearby when you’re ready to call it a day.
Spaceport: High Risk, High Reward
Spaceport is my second choice for Rusted Tools farming, but I’ll be honest – it’s significantly more dangerous than Dam Battlegrounds. The player density is higher, and ARC patrols seem more aggressive here. However, if you’re confident in your combat skills or prefer playing solo, Spaceport can yield excellent results.
Best Spaceport Locations:
- Vehicle Maintenance – This warehouse area is packed with mechanical containers. I’ve had my best luck checking the larger industrial crates and tool cabinets. The containers here seem to have a slightly higher chance of containing Rusted Tools compared to other areas.
- Container Storage – Right next to Vehicle Maintenance, this area is another goldmine for mechanical loot. The containers here are densely packed, making for efficient farming if you can clear the area quickly.
- Shipping Warehouse – Located in the northern part of Spaceport, this area is worth the extra travel time if you’re running a full circuit of the map. I’ve found multiple Rusted Tools here on several runs, though it’s definitely more contested.
My personal strategy on Spaceport is to use a Free Loadout for quick, low-risk runs. Since I’m not risking any valuable gear, I can be more aggressive about looting and extracting at the first sign of trouble. The key here is efficiency – get in, hit the mechanical zones, and get out before other players or ARC patrols can ruin your day.
Blue Gate: For the Brave and Prepared
I’ll be straight with you – Blue Gate is not my recommended map for Rusted Tools farming, especially if you’re new to the game. The ARC enemies here are tougher, and the PVP scene is more intense. However, if you’re an experienced player or running with a coordinated squad, Blue Gate has some excellent mechanical zones that can yield great results.
Blue Gate Mechanical Zones:
- Adorned Wreckage – This area has a good concentration of mechanical containers, though you’ll need to deal with stronger ARC enemies. I recommend coming here only if you’re well-equipped and confident in your combat abilities.
- Warehouse Complex – Similar to the warehouses on Spaceport, this area has plenty of mechanical containers. The key difference is the increased enemy presence, so come prepared for a fight.
- Checkpoint – This underground area has proven to be quite reliable for Rusted Tools in my experience. The mechanical containers here seem to have a decent spawn rate, and the enclosed environment can work to your advantage if you’re careful.
If you do decide to farm Blue Gate, I strongly recommend running with a squad. The increased difficulty and player activity make solo runs significantly more challenging. When I run Blue Gate with my team, we usually assign roles – one player watches for threats while the others focus on looting containers.
Buried City: Skip for Rusted Tools
Here’s a pro tip that will save you a lot of frustration – don’t bother looking for Rusted Tools on Buried City. This map simply doesn’t have the mechanical or industrial-focused locations that consistently spawn Rusted Tools. I’ve spent hours searching this map, and the yield just isn’t worth the time investment.
If you find yourself on Buried City and need Rusted Tools, my advice is to extract and redeploy to Dam Battlegrounds or Spaceport. Your time is better spent on maps that actually have the right type of loot zones.
Advanced Farming Strategies and Loadouts
Now that you know where to find Rusted Tools, let’s talk about how to farm them efficiently. I’ve learned through trial and error that having the right strategy and loadout can make the difference between coming back empty-handed and extracting with a full stack of Rusted Tools.
Loadout Choices: Free vs. Custom
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to use a Free Loadout or a Custom Loadout for your Rusted Tools farming runs. I’ve had success with both approaches, but they serve different purposes and playstyles.
Free Loadout Strategy:
When I’m using a Free Loadout, my approach is all about speed and low risk. Since I’m not risking any valuable gear, I can be more aggressive about looting and extracting at the first sign of trouble. Here’s what I typically bring:
- Basic assault rifle with plenty of ammo
- Standard shield for cover
- Medical supplies for healing
- No armor or expensive attachments
The beauty of Free Loadouts is that you lose nothing if you get eliminated. This makes them perfect for learning new routes or when you’re just starting out with Rusted Tools farming. I can’t tell you how many times this approach has saved me from losing valuable progress.
Custom Loadout Strategy:
When I’m serious about maximizing my Rusted Tools haul, I switch to a Custom Loadout with Safe Pockets. This approach is riskier since you’re bringing your own gear, but the payoff can be huge if you play it smart.
