What’s the Level Cap in Arc Raiders?
If you’re wondering how far you can push your character progression in Arc Raiders, here’s the straightforward answer: the maximum player level is 75. That means 75 skill points to distribute across your build, which sounds like a lot until you realize the skill tree has way more than 75 options available.
This creates an interesting dynamic—you can’t unlock everything, so every skill choice actually matters. You’ll need to commit to a playstyle rather than becoming a jack-of-all-trades master of none. It’s a smart design choice that forces meaningful decision-making about your build optimization.
For players new to extraction shooters, Arc Raiders offers a surprisingly accessible entry point while still providing enough challenge to keep veterans engaged. The leveling system strikes a nice balance between rewarding dedication and keeping the grind manageable.
How XP Actually Works in Arc Raiders
Every action topside contributes to your XP total, but not all activities are created equal. Understanding what gives you the most bang for your buck helps you level efficiently without grinding yourself into boredom.
Here are the main XP sources ranked by importance:
Primary XP Earners:
- Looting and scavenging – Consistent, reliable, and the safest option
- Successful extractions – Big bonus that makes surviving worthwhile
- Destroying ARC machines – Combat XP plus you’re clearing threats
- Defeating other players – High risk, high reward PvP engagements
- Quest completions – Substantial chunks of XP for structured objectives
- Time spent topside – Passive XP just for staying in the raid
What’s interesting is that you’re rewarded for simply existing in the danger zone. You earn roughly 200 XP per minute just by staying topside, which means even cautious, methodical players can level efficiently without constant combat.
Fast XP Farming Strategies That Actually Work
Strategy #1: Become a Loot Goblin (The Safe Route)
This is my personal favorite for consistent leveling without constant stress. Every single lootable container, body, destroyed machine, or forageable item gives you a minimum of 200 XP—whether it’s already been looted or not.
Think about that: you get the same XP for checking an empty crate that someone else already cleared. This means late arrivals to popular zones still profit from the XP grind.
Maximize this strategy by:
- Hitting high-density loot zones like The Scrapyard for Rusted Tools farming
- Checking every container systematically, even if it looks picked over
- Looting bodies of fallen raiders (morbid but efficient)
- Picking fruits near trees—it’s 200 XP for clicking a berry
- Increasing your backpack space to carry more and loot longer
The beauty of this approach is low risk with guaranteed returns. You’re not relying on combat skills or lucky encounters—just thoroughness and efficiency.
Strategy #2: Play the Long Game
Here’s a strategy that feels counterintuitive but works incredibly well once you’re properly equipped: stretch your raids as long as possible. At nearly 200 XP per minute, a 20+ minute run nets you 4,000+ XP just from time spent, before factoring in loot, combat, and extraction bonuses.
Make long runs viable by:
- Stocking up on ammunition and supplies before deploying
- Using upgraded shields that can weather extended encounters
- Planning routes that maximize loot density per area
- Knowing safe extraction points throughout the map
- Keeping valuable items in Safe Pockets as insurance
I won’t lie—this requires better gear and more confidence. But once you’ve got your weapons upgraded and workshop improvements done, those marathon runs become incredibly rewarding.
Strategy #3: Embrace Controlled Aggression
Arc Raiders is fundamentally a PvP extraction shooter, and combat generates serious XP. Both damaging and defeating ARC machines or other players rewards you handsomely. The key word here is “controlled”—mindless aggression gets you killed and costs you the extraction bonus.
Smart combat approach:
- Prioritize ARC machines when you spot them—they’re predictable threats with guaranteed XP
- Be the aggressor in player encounters if you have positional advantage—hesitation often gets you killed anyway
- Don’t chase kills into dangerous territory—sometimes that extraction XP bonus is worth more than one more frag
- Pick your battles based on loadout—if you’re low on ammo or shields, disengage
The extraction bonus is substantial enough that dying in a greedy fight for one more kill often results in net XP loss. Know when to take the win and get out.
