Arc Raiders is all about high-risk, high-reward gameplay, and if you’ve ever wondered just how fast you can level up while reaping serious loot, the answer might surprise you. In a recent experiment, I ran a raid solo and walked away with nearly 160k in loot value and 70,000 experience points, achieving a double level-up in a single run at level 45. This wasn’t luck—it was the result of a focused, optimized approach to power-leveling in Arc Raiders. Here’s a detailed look at the strategy, the gear, and the mindset required to maximize both XP and rewards.

Why Power-Leveling Matters

Getting your skill points quickly in Arc Raiders isn’t just about bragging rights—it directly improves your gameplay. Higher skill points let you tackle Security Breaches, which offer insane Arc Raiders loot, and unlock abilities that enhance survivability and efficiency. Even beyond that, the more skill points you have, the richer your overall experience in the game.

If you’re curious about which skills to prioritize, we’ve tested them all in a dedicated build guide, which you can check out for specifics. For this article, though, the focus is on maximizing XP and loot in high-value raids.

The Core Strategy: Kill Ark, Loot Ark

The strategy itself is simple: kill Ark enemies, loot their remains, and repeat until you’re forced to extract either by running out of resources or the raid timer expiring. It’s surprisingly map-independent, as every map has dense Ark spawns, though nighttime raids generally offer the highest spawn density. Daytime raids, on the other hand, provide safer extraction opportunities, especially if you’re using Raider Hatch Keys.

While PvP interactions can’t be controlled—some players will cooperate, others will actively hunt you—solo play tends to be safer. Communicating with others via emotes, voice, or the interaction wheel can often reduce unnecessary conflict, allowing you to focus on Ark farming.

The Hullcracker: Your XP and Loot Multiplier

If there’s one piece of advice to take away, it’s this: don’t be afraid to use the Hullcracker.

· Availability: Level 20 unlocks it for purchase once per stock reset (daily).

· Cost: 30,000 Arc Raiders coins plus around 15k for ammo—easily offset by even a single successful raid.

· Efficiency: It decimates all large Ark types (Bastions, Bombardiers, Flying Ark) in seconds without requiring attachments or upgrades.

In practice, a single Hullcracker run can yield:

· 70k+ XP

· 150k+ in loot value

Statistically, you only need to extract successfully once every three runs to break even financially. I’ve personally done 11 solo Hullcracker runs, successfully extracting nine times—proof of the method’s reliability.

Targeting Ark Enemies: Priorities and Tactics

Not all Ark are created equal. Here’s how to prioritize:

1. Bastions and Bombardiers

  · Highest XP and loot value.

  · Kill them from cover using Hullcracker shots.

  · Loot all parts for scavenge XP—each lootable component is as valuable as killing the Ark itself.

2. Flying Ark (Hornets, Wasps, Spotters)

  · One-shot kills with Hullcracker, minor extra XP on the side.

3. Rocketeers

  · Avoid unless you’re confident—high risk, low reward.

4. The Queen

  · Possible solo, but extremely difficult. Not recommended for routine XP farming.

Tactics:

· Use cover strategically, especially roofs for Bombardiers.

· Peek around objects to avoid damage while shooting.

· Aim for the legs if necessary to take down Ark quickly.

Looting Safely: Maximize Gains, Minimize Risk

Efficient looting is just as important as killing Ark. Here’s how to do it safely:

· Zipline to loot: Quickly move from the Ark corpse to the lootable parts.

· Smoke grenades: Conceal looting to avoid attracting other players.

· Focus on high-value ARCR items: Purple items (5k each) and blues for crafting.

· Safe pockets: Use Looter Mark 2 or Mark 3 to store cores safely, guaranteeing return on your Hullcracker investment.

Even if you die before extracting, the XP is retained, making each kill valuable.

Recommended Loadout for Hullcracker Runs

Here’s a typical high-efficiency solo loadout:

· Primary Weapon: Hullcracker + 50 shots (for Ark)

· Secondary Weapon: Your preferred PvP gun + ammo (defense against players)

· Shield: Medium recommended; Survivor shield ideal (allows crawling while downed)

· Consumables:

  · 10 shield restores

  · 10 healing items

  · Adrenaline shots for mobility

· Optional: Snap hook for vantage points, photoelectric cloak for rapid movement

· Looting Tools: Looter Mark 2/3, smoke grenades, ziplines

Investment: ~60k, with extraction success only needed once in three runs to break even.

Map Recommendations

· Nighttime: Best for Ark density. Recommended for Buried City and Damn Battlegrounds.

· Daytime: Safer for extraction; ideal when using Raider Hatch Keys.

· High-tier Ark spots: Focus on locations where Bastions and Bombardiers spawn consistently.

Conclusion

Arc Raiders allows for surprisingly fast XP gains and profitable loot farming, even solo, when approached methodically. The Hullcracker is a game-changer, and with the right strategy, loadout, and approach to extraction, you can consistently level up and earn more than your investment in every raid.

The thrill comes not just from efficiency but from the strategy itself: choosing the right targets, using cover intelligently, managing risk from other players, and making every kill count. Whether you’re a casual raider or a hardcore solo grinder, power-leveling in Arc Raiders has never been more accessible.