Let me tell you something straight up – when I first started playing ARC Raiders, I had absolutely no clue what Fireball Burners were or how to use them. I’d see other players talking about them in proximity chat, and I’d be sitting there like, “What the heck are these things and why does everyone want them?” Well, after countless hours of grinding, testing, and more than a few frustrating deaths, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about these elusive but incredibly useful items.
What Are Fireball Burners Anyway?
Fireball Burners are one of those items in ARC Raiders that you don’t really think about until you suddenly need them – and then you can’t find them anywhere. From my experience, they’re uncommon recyclable items that drop from Fireball enemies, those annoying little rolling balls that spew fire at you when you least expect it.
Here’s the quick breakdown of what makes these things special:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Weight | 0.5 |
| Stack Size | 3 |
| Sell Price | 640 |
| Damage | 5/s |
| Duration | 10s |
| Radius | 2m |
What’s really cool about Fireball Burners is that they serve multiple purposes. You can use them as throwable fire grenades, recycle them into valuable crafting materials, or use them to complete specific quests. I’ve found myself needing them for all three reasons at different points in my ARC Raiders journey.
Where to Find Fireballs The Source of Fireball Burners?
Alright, let’s get to the meat of this guide – where do you actually find these Fireball enemies so you can start collecting those precious Fireball Burners? I’ve spent hours scouting every map, and I can tell you that some locations are definitely better than others.
Dam Battlegrounds – Your Best Bet
If you’re just starting out or want the most reliable farming spot, Dam Battlegrounds is where you want to be. This map seems to have the highest concentration of Fireballs, and they’re generally easier to handle here than on other maps. Here are the specific locations where I’ve had the most success:
Top Fireball Spawn Locations in Dam Battlegrounds:
- Control Tower – This is probably my favorite spot. I almost always find at least one Fireball here, usually rolling around in the upper levels or near breachable doors.
- Research & Administration – Right next to Control Tower, so you can hit both locations in one run. I’ve found multiple Fireballs in the hallways here.
- Testing Annex – Located in the far east side of the map. This area seems to be a hot spot for Fireballs, and I’ve had great luck farming here.
- Water Treatment Control – Another reliable spot where Fireballs tend to spawn in the interior sections.
- Hydroponic Dome Complex – The dome outposts here are great for Fireball hunting, though be prepared for other players since it’s a high-quality loot area.
Buried City – Advanced Farming
Once you’re more comfortable with the game and want to step up the difficulty, Buried City offers some excellent Fireball farming opportunities. I’ve noticed that Fireballs actually spawn more frequently here than on Dam Battlegrounds, though the map itself is more challenging.
Best Buried City Locations:
- Eastern Station – I’ve consistently found Fireballs in the metro stations here. Each station usually has 2-3 Fireballs.
- Galleria – The north end of Buried City, particularly in the Galleria area, is great for Fireball hunting.
- Hospital – Another reliable spot in the northern section of Buried City.
- Residential and Commercial Buildings – Pretty much any large building in the high-loot areas (marked with yellow or red boxes on your map) can have Fireballs inside.
Spaceport – High Risk, High Reward
If you’re feeling brave and want to test your skills, Spaceport has some good Fireball locations, though it’s definitely the most challenging of the three maps. I only recommend farming here if you’ve got good gear and are comfortable with the game’s mechanics.
Spaceport Fireball Locations:
- Flight Control – I’ve found Fireballs here, but be prepared for tougher enemies.
- Control Tower B6 – Another spot where Fireballs can spawn, though it’s hit or miss.
How to Actually Kill Fireballs Effectively?
Now, finding Fireballs is one thing, but actually killing them efficiently is another matter entirely. When I first started hunting these things, I wasted so much ammo and died way too many times because I didn’t understand their mechanics.
Understanding Fireball Behavior
Fireballs are those small, spherical ARC enemies with blue circular LEDs on their sides. They’re easy to confuse with Pops (those smaller electric variants), but once you know what to look for, you’ll spot them immediately. Here’s what I’ve learned about their behavior:
- They typically roll around inside buildings, especially in tight hallways and rooms
- When they spot you, they’ll charge directly at you
- They have armored shells that make them resistant to damage most of the time
- They only become vulnerable when they open up to attack you with their flamethrowers
The Best Weapons for the Job
Through trial and error (and many deaths), I’ve discovered that not all weapons are created equal when it comes to taking down Fireballs. Here’s what works best:
| Weapon Type | Effectiveness | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ferro | Excellent | High ARC armor penetration, quick firing |
| Anvil | Very Good | Heavy ammo, great damage output |
| Light Weapons | Poor | Low penetration, takes too long |
| Sniper Rifles | Moderate | Good if you can hit the weak spot |
The Perfect Kill Strategy
Here’s the strategy I’ve developed that works almost every time:
- Keep Your Distance – Fireballs are deadly up close, so maintain some space between you and them.
