ARC Raiders' Raider Hatch Keys: Your Sneaky (and Expensive) Ticket Off X-Isle
Forget the noisy elevators – getting ganked during extraction is practically a feature in ARC Raiders. Raider Hatch Keys are your pricey pass to a quieter getaway, if you know how to get and use 'em.
So, you’ve managed to survive the ARC onslaught, maybe even popped a few rival Raiders, and your backpack is bursting with loot on X-Isle. Nice work. Now comes the real challenge: getting the hell out alive. Standard extractions are glorified ambush points – loud, slow, and basically scream "free loot delivery" to anyone within earshot.
If you prefer not donating your hard-earned scrap to the nearest camper, you need a Raider Hatch Key. These hatches are sprinkled across the map, offering a much quicker and quieter escape route than the noisy elevators or subways. But access ain't free. You need a specific Raider Hatch Key, and getting one requires either a fat stack of Coins or some crafting materials you can't quite use yet. Let's break down how to snag these essential escape tools.
How to Get Your Grubby Mitts on a Raider Hatch Key
You've got two paths: flash the cash or play the long game with crafting. Right now, only one path actually works.
Option 1: Buy Your Freedom (The Fast Lane)
The simplest way? Head back to Speranza and find Shani, the Security Trader. She’ll sell you a Raider Hatch Key for a hefty 9,000 Coins. Yeah, that stings early on, especially if you're still figuring out how to make bank (our ARC Raiders beginner's guide can help).
But honestly, when you're loaded with valuable gear after a successful run, 9k feels like a small price for not losing it all in the last 30 seconds. The major catch? Shani only sells one key per player per 24-hour period. Her stock is limited. Plan ahead and make damn sure you use that key on a run where it actually counts.
Option 2: Crafting - The Future Promise (Currently Broken)
Yes, you can craft these keys… eventually. First, you need to install a Utility Workbench in your Workshop back in Speranza, which costs some Arc Alloys. Worth doing anyway.
The crafting recipe itself looks simple: 1x Advanced Electrical Component + 3x Sensors. The problem? You need to upgrade the Utility Workbench to Level 2 before you can craft the keys. And as of the current playtest/server slam, leveling up workbenches isn't possible. Bummer.
So, for now, buying is your only option. However, start hoarding those Advanced Electrical Components and Sensors during your raids. They'll be crucial once crafting is fully enabled. Getting familiar with the skill tree might even help you spec into finding rare materials more easily later on.
Using Your 9,000 Coin Escape Hatch
Got the key? Good. Don't waste it. Using it is straightforward, but timing is everything.
Step 1: Pack It Right Make sure the key is in your main backpack inventory when you deploy. You could put it in your Safe Box to protect it if you die, but you'll need to transfer it back to your main inventory before you can activate the hatch. Don't get caught fumbling in your menus.
Step 2: Find a Hatch When you’re ready to extract, open your map (M key). Look for the specific Raider Hatch icons. They’re usually located away from the high-traffic areas and major ARC patrols. Pick one that looks relatively safe to reach.
Step 3: Activate and GO! Mark your chosen hatch, get there stealthily, and interact with the mechanism. Using the key calls the lift. It arrives much faster and quieter than the public transit options.
Here’s the crucial bit: The hatch stays open for only about 15 seconds. If you call the lift and then get distracted, fight one more bot, or just hesitate, it will close, and your key is gone. Be right there, ready to jump in the second it opens.
Are Hatch Keys Worth the Coin and Hassle?
Absolutely. Despite the steep price and the current inability to craft them, Raider Hatch Keys provide a significant tactical advantage.
Think about it:
Stealth: Much quieter arrival than elevators/subways.
Speed: Faster activation and departure.
Safety: Located in less predictable spots, reducing the chance of running into campers (both AI and human).
If you’re running solo, carrying high-value target items, or just had an incredibly lucky run finding rare components, that 9,000 Coin key is your best insurance policy. Dropping cash on a guaranteed (well, safer) exit beats losing 20,000 Coins worth of gear every single time. Learn to use them effectively as part of your advanced strategies (check our tips here).
The Final Word
Raider Hatch Keys are a pricey but often necessary tool for successful extraction in ARC Raiders. Buy one per day from Shani for 9k Coins , hoard the crafting materials for the future, and use the key strategically when the loot haul justifies the cost. And for god's sake, don't miss the 15-second window. With no wipes planned, every successful extraction counts towards your permanent progress. Don't let a noisy elevator be your downfall.
