Two new ARC machines have landed topside in ARC Raiders, and they are redefining the combat meta. Unlike earlier ARC units that rewarded predictable cover-based tactics, the Firefly and Comet demand adaptability, positioning discipline, and precise targeting.
If you want to survive the surface and protect your hard-earned loot, this guide breaks down the best strategies to counter both enemies effectively.
Firefly Guide - How to Beat the Flying Flame Hunter
The Firefly is not your typical airborne ARC. Unlike Wasps and Hornets that hover at manageable distances, the Firefly is aggressive, persistent, and shockingly accurate. It will pressure you, flush you from cover, and burn you down if you panic.
Why the Firefly Is So Dangerous
·Aggressively tracksthe Raiders
·Uses sustained flame attacks
·Punishes open-field movement
·Excels at corner pressure
If you treat it like other flying ARCs, you'll quickly become salvage.
1. Use a Photoelectric Cloak to Break Aggro
One of the most effective counters is the Photoelectric Cloak. This device temporarily disrupts ARC targeting systems, rendering you invisible.
Why it works:
·Fireflies rely heavily on tracking behavior.
·Breaking line-of-sight plus cloaking forces a reset.
·It creates breathing room in high-pressure situations.
If you're under heavy pursuit and low on health, cloaking is often safer than trying to out-DPS it.
2. Shoot the Yellow Gas Tank (Critical Weak Spot)
The Firefly's flamethrower runs on an exposed fuel tank. Look for the yellow gas canister mounted on its frame.
Tips for landing the shot:
·Wait for it to hover before firing.
·Use precision weapons for controlled bursts.
·Don't spray wildly - accuracy matters.
Destroying the tank can eliminate the Firefly quickly, saving you ammunition and preventing prolonged burn damage.
3. Don't Run in the Open - Get Indoors
Running away in open terrain is a losing play.
Fireflies:
·Dive aggressivelyatn fleeing players.
·Exploit open sightlines.
·Track movement efficiently.
Instead:
·Move into solid structures.
·Break vertical line-of-sight.
·Force it into tighter angles.
Interiors reduce its maneuverability and give you better opportunities to target the weak point.
4. Use Lure Grenades Strategically
If you're overwhelmed, a Lure Grenade can redirect the Firefly's attention.
Best use cases:
·When fighting multiple ARC units
·When you need to revive a teammate
·During extraction scenarios
Just remember: it buys time - it doesn't solve the threat permanently.
Comet Guide - How to Survive the Rolling Bomb
Where the Firefly is tactical, the Comet is brute force.
The Comet is a heavily armored, rolling explosive unit that charges aggressively and detonates with devastating impact. If you're too close when it self-destructs, the fight ends instantly.
Why the Comet Is So Lethal
·Massive explosive radius
·Heavy armor plating
·Smart squad targeting
·Self-destruction mechanic
Unlike other ARCs, the Comet doesn't chip away at you - it commits to one massive burst of damage.
1. Trigger It from a Distance
When you shoot at a Comet from range, it opens slightly, exposing its inner weak point.
Key strategy:
·Engage from mid to long-distance.
·Wait for it to "open up."
·Focus fire on the exposed core.
This is your primary damage window. If you miss it, you prolong the encounter - which increases risk.
2. Use Automatic Weapons (High Fire Rate Wins)
Slow, heavy weapons like the Anvil or Ferro may feel powerful, but against a Comet, rate of fire matters more than raw damage per shot.
Why automatic weapons work better:
·You can rapidly exploit the exposed weak point.
·Higher DPS during short vulnerability windows.
·Better armor stripping efficiency.
Consider switching to:
·SMGs
·Assault rifles
·High-fire-rate carbines
Sustained pressure is key.
3. Spread Out in Squad Play
The Comet is programmed to maximize damage.
If your squad clusters:
·It will roll directly into the center.
·The explosion can wwipe outthe entire team.
Instead:
·Maintain spacing.
·Form a loose perimeter.
·Avoid stacking objectives.
Spacing turns a squad wipe into a manageable revive situation.
4. Strip Side Armor Plating
The Comet's armor is thickest at the front. However, its side plating can be removed more efficiently.
Targeting tips:
·Circle-strafe if possible.
·Aim for side panels.
·Coordinate with teammates to hit multiple angles.
Removing armor makes the core more vulnerable and shortens the fight.
5. Hold Your Nerve During a Charge
If a Comet begins charging directly at you, panic is your worst enemy.
Advanced tactic:
·Stand your ground briefly.
·Shoot the front weak point during the charge.
·Dodge at the last possible moment.
This is risky - but highly effective if executed properly.
Loadout & Loot Strategy for High-Risk Encounters
With Firefly and Comet units in play, surface combat now demands more flexible builds. Consider carrying:
·Precision weapons for weak-point targeting
·Automatic weapons for burst vulnerability windows
·Utility tools like cloaks or lure grenades
·Balanced ammo reserves
When farming high-value zones, protect your best ARC Raiders Items carefully. Losing upgraded gear to a Comet explosion is far more punishing than losing basic equipment.
For players pushing endgame content, investing time in crafting optimized builds - or choosing to buy ARC Raiders BluePrints to accelerate progression - can make encounters significantly safer and more consistent.
Final Survival Tips for ARC Raiders
With the addition of Firefly and Comet units, surface combat is no longer just about cover and ammo management. You must:
·Adapt positioning constantly
·Identify weak spots quickly
·Carry flexible loadouts
·Communicate in squads
·Avoid panic reactions
Both enemies punish hesitation - but they reward precision and composure.
The Firefly demands controlled targeting and smart use of cover.
The Comet demands spacing, fire rate, and situational awareness.
Master those principles, and you won't just survive the surface - you'll dominate it.