- Wait for the Opening – This is crucial! Don’t just spray bullets at them. Wait until they open their hatch to attack.
- Aim for the Hatch – When they open up to use their flamethrower, that’s your chance. Shoot directly into the opening for massive damage.
- Be Ready to Roll – If you catch fire (and you probably will), roll away immediately to extinguish yourself faster.
- Finish Them Off – A well-placed shot into the hatch should take them down instantly, but have a backup plan just in case.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve died because I got impatient and started shooting too early. Patience is definitely key when fighting these guys.
What to Do With Fireball Burners Once You Have Them?
Okay, so you’ve successfully hunted down some Fireballs and collected a few Fireball Burners. Now what? Well, you’ve got several options, and which one you choose depends on what you’re trying to accomplish in the game.
Using Fireball Burners as Weapons
Fireball Burners can be equipped in your quick-use slots and thrown like grenades. They create a small area of fire that deals 5 damage per second for 10 seconds in a 2-meter radius. Honestly, they’re not the most powerful weapons in the game, but they do have their uses.
I’ve found them particularly useful for:
- Completing the “What Goes Around” quest (more on this in a bit)
- Finishing off weakened enemies – especially useful when you’re low on ammo
- Area denial – throwing them into doorways or choke points to control enemy movement
- Setting up combos – use them to soften up enemies before finishing with your primary weapon
Recycling for Crafting Materials
One of the most common uses for Fireball Burners is recycling them into ARC Alloy and Chemicals. Here’s the breakdown:
Recycling Results:
- 1x Fireball Burner → 1x ARC Alloy + 1x Chemicals
ARC Alloy is incredibly valuable for crafting and upgrading, so if you don’t need Fireball Burners for anything specific, recycling them is usually your best bet. I personally keep a small stack for emergencies and recycle the rest.
Crafting with Fireball Burners
Fireball Burners are also used in several crafting recipes. Here are the main ones I’ve discovered:
Flame Spray Crafting:
- 1x Air Freshener + 1x Fireball Burner → 1x Flame Spray
Flame Spray Repair:
- 1x Canister + 1x Fireball Burner → 1x Flame Spray
Workshop Upgrade (Refiner Level 2):
- 3x Toaster
- 5x ARC Motion Core
- 8x Fireball Burner
- → Refiner Level 2
This last one is particularly important if you want to upgrade your Refiner to level 2. You’ll need 8 Fireball Burners, which means hunting down quite a few Fireballs. Trust me, it’s worth it though – the level 2 Refiner opens up much better crafting options.
Completing Quests with Fireball Burners
Several early-game quests require Fireball Burners, and I’ve seen many players get stuck on these. Let me walk you through the main ones.
“What Goes Around?” Quest
This is probably the first quest where you’ll need Fireball Burners, and it trips up a lot of players. The objective is simple: “Destroy any ARC enemy using a Fireball Burner.”
Here’s how I completed it:
- Stock Up – Grab at least 3-4 Fireball Burners. You don’t want to run out mid-quest.
- Equip Them – Put a Fireball Burner in one of your quick-use slots for easy access.
- Find Your Target – Look for weaker ARC enemies like Ticks (those little spider-like guys), Pops, or even another Fireball.
- Weaken First – This is the key! A single Fireball Burner won’t kill most enemies. Shoot your target a few times to weaken it first.
- Finish with Fire – When the enemy is low on health, throw the Fireball Burner to score the final blow.
I made the mistake of trying to kill full-health enemies with Fireball Burners at first, and it just doesn’t work. Weaken them first, then finish with the burner.
“Fight Fire With Fire” Quest
This quest requires you to kill Fireballs using any method. While you don’t specifically need Fireball Burners for this one, having them can make it easier since you can use them to finish off the Fireballs.
“The Right Tool” Quest
This quest also requires Fireball Burners, though the exact objectives can vary. Generally, you’ll need to use Fireball Burners in specific ways or against specific targets.
