Let me tell you something – when I first started playing ARC Raiders, I thought finding Snitch Scanners would be a piece of cake. Boy, was I wrong! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours running around the Dam Battlegrounds wondering where these elusive drones are hiding. Well, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned through trial and error (and lots of frustrating deaths) to help you become a Snitch Scanner hunting pro.
What Are Snitch Scanners Anyway?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of finding these bad boys, let’s talk about what Snitch Scanners actually are and why you need them. From my experience playing the game, Snitch Scanners are uncommon items that drop from Snitches – those annoying flying drones that scan the area with their blue beams.
I’ve learned that these scanners are super important for two main reasons:
- They’re required for The Trifecta quest (you need two of them)
- You can use them as gadgets to call in ARC reinforcements during fights
What’s really cool is that each Snitch you destroy is guaranteed to drop one Scanner, so you don’t have to worry about RNG screwing you over. Trust me, that’s a relief compared to some other loot in this game!
Understanding Snitches: Your Target
If you want to hunt effectively, you need to know your prey. Snitches are unarmed reconnaissance drones that patrol high above the battlegrounds. I’ve spent countless hours observing these guys, and here’s what I’ve learned:
Key Characteristics:
- They emit a wide blue scanning beam that sweeps across the ground
- They’re compact in size, similar to Spotters but with a different body shape
- They don’t shoot at you – their threat comes from calling reinforcements
- When they detect you, their beam changes from blue → orange → red
Behavior Pattern: I’ve noticed that Snitches follow a pretty predictable pattern. They’ll fly around scanning the area with their blue beams. If you shoot at them or they detect you, that beam turns orange as they become alert. If you don’t take them down quickly, it turns red, and that’s when things get messy – they call in an airstrike followed by two Wasps and a Hornet.
Let me tell you from personal experience: you do NOT want to deal with that reinforcement wave if you can avoid it. I’ve been wiped more times than I care to admit because I got greedy and let a Snitch call for backup.
The Best Location: Testing Annex on Dam Battlegrounds
After trying pretty much every spawn location on every map, I can confidently say that the Testing Annex in the southeast corner of Dam Battlegrounds is the absolute best place to farm Snitch Scanners. Here’s why I love this spot:
Why Testing Annex is Perfect:
- Snitches spawn consistently between Red Lakes Balcony Lift and Red Lakes Hatch
- You can get up on the roof for a perfect vantage point
- The roof provides cover and makes looting easier (wrecks land right there)
- Only one way up, so you can watch for other players
- Quick extraction at Red Lakes Lift when you’re done
How to Get There:
- Head to the southeast corner of Dam Battlegrounds
- Look for the Testing Annex building
- Find the ladder on the southeast side of the building
- Climb up to the roof – this is your hunting perch
I’ve spent so much time on this roof that I practically have it memorized. From up here, you can see the sky clearly and spot those blue scanning beams from a distance. Plus, when you take down a Snitch, its wreckage lands right on the roof for easy looting. No more running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to find where it fell!
My Pro Hunting Strategy
Okay, so you’re on the roof at Testing Annex. Now what? Here’s the exact strategy I use that’s helped me collect dozens of Snitch Scanners:
Step 1: Spot and Tag
- Scan the sky for that distinctive blue scanning beam
- Once you spot a Snitch, tag it with a single shot (doesn’t matter if you hit)
- This will get its attention and draw it toward you
Step 2: The Engagement
- As the Snitch approaches, alternate between taking shots and using cover
- I recommend using weapons with strong ARC Armor Penetration – Anvil and Ferro are my go-to choices
- Aim for the white armor plates on the Snitch’s body
- Two to three well-placed shots should take it down
Step 3: Quick Loot and Reset
- Loot the Snitch Scanner immediately
- Scan the sky again – I’ve noticed that Snitches often spawn in chains here
- You might get 2-4 Snitches in quick succession
Pro Tip: I’ve learned that if you stay on the roof and remain patient, you can often chain multiple Snitch kills. One time, I managed to take down four Snitches in about 10 minutes – that’s four Snitch Scanners in one session!
Weapon Recommendations
Let me talk about weapons for a second because this is crucial. I’ve tried pretty much every weapon in the game against Snitches, and some are definitely better than others. Here’s my personal ranking:
| Weapon | ARC Armor Penetration | Shots to Kill | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anvil | Very High | 2-3 | ★★★★★ |
| Ferro | High | 2-3 | ★★★★★ |
| Other Rifles | Medium | 4-6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| SMGs | Low | 6+ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Shotguns | Very Low | Too many | ★☆☆☆☆ |
From my experience, the Anvil and Ferro are head and shoulders above the rest. They have the ARC Armor Penetration needed to tear through those white armor plates quickly. I’ve tried using SMGs and shotguns, and honestly, it’s just not worth the frustration. By the time you’ve pumped enough rounds into a Snitch to take it down, it’s already called for reinforcements.
