Shields rank high among the critical tools you take along in ARC Raiders and can determine whether you live through a battle or get completely defeated. Different kinds of shields can be crafted and recharged after absorbing damage. To ensure you’re fully equipped for every fight, we’ve put together a short guide on how to keep each shield in working order.
All Shield Types in ARC Raiders
Shield types in ARC Raiders can be classified into Light, Medium, and Heavy. Each type comes with different stats, weights, and mobility. All players start with the Light Shield but can obtain the others as they advance in the game.
| Shield Type | Shield HP (Bars) | Damage Mitigation | Weight | Movement Speed Reduction | How to Get |
| Light | 40 (Four Bars) | 40% | 5.0 | None | Can be obtained through exploration, crafted at the Workbench and Gear Bench (Level 1) or purchased from Lance while at the Clinic for 1,920 Coins. |
| Medium | 70 (Seven Bars) | 42.5% | 7.0 | 5% | Also obtainable through exploration, crafted at the Gear Bench (Level 1) or purchased from Lance for 6,000 Coins (Level 12 required). |
| Heavy | 80 (Eight Bars) | 52.5% | 9.0 | 15% | Can be obtained through exploration, made at the Gear Bench (Level 2) or purchased from Lance for 16,500 Coins (Level 20 required). |
How to Recharge Shields in ARC Raiders
Your shield protects you from damage during combat, but not indefinitely. After a while, it will stop absorbing damage, and you will be taking complete damage. To survive longer, you should recharge your shield with special items.
Before embarking on a mission, you can recharge your shield in Speranza, or during combat, use items to recharge.
| Item Name | Recharge Level (Bars) | Where to Find |
| ARC Powercell | 2 Bars | Drop By Defeated ARC Machines, Including ARC Pods And Couriers. |
| Shield Recharger | 4 Bars | Workbench And Medical Lab, Lance (Clinic Trader), For 1,920 Coins. |
| Surge Shield Recharger | 5 Bars | Level 2 Medical Lab, or Buy From Lance For 3,600 Coins |
Before a raid, always have several rechargers on you. To begin a mission with a fully charged shield, make it a habit to repair your shield. From the defeated machines, make sure to collect ARC Powercells, they are easy to find and cost nothing.
How to Manage Shields In Arc Raiders
| Situation | Recommended Shield | Reason |
| Quick solo missions | Light Shield | Fast movement and quick recharge |
| Team raids | Medium Shield | Balanced protection and speed |
| Boss battles or ARC encounters | Heavy Shield | Maximum defense and durability |
Your shield in ARC Raiders is your lifeline. Crafting and recharging it effectively can be the difference between losing and winning a fight. Collect the materials to craft the Light Shield and advance to stronger shields with your increased level. Make sure your rechargers are easily accessible so you will always be one step ahead of your foes.