My preferred Custom Loadout for Rusted Tools farming includes:
| Equipment Slot | Item | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | Ferro or Hullcracker | High ARC armor penetration for quick machine kills |
| Secondary Weapon | Pistol with suppressor | Quiet kills to avoid attracting attention |
| Shield | Movable shield | Cover during looting animations |
| Armor | Medium armor set | Balance between protection and mobility |
| Safe Pockets | 1-2 slots | Guaranteed protection for Rusted Tools |
The key advantage of Custom Loadouts is the Safe Pockets feature. When I find Rusted Tools, I immediately place them in my Safe Pockets. This means even if I get eliminated, I’ll keep those valuable items when I return to Speranza. It’s a game-changer for consistent progression.
Route Planning: Efficiency is Everything
I can’t stress this enough – having a planned route is crucial for efficient Rusted Tools farming. When I first started, I would just wander around mechanical zones randomly, and my results were terrible. Once I started planning specific routes, my Rusted Tools per hour rate skyrocketed.
My Favorite Dam Battlegrounds Route:
- Start at Scrap Yard – Hit all the containers around the car wrecks first
- Move to Water Treatment Control – Work from top to bottom, checking every container
- End at Primary Facility – Clear this area last before extracting
This route typically takes me 15-20 minutes to complete, and I usually find at least one Rusted Tool per run, sometimes more if I’m lucky. The key is to move efficiently between areas without wasting time on non-mechanical zones.
Spaceport Circuit Route:
- Begin at Vehicle Maintenance – Focus on the larger industrial crates
- Quick stop at Container Storage – Hit the most densely packed container areas
- Optional: Shipping Warehouse – Only if I have time and the area looks clear
I only run this circuit when I’m feeling confident or playing with a squad. The increased player activity on Spaceport makes it riskier, but the payoff can be worth it if you’re prepared.
Combat vs. Stealth: Finding the Right Balance
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about Rusted Tools farming is knowing when to fight and when to avoid combat. Early on, I made the mistake of engaging every ARC patrol I encountered, and it burned through my resources while attracting unwanted attention.
My Combat Philosophy:
When I’m farming Rusted Tools, I follow a simple rule: avoid combat unless absolutely necessary. Every fight consumes ammo, attracts more enemies, and risks drawing the attention of other players. My priority is always looting containers, not clearing maps.
However, sometimes combat is unavoidable. When I do need to fight, I make sure to:
- Use high ARC penetration weapons – The Ferro and Hullcracker shred through mechanical enemies quickly
- Fight from cover – Never engage in the open where you’re exposed
- Make it quick – Prolonged fights waste resources and attract attention
- Have an escape route – Always know where you can retreat if things go south
I’ve found that crouch-walking and using the slide mechanic (sprint + crouch) helps me move quietly between areas. This is especially important when I’m near other players or dense ARC patrol zones.
Understanding Rusted Tools Uses and Value
Now that you know how to find Rusted Tools, let’s talk about what to do with them once you have them. I’ve learned that making smart decisions about how to use your Rusted Tools can significantly impact your overall progression in ARC Raiders.
The Gunsmith 2 Upgrade: Your Primary Goal
The most important use for Rusted Tools is unlocking the Gunsmith 2 upgrade. This is a game-changing upgrade that opens up new weapon crafting possibilities and should be your first priority when collecting Rusted Tools.
Gunsmith 2 Upgrade Requirements:
- 3× Rusted Tools
- 5× Mechanical Components
- 8× Wasp Driver
When I first started, I made the mistake of focusing only on Rusted Tools while ignoring the other components. Don’t do what I did – plan your runs to collect all three materials simultaneously. Check your stash before each run and prioritize whichever material you’re shortest on.
The Gunsmith 2 upgrade is worth every bit of effort you put into collecting these materials. Once unlocked, you’ll have access to better weapon blueprints, improved crafting options, and the ability to create more powerful firearms. It’s a significant power spike that will make all subsequent raids easier and more profitable.
What to Do With Extra Rusted Tools?
