How to Use Chemicals Effectively in Arc Raiders

For players diving into Arc Raiders, managing resources efficiently is crucial. One of the most versatile items in the game is Chemicals. While it might seem like just another crafting resource, Chemicals are central to making many items that players rely on during missions. This guide explains how Chemicals work in practice, where to find them, and how most players use them.

What Are Chemicals and Why Do They Matter?

In general, Chemicals are a basic crafting material that can be found in Residential, Medical, and Mechanical areas. Most players will encounter them early in the game because they are needed for a wide range of items, from ammo to explosives.

In practice, players usually keep a stockpile of Chemicals at all times because they are needed to craft medical supplies, utility items, and explosives. Without a steady supply, crafting even basic mission essentials becomes difficult.

Chemicals weigh only 0.1 kg per unit, so inventory management is relatively easy compared to heavier resources. In terms of in-game value, they are modest, usually around $50 per unit, but their practical importance far exceeds their market price.

How Are Chemicals Used in Crafting?

Most players think of Chemicals as a “support” resource—they are rarely useful on their own, but almost every important crafted item requires some amount of Chemicals. Here’s what they are commonly used for:

Ammo Crafting:

• Heavy, Medium, Light, and Shotgun Ammo

• Essential for keeping your weapons stocked, especially during extended missions

Grenades and Explosives:

• Light Impact Grenade, Gas Grenade, Crude Explosives

• Smoke Grenades and Li'l Smoke Grenades for tactical situations

Utility Items:

• Light Sticks (Green, Red, Blue, Yellow)

• Remote Raider Flares

Medical Supplies:

• Antiseptic

• Adrenaline Shots for emergency healing

Workstations:

• Chemicals are required to build Explosives Station I, which in turn allows players to craft higher-tier explosives during missions

Most experienced players prioritize collecting Chemicals whenever possible because they form the backbone of both combat readiness and mission support.

Where Can You Find Chemicals?

In practice, Chemicals are not rare, but knowing where to look saves time. Most players will find them in the following locations:

• Residential Areas: Kitchens, garages, and storage rooms often contain small quantities

• Medical Areas: Hospitals and clinics are common sources, especially for players focused on healing supplies

• Mechanical Areas: Workshops and factories usually have medium-to-large amounts

A typical strategy for seasoned players is to check multiple locations in one sweep rather than picking up Chemicals piecemeal. This is more efficient because you often find enough to craft several items without returning to storage frequently.

How to Recycle Items for Chemicals

If you run low, recycling is a practical way to increase your stock. In general, players recycle common items that they either don’t need or have duplicates of. Here’s a list of items that yield Chemicals when recycled:

• Antiseptic → 10x Chemicals

• ARC Coolant → 16x Chemicals

• Crude Explosives → 3x Chemicals

• Household Cleaner → 11x Chemicals

• Industrial Battery → 7x Chemicals

• Laboratory Reagents → 16x Chemicals

Most players quickly learn which items are worth recycling and which are better kept for immediate use. Recycling allows you to convert excess gear into a versatile resource without grinding for new materials.

Tips for Efficient Use of Chemicals

1. Stockpile Strategically: Don’t carry massive amounts unnecessarily. Most players carry enough for a few mission-critical crafts and refill between runs.

2. Prioritize Crafting: When Chemicals are limited, focus on items that have the highest mission impact, like ammo and medical supplies.

3. Recycle Wisely: Only recycle items that you don’t plan to use soon. Over-recycling can leave you without necessary gear mid-mission.

4. Coordinate with Teammates: In team play, players often split responsibilities. One player may focus on gathering Chemicals while others collect other resources.

Additionally, for players looking to progress quickly, there are ways to arc raiders blueprints buy in-game to unlock more advanced crafting recipes that use Chemicals. In general, most players will use this approach to expand their crafting options without needing to grind for resources excessively.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

1. Ignoring Chemicals Early: Some beginners underestimate their importance. Running out of Chemicals mid-mission can prevent crafting essential ammo or healing items.

2. Overstocking Heavy Items: Carrying too many heavy items in addition to Chemicals can slow you down. Most players prefer a balanced inventory.

3. Neglecting Recycling: Recycling can quickly restore your Chemicals supply, but some players fail to recycle until it’s too late.

By observing these patterns, new players can avoid common pitfalls and manage their resources more efficiently.

Chemicals are a small but essential part of Arc Raiders. They are used to craft ammo, grenades, medical supplies, and workstations. Most players find them in Residential, Medical, and Mechanical areas, and recycling unused items is a reliable way to boost your stock. By keeping a moderate supply, crafting strategically, and coordinating with teammates, players can maximize the usefulness of Chemicals without wasting inventory space.