The ARC Raiders Scavenger's Guide: Not All Junk Is Created Equal
Stop grabbing every piece of trash. Your inventory space is worth more than that.
Your stash is full, isn't it? I know it is. It's overflowing with Tattered Clothes, Broken Flashlights, and Deflated Footballs. You're a hoarder, and it's crippling your ability to make real progress.
We need to fix that.
In ARC Raiders, not all junk is created equal. Some "trash" is actually high-tier crafting material in disguise, while other items are literally just taking up space. This is my guide to the good junk. The stuff you should be sprinting for.
A quick warning: This guide is for general workshop progression. If you are doing the end-game Expedition Project, you will need items not on this list. This is for everyone else who just wants to upgrade their gear and make some cash.
Metal Parts
This is your bread and butter. You will always be low on Metal Parts. Stop picking up Batteries (2 Metal Parts) and start prioritizing the S-Tier junk.
| High-Value Junk | Recycles Into |
|---|---|
| ARC Performance Steel | 12x Metal Parts |
| Garlic Press | 12x Metal Parts |
| Bicycle Pump | 10x Metal Parts (+ 4x Canister) |
| Candle Holder | 8x Metal Parts |
| Frying Pan | 8x Metal Parts |
| Metal Brackets | 8x Metal Parts |
| Rusted Tools | 8x Metal Parts (+ 1x Steel Spring) |
| Broken Flashlight | 7x Metal Parts (+ 3x Battery) |
Fabric
You'll need hundreds of these for armor and workbench upgrades. Duct Tape is a trap at only 3 Fabric. Go for the big stuff.
| High-Value Junk | Recycles Into |
|---|---|
| ARC Thermo Lining | 16x Fabric |
| Tattered ARC Lining | 12x Fabric |
| Torn Blanket | 12x Fabric |
| Tattered Clothes | 11x Fabric |
| Ruined Parachute | 10x Fabric |
| Dog Collar | 8x Fabric (+ 1x Metal Parts) |
Plastic Parts
You'll need plastic for your Utility Station and Gear Bench. Crumpled Plastic Bottles are fine at 3 Parts, but these are way better.
| High-Value Junk | Recycles Into |
|---|---|
| ARC Synthetic Resin | 14x Plastic Parts |
| Cooling Fan | 14x Plastic Parts (+ 4x Battery) |
| Ruined Riot Shield | 10x Plastic Parts (+ 6x Rubber Parts) |
| Dried-Out ARC Resin | 9x Plastic Parts |
| Camera Lens | 8x Plastic Parts |
Rubber Parts
Rubber is rarer, but some junk items are an absolute goldmine. Wires only give you 2 Rubber Parts. Grab these instead.
| High-Value Junk | Recycles Into |
|---|---|
| Rubber Pad | 22x Rubber Parts |
| Ruined Accordion | 18x Rubber Parts (+ 3x Steel Spring) |
| ARC Flex Rubber | 16x Rubber Parts |
| Deflated Football | 15x Rubber Parts |
| Diving Goggles | 12x Rubber Parts |
Chemicals
You'll need a ton of this for the Explosives Station and Medical Lab. Forget Oil (3 Chemicals). Hunt for these high-value items.
| High-Value Junk | Recycles Into |
|---|---|
| ARC Coolant | 16x Chemicals |
| Household Cleaner | 13x Chemicals |
| Impure ARC Coolant | 13x Chemicals |
| Antiseptic | 10x Chemicals |
Assorted Seeds
This confirms that all those plants you're hoarding? Their only real value is for your Scrappy upgrades. Once you're done with those, you can safely recycle them for seeds.
| High-Value Junk | Recycles Into |
|---|---|
| Agave | 3x Assorted Seeds |
| Apricot | 3x Assorted Seeds |
| Lemon | 3x Assorted Seeds |
| Moss | 3x Assorted Seeds |
| Prickly Pear | 3x Assorted Seeds |