Ion Sputter is one of the rarer items you will need in ARC Raiders, especially if you are pushing through later Expedition phases. You cannot find it just anywhere, and random looting will waste your time. If you know where to go and how to approach the run, you can improve your chances a lot.
This guide explains exactly where Ion Sputter drops, which map areas matter, and how you should plan your raid to extract safely.
How to Get Ion Sputter in ARC Raiders
Ion Sputter is an item from the Epic Exodus category, meaning that it can only be found in particular places that are the highest value ones associated with Exodus loot. It will not be present in the ordinary low-tier zones or in random containers all over the map.
Almost all the confirmed drops are from only one map, Stella Montis, and even there only certain places are worth your time.
You can get 6,000 credits for it, or you can recycle it into one Exodus Module and four Voltage Converters. This value is precisely why many players will keep it if they find it, thus making PvP encounters important while farming.
The Only Map to Farm is Stella Montis
If you are determined to find Ion Sputter, Stella Montis cannot be avoided. Exodus items are linked to this map, and Ion Sputter adheres to that rule in a very strict way. Other maps may have good overall loot, but they do not provide a reliable chance of getting this item.
Stella Montis has also been ranked as one of the most perilous maps of the game. The player spawns are very close to each other, sound can be heard from a long distance and the fights can erupt quickly.
You should be prepared for contact and plan your route bearing that in mind. Usually, players who enter without a plan end losing their progress or dying before they are able to secure anything of value.
The Assembly Is Your Best Farming Area
Among all locations on Stella Montis, the Assembly stands out as the best place to search for Ion Sputter. This area has the highest concentration of Exodus loot spawns. Drawers, containers, and metal cabinets here have a much better chance of rolling Exodus items compared to most other zones.
You should fully clear the area. Open every drawer, search every cabinet, and breach metal containers whenever possible. Ion Sputter does not have a guaranteed spawn, so volume matters. The more containers you check, the higher your odds become. While you may leave with a different Exodus item like a Geiger Counter instead, the Assembly still offers the best overall chance.
Ion Sputter can also appear in nearby sections around the Assembly, even if those spots are not clearly marked as Exodus zones. Because of this, it is worth sweeping the surrounding rooms and corridors instead of leaving immediately after the main area.
Other Stella Montis Locations That Can Drop Ion Sputter
While the Assembly is the strongest option, it is not the only place where Ion Sputter can appear. The Business Center on Stella Montis is another viable farming spot, especially if you spawn closer to it at the start of a run. Like the Assembly, it contains multiple rooms with drawers and breachable cabinets that can roll Exodus items.
Other confirmed drop locations on Stella Montis include the Assembly Workshop, Medical Research, and the Rocket Assembly area at the Spaceport. These locations can drop Ion Sputter, but the chances are lower compared to the Assembly. You should only prioritize them if your spawn or extraction route naturally takes you through these zones.
Night Raids Increase Your Chances
Loot rarity matters when hunting Epic items. Choosing map conditions like Night Raid can increase the quality of loot that spawns. While this does not guarantee an Ion Sputter, it improves the overall odds and makes your time investment more efficient.
Night Raids also change player behavior. Visibility is lower, and some players avoid extended fights. If you play carefully, you can loot more containers without drawing attention. However, mistakes are more punishing, so movement and sound discipline are critical.
Dealing With Other Raiders
Because Ion Sputter is rare and valuable, many players will keep it in their inventory if they find one. This makes looting defeated raiders an important part of farming. If you win a fight, always check the enemy thoroughly. It is possible they already looted an Ion Sputter before you arrived.
At the same time, you should expect other players to hunt you once you make noise. Stella Montis is hostile by design. Moving too fast, breaching loudly, or fighting unnecessary enemies can attract attention quickly. Patience often leads to better results than rushing.
