As an extraction looter shooter, Arc Raiders suffers from the same problem as other games in the genre: being ambushed at the Cargo Elevator extraction points which are both highly visible and audible during the exfiltration itself. The unique gameplay mechanic that gets around this is the Raider Hatch which is depicted on the map as an arrow pointing downwards into an open semi-circle.
This guide is all about the various methods to get a hold of the Raider Hatch Keys in Arc Raiders.
Looting Raider Hatch Keys
This goes without saying, but Raider Hatch Keys are a rare Topside drop, and tend to be especially spawnable in Residential zones.
The buried Raider Caches are another high potential source for the Hatch Keys, but since the Caches themselves are scattered randomly around the map, this can be a shot in the dark. The exception is during the Hidden Caches event when storms unearth a number of old Raider Caches. The Raider Caches will then spawn much more frequently all around the map. Listen for a ticking sound or keep an eye out for a little red flag in order to locate them, but beware that they can potentially explode.
Finally, there is also the random, but slim possibility to loot a Raider Hatch Key right off of a downed Raider. However, most veteran players will likely store it in their Safe Pocket, considering how valuable it is.
Purchasing Raider Hatch Keys
Shani, the Security Trader in Speranza, will sell a limited stock of just one Raider Hatch Key for a staggering 9000 Coins, and even this only unlocks as an option once you reach level 12. Additionally, she will impose a full 24-hour realtime cooldown before another Raider Hatch Key can be purchased.
Consider purchasing one every single day for a while, in order to hoard a cache of these keys, assuming you can afford the sky-high price.
Crafting Raider Hatch Keys
In order to craft Raider Hatch Keys, your Workshop will have to be upgraded to include a Utility Station. That first step will cost 50 Plastic Parts, as well as 6 ARC Alloy.
Next, you will be able to craft the key itself, with three Sensors and a single unit of the Advanced Electrical Components. These crafted Raider Hatch Keys are only worth a paltry 1000 Coins to sell.
As you level up, you may want to prioritize Traveling Tinkerer in the skill tree, in order to eventually field craft the Raider Hatch Key during raids, among other consumables.
Use Case Scenarios For Raider Hatches
By virtue of their rarity, Raider Hatch Keys should definitely be held in the Safe Pocket right up until you initiate the actual extraction at a Raider Hatch. Ideally, you will extract the normal way in most scenarios, except when only a small handful of centrally located Cargo Elevators are remaining, and which are probably being surveilled by ambushers hoping to prey on stragglers sprinting out in the open.
Since the Raider Hatches operate silently without the nail-biting countdown, and tend to be located far and away from these hotspots for trouble, you should be able to make good your escape without anyone ever knowing you were there.
As the session timer counts down, these escape routes also allow you to cut it real close, since you don’t have to be anxious as the Cargo Elevators start shutting down all around you. In fact, zones without active extraction points may be the best areas to loot without having to worry about being gunned down by other Raiders, as most players will tend to migrate closer to the Cargo Elevators that are still available.
When in a squad, all members can make use of the same Raider Hatch regardless of key possession. But bear in mind that there is still a timer in place, so any squaddie lagging behind may well be left behind too once the hatch closes.
That is everything there is to know about getting and using Raider Hatch Keys in Arc Raiders.
