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.

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.

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.

3. Spread Out in Squad Play

The Comet is programmed to maximize damage.

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 ARC Raiders BluePrints for sale to accelerate progression - can make encounters significantly safer and more consistent.Master those principles, and you won't just survive the surface - you'll dominate it.