The Uncensored Strategy to Defeat Queen in ARC Raiders
If you're looking to take down one of the most badass machines in the game, you've come to the right place. After much trial and error, we present here the complete strategy and most optimal loadout to defeat Queen in ARC Raiders. THIS BAD BOY is a helluva challenge, and while it's thrilling, it's well worth it; there's an exciting XP payout, loads of crafting materials, and critically, she's Reactors required for Legendary weapons like Jupiter Sniper.
This guide covers everything, including where to find the event you need, how to build a perfect loadout, how to take down the fight itself, and then how to get safe exit without losing any of that hard-won loot. You can also manage to beat the Queen solo in ARC Raiders, though it takes forever and a lot more caution; group tackling of this monster is definitely the faster, more reliable way to go.
Locating the Target and Loadout Priority
The prerequisite for the engagement is waiting for the Harvester event to spawn on one of the available maps. The presence of this event guarantees that the Queen will be guarding a Harvester at a set location, which becomes your primary target. All Harvester events are also instrumental in securing Legendary weapon blueprints, making this a highly lucrative farming trip.
Loadout Reality:
It's your difference between getting it right and costing money. Preparation must be meticulous:
Loot Protection: Always take at least a Blue or Purple Loot Backpack with you for more inventory space and especially because that type has a special safe pocket slots where you can secure high-value loot immediately.
Shielding: A Medium Shield or better is required. Light shields simply do not stand up to the Queen's heavy-hitting attacks or possibly third-party raiders.
Primary Weapon Selection:
Hullcracker: This is the default recommendation. It's an anti-ARC launcher that fires explosive grenades that devastate mechanical targets. Acquire it from the Gun Shop or craft it after completing the required missions. Be sure it has been upgraded to Level 4 for a significant reload time reduction impact that will greatly improve your damage-per-second (DPS).
Jupiter Sniper: One of the best weapons, requiring a Queen Reactor for crafting. Jupiter is by far the best option, though. In testing, the Jupiter consistently yielded more damage for less ammo spent on the Queen's chassis. If you have it, six or seven Energy Clips are generally sufficient.
For the Hullcracker, try to aim for around 200–300 for trying solo, or 100–150 if in a group.
Securing Your Flanks and Optimal Battleground
Execution is less really about brute force, but more about positioning defensively and maximizing cover.
The Dam Battlegrounds Advantage
Of many farming runs, the Dam Battlegrounds map offers the path of least resistance for defeat Queen in ARC Raiders.
Nowhere else does a Queen and a Harvester always appear next to the Red Lakes, but the vantage point east of the Broken Bridge is exactly what is called for:
It contains a structure with a room that is perfect for an all-overlook view of the spawn zone.
That room has two entrances that can be easily locked down.
A Raider Hatch Extraction point lies there, right next to where the she spawns, which makes it quick and easy for an escape after the kill.
Defensive Loadout & Preparation:
Besides the main weapons, securing the position includes:
Utility & Defense: Load up on Health and Shields Meds. Bring Door Blockers and Trap Grenades (like the fixed Blaze Traps) to secure both the entrances to your chosen building.
Extraction Insurance: You definitely need a Raider Hatch Cable. Even take one apiece, even though or especially in a group, since this way you still ensure that you get out and save your loot if it really comes to extracting within compromised extraction zones or if you happen to play solo.
Optional Damage: Potentially, Wolfpacks could fire up the fight enormously for speed thanks to their punchy damage against ARCs; however, they are so limited in range that you should rather have them deployed once the Queen is close to your position.
How to defeat Queen in ARC Raiders: Attack Patterns and Weak Points
Defeating Queen in ARC Raiders is all about attrition with a maximized game at the DPS phases and a rigorous defense of attack against her impact sequence.
Reading and Responding to Queen's Attacks
The three prime attack types of the Queen you need to read:
Laser Attack: One of these would be her deadliest moves, and it is often a one-shot.
Tell: Watch for the distinct light show, plus there's a charge-up animation.
Counter: The moment you see the charge begin, immediately retreat to cover. Never attempt to squeeze in extra shots; retreat is mandatory.
Missile Barrage: She fires multiple timed rockets that explode shortly after landing igniting the area.
Tell: Multiple rockets impacting around your position.
Counter: Dodge the impact zones and be aware of the resulting fire patches. The flames can burn you even through windows, depending where the missiles drop outside your building.
EMP Pulse Attack: It is very close-range, so you want to back off from it.
Counter: If you see her charging that attack while you are close, back off immediately.
Weak Point Strategy:
To defeat Queen in ARC Raiders you should focus on her weak spot on her legs so that if they are destroyed, a yellow weak point appears underneath, but hitting this consistent moving target is hard.
Recommended DPS Set: Based on our experience, it is more effective to keep doing damage against her head and face area, which eventually gives better overall DPS against the monster.
Alternative Loot Strategy: If this is all about 'loot and go quickly', you can go for the broken leg to disclose the weak point, get loot into your possession, and get away without really finishing her off.
It will all come down to peaking out to fire, immediately retreating to cover to recharge or avoid attacks, pushing DPS only when she is recovering or busy targeting another.
For the most current information regarding major game changes, including the XP nerfs and the new tactical terrain, be sure to review our full breakdown of the Stella Montis Major Update guide.
