In the high-stakes extraction shooter ARC Raiders, every jump and every encounter can be a matter of life and death. Silent falls from great heights, sneak attacks from behind are unpredictable, and even a beach treasure hunt can result in a fatal mishap - this is the brutal daily reality players face.

This Riven Tides update brings five new items: from an inflatable cushion for impact, to a smoke backpack that automatically deploys when shields are broken, and even a bizarre white flag… Can they truly change the course of battle? Or are they just flashy but impractical toys?

To answer this question, I tested the actual performance of each item and how to obtain their blueprints. Below is a detailed practical report:

• 1. Crash Mat
• 2. Tactical MK.3 (Smoke)
• 3. Dockmaster's Detector
• 4. White Flag
• 5. Powered Descender

1. Crash Mat

Function

Simply put, when you drop it on the ground, it quickly inflates into a giant inflatable cushion, releasing a cloud of smoke - that's your landing point. Landing on a Crash Mat reduces damage from high-altitude falls. According to testing, a Crash Mat can reduce damage from a fall from the top of a building to the bottom by at least 20%. However, it's important to note that this only reduces, doesn't eliminate, the damage. Therefore, you will still take damage if you fall from a considerable height, even with a Crash Mat.

You might wonder if there are any requirements regarding the timing and direction of throwing a Crash Mat? The answer is yes. You need to place Crash Mat directly beneath you a few seconds before impact, as its area is small and its duration is only about ten seconds before it deflates.

Acquisition Methods

There is no fixed spawn location for Crash Mat blueprint, but it has a higher drop rate on two ARC Raiders maps: Loading Bay on Stella Montis and Stacking Yard on the new Riven Tides map. In these locations, you need to search all the containers.

After obtaining the blueprint, you need to craft a Crash Mat at a level 2 crafting table using one Electrical Component and one Durable Cloth. However, Crash Mats are onetime use items, so you can craft several before the game starts as a reserve.

2. Tactical MK.3 (Smoke)

Function

Equipping Tactical MK.3 (Smoke) automatically releases a smoke grenade when your shield breaks. For defending against unpredictable attackers, this item practically gives you a second chance to survive in ARC Raiders.

It can be used with medium-sized shields, which is more than enough for everyday matches.

In addition to these features, it has a maximum weight of 50, 19 backpack slots, 5 quick-use slots, 2 Augment addon slots, and 2 safe pockets. You can put high-value items you find in the safe pockets so you can bring them out of the game even if you fail to extract safely.

Acquisition Methods

Tactical MK.3 (Smoke) Blueprint can be found more efficiently in three locations: Port Authority Building, Tennis Court POIs, and Stacking Yard in the new Riven Tides map; Research and Space Travel buildings in Buried City; and Medical Research building in Stella Montis.

The drop rate of ARC Raiders Tactical MK.3 (Smoke) Blueprint is higher in Buried City and Stella Montis during Night Raid mode.

3. Dockmaster's Detector

Function

Dockmaster's Detector is a metal detector. After activating it on Riven Tides beach, simply follow the beeping sound. As the beeping speeds up until it stops, you're standing on top of treasure buried beneath the beach. This treasure is sometimes a container full of loot, sometimes fruit, and sometimes even an activated mine - though it doesn't sound like a good find.

Acquisition Methods

Dockmaster's Detector appears as loot inside containers throughout ARC Raiders map, especially near Stacking Yard area in Riven Tides map. Alternatively, you can obtain it directly by accepting and completing Shoring Up Defences Quest provided by Apollo.

If you want an even easier method, there is. Completing Stage 1 of Avian Alarm Raider Project will permanently unlock Dockmaster's Detector. This is an outdoor quest; simply place a bird trap near the buoys along Seabed in Riven Tides.

4. White Flag

Function

White Flag is just a small item. You can equip it and wave it. It has no practical effect, but clearly conveys the message: you surrender.

Acquisition Method

The spawn points for White Flag blueprint are relatively fixed, currently concentrated in the containers near Port Authority Building and Hotel Complex on the new Riven Tides map. Note that these locations are high-value ARC Raiders Item drop zones, so there will be a lot of ARC patrols and hostile players.

5. Powered Descender

Function

Some ARC Raiders players casually call it a jetpack, but be aware that Powered Descender won't let you fly; it only allows for a graceful landing - it slows your descent. Like Photoelectric Cloak, Powered Descender uses a meter; if you hold down the trigger, it will last for 5 seconds.

Note that Powered Descender requires a one- or two-second activation time, meaning you must time its activation carefully when falling from a height. Secondly, not all falls from heights will result in a clean fall with Powered Descender; you cannot fall from a mile high.

You might be wondering why ARC Raiders Riven Tides gives us two new items to aid our descent. However, in terms of function, each item has its own characteristics and uses. Powered Descender doesn't require precise calculation of your landing location or advance prediction.

Overall, either item can significantly improve our mobility and survivability in ARC Raiders.

Acquisition Methods

Powered Descender's blueprint can be found in containers on Riven Tides map, especially the blue containers. One location, both dangerous and remote, has a high drop rate for high-value blueprints: Tennis Court on Riven Tides map. You can obtain even all the blueprints mentioned above there.

In summary, none of the five items in this ARC Raiders update are useless.

Crash Mat and Powered Descender offer two drastically different survival strategies for high-altitude operations; Tactical MK.3 (Smoke) is a lone wolf's best-in-slot weapon; Dockmaster's Detector might unearth mines, but the thrill of the treasure hunt is unparalleled; as for White Flag… well, at least it gives you a dignified option to surrender.

If you frequently crash in ARC Raiders' high-value areas, consider bringing these pieces of equipment. They might not guarantee victory, but they'll certainly help you survive longer - or die more creatively. Head over to the containers and search for blueprints; good luck!