Once you’ve unlocked Gunsmith 2, you’ll need to decide what to do with any additional Rusted Tools you find. You have three options, and choosing the right one depends on your current needs and progression goals.
Option 1: Sell for Coins (1,000 coins each)
Selling Rusted Tools is straightforward – take them to any vendor in Speranza and exchange them for 1,000 coins each. I only recommend this option when you need currency immediately for something specific, like purchasing a key weapon or upgrading your stash.
Option 2: Recycle at Base (Best Long-term Value)
Recycling Rusted Tools at your base gives you the best component return:
- 8× Metal Parts (worth 75 coins each = 600 total)
- 1× Steel Spring (worth 300 coins)
- Total value: 900 coins in materials
This is only 100 coins less than selling, but you gain valuable crafting components instead of raw currency. I recycle most of my extra Rusted Tools because I always need more components for crafting and upgrades.
Option 3: Salvage Mid-Raid (Emergency Only)
Salvaging converts one Rusted Tool into 7× Metal Parts during a raid. I only do this in emergencies when:
- My inventory is completely full
- I need Metal Parts immediately for mid-raid crafting
- I’m about to extract and need room for last-minute finds
Salvaging gives you fewer components than recycling at base (525 coin equivalent vs. 900), so it should be your last resort.
Weight and Inventory Management
One thing that caught me off guard when I started farming Rusted Tools was their weight. At 2 kg each, they can quickly eat into your carrying capacity, especially when you’re also hauling weapons, ammo, and other loot.
My Inventory Management Tips:
- Stack efficiently – Rusted Tools stack three per slot, so always try to fill stacks before starting new ones
- Use Safe Pockets – If running a Custom Loadout, keep Rusted Tools in Safe Pockets to guarantee you keep them
- Plan your carry capacity – Factor in the weight of Rusted Tools when planning your loadout
- Extract early if overloaded – It’s better to extract with a partial haul than risk losing everything
I’ve learned the hard way that greed doesn’t pay in ARC Raiders. I once lost a full stack of Rusted Tools because I tried to grab just one more item before extracting. Now I always err on the side of caution when my inventory is getting full.
Extraction Strategies and Risk Management
Finding Rusted Tools is only half the battle – getting them out safely is what really matters. I’ve developed several extraction strategies over my time playing ARC Raiders, and I’m happy to share what works best for me.
Understanding Extraction Types
ARC Raiders offers different extraction methods, each with its own risk profile. Knowing when to use each type is crucial for successful Rusted Tools farming.
Raider Hatch (Silent Extraction)
Raider Hatches are my preferred extraction method when I’m carrying valuable loot like Rusted Tools. They allow you to extract silently without alerting every player and ARC patrol in the area.
Requirements:
- Raider Hatch Key (obtained from crafting, random loot, or vendor Shani in Speranza)
Best Use Case:
- When carrying high-value items
- When the area is hot with player activity
- When you want to avoid drawing attention
I always try to keep a Raider Hatch Key in my inventory when I’m planning serious Rusted Tools runs. The 1,000-2,000 coin investment is worth it for the peace of mind and guaranteed clean extraction.
Regular Exits (Loud Extraction)
Regular exits are available everywhere but trigger a loud alarm when activated, drawing ARC patrols and potentially hostile players.
Requirements:
- None (available to all players)
Best Use Case:
- When you don’t have a Raider Hatch Key
- When the area is already cleared and secure
- When you need to extract quickly
If I need to use a regular exit, I follow this procedure:
- Clear the immediate area of machines
- Set up in a defensive position
- Watch common approach angles
- Be ready to defend for 30-60 seconds during extraction
Solo vs. Squad Extraction Strategies
How you approach extraction depends heavily on whether you’re playing solo or with a squad. I’ve found success with both approaches, but they require different mindsets and strategies.
Solo Extraction Tips:
When I’m running solo, my extraction strategy is all about stealth and timing:
- Extract early rather than late
- Use Raider Hatches whenever possible
- Avoid high-traffic extraction points
- Be prepared to abandon loot if the situation turns dangerous
I’ve learned that as a solo player, survival is more important than maximizing loot. It’s better to extract with one Rusted Tool than to risk losing three by pushing my luck.
