ARC Raiders continues to maintain an active player base thanks to regular updates and fresh content additions from Embark. One of the most notable additions from the Shrouded Sky update is the new Hurricane map condition. This special environment introduces several gameplay changes and, more importantly, a new type of loot container known as First Wave caches. These caches provide valuable rewards and are worth seeking out if you want to improve your gear and collect rare crafting materials.
First Wave caches are special raider caches that only appear when the Hurricane map condition is active. Unlike standard loot containers scattered across the map, these caches are tied directly to this weather event, meaning players must enter matches where Hurricane mode is present in order to find them. When nearby, these caches produce the same distinctive sound as regular raider caches, making them easier to detect if you are paying close attention while exploring.
Opening a First Wave cache can reward players with some of the most valuable loot available during an expedition. Possible rewards include rare crafting materials, ammunition supplies, weapon attachments, and even powerful Level 3 to Level 4 weapons. In addition, players may find rare blueprints inside these caches, including designs such as Bobcat, Tempest, Vita Spray, and Vulcano. Because of these potential rewards, First Wave caches are an excellent way to strengthen your arsenal and prepare for tougher encounters later in the game.
These caches can appear across several different maps while Hurricane mode is active. Players can search for them in locations like Blue Gate, Buried City, Dam Battlegrounds, and Spaceport. Each map contains several potential spawn points, encouraging players to explore carefully and listen for the audio cues that indicate a nearby cache.
Among these maps, Blue Gate currently has the highest concentration of First Wave caches. This makes it one of the most popular locations for players looking to farm materials and blueprints quickly. However, there is an important trade-off. Many of the caches in Blue Gate are located outdoors, which means players are more exposed to environmental hazards and hostile ARC units during Hurricane mode.
The increased ARC activity during this weather condition means players must remain alert while farming. Enemies may appear suddenly, and the open terrain can make it harder to escape once combat begins. For this reason, players should approach First Wave cache farming with a clear strategy rather than rushing from one location to another without preparation.
One effective strategy is to run solo expeditions when farming these caches. Solo runs can reduce competition for loot and minimize the cost of losing equipment if something goes wrong. Additionally, players should avoid bringing shields during Hurricane mode. The storm environment continuously drains shield energy while you are outdoors, making shields far less effective than usual.
Instead, bringing a simple Level 1 weapon such as an Anvil or Ferro can help deal with smaller enemies like Wasps, Hornets, and Fireflies. These weapons provide enough firepower to eliminate minor threats without committing expensive gear to the run. At the same time, it is best to avoid larger ARC enemies like the Rocketeer, Bombardier, and Bastion if you are not equipped with proper defenses.
Another important resource to bring during Hurricane runs is Adrenaline Shots. Strong headwinds and constant movement across the map can quickly drain your stamina. Using Adrenaline Shots allows you to instantly restore stamina and continue moving between cache locations. Many experienced players recommend bringing at least ten shots to ensure you can maintain mobility throughout the expedition.
For players who want to expand their resources even faster, some also choose to Buy ARC Raiders Coins to support crafting, upgrades, and equipment purchases. Reliable platforms such as fcbuy.com are commonly used by players looking to improve their progression while focusing more on exploration and combat.
By understanding where First Wave caches spawn and preparing properly for Hurricane mode, players can consistently gather rare materials and powerful equipment in ARC Raiders.
