How To Extract in ARC Raiders – Complete Extraction Guide (Normal & Raider Hatch Methods)

ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter at its core, which means all the looting, fighting, and resource gathering in the world doesn’t matter if you can’t make it out alive. Extraction is the name of the game—literally. You drop into hostile territory, grab what you can, and then race against the clock (and other players) to get yourself and your precious cargo back to safety.

But extraction isn’t always straightforward. There are timed extraction points, stealth options, and even emergency methods if things go sideways. Whether you’re a new Raider learning the ropes or a veteran looking to optimize your escape strategies, this guide covers everything you need to know about extracting successfully in ARC Raiders.

How ARC Raiders Extraction Works (The Basics)

Before we dive into specific methods, here’s the quick overview: every raid lasts 30 minutes, and you need to physically leave the map via an extraction point to keep your loot. If you die before extracting, you lose everything you picked up during that raid (with a few exceptions for certain game modes).

There are two main ways to extract:

1. Normal extraction points (elevators, trains, air shafts)
2. Raider Hatches (requires a special key)

Each method has its own pros, cons, and tactical considerations. Let’s break them both down.

How To Extract Normally in ARC Raiders

Finding Extraction Points on the Map

Open your map at any point during the raid, and you’ll see white downward arrow symbols—these are your extraction points. Each one has a timer displayed next to it, indicating how long that particular extraction zone will remain active.

Key details:

• Extraction points rotate throughout the 30-minute raid
• Once a timer runs out, that extraction point closes
• New extraction points open up as others close
• Extraction types vary by map (elevators, trains, air shafts)

Pro tip: Always keep an eye on extraction timers. Nothing’s worse than hauling loot across the map only to arrive at a closed extraction point with seconds left in the raid.

Calling the Extraction

Once you reach an active extraction point:

1. Interact with the terminal to call the elevator/train
2. A loud alarm will sound—this is crucial because it alerts everyone nearby
3. The alarm attracts both ARC machines and enemy players
4. Wait for the extraction vehicle to arrive (usually 10-15 seconds)

This is the danger zone. That alarm is basically a beacon screaming “HEY, SOMEONE’S TRYING TO LEAVE WITH LOOT!” So don’t just stand there in the open.

The Smart Way to Extract

Here’s how experienced players handle normal extractions:

Before calling extraction:

• Clear the immediate area of ARC machines
• Check for nearby players (listen for footsteps, gunfire)
• Position yourself in cover near the extraction point

After calling extraction:

• Find a hiding spot with a clear view of the extraction vehicle
• Don’t stand on the elevator platform while waiting
• Watch for ambushes—other players know you’re vulnerable
• Listen carefully—audio cues can save your life

Once the doors open:

• Scan the area one more time
• Move quickly to the vehicle
• Interact with the console inside to initiate extraction
• Wait 5 seconds for the extraction to complete

If you’re playing solo, this can get intense. Consider playing with friends so someone can watch your back during extraction.

Can You Extract While Downed?

Yes! Here’s a cool feature: you can extract while in DBNO (downed but not out) status, as long as you’re inside the extraction vehicle when the process initiates. So if you get downed mid-extraction, crawl into the elevator/train, hit that console, and you’ll still make it out.

This is a lifesaver in clutch situations, but obviously, don’t rely on it as your primary strategy.

How To Use Raider Hatch Keys to Extract in ARC Raiders

Now here’s where things get interesting. Raider Hatches are the VIP exit strategy in ARC Raiders—silent, safe, and available anytime. The catch? They require a Raider Hatch Key, which is one of the rarest items in the game.

What Makes Raider Hatches Special?

Raider Hatches are the stealth extraction option. Unlike normal extractions:

• No loud alarms when you activate them
• No timer—they’re available throughout the entire 30-minute raid
• No waiting—once opened, you just slide down and extract immediately
• Much safer since you’re not broadcasting your location

If you have a Raider Hatch Key and you’re carrying valuable loot, this is hands-down the best way to extract.