Squad Extraction Tips:
Running with a squad changes the extraction game completely:
- Assign roles (lookout, defender, extractor)
- Cover multiple angles simultaneously
- Use crossfire positions to defend the extraction point
- Coordinate timing to extract together
When I run with my regular squad, we usually have one player watching each approach angle while the others focus on the extraction. This coordinated approach makes even the hottest extraction points manageable.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong?
No matter how well you plan, sometimes things go wrong. I’ve been in plenty of situations where I’m carrying valuable Rusted Tools and suddenly find myself in a firefight or surrounded by ARC patrols.
My Emergency Protocol:
- Assess the threat – Is it players or ARC machines? How many?
- Find cover immediately – Never fight in the open
- Use consumables – Medkits, shields, whatever you need to survive
- Create distance – Break line of sight and reposition
- Consider abandoning loot – Sometimes survival means leaving items behind
One thing that’s saved me multiple times is remembering that I can crawl into an extraction point even if I’m downed. As long as I’m not fully eliminated, I’ll keep my loot when I return to Speranza.
Advanced Tips and Pro Strategies
After hundreds of hours farming Rusted Tools in ARC Raiders, I’ve picked up some advanced strategies that separate the successful farmers from the frustrated ones. Let me share some of my best tips that I wish I knew when I started.
Map Knowledge and Zone Memorization
I can’t emphasize enough how important map knowledge is for efficient Rusted Tools farming. When I first started, I would waste so much time wandering around looking for mechanical zones. Now, I have multiple mechanical areas memorized for each map, and I can chain them together efficiently.
How I Memorize Maps:
- Study the map legend – Learn which zones are mechanical before deploying
- Run reconnaissance missions – Do some runs specifically to learn layouts
- Note container locations – Remember where mechanical containers typically spawn
- Plan multiple routes – Have backup plans when your primary route is contested
I recommend spending at least a few runs on each map specifically for learning purposes. Yes, you might not come back with much loot initially, but the long-term efficiency gains are worth it.
Audio Awareness and Stealth Techniques
One of the biggest mistakes I see new players make is ignoring the audio cues in ARC Raiders. Every action you take creates sound, and understanding audio signatures is crucial for successful farming.
Audio Awareness Tips:
- Container opening creates noise – Be vulnerable during the animation
- Sprinting indoors alerts nearby players – Use crouch-walk in contested areas
- Extraction alarms draw attention – Clear areas before triggering
- Proximity chat can give away position – Use it strategically
When I’m in contested areas, I constantly listen for:
- Footsteps of other players
- Drone scans from ARC patrols
- Gunfire in the distance
- Container opening sounds (indicates other players are farming)
Stealth Movement Techniques:
- Crouch-walk – Slower but much quieter
- Slide mechanic – Conserve stamina while moving quietly
- Holster weapons – Maximum movement speed when not in combat
- Use cover – Move between objects to break line of sight
I’ve found that being the quietest player in an area often means being the most successful. While other players are attracting attention with loud movements and combat, I’m quietly looting containers and extracting with valuable Rusted Tools.
Player Interaction and Negotiation
Not every player encounter needs to end in gunfire. I’ve learned that sometimes diplomacy can be more effective than combat, especially when both parties just want to farm materials.
My Approach to Player Encounters:
- Assess the situation – Is the player hostile or just farming?
- Use proximity chat – A simple “friendly, just farming” can de-escalate
- Consider temporary alliances – Team up to clear ARC patrols
- Never fully trust strangers – Keep valuable items in Safe Pockets
I’ve had some of my most successful runs after negotiating temporary truces with other players. We’d agree to farm different areas of the same map and even help each other with tough ARC patrols. Of course, I always kept my Rusted Tools in Safe Pockets just in case things went south.
Time Management and Efficiency Metrics
To really optimize your Rusted Tools farming, you need to think about efficiency in terms of time investment. I started tracking my runs to understand what was working and what wasn’t.
