Let me tell you something – upgrading your workshop in ARC Raiders can be a real pain in the butt, especially when you’re hunting for those elusive Laboratory Reagents. I’ve spent countless hours scouring every medical facility in the game, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about finding these rare items.
What Are Laboratory Reagents and Why Do You Need Them?
Laboratory Reagents are those rare medical items you’ll need when you’re trying to upgrade your Explosives Station from Level 2 to Level 3. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after running around like a headless chicken trying to figure out why my workshop wouldn’t upgrade. You’ll need exactly 3 of these bad boys to get that Explosives Station to Level 3, and let me tell you – they’re not easy to come by.
These little bottles of chemicals weigh 3 units each, you can stack up to 3 of them, and if you’re really desperate, you can sell them for 2000 credits. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend selling them unless you’ve got extras – you’ll want every single one for your upgrades.
The Best Locations for Finding Laboratory Reagents
After dozens of runs and more deaths than I care to admit, I’ve found some spots that consistently give me the best results. Here are my go-to locations, ranked from most reliable to least:
1. Pharmacy in Plaza Rosa (Buried City) – My Personal Favorite
This spot has become my absolute go-to for farming Laboratory Reagents. Here’s why I love it:
- You need to breach the front door to get in, which actually works in your favor – if the door’s already breached, you know someone’s been there
- Once inside, close the door behind you for safety (I learned this after getting shot in the back one too many times)
- Check ALL the shelves on the ground floor first
- Then head up to the upper floor and check every single shelf and cabinet
- The best part? There’s a convenient extraction zipline right outside, making it perfect for quick repeated runs
I usually find at least one Laboratory Reagent per run here, and sometimes I get lucky and find two. The extraction zipline makes it super safe for solo players like me who don’t want to deal with PvP drama.
2. Hospital in Buried City – The Popular Choice
The Hospital is probably the most famous spot for finding Laboratory Reagents, and for good reason:
- It’s the only Medical-only major location in the game, which means the loot pool isn’t diluted with other types of items
- The top two floors are where you’ll find most of the medical supplies
- I’ve found 3 reagents in about 5-6 runs here, which is pretty decent odds
But here’s the thing – because it’s so popular, you’ll often run into other Raiders. In my experience, solo players tend to be pretty chill and we usually just ignore each other, but if you’re running in a trio, be prepared for a potential firefight. I’ve had some intense moments here, but the loot is usually worth the risk.
3. Testing Annex in Dam Battlegrounds – The Hidden Gem
This spot doesn’t get as much love as it deserves, but it’s become one of my favorites:
- Head to the second floor – that’s where the magic happens
- The back storage area is packed with medical supply crates and shelves
- It’s not as big as the Hospital, but the second floor is incredibly dense with lootable containers
- I’ve found most of my Laboratory Reagents, Rusted Shut Medical Kits, and Antiseptic here
What I love about this spot is that it’s less crowded than the Hospital, so you’re less likely to run into other players. Plus, while you’re hunting for reagents, you can stock up on other medical components you’ll need for your Medical Station upgrades.
4. Arrival Building in Space Port – The Underdog
I stumbled upon this spot by accident, and boy am I glad I did:
- Check the north east wing on the bottom floor
- This area nearly always has Laboratory Reagents and other medical furniture
- There are also red lockers nearby packed with trinkets
- Multiple players have confirmed finding reagents here on their first try
This has become my secret weapon when the other spots are too crowded. I can usually find at least one reagent per run here, and the bonus trinkets in the red lockers are a nice little extra.
5. Research in Buried City – The Safe Alternative
If you’re like me and sometimes just want a peaceful looting experience, the Research building is your best bet:
- It has numerous lootable floors
- Minimal ARC presence means you won’t get jumped by robots
- It’s a decent alternative when the Hospital is too crowded
- The medical loot is spread out, so you’ll need to check every floor
I like coming here when I’m not in the mood for PvP action but still need to farm some medical supplies. It’s not as efficient as the other spots, but it’s definitely safer.
Pro Tips for Efficient Laboratory Reagent Farming
After spending way too much time hunting these things, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll save you a ton of time:
Always Check Medical Zones First
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many players waste time searching everywhere. Laboratory Reagents ONLY spawn in areas marked as “Medical” on your map. Save yourself the headache and focus exclusively on these zones.
Look for High Loot Areas
Not all medical areas are created equal. Look for zones marked with “High Loot” labels – these tend to have the best drop rates for Laboratory Reagents. I’ve noticed a significant difference in my success rate when I stick to high-loot medical areas.
Don’t Forget the Other Medical Items
While you’re hunting for Laboratory Reagents, make sure to grab:
- Rusted Shut Medical Kits (needed for other workshop upgrades)
- Antiseptic (useful for Medical Station upgrades)
- Cracked Bioscanner (needed for another bench upgrade)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to make extra runs because I forgot to pick up these items while I was focused on reagents. Learn from my mistakes – grab everything medical-related while you’re there.