Alternative Weak Points
While aiming for the white armor plates is my preferred method, I’ve discovered another strategy that works surprisingly well: targeting the thrusters. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Thruster Targeting Strategy:
- Snitches have three thrusters (one on each “wing”)
- If you can destroy two of them, the Snitch will crash
- The Ferro is particularly effective for this due to its precision
- If the Snitch is high enough, the crash alone can finish it off
I find this strategy especially useful when I’m using the Ferro. The precision allows me to pick off those thrusters from a distance, and there’s something satisfying about watching a Snitch spiral out of control and crash.
What NOT to Do?
I’ve made plenty of mistakes hunting Snitches, so let me save you some pain by sharing what I’ve learned to avoid:
Common Mistakes I’ve Made:
- Chasing Snitches across open ground – This is begging to get ambushed by other players or ARCs
- Letting Snitches call reinforcements – Unless you’re well-geared and confident, this usually ends badly
- Using low-penetration weapons – You’ll waste ammo and give the Snitch time to escalate
- Ignoring cover – That airstrike marker is no joke – I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count
- Getting greedy – Sometimes it’s better to take one Scanner and extract than risk losing everything
My Personal Horror Story: I’ll never forget this one time – I had three Snitch Scanners in my inventory, and I got cocky. I saw another Snitch and went for it, but it called reinforcements before I could take it down. Next thing I know, I’m dealing with an airstrike, two Wasps, and a Hornet. To make matters worse, another player showed up and started shooting at me. I lost everything – all those Scanners, my gear, the works. Learn from my mistake: know when to call it quits and extract!
Using Snitch Scanners as Gadgets
Here’s something cool I discovered recently – Snitch Scanners aren’t just quest items! You can actually use them as gadgets in your quick-use slot. When you throw one, it calls in a swarm of 2-3 flying ARCs (usually Wasps and/or Hornets).
Why This is Awesome:
- Great for distracting enemy raider teams
- Can help you escape tough situations
- Useful for drawing fire while you reposition
- Just plain fun to watch chaos unfold
I’ve used this tactic a few times during intense firefights, and let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than throwing a Snitch Scanner and watching a bunch of ARCs descend on your enemies. It’s like having your own personal air support!
Recycling and Crafting
If you find yourself with extra Snitch Scanners (which happens to me more often now that I’ve mastered hunting them), you can recycle them into useful materials:
Recycling Results:
- 1x Snitch Scanner → 1x ARC Alloy + 2x Electrical Components
Workshop Upgrade: I’ve also learned that Snitch Scanners are used for upgrading your Utility Station:
- Cost: 2x Damaged Heat Sink + 5x Electrical Components + 6x Snitch Scanner
- Upgrades: Utility Station 1 → Utility Station 2
This is actually pretty important for your base progression, so even after you complete The Trifecta quest, you might want to keep farming these for upgrades.
Beyond Dam Battlegrounds
While Testing Annex on Dam Battlegrounds is my go-to spot, I’ve found Snitches on other maps too. Here’s what I’ve discovered:
Other Maps Where I’ve Found Snitches:
- Buried City – Actually, I’ve noticed MORE Snitches here than on Dam Battlegrounds
- Spaceport – Good spawn rates, but more dangerous due to other ARC activity
- Blue Gate – Open map makes spotting easier, but Snitches fly higher here
General Snitch-Finding Tips for Any Map:
- Look for high vantage points where you can scan the sky
- Listen for the faint scanner hum – Snitches make a distinctive sound
- Watch for that blue scanning beam – it’s your best visual cue
- Snitches tend to patrol near important objectives or buildings
- Early morning or late evening in-game seems to have higher spawn rates (might just be my imagination though)
The Trifecta Quest Rewards
Just in case you’re wondering why you’re going through all this trouble, let me tell you about the rewards for completing The Trifecta quest. I was pretty impressed with what I got:
Rewards I Received:
- Orange Camo (Origin Color) outfit color – Looks pretty sweet
- Raider Hatch Key – Opens up new areas
- Two Defibrillators – Always useful for reviving teammates
- Dam Control Tower Key – More access to the Dam map
Honestly, the outfit color alone was worth it for me, but getting all those keys and items is just icing on the cake. Plus, completing this quest opens up more content and progression opportunities.