Strategy #4: Quest Efficiently
Quests in Arc Raiders provide chunky XP rewards and often guide you toward profitable activities anyway. Rather than viewing quests as separate from your leveling grind, integrate them.
Check active quests before each raid and plan your route to hit quest objectives while also maximizing loot opportunities. Two birds, one stone, way more efficient.
Strategy #5: Know When to Extract
This is crucial and often overlooked: failing to extract doesn’t just cost you loot—it denies you the extraction XP bonus entirely. That bonus is significant, often worth several minutes of topside time.
Here’s my rule of thumb: if you’re checking boxes on this list, strongly consider extracting:
- ✅ Low on ammunition
- ✅ Shields depleted or damaged
- ✅ Inventory nearly full
- ✅ Carrying valuable items you can’t afford to lose
- ✅ Already accumulated good XP from the run
Don’t get greedy. That one more building you want to check might be swarming with ARC machines or hostile players. The guaranteed extraction XP usually beats the potential gain from pushing your luck.
Practical Leveling Workflow
Here’s a typical efficient leveling session structure:
1. Preparation (5 minutes)
- Stock up on ammo, shields, healing items
- Check active quests
- Ensure Safe Pockets are empty for valuable finds
- Plan initial drop location
2. Early Game (0-10 minutes topside)
- Land in moderate-traffic areas—not hotspots, not dead zones
- Loot systematically while heading toward quest objectives
- Engage ARC machines opportunistically
- Avoid risky PvP unless you have clear advantage
3. Mid Game (10-20 minutes topside)
- You’re now deep in XP farming territory from time alone
- Continue thorough looting—every container matters
- Take calculated fights if properly equipped
- Start mentally noting extraction routes
4. Late Game (20+ minutes topside)
- Prioritize survival over greed
- Move toward extraction zones
- Don’t engage unless necessary or extremely favorable
- Secure Raider Hatch access if needed
5. Post-Extraction
- Spend skill points immediately—don’t hoard them
- Restock supplies using farmed coins
- Review what worked and what didn’t
Common Leveling Mistakes to Avoid
Dying repeatedly in the same hot zone. If a location is clearly contested and you keep dying there, you’re losing more XP from failed extractions than you’re gaining from attempts. Adapt your strategy.
Ignoring forageable items. Those berries, lemons, and apricots are free 200 XP. Never walk past them.
Extracting too early. Conversely, if you’re well-equipped and the zone feels manageable, stay longer. That passive time XP adds up fast.
Not using Safe Pockets properly. Protect your best finds so failed extractions aren’t total losses.
Skipping skill optimization. Spending points on the right skills early makes subsequent runs easier and more profitable.
Essential Resources for Leveling Success
To maximize your XP farming efficiency, you’ll want:
- Upgraded equipment: Better gear means longer, safer raids (weapon upgrades, workbench improvements)
- Resource knowledge: Know where to find Mushrooms, Rusted Tools, and other materials
- Security access: Unlock Security Lockers for bonus loot and XP
- Friend squad: Playing with friends makes risky strategies safer
Quick Links
- Official game pages: PlayStation Store | Xbox Store | Official Website
- Optimization guides: Best PC settings | General tips and tricks
- Rewards: Claim Twitch Drops
The Bottom Line on Leveling
Reaching level 75 in Arc Raiders isn’t a sprint—it’s a methodical grind that rewards smart play over reckless aggression. The three-pillar approach works best:
- Loot everything for consistent baseline XP
- Stay topside longer when properly equipped for passive time XP
- Extract successfully to secure your gains and bonuses
Combat provides spice and bonus XP, but it’s not required for efficient leveling. Some of my best XP runs were relatively quiet affairs where I systematically cleared loot zones, stayed topside for 25+ minutes, and extracted safely with minimal firefights.
The skill tree’s 75-point limit means your choices matter. Plan your build, commit to a playstyle, and optimize your raids around both XP gain and resource gathering.
Now get topside and start grinding those levels. Your skill tree is waiting.
