ARC Raiders puts you topside with a lot to learn fast, and supply drops are one of those neat systems that can turn a rough run into a tidy haul. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense walkthrough for spotting a drop tower, calling in the crate, and actually getting the goodies without getting shot to pieces.
Where to find supply drops
Supply drops spawn at a set group of locations, but not every location will have one every round. The visual key is simple: look for tall, pointed towers with a light on top. They tend to sit on rooftops and open structures, so if you’re sneaking across a skyline, keep those taller silhouettes in your sights.
How to call a supply drop
Approach the tower and interact with it. The interaction takes a moment; when it finishes a voice cue will announce that the drop is incoming. The tower itself makes a loud siren-like noise, so anyone nearby will hear it and may come looking.
After you call it, find cover and watch the sky. The drop arrives from off-map, opens a balloon, and lands with a heavy thud. Once on the ground the crate is closed and must be breached to access its contents, which is another noisy action and likely to draw attention.
What supply drops contain
Crates are more useful than a treasure chest. You will commonly get ammo and medical items, and there’s a chance of weapons or higher-rarity gear. Throwables also appear in drops. The main categories players report seeing are:
- Medical items
- All ammo types
- Guns
- Throwables
They are not the source of trinkets and exotic rewards, but a weapon or a stack of ammo can make a big difference mid-run. If you’re carrying useful loot back to your stash, a supply drop can be worth the risk.
Practical tips
- Don’t call a drop in the open. The audio cue and the balloon landing are beacons for nearby players and AI. Find a defensible spot with sightlines.
- Use it as bait when that serves you. If you know enemies patrol a specific area, calling a drop can pull them out where you want them.
- Prioritize what you need. If you’re low on ammo or healing, a drop is worth stopping for. If you’re deep in enemy territory with little time, it may not be.
We also have a practical guide on field crates if you’re looking for more ways to track and secure loot across runs: field crates guide.
Got a wild supply drop trick or a brutal ambush story? Leave a comment and tell the rest of us what worked.