How To Get Raider Hatch Keys

There are two ways to obtain these keys:

1. Find them during raids

• Rare loot drops from high-value containers
• Sometimes found in security lockers
• Occasionally looted from ARC Couriers and Probes

2. Buy from Shani (the trader)

• Costs 9,000 coins
• Expensive, but guaranteed
• Check our coin farming guide if you need cash

For a detailed breakdown on finding and using Raider Hatch Keys, check out our complete Raider Hatch guide.

How To Find and Use Raider Hatches

Finding Raider Hatches on the map:

• Open your map and look for the extraction icon WITHOUT a timer
• That’s your Raider Hatch location
• They’re scattered across all maps

Using a Raider Hatch:

1. Approach the Raider Hatch terminal
2. Use your Raider Hatch Key on the terminal
3. The hatch opens silently (no alarm!)
4. Slide down into the hatch
5. Extraction complete—no waiting period

Can you extract while downed via Raider Hatch? Yes! Just like normal extractions, you can successfully extract through a Raider Hatch even if you’re in DBNO status. Just make sure you can reach the hatch and interact with it before you bleed out.

Extraction Strategies and Tips

Early Extraction vs. Late Extraction

Early extraction (10-15 minutes in):

• Safer—fewer players left on the map
• Less total loot accumulated
• Good if you found high-value items early
• Smart choice if you’re injured or low on supplies

Late extraction (20+ minutes in):

• More loot potential
• Higher risk—desperate players may ambush extractions
• ARC machines become more aggressive
• Best if you have a Raider Hatch Key

Managing Multiple Extraction Points

Since extraction points rotate on timers, always have a backup plan. Don’t tunnel-vision on one extraction point—if it closes or gets camped by enemies, you need to know where the next closest one is.

Smart routing:

• Plan your loot route to end near extraction points
• Keep extraction timers in mind as you explore
• Don’t loot the opposite side of the map with 5 minutes left

Dealing with Extraction Campers

Yes, extraction camping is a thing in ARC Raiders. Some players will literally wait near extraction points hoping to ambush loaded-up Raiders. Here’s how to counter this:

Detection:

• Approach extraction points cautiously
• Use binoculars or scope to scan from a distance
• Listen for movement or breathing sounds

Counterplay:

• Throw a grenade at common camping spots before approaching
• Use shield types strategically
• Consider waiting out the timer and using the next extraction point
• If you have a Raider Hatch Key, just use that instead

Optimize Your Loadout for Extraction

Make sure you’re set up for a safe exit:

• Keep stash and backpack space optimized
• Have healing items ready
• Ensure your best skills are unlocked
• Check your PC settings for smooth performance during intense moments

The ARC Orbiter Threat

Remember: when the raid timer hits zero, an ARC Orbiter strikes and kills everything on the map. There’s no surviving it, no outrunning it. If you’re not extracted when that timer expires, you’re dead and you lose everything.

The Orbiter is the ultimate deadline, so always leave yourself a buffer. Don’t cut it too close.

Final Thoughts

Mastering extraction is what separates successful Raiders from corpses. Normal extractions require tactical awareness, positioning, and timing. Raider Hatches offer a premium escape route for those willing to invest coins or get lucky with loot.

The key is reading the situation: if you’re loaded with valuables, a Raider Hatch is worth every coin. If you’re just doing a quick resource run, normal extraction is fine—just don’t get greedy and overstay your welcome.

Always have a plan, watch your timers, and never underestimate how quickly things can go sideways in those final moments. For more survival strategies, check out our complete beginner’s guide or learn how to farm specific resources efficiently.

You can download ARC Raiders on PlayStation, Xbox, or through the official website. Now get out there and make it home alive, Raider!

Quick Reference:

• Raid duration: 30 minutes
• Normal extraction: Timed points with loud alarms (5-second extraction)
• Raider Hatch extraction: Silent, no timer, requires Raider Hatch Key (9,000 coins from Shani)
• DBNO extraction: Yes, you can extract while downed
• Key strategy: Always have a backup extraction plan