If you’re playing Arc Raiders, you’ve probably come across ARC Performance Steel and wondered how it works and what it’s really good for. In general, this is a material that plays a big role in crafting and upgrading your gear. Below, I’ll go over everything about it that most players ask about, including where to find it, how to use it, and some practical tips from actual gameplay.

What is ARC Performance Steel?

ARC Performance Steel is classified as a rare item in Arc Raiders. Most players recognize it as a crafting material that you can get by scavenging destroyed ARC machines or completing certain in-game activities. Its main purpose is to create higher-tier components, which you’ll need for weapons, armor, and some special gear.

In practice, while it’s valuable, it’s not extremely rare—you’ll usually get small amounts each mission if you focus on breaking down ARC machines. It also has a small stack size of 3 and weighs 1.0 per unit, which means you’ll need to manage your inventory carefully if you’re collecting a lot.

Where Can You Find ARC Performance Steel?

Most players find ARC Performance Steel by doing two things:

Scavenging destroyed ARC machines – These are the mechanical enemies you fight in missions. Once destroyed, they often drop materials, and ARC Performance Steel is among the rarer drops.

Completing ARC activities – Some missions or events reward you with this item directly, though usually in limited quantities.

In general, if you’re farming for ARC Performance Steel, focus on areas with a high density of ARC enemies, and always check destroyed machines for drops. Many players like to target specific zones repeatedly because the drop rate is better than just wandering randomly.

How to Use ARC Performance Steel

ARC Performance Steel is mainly used for crafting components, which then feed into your upgrades. Here’s how it works in practice:

Crafting: Most players use it to make mid- to high-tier metal parts. These parts are then used in weapons, armor, or other gear upgrades.

Recycling: If you have more than you need, you can recycle ARC Performance Steel into scrap metal. Specifically, one unit can give you 12 metal parts when fully recycled, or 7 metal parts if salvaged. This is useful if you’re trying to maximize resources without farming new materials.

A practical tip: you don’t always need to hoard ARC Performance Steel for crafting immediately. In general, it’s better to focus on missions that give you a steady supply, then recycle or craft as needed.

Also, for players who are new or looking to save time, some opt to buy arc raiders items from the in-game system or through authorized means to fill gaps in their inventory. While this can speed up progression, most players still rely on scavenging to avoid overpaying or missing out on other loot.

Common Questions About ARC Performance Steel
How Rare is It?

ARC Performance Steel is labeled rare, but in practice, its rarity is moderate. Most players find it drops fairly consistently if you focus on ARC enemies. It’s less common than basic metals, but not so rare that you should panic if you haven’t seen it in a couple of runs.

Should I Save or Use It Immediately?

It depends on your goals. In general:

If you’re mid-game, use it to craft components that help you improve your weapons and armor.

If you’re farming for late-game gear, you might want to save some and only craft when necessary.

Can I Stack a Lot of It?

No. The stack size is small (3 units per stack). Most players carry multiple stacks, but inventory management is important if you’re gathering other resources at the same time.

Is It Worth Recycling?

Yes. Most players recycle excess ARC Performance Steel into scrap metal or metal parts rather than leaving it in inventory. It’s a practical way to make use of extra resources, especially if you’re focusing on crafting upgrades rather than collecting raw materials.

Tips from Experienced Players

Prioritize high-density ARC zones: You get more drops per mission this way.

Check every destroyed machine: Even if the drop rate feels random, scavenging consistently pays off.

Balance crafting and recycling: Don’t rush to use every piece of ARC Performance Steel. Most players find that recycling a few extra units helps maintain a healthy resource balance.

Manage inventory carefully: With a stack size of 3, you can fill your inventory quickly. Keep some slots free for mission loot.

Combine farming with other resource gathering: While farming for ARC Performance Steel, you can also gather other recyclable items to maximize efficiency.

ARC Performance Steel is a rare but useful resource in Arc Raiders. Most players obtain it from scavenging destroyed ARC machines or completing specific ARC activities. It’s primarily used to craft components and can also be recycled into metal parts if you have extras. Its small stack size means careful inventory management is important. By targeting areas with high ARC activity and checking every destroyed machine, you can collect this material steadily.

In general, balancing crafting, recycling, and occasional purchasing strategies ensures you always have the materials you need without overstocking. Understanding ARC Performance Steel and how to use it efficiently is a key part of long-term success in Arc Raiders.