Two powerful ARC machines have landed topside in ARC Raiders, dramatically shifting the combat meta for players exploring the surface. Unlike earlier ARC units that rewarded predictable cover-based tactics, the Firefly and Comet introduce aggressive mechanics that force Raiders to adapt quickly. Their unique abilities punish careless positioning, slow reactions, and poor loadout choices.
If you want to protect your hard-earned ARC Raiders Items and survive high-risk surface encounters, understanding how these new enemies behave is critical. This guide breaks down the most effective strategies for defeating the Firefly and Comet so you can stay alive, secure valuable loot, and continue progressing through the game.
Firefly Guide – How to Beat the Flying Flame Hunter
The Firefly is one of the most dangerous airborne ARC units introduced so far. Unlike Wasps or Hornets that hover at manageable distances, the Firefly is relentless. It aggressively tracks players, applies constant pressure, and uses devastating flame attacks to flush the Raiders out of cover.
Why the Firefly Is So Dangerous
The Firefly’s threat comes from its relentless tracking and powerful area denial attacks. Its primary advantages include:
·Aggressively tracking Raiders across terrain
·Sustained flamethrower damage
·Punishing open-field movement
·Effective corner and cover pressure
Treating the Firefly like a standard flying ARC unit is a mistake that often leads to quick defeat. Instead, players need to rely on precise tactics and positioning.
Use a Photoelectric Cloak to Break Aggro
One of the most effective tools against the Firefly is the Photoelectric Cloak. This utility device temporarily disrupts ARC targeting systems, rendering the user invisible for a short duration.
Why it works so well:
·Fireflies rely heavily on tracking behavior
·Cloaking combined with line-of-sight breaks forces a reset
·It provides breathing room during intense engagements
If you are under heavy pressure and your health is low, activating the cloak can be safer than trying to out-damage the Firefly directly.
Shoot the Yellow Gas Tank Weak Spot
The Firefly’s flamethrower relies on an exposed fuel system. Look carefully for the yellow gas canister mounted on its frame.
Tips for hitting the weak point:
·Wait for the Firefly to hover before firing
·Use precision weapons with controlled bursts
·Focus on accuracy rather than spraying bullets
Destroying this fuel tank can eliminate the Firefly quickly, saving ammunition and preventing extended burn damage.
Avoid Running in Open Terrain
Running across open terrain while a Firefly is active is extremely dangerous.
Fireflies will:
·Dive aggressively toward fleeing players
·Exploit long sightlines
·Track movement efficiently
Instead of sprinting across open areas, move into nearby buildings or solid structures. Indoor environments reduce the Firefly’s maneuverability and make it easier to land weak-point shots.
Use Lure Grenades for Tactical Breathing Room
When fighting multiple ARC units or dealing with overwhelming pressure, Lure Grenades can redirect enemy attention.
Best scenarios for using lure grenades include:
·When fighting multiple ARC machines simultaneously
·During teammate revives
·When preparing for extraction
While this tactic does not eliminate the Firefly, it can buy crucial time to reposition or reload.
Comet Guide – How to Survive the Rolling Explosive ARC
While the Firefly focuses on aerial pressure, the Comet represents brute force. This heavily armored ARC unit charges across the battlefield before detonating in a massive explosion.
If players remain too close when it explodes, the fight can end instantly.
Why the Comet Is So Lethal
The Comet’s power comes from its explosive potential and heavy armor. Key traits include:
·Massive explosive damage radius
·Thick armor plating
·Intelligent squad targeting
·Self-destruction mechanics
Unlike other ARC enemies that chip away at your health, the Comet is designed to deliver one devastating burst of damage.
Trigger the Weak Point From a Distance
When the Comet is engaged from range, its shell opens slightly and exposes an inner core.
Effective strategy:
·Engage from medium or long distance
·Wait for the shell to open
·Focus fire on the exposed core
This vulnerability window is your best opportunity to deal significant damage.
Use High Fire Rate Weapons
Against the Comet, weapon speed is more important than single-shot power.
Automatic weapons are especially effective because they can rapidly exploit short vulnerability windows. Consider using:
·SMGs
·Assault rifles
·High-fire-rate carbines
These weapons provide sustained damage output that can overwhelm the Comet before it reaches detonation range.
Spread Out During Squad Combat
The Comet is designed to punish clustered players. If your squad stays grouped, the enemy will roll directly into the center before detonating.
To prevent a full squad wipe:
·Maintain spacing between teammates
·Form a loose perimeter around the target
·Avoid stacking objectives or cover
Proper spacing turns a potential team wipeout into a manageable revive situation.
Target the Side Armor Panels
The Comet’s front armor is extremely thick, but its side panels are more vulnerable.
Combat tips include:
·Circle-strafe whenever possible
·Focus fire on the side armor plating
·Coordinate with teammates to attack from multiple angles
Removing armor panels exposes the core more frequently and significantly shortens the fight.
Stay Calm During a Charge
If a Comet begins charging directly toward you, panic is the worst possible reaction.
A more advanced tactic involves:
·Holding position briefly
·Shooting the front weak point during the charge
·Dodging at the last possible moment
This maneuver is risky but can deal major damage if executed correctly.
Loadout Strategy for Fighting High-Level ARC Units
With Firefly and Comet units now active on the surface, Raiders must prepare flexible loadouts for survival.
Recommended equipment includes:
·Precision weapons for weak-point targeting
·Automatic weapons for vulnerability windows
·Utility tools like cloaks and lure grenades
·Balanced ammunition reserves
When farming high-risk areas, protecting valuable ARC Raiders Items becomes increasingly important. Losing upgraded gear to a Comet explosion can be far more punishing than losing basic equipment.
Players pushing deeper into endgame zones often invest time in optimized crafting setups. Others choose to buy ARC Raiders BluePrints to unlock powerful gear faster and stay competitive during difficult surface encounters.
Final Survival Tips for ARC Raiders
The introduction of Firefly and Comet enemies has fundamentally changed surface combat. Raiders must now rely on precision, adaptability, and communication to survive.
To succeed against these new ARC threats:
·Constantly adjust your positioning
·Identify weak points quickly
·Carry flexible loadouts
·Coordinate with your squad
·Avoid panic reactions during intense encounters
The Firefly demands precision shooting and intelligent use of cover, while the Comet rewards smart spacing and sustained damage output.
Master these strategies, and you will not only survive the surface-you’ll dominate it while securing the valuable loot that makes every ARC Raiders raid worth the risk.