Arc Raiders Spectrometer Use: A Practical Guide

[DuskBane]

What Is the Spectrometer, and Why Should I Care?

The Spectrometer is classified as a Rare item in Arc Raiders. You won’t see it as often as common materials, but it has solid value. Its main function is as a recyclable item: you can break it down into crafting materials that are often used in more advanced equipment.

In practice, most players don’t keep Spectrometers lying around. Instead, you either recycle them immediately for components or use them in crafting if you’re building something specific. Its rarity means it’s a resource you want to manage carefully.

Where Can I Find Spectrometers?

Spectrometers aren’t found everywhere. The most reliable sources are scavenging points in high-tier locations. For example, Exodus has been consistent for drops. Some players report that certain missions or areas, like Stella Montis, also yield them, but Exodus remains the primary go-to.

If you’re farming for crafting, plan your routes around areas known for Rare items. Spectrometers tend to spawn in small stacks, usually 3 per node, so it’s worth visiting multiple points to gather enough for recycling or upgrades.

How Do I Recycle the Spectrometer?

Recycling is straightforward but knowing the practical outcomes is key:

Recycling Results: One Spectrometer gives you:

1 × Advanced Electrical Components

1 × Sensors

Salvaging Results: If you choose to salvage instead:

2 × Electrical Components

The choice depends on your current inventory. Most players prefer recycling if they need higher-tier crafting materials, while salvaging is better for bulk electrical components.

In gameplay, I usually recycle Spectrometers immediately because the Advanced Electrical Components are often more scarce than the base components. Holding onto Spectrometers rarely pays off unless you’re aiming to craft a specific item later.

Should I Sell the Spectrometer or Recycle It?

The Spectrometer can be sold for 3,000 coins, which is decent for a Rare item. However, in most practical scenarios, the crafting materials you get from recycling are more valuable in the long run, especially if you’re actively upgrading weapons or gear.

Think of it this way: coins are short-term gain, crafting materials are long-term progress. For players aiming to stay competitive, recycling usually outweighs selling.

How Does the Spectrometer Fit into Crafting?

The Advanced Electrical Components and Sensors you get from recycling are components used in mid- to high-level blueprints. For players who are actively crafting, keeping track of your Spectrometer stock can smooth out bottlenecks in your production chain.

For example, if you’re planning to craft turrets or drone upgrades, having a few Spectrometers ready to recycle can save a trip back to scavenging points. If you’re under time pressure, some players even choose to buy Arc Raiders blueprints with fast delivery to save the grind. While this is an external option, it’s worth noting for those looking to bypass farming entirely.

How Much Does It Weigh, and Does That Matter?

A single Spectrometer weighs 1.5 units and usually comes in stacks of three. In practice, this is light enough that you can carry a few without worrying too much about inventory space. The real issue comes if you start hoarding multiple Rare items—always keep an eye on your total weight to avoid unnecessary trips back to base.

Tips From Experience

Stack Wisely: Since Spectrometers often spawn in threes, gather the full stack rather than taking only one. It maximizes your time efficiency.

Prioritize Recycling Over Selling: The materials gained from recycling often help more in crafting than the coins from selling.

Plan Around Missions: High-tier scavenging areas like Exodus are ideal for Spectrometer farming. Build routes around these hotspots.

Check Crafting Needs Before Salvaging: If you only need basic electrical components, salvaging might be enough, but otherwise, recycling gives better returns.

Combine With Blueprint Strategy: If crafting takes too long, consider supplementing your materials by choosing to buy Arc Raiders blueprints with fast delivery—this is especially useful for time-limited events or high-demand gear.


The Spectrometer is a small but important Rare resource. It’s not game-changing on its own, but it supports crafting and progression if used wisely. For experienced players, the key is:

Know where to find it (Exodus is your best bet).

Decide between recycling and salvaging based on your crafting needs.

Don’t sell unless you need quick coins.

Manage inventory to avoid weight issues.

Consider external options for faster access to blueprints if necessary.

By understanding these practical aspects, you’ll make the most of the Spectrometer and keep your crafting line moving efficiently.

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