What Items to Recycle in ARC Raiders—Your Essential Guide to Smart Loot Management

The Key to Survival and Success
In the thrilling co-op world of ARC Raiders, victory isn't just about sharp shooting. It's about smart resource management. As a Raider, you'll constantly scavenge gear, weapons, and parts. Your inventory space is limited, and not everything you find is worth keeping. Knowing what items to recycle in ARC Raiders is the crucial skill that turns clutter into currency, powering your progress from a struggling survivor to a formidable veteran.

This guide breaks down the recycling system in simple terms, helping you make confident decisions. We'll cover what to scrap, what to save, and how to use your resources wisely.

Why Recycling Matters in ARC Raiders
Recycling is the core of your in-game economy. When you recycle an item, you break it down into two primary currencies: Scrap and Salvage. You use these materials to craft better gear, upgrade your favorite weapons, and unlock essential abilities.

If you never recycle, your stash will overflow with useless junk, and you'll lack the materials needed for important upgrades. Understanding the recycling system is not optional—it's fundamental to your advancement and enjoyment of the game.

Understanding the Basics: The Recycling Process
You can typically recycle items at stations in your base or safe zones. Open your inventory, select an item, and you'll see a preview of the Scrap and Salvage you'll gain. The process is permanent, so double-check before confirming. Get into the habit of recycling after each mission to keep a steady flow of materials coming in.

What Items to Recycle in ARC Raiders: The General Rule
As a simple rule of thumb, recycle items that don't fit your current playstyle or are clear upgrades to what you already own. Focus on converting low-value loot into useful currency. Here’s a straightforward list to get you started.

Priority Recycle List: Safe to Scrap

• Duplicate Weapons of Lower Rarity: Found a common (green) SMG but already own a rare (blue) one? Recycle the common one.

• Unused Weapon Mods/Attachments: Mods for weapon types you never use (e.g., a sniper scope if you only use shotguns) are perfect for recycling.

• Excess Basic Crafting Materials: If you have hundreds of a common material like "Polymer Sheets," recycling a portion won't hurt your crafting.

• Outdated Consumables: Lower-tier health kits or tools become less useful as you unlock better versions. Recycle the old stock.

• Common Cosmetic Items: Some purely cosmetic items that don't offer stats can often be recycled for a small amount of Scrap.

What to Think Twice About Before Recycling
Knowing what to keep is just as important. Recycling the wrong thing can really slow down your progress.

• High-Rarity Items (Epic/Purple, Legendary/Orange): Even if you don't use them now, keep these for potential future builds or blueprint research.

• Core Mods for Your Main Weapons: Never recycle a powerful mod that enhances your primary weapon's best stats.

• Rare Upgrade Components: Items specifically used for high-tier weapon and gear upgrades are scarce. Hold onto them.

• Quest Items: Items marked with a special quest icon should almost always be kept until that mission is complete.

Advanced Tips for Expert Resource Management
To truly master your inventory, go beyond the basics with these tips.

Plan for Your Next Craft. Check the crafting station to see what you want to build next. This tells you exactly which materials to save, letting you recycle the rest without worry.
Balance Your Currencies. Early on, you might need more Scrap for basic buys. Later, Salvage becomes critical for top-tier upgrades. Adjust what you recycle based on your current needs.
Compare Before You Scrap. Always compare a new item's stats directly with your currently equipped item. If it's worse in every way, send it to the recycler.
Don't Get Sentimental. That common pistol that got you through the first mission has served its purpose. Make logical decisions based on stats and utility.

Putting It All Together: Become a Savvy Raider
A top Raider is both a marksman and a master economist. The recycling system is the engine of your growth in ARC Raiders. By learning exactly what items to recycle in arc raiders, you ensure your inventory is packed with value and your resources are always growing.

Remember the golden rule: Keep what works for your style and your next goal. Recycle everything else without hesitation. Now get back out there, loot with purpose, and watch your power—and your scrap pile—rise together. The fight against the ARC depends on capable Raiders, and smart recycling is a key part of the job.