If you’ve spent any time progressing through Arc Raiders, you’ve probably run into the same bottleneck most players hit: Rusted Gears. They’re required to upgrade your Gunsmith bench from level 2 to level 3, yet they’re frustratingly rare despite the world being littered with abandoned vehicles and industrial machines.
After dozens of scavenging runs and more close calls with ARCs than I’d like to admit, one thing becomes clear — Rusted Gears aren’t actually rare, they’re just poorly distributed. The key is knowing which locations consistently spawn industrial loot and how to route them efficiently without dying or wasting time.
Below is the quick solution overview, followed by the full route breakdown and map strategies experienced players are using to reliably farm Rusted Gears.
Editor’s Recommendations:
- The Ultimate Stone Demon Boss Guide for Borderlands 4
- How to Recruit Meek the Mimic in Esoteric Ebb?
Rusted Gears Farming Overview
| Location | Best Loot Spots | Why It Works | Risk Level |
| Buried City | Warehouse, Marano Station, Parking Garage | High concentration of generators and vehicles | Medium |
| Dam Battlegrounds | Primary Facility, Power Generation Complex | Consistent industrial loot spawns | Medium |
| Spaceport | Vehicle Maintenance, Container Storage | Industrial containers and machinery | High |
| Blue Gate | Checkpoint, Highway Collapse, Adorned Wreckage | Wrecked vehicles and scrap | Medium |
| Night Raid Runs | Any Industrial POI | Higher loot spawn chances | High |
Best Rusted Gears Route in Arc Raiders (Buried City)
For players looking for consistent Rusted Gears every run, the Buried City route remains the most reliable farming method. This path focuses on three dense loot areas filled with generators and abandoned vehicles, both of which can drop Rusted Gears.
1. Warehouse Generators
Start your run at the Warehouse in the northwest of Buried City. On the eastern side of the building, you’ll find two generators sitting next to each other.
From my experience running this route repeatedly, these generators have one of the highest Rusted Gear spawn rates in the game. Always breach both — skipping them is leaving loot on the table.
2. Marano Station Car Park
Next stop is Marano Station.
Head to the north end of the station, where the car park is packed with abandoned vehicles. Pop open every hood you can find. It takes a bit of time, but the density of cars means you’ll usually walk away with one to three Rusted Gears.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check the station platform loot spawn, which occasionally drops other high-value resources.
3. Parking Garage Sweep
Finish the run at the Parking Garage nearby.
This is essentially a multi-floor Rusted Gear lottery, since each floor contains multiple vehicles that can be breached. However, there’s a catch.
A Bombardier ARC frequently patrols the top floor or the nearby street, so approach carefully. Fighting it is doable, but if you’re running a lightweight loadout, sneaking past it is usually the smarter play.
FAQs
Where do Rusted Gears spawn most often in Arc Raiders?
Rusted Gears most commonly spawn inside generators, vehicle engines, and industrial containers, particularly in areas like Warehouse, Marano Station, and Parking Garage in Buried City.
What is the fastest Rusted Gears farming route?
The fastest route is Warehouse → Marano Station → Parking Garage in Buried City, which can yield 2–3 Rusted Gears per run with consistent looting.
Are Rusted Gears random loot?
Yes, Rusted Gears are RNG-based industrial loot, meaning they won’t appear every time even in the correct locations.
Do Night Raids increase Rusted Gear drop rates?
Yes. Night Raids generally increase overall loot chances, including industrial items like Rusted Gears.
Why are Rusted Gears important in Arc Raiders?
Rusted Gears are required to upgrade the Gunsmith bench from level 2 to level 3, unlocking access to improved weapon crafting and modifications.