Advanced Farming Strategies
Once you’ve got the basics down, you might want to optimize your Fireball farming. Here are some advanced strategies I’ve developed through hours of gameplay:
Route Optimization
Instead of randomly wandering around, I’ve developed specific routes for each map that maximize Fireball encounters:
Dam Battlegrounds Route:
- Spawn → Control Tower (clear upper levels)
- Move to Research & Administration (check hallways)
- Head to Testing Annex (far east side)
- Finish at Water Treatment Control
This route usually nets me 3-5 Fireballs per run if I’m lucky.
Group Farming
If you’re playing with friends, you can cover more ground and increase your chances of finding Fireballs. Here’s how I coordinate with my squad:
- Split up but stay within radio range
- Communicate when you find a Fireball
- Focus fire when engaging to take them down quickly
- Share the loot – take turns collecting Fireball Burners
Time-Based Farming
I’ve noticed that Fireballs seem to spawn more frequently during certain times. While this isn’t confirmed by the developers, my experience suggests that:
- Early morning (server time) seems to have fewer players and more Fireballs
- Weekday afternoons are generally good for farming
- Avoid peak hours when the servers are crowded
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some frustration by sharing the mistakes I made when I first started hunting for Fireball Burners:
Mistake #1: Shooting Too Early
I can’t stress this enough – don’t just unload your magazine into a Fireball as soon as you see it. Wait for it to open up, then shoot the hatch. This will save you so much ammo and prevent unnecessary deaths.
Mistake #2: Not Having Enough Fireball Burners
For quests like “What Goes Around,” you’ll want to have multiple Fireball Burners. I once tried to complete it with just one and failed miserably. Bring at least 3-4 to be safe.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Other Players
Fireball farming spots can get crowded, and other players might be competing for the same enemies. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t be afraid to move to a different location if an area is too crowded.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Manage Inventory
Fireball Burners only stack up to 3, so they can fill up your inventory quickly. Make sure you’re managing your space effectively – recycle extras if you don’t need them, or make room by dropping less valuable items.
Inventory Management Tips
Speaking of inventory management, this is crucial when you’re farming Fireball Burners. I’ve written a complete guide to inventory management in ARC Raiders that goes into more detail, but here are the basics:
What to Keep:
- Fireball Burners (at least a stack of 3)
- High-value crafting materials
- Quest items
- Your best weapons and ammo
What to Sell/Recycle:
- Common materials you have in abundance
- Duplicate weapons
- Low-value consumables
Pro Tip: Use your stash wisely! I keep a reserve of Fireball Burners in my stash so I always have some on hand when I need them for quests or crafting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare are Fireball Burners?
Fireball Burners are uncommon drops, which means they don’t drop from every Fireball you kill. In my experience, I’d say the drop rate is around 30-40%, so you’ll need to kill several Fireballs to get a good supply.
Can I buy Fireball Burners from traders?
Unfortunately, no. I’ve checked with all the traders (Celeste, Shani, Tian Wen, Apollo, and Lance), and none of them sell Fireball Burners. You have to farm them yourself by killing Fireballs.
What’s the best map for farming Fireball Burners?
Based on my experience, Buried City has the highest spawn rate for Fireballs, but Dam Battlegrounds is easier for newer players. If you’re comfortable with the game mechanics, head to Buried City. If you’re still learning, stick with Dam Battlegrounds.
Do Fireball Burners expire?
No, Fireball Burners don’t expire or degrade over time. You can keep them in your inventory or stash indefinitely, which is great for stockpiling them for future quests or crafting needs.
Can I use Fireball Burners in PvP?
While you can technically throw Fireball Burners at other players, they’re not very effective for PvP combat. The damage is quite low, and most players can easily avoid the fire area. I’d recommend sticking to regular weapons for PvP encounters.
How many Fireball Burners do I need for the Refiner upgrade?
You need 8 Fireball Burners to upgrade your Refiner from level 1 to level 2, plus other materials (3x Toaster and 5x ARC Motion Core). It’s quite a grind, but the upgrade is definitely worth it for the enhanced crafting options.
Final Thoughts
After spending countless hours hunting Fireballs and collecting Fireball Burners, I can tell you that they’re definitely worth the effort. Whether you need them for quests, crafting, or just as a handy throwable weapon, having a good supply of Fireball Burners will make your ARC Raiders experience much smoother.
Remember to be patient when hunting Fireballs, use the right weapons for the job, and always keep a few Fireball Burners in reserve for emergencies. And if you’re looking for more ARC Raiders guides, be sure to check out my other articles on completing the “With a Trace” quest, finding the Dam Surveillance room key, and optimizing your skill builds.
Happy hunting, Raiders! And may your Fireball Burner collection grow ever larger.