Advanced Tips for Experienced Hunters
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced techniques I’ve picked up:
Multi-Snitch Takedowns:
- I’ve found that if you’re quick enough, you can take down multiple Snitches before the first one’s reinforcements arrive
- This requires precise shooting and good weapon management
- I recommend keeping two weapons equipped and switching between them
Team Hunting:
- If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your attacks
- Have one player spot while others focus fire
- Designate a looter to pick up Scanners quickly
- Watch each other’s backs while engaging
Counter-Player Tactics:
- Unfortunately, other players know about Testing Annex too
- I’ve learned to arrive early or late to avoid peak times
- Keep an eye on the single ladder access point
- Be prepared to defend your position or extract quickly
My Final Thoughts
After spending countless hours hunting Snitches across all the maps in ARC Raiders, I can honestly say that the Testing Annex method I’ve shared is by far the most reliable and efficient. I’ve gone from struggling to find even one Snitch to being able to collect multiple Scanners in a single session.
The key things I want you to remember are:
- Patience is everything – Snitches will come to you if you wait
- Use the right weapons – Anvil and Ferro are your best friends
- Stay on the roof at Testing Annex – it’s the perfect hunting ground
- Don’t get greedy – extract when you have what you need
- Practice makes perfect – you’ll get better with each hunt
I hope this guide helps you as much as it would have helped me when I was starting out. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finally completing The Trifecta quest and getting those sweet rewards. Now get out there and start hunting those Snitches!
FAQ
How do I kill Snitches quickly in ARC Raiders?
From my experience, the fastest way to kill Snitches is by using weapons with strong ARC Armor Penetration like the Anvil or Ferro. Aim for the white armor plates on their body – two to three well-placed shots should take them down quickly. I’ve also had success targeting their thrusters, especially with the Ferro.
What’s the best map for finding Snitches?
I’ve found that Dam Battlegrounds, specifically the Testing Annex area in the southeast corner, is the best spot for Snitch hunting. The roof gives you a perfect vantage point, and Snitches spawn consistently between Red Lakes Balcony Lift and Red Lakes Hatch. I’ve also noticed good spawn rates on Buried City.
Can I buy Snitch Scanners from traders?
Unfortunately, no. I’ve checked with all the traders (Celeste, Shani, Tian Wen, Apollo, and Lance), and none of them sell Snitch Scanners. The only way to get them is by destroying and looting Snitches. Each Snitch is guaranteed to drop one Scanner, so at least you don’t have to worry about RNG.
What happens if I let a Snitch call reinforcements?
Based on my personal experience, this usually ends badly unless you’re well-prepared. The Snitch will call in an airstrike first, followed by two Wasps and a Hornet. If you’re caught out in the open against these three enemies, you’ll likely get knocked down. I recommend either taking down the Snitch quickly or breaking off to avoid the reinforcements.
How many Snitch Scanners do I need for The Trifecta quest?
You need exactly two Snitch Scanners to complete The Trifecta quest. I’ve found that one productive session at Testing Annex is usually enough to get both of them. Sometimes I’ll get even more, which is great because you can use the extras for crafting or as gadgets.
Can I use Snitch Scanners as weapons?
Yes! I’ve discovered that you can throw Snitch Scanners from your quick-use slot to call in ARC reinforcements. When thrown, they summon a swarm of 2-3 flying ARCs (usually Wasps and/or Hornets). This is really useful for distracting enemy raider teams or creating chaos during fights.
What’s the difference between Snitches and Spotters?
This confused me at first too! Snitches and Spotters are similar in size, but Snitches have a more compact body shape while Spotters are longer. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their behavior – Snitches scan with a blue beam and call reinforcements, while Spotters actually attack you. I’ve learned to identify them quickly to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How high do Snitches fly?
Snitches fly pretty high up, which is why I recommend finding a good vantage point like the Testing Annex roof. From ground level, they can be hard to spot and even harder to hit. Their altitude is part of what makes them challenging targets, but it also means you can see them coming from a distance if you’re in the right position.
Can I recycle extra Snitch Scanners?
Absolutely! I recycle my extra Snitch Scanners all the time. One Snitch Scanner can be recycled into 1x ARC Alloy and 2x Electrical Components. You can also use them for workshop upgrades – specifically, you need 6 Snitch Scanners to upgrade your Utility Station from level 1 to level 2.
What’s the best time to hunt Snitches?
While I haven’t found any definitive proof that spawn rates vary by time, I’ve personally had better luck during what seems to be early morning or late evening in the game. More importantly, I’ve found that real-world server population matters – hunting during off-peak hours means fewer players competing for the same Snitches.
Remember to bookmark this guide for your future ARC Raiders adventures! I’ll be updating it regularly with new tips and strategies as I discover them. Happy hunting, Raiders!