The Out of the Shadows quest in ARC Raiders asks you to do something most early players fear: destroy a Rocketeer and bring back its driver. Rocketeers are slow, but their rockets can kill you in seconds if you make a mistake. The good news is that you do not need top-tier gear to win. You just need to understand how the Rocketeer works and fight it the right way.
This guide explains where to find a Rocketeer, how to survive the fight, and how to finish the quest without wasting gear or dying repeatedly.
How to Beat Rocketeer in ARC Raiders (Out of the Shadows)
1. Where to Find a Rocketeer for the Quest
Rocketeers are found in the open on various maps, but the safest and most certain place is Dam Battlegrounds. One is almost always located near the big buildings like the Testing Annex, the Primary Facility, or close to the elevators near the Ruby Residences.
If you can, turn on the elevator before you make the attack. That way, you have an escape option if the fight goes wrong or if another squad comes in. It is good to fight near buildings because the Rocketeer has a clear view and space to use its rockets if the battle is in open ground.
2. How the Rocketeer Attacks
The Rocketeer is hovering in the sky and firing its explosive rockets, which have large splash damage. Two direct hits will be enough to break your shield and down you. Moreover, it also knows your last position, so it is risky to stay put or just peek from the same place.
Its main weakness is the thrusters. These propelling devices are what keep it in the air. When they are knocked out, the Rocketeer becomes top-heavy and much easier to shoot down.
3. How to Defeat the Rocketeer Safely
Begin the battle from a concealed position. The first action should be shooting the Rocketeer to attract its focus, and then instantly relocating. When it has targeted you and commenced rocket firing, remain behind the walls or solid structures until the rocket shower is over. You should never attempt to absorb the damage.
Concentrate all your ammunition on a single thrust. Firepower with heavy-ammo bullets proves to be the most effective since it takes less time to penetrate armor. Continuous shooting turns into a waste of bullets if not every shot hits its target. Planned and delivered shots are less risky and more fruitful.
In case you have a Hornet Driver or an EMP-like device, activate it after one thruster is revealed. This causes the Rocketeer to be momentarily stunned and provides you with an unbroken opportunity to take out the motor. Once one thruster is broken, the Rocketeer has hardship in properly aiming. If necessary, repeat the procedure until it goes down.
In case of a prolonged fight scenario, then your being patient is key. Being in a hurry usually leads to your tricky death. So, shoot, hide, change position, and do it again.
Best Positioning and Survival Tips
Buildings with two entrances are ideal. Shoot from one side, then rotate to the other while the Rocketeer targets your old position. This movement keeps you alive and limits rocket pressure.
Always watch for red targeting lasers. When you see them, stop shooting and move immediately. Healing and shield recharging should only happen while fully in cover.
If things get out of control, throwing a lure grenade away from your position can pull the Rocketeer’s attention long enough for you to reset or escape.
Completing the Out of the Shadows Quest
After the Rocketeer goes down, search the wreckage carefully. You need to loot a Rocketeer Driver from its remains. Once you have it, extract safely and return to Shani.
The quest only completes after both steps are done: destroying the Rocketeer and handing in the driver. When finished, you receive shield rechargers and Wolfpack grenades, which make future ARC fights much easier.