Key Metrics I Track:
- Rusted Tools per hour – The most important metric
- Time per container – How quickly I can loot mechanical zones
- Extraction success rate – Percentage of runs where I extract with loot
- Combat time vs. looting time – Ideally, looting should be 80%+ of your time
My Efficiency Targets:
- Minimum: 1 Rusted Tool per hour
- Good: 2-3 Rusted Tools per hour
- Excellent: 4+ Rusted Tools per hour
When I first started tracking, I was barely hitting 1 Rusted Tool per hour. Now, with optimized routes and better strategies, I consistently hit 2-3 per hour, with exceptional runs yielding 4 or more.
Resource Management Beyond Rusted Tools
While Rusted Tools are important, they’re just one part of the larger resource management puzzle in ARC Raiders. I’ve learned to think about my entire resource picture when planning farming runs.
Holistic Resource Planning:
- Assess all workshop needs – Don’t focus only on Gunsmith 2
- Balance component gathering – Collect materials for multiple upgrades
- Plan for future needs – What will you need after Gunsmith 2?
- Consider crafting projects – What weapons or items do you want to craft?
I now approach each raid with a clear resource goal based on what my base needs most. Some runs I’m focused on Rusted Tools, other runs I’m hunting Mechanical Components or Wasp Drivers. This balanced approach keeps my progression steady across all areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some frustration by sharing the most common mistakes I see players make when farming Rusted Tools. I’ve made most of these myself, and learning from them has dramatically improved my success rate.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Zone Types
When I first started, I would loot every container I came across, regardless of the zone type. This was incredibly inefficient. Rusted Tools only spawn in mechanical zones, so looting in electrical, technological, or old world zones is just wasting time.
The Fix:
- Check your HUD for zone type before looting
- Focus exclusively on mechanical zones
- Skip non-mechanical areas entirely when farming Rusted Tools
Mistake #2: Poor Inventory Management
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost Rusted Tools because my inventory was full and I had to make split-second decisions about what to keep. Poor inventory management has cost me countless valuable items.
The Fix:
- Plan your inventory space before starting runs
- Use Safe Pockets for high-value items
- Extract early rather than risk losing everything
- Salvage wisely when inventory is full
Mistake #3: Fighting Unnecessary Battles
Early on, I had a “kill everything” mentality that resulted in wasted resources and attracted unwanted attention. Every fight consumes ammo, risks equipment damage, and can draw more enemies or players.
The Fix:
- Avoid combat unless absolutely necessary
- Use stealth to bypass enemies when possible
- Fight only when it blocks your path or threatens your extraction
- Have an escape route planned before engaging
Mistake #4: Ignoring Extraction Planning
I used to just run to the nearest extraction point when I was ready to leave, without considering the risks. This resulted in plenty of ambushes and lost loot.
The Fix:
- Plan your extraction route before starting the run
- Consider using Raider Hatches for valuable loot
- Clear extraction areas before triggering them
- Have backup extraction points in mind
Mistake #5: Not Learning from Failed Runs
Every failed run is a learning opportunity, but I used to just get frustrated and jump into another run without analyzing what went wrong. This meant I kept making the same mistakes over and over.
The Fix:
- Take a moment after each run to analyze what worked and what didn’t
- Adjust your strategies based on failures
- Learn from other players’ successes and mistakes
- Continuously refine your routes and approaches
FAQ: Rusted Tools in ARC Raiders
How rare are Rusted Tools really?
Rusted Tools are classified as rare (blue) items, and in my experience, they definitely live up to that classification. On average, I find about 1-2 Rusted Tools per hour of focused farming in mechanical zones. Some runs I’ll get lucky and find 3-4, while other runs I might come back empty-handed. The key is consistency – stick with it, and the Rusted Tools will come.
Can I find Rusted Tools outside of mechanical zones?
No, Rusted Tools exclusively spawn in the mechanical loot pool. This means you’ll only find them in areas marked as mechanical zones on your HUD. I’ve tested this extensively by looting hundreds of containers in non-mechanical zones, and I’ve never found a single Rusted Tool outside of mechanical areas. Save yourself time and focus exclusively on mechanical zones when farming.
What’s the best map for solo Rusted Tools farming?
