How to Kill a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders: Explained

Besides killing the terrifying Leaper, players want to know how to kill a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders. One of the toughest enemies you’ll face while scavenging for high-value loot in this extraction shooter from the publishers behind The First Descendants, a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders is a flying ARC that dominates the skies, raining down rockets that can shred an unprepared Raider in seconds. However, once you understand their weak spots and combat behavior, taking them down becomes much easier.

Here’s our complete guide on how to kill a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders effectively and safely.

Where to Find Rocketeers in ARC Raiders

A Rocketeer in ARC Raiders isn’t a boss-tier enemy, but it’s much rarer than standard ARCs. You’ll usually encounter them around high-value loot zones, extraction elevators, or major points of interest on the map.

While they spawn like regular enemies, Rocketeers hit harder and can easily overwhelm players who aren’t paying attention. Always stay alert when exploring areas with elevated loot potential as there’s a good chance a Rocketeer is patrolling nearby.

How to Kill a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders

Rocketeers are aggressive, fast-moving ARCs that fire homing missiles from above. To survive and win the fight, use the right tactics and target their weak points.

Here’s the best strategy on how to kill a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders:

• Keep Moving Constantly: Rocketeers deal massive explosive damage, so standing still is a death sentence. Keep strafing, sprinting, and dodging to avoid their missile lock-ons. Staying mobile drastically reduces the chances of being hit by splash damage.
• Target the Rotors: Aim for the Rocketeer’s rotors — these spinning parts help it hover and maintain balance mid-air. Shooting them will destabilize the machine, forcing it to lose control and take heavy damage.
• Shoot the Red Orb Weak Spot: Look beneath the Rocketeer. You’ll notice a glowing red orb attached under its body — that’s a major weak point. Focus your fire here to inflict critical damage. Even standard rifles can tear through this vulnerable spot.
• Use EMP Grenades to Stun It: If you’re struggling to land shots, throw an EMP grenade. It temporarily disables the Rocketeer, leaving it exposed. During this short window, either finish it off or retreat to safety if the situation looks bad.
• Fight Smart, Not Reckless: Don’t try to take on multiple Rocketeers at once. If you spot more than one circling above, it’s best to fall back. The combined rocket fire can wipe out your team or cause you to lose all your collected loot.

Combat Tips for Rocketeer Fights

• Watch for laser targeting cues. Before launching missiles, Rocketeers briefly project a red targeting beam. Use this moment to duck behind solid cover.
• Listen for audio warnings. The missile launch sound gives you a second to dodge.
• Use a poke-and-hide strategy: fire a few rounds, move behind cover, and repeat. This keeps you safe while steadily whittling down the Rocketeer’s HP.
• Coordinate with teammates. Having one player distract while others aim for weak spots can bring it down faster.

Rewards for Killing a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders

Defeating a Rocketeer in ARC Raiders isn’t just satisfying, it’s also rewarding. Here are the common drops you can expect: