An item tracker for Arc Raiders is a fan-made tool that helps you log and locate weapons, armor, crafting materials, and other loot across the game’s map. These trackers are not official game features; they are spreadsheets, web apps, or interactive maps created by the community to fill a gap in the game’s inventory and collection systems.
Background: Why Players Need a Tracker
Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person shooter developed by Embark Studios, set in a world overrun by hostile machines called ARC. The game focuses on scavenging, crafting, and survival, with a large open-world map that changes between missions. Because loot is randomized and often hidden in hard-to-reach locations, players frequently lose track of what they have found, what they still need, and where to find specific items. The in-game inventory shows your current gear but does not provide a checklist of all possible items or a map of where you found them. This is why third-party trackers have become popular: they give players a way to plan their runs, complete collections, and share information with friends.
How an Item Tracker Works
Most item trackers for Arc Raiders operate on a simple principle: you input what you have, and the tracker shows what you are missing. Depending on the format, the process looks like this:
- Spreadsheet trackers: You manually tick off items as you acquire them. Formulas may auto-count your completion percentage and highlight missing items.
- Interactive map trackers: You click on map icons to mark a location as visited or to note that you found an item there. These are often layered, so you can filter by item type or rarity.
- Web app trackers: You create an account, select items from a database, and the app saves your progress in the cloud. Some even sync with screenshots you upload, though this is rare and not officially supported.
The data for these tools comes from community datamining, beta testing, and player reports. Since the game is still in active development, the item pool changes with each update, so trackers are frequently updated by their maintainers.
Key Features to Look For
Not all trackers are equal. When choosing one, consider these features:
- Up-to-date item database: The tracker should reflect the current game version. Check the last update date before relying on it.
- Filtering and sorting: You should be able to sort by item type, rarity, or location. This makes it easier to plan a farming route.
- Progress percentage: A clear percentage or count of collected vs. total items helps you see how close you are to a complete collection.
- Offline usability: If you play on a console or with limited internet, a spreadsheet you can download may be more practical than a web app.
- Community support: A tracker with an active Discord or subreddit is more likely to be updated and to have accurate data.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that using an item tracker is cheating or against the game’s rules. In reality, Embark Studios has not banned players for using third-party trackers that do not modify the game. Trackers are external tools that read your input, not the game’s memory, so they are generally safe. However, you should always avoid tools that claim to read your game files or inject code, as those could violate the terms of service.
Another common problem is inaccurate data. Because the game is in beta or early access, some items may be misnamed, misplaced, or missing from trackers. Always cross-check with recent patch notes or community posts. Also, be aware that some trackers are abandoned after a major update, leaving outdated information that can waste your time.
How to Choose the Right Tracker
To pick a tracker that fits your needs, follow these steps:
- Identify your goal: Are you trying to collect every weapon skin, or just find a specific crafting material? Your goal determines which tracker features matter most.
- Check the platform: Some trackers are mobile-friendly, others are desktop-only. If you play on PC, a browser-based app is convenient; if you play on console, a phone-friendly spreadsheet might be better.
- Look at the community: A tracker with a large user base is more likely to be accurate and updated. Check the number of users or recent activity.
- Test it yourself: Before committing to a tracker, enter a few items you already have and see if the interface is intuitive. If it takes too long to log one item, you will not use it consistently.
Comparisons: Spreadsheet vs. Web App vs. Map
Each format has trade-offs:
- Spreadsheet: Pros: fully offline, customizable, no account needed. Cons: manual data entry, no automatic updates, can be cluttered.
- Web app: Pros: automatic updates, cloud save, often has a clean interface. Cons: requires internet, may need an account, risk of the service shutting down.
- Interactive map: Pros: visually intuitive, great for exploring, shows exact locations. Cons: not ideal for tracking items that drop randomly, can be slow to load.
Many players combine a web app for overall progress with an interactive map for specific farming runs.
Costs and Safety
Most item trackers are free, supported by donations or ads. Some may offer a paid tier with extra features like automatic sync or advanced statistics, but this is not necessary for basic use. Be cautious of any tracker that asks for your game account credentials or asks you to download a program—these are red flags for phishing or malware. Stick to well-known community sources, and always read the permissions if you use a browser extension.
Template: Simple Item Tracker
Below is a blank template you can copy into a spreadsheet or print. Fill in the columns with the items you have found.
| Item Name | Type | Rarity | Location Found | Date Found | Status (Owned/Missing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sample (fictional): “ARC-9 Rifle” | Weapon | Epic | Abandoned Bunker | 2025-03-14 | Owned
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an item tracker official?
No. Arc Raiders does not have an in-game tracker. All trackers are fan-made and not endorsed by Embark Studios.
Will using a tracker get me banned?
No, as long as you use a passive tracker that you update manually. Tools that modify the game or read its memory are against the terms of service and can result in a ban.
Where can I find a reliable tracker?
Check the official Arc Raiders Discord, Reddit community, or popular gaming wiki. Look for trackers that are updated within the last month and have positive user feedback.
Can I use a tracker on console?
Yes, but you will need a separate device like a phone or tablet. Spreadsheet apps like Google Sheets or Excel work well, as do mobile-friendly web apps.
How often are trackers updated?
It depends on the maintainer. After major game updates, trackers may take a few days to a few weeks to reflect new items. Always check the last update date.
What if I find an item that is not in the tracker?
Report it to the tracker’s community. Most maintainers appreciate bug reports and will add the item in a future update. If the tracker is abandoned, consider switching to a more active one.