For solo players, I recommend Dam Battlegrounds without hesitation. The mechanical zones are well-distributed, the player density is generally lower than Spaceport, and the ARC enemies are more manageable than Blue Gate. My solo farming route on Dam Battlegrounds consistently yields better results than any other map when I’m playing alone.
Should I sell or recycle extra Rusted Tools?
After unlocking Gunsmith 2, I recommend recycling extra Rusted Tools rather than selling them. Recycling gives you 8 Metal Parts and 1 Steel Spring, which has a combined value of 900 coins in crafting materials. Selling only gives you 1,000 coins, so you’re only losing 100 coins worth of value while gaining valuable crafting components. The only exception is if you desperately need immediate coins for something specific.
How many Rusted Tools do I need for endgame content?
For the current content in 2026, you only need 3 Rusted Tools total – all for the Gunsmith 2 upgrade. There are no other known uses for Rusted Tools in the game at this time. This means any Rusted Tools you find beyond the first three can be safely sold or recycled. However, I recommend keeping a small stack (3-6) in case future updates introduce new uses for them.
What’s the fastest way to get Rusted Tools as a new player?
For new players, I recommend using Free Loadouts on Dam Battlegrounds. Start with the Scrap Yard area, as it’s relatively safe and has a good concentration of mechanical containers. Focus on learning the container locations and practicing efficient looting before moving to more challenging areas or maps. The Free Loadout approach means you can learn without risking valuable gear.
Can I craft Rusted Tools or are they only found through looting?
Rusted Tools cannot be crafted – they can only be found through looting mechanical containers in mechanical zones. This makes them a true scavenging resource that you need to hunt for rather than craft. I wish I could craft them, but part of what makes them valuable is their scarcity and the effort required to find them.
Do Rusted Tools respawn in the same locations?
Rusted Tools do not have fixed spawn locations. Instead, they have a chance to spawn in any mechanical container within mechanical zones. This means you need to check every mechanical container you come across, as the Rusted Tools could be in any of them. I’ve found them in tool boxes, industrial crates, and various other container types within mechanical areas.
How do I protect Rusted Tools if I die?
The best way to protect Rusted Tools is to use Safe Pockets when running a Custom Loadout. Items in Safe Pockets are retained even if you’re eliminated. If you’re using a Free Loadout, you don’t have Safe Pockets, so the only protection is to extract before risking death. I always prioritize extracting when I’m carrying valuable Rusted Tools rather than pushing my luck.
What’s the difference between Rusted Tools and Rusted Gears?
This is a common point of confusion. Rusted Tools and Rusted Gears are two different items in ARC Raiders:
- Rusted Tools are used for Gunsmith 2 upgrades and are found in mechanical zones
- Rusted Gears are used for different upgrades and are found in different locations
Make sure you’re farming for the right item based on what you actually need for your upgrades.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
After everything I’ve shared about finding and using Rusted Tools in ARC Raiders, I hope you feel better equipped to tackle this important aspect of the game. Remember, Rusted Tools farming is a marathon, not a sprint – consistency and smart strategies will yield better results than frantic, unfocused looting.
My Final Recommendations:
- Start with Dam Battlegrounds – It’s the most solo-friendly map for Rusted Tools
- Use Free Loadouts initially – Learn the ropes without risking valuable gear
- Plan your routes – Efficiency comes from knowing where you’re going
- Prioritize Gunsmith 2 – Get those 3 Rusted Tools for the upgrade first
- Recycle extras – Get more value from additional Rusted Tools through recycling
As you continue your journey in ARC Raiders, remember that Rusted Tools are just one piece of the larger progression puzzle. Once you’ve unlocked Gunsmith 2, you’ll want to focus on other upgrades and resources. But mastering Rusted Tools farming will give you a solid foundation for all your future resource gathering needs.
I’m constantly discovering new strategies and optimizing my approaches as the game evolves. What works today might change with future updates, so stay flexible and be willing to adapt your farming strategies as needed.
Now it’s your turn – get out there and start hunting those Rusted Tools! With the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a master farmer in ARC Raiders. Good luck, and I’ll see you in the wastelands!
Remember to bookmark this guide for future reference, as I’ll be updating it regularly with new strategies and information as ARC Raiders continues to evolve.