Be Patient – It’s RNG Based
Here’s the hard truth: Laboratory Reagents are NOT guaranteed drops, even if you’re the first one to a location. Sometimes the RNG just isn’t in your favor. I’ve had runs where I’ve cleared out an entire medical building and found nothing, and other runs where I’ve found two reagents back-to-back.
Don’t get frustrated if it takes a few tries. On average, I find that I need about 3-4 runs to collect all 3 reagents I need for the upgrade.
Play Solo for Better Results
I’ve found that playing solo actually gives me better results when farming Laboratory Reagents. Here’s why:
- Less competition for loot
- Other solo players tend to be passive and avoid confrontation
- You can move more quietly and avoid drawing attention
- You can take your time and thoroughly search every container
When I play in a trio, we tend to move faster and attract more attention, which often leads to PvP situations that cut my farming short.
Time Your Runs
I’ve noticed that Laboratory Reagents seem to have better drop rates during certain times. While I can’t prove this scientifically, I’ve had the most success:
- Early in the morning (when fewer players are online)
- Mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday)
- Right after server resets
Your mileage may vary, but it’s worth experimenting with different times to see what works best for you.
What to Do Once You Have Your Laboratory Reagents?
Congratulations! You’ve finally collected your 3 Laboratory Reagents. Now what? Here’s what you need to complete your Explosives Station upgrade:
Explosives Station Level 3 Requirements:
- 3x Laboratory Reagents ✓ (you’ve got these!)
- 5x Explosive Compound
- 3x Rocketeer Driver
You’ll need to farm those other items too, but that’s a guide for another day. For now, pat yourself on the back – you’ve completed the hardest part of the upgrade.
Should You Recycle Extra Reagents?
If you’re lucky enough to find extra Laboratory Reagents, you have a couple of options:
Recycle them for:
- 16x Chemicals
- 3x Crude Explosives
Or salvage them for:
- 3x Crude Explosives
Personally, I recommend keeping at least one extra reagent in case you need it for future updates or additional upgrades. The developers are always adding new content, and you never know when they might introduce another use for these rare items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes while learning how to farm Laboratory Reagents efficiently. Here are some pitfalls you should avoid:
Don’t Ignore the Upper Floors
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed through a building, only checked the ground floor, and then realized I missed the upper floors where most of the good stuff spawns. Always check every floor, especially in multi-story medical buildings.
Don’t Skip the “Small” Containers
Those little drawers, bins, and desks might not look like much, but I’ve found some of my best loot in these seemingly insignificant containers. Don’t just focus on the obvious medical crates – check everything.
Don’t Forget to Close Doors Behind You
This is a safety tip that’s saved me more times than I can count. When you enter a building, close the door behind you. It prevents other players from seeing you and gives you warning if someone tries to enter. I learned this the hard way after getting ambushed one too many times.
Don’t Get Greedy
I know it’s tempting to stay in a medical area and keep looting, but sometimes it’s better to extract with what you have rather than risk losing everything. If you’ve found a reagent and the area is getting crowded, don’t push your luck – extract and live to fight another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Laboratory Reagents do I need for the Explosives Station upgrade?
You need exactly 3 Laboratory Reagents to upgrade your Explosives Station from Level 2 to Level 3.
Can I buy Laboratory Reagents from vendors?
Unfortunately, no. As of February 2026, Laboratory Reagents cannot be purchased from any vendor. You can only find them by looting medical areas.
What’s the best map for finding Laboratory Reagents?
Buried City is generally considered the best map due to its multiple medical locations, including the Hospital, Pharmacy, and Research building.
How long does it typically take to find 3 Laboratory Reagents?
In my experience, it usually takes about 3-4 successful runs to collect all 3 reagents, but this can vary depending on your luck and the locations you choose.
Are Laboratory Reagents a guaranteed spawn in medical areas?
No, they’re not guaranteed. Laboratory Reagents are random drops, which means sometimes you’ll find them and sometimes you won’t, even in untouched medical areas.
Should I play solo or in a group when farming Laboratory Reagents?
I recommend playing solo for better results. Solo play allows you to move more quietly, avoid PvP situations, and take your time thoroughly searching each area.
Final Thoughts
Finding Laboratory Reagents in ARC Raiders can be frustrating, but with the right strategy and locations, it’s definitely manageable. I’ve shared all my best spots and tips with you, so now it’s your turn to put them into practice.
Remember to be patient, focus on medical areas, and don’t get discouraged if the RNG isn’t in your favor at first. With persistence and the right approach, you’ll have those Explosives Station upgrades in no time.
Happy hunting, Raiders! And don’t forget to bookmark this guide for future reference – you never know when you’ll need to come back for more Laboratory Reagents as the game continues to evolve.
Looking for more ARC Raiders guides and tips? Check out our other articles on workshop upgrades, item locations, and advanced strategies to dominate the extraction game!