How to Complete ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Part 1 Objectives

The ARC Raiders Phantom Targets project has introduced a layer of mystery and tactical depth that is currently taking the community by storm. As Shani works to decode strange surveillance signals, players are tasked with investigating the source through high-stakes field operations. Mastering the ARC Raiders Phantom Targets part 1 objectives is essential for any serious Raider looking to secure legendary gear and climb the event ranks.

This project is not just about mindless grinding; it requires a blend of exploration, strategic combat, and efficient resource management. Whether you are a veteran of the Rust Belt or a newcomer, understanding the nuances of these tasks will save you hours of unnecessary effort. In this guide, we break down exactly how to navigate the challenges, where to find the specific ARC enemies, and why certain methods outperform others in the current meta.

Understanding the Phantom Targets Project Structure

The Phantom Targets project is divided into two distinct parts, with the first part focusing on environmental interaction and unconventional combat testing. According to official game updates, the project is designed to prepare players for the evolving threat of the ARC.

Part 1 is all about gathering data and proving that you can utilize unconventional ARC components to neutralize threats. Unlike later stages that involve material commitment, Part 1 is focused on direct action on the map. It is important to note that you do not need to successfully extract to register your progress; once an objective is completed, the game banks the credit immediately.

Stage 1: Mastering Cargo Elevator Antennas

The first stage of the ARC Raiders Phantom Targets part 1 sequence requires you to locate and upgrade three antennas mounted on cargo elevators. While this sounds straightforward, many players struggle to find the correct interaction point on the structures.

Where to Find Cargo Elevators

The most efficient way to complete this stage is to drop into the Dam Battlegrounds map. Cargo elevators serve as your primary extraction points, and there are several scattered across the terrain.

• Central Swamp Lift: A high-traffic area, but easy to navigate.
• Water Treatment Elevator: Offers a great route if you are chaining objectives.
• Spaceport/Riven Tides: Excellent alternatives if the Dam is too crowded.

Pro-Tips for Fast Completion

Community reports suggest that you do not need to defend the elevator for a set time. Simply climb the diagonal sloping edges of the extraction structure until you see the "Upgrade" prompt.

Tip

Don't let the animation fool you! Even if the antenna appears to glitch or remain unchanged after you interact with it, the game’s backend system usually registers the tick. Check your project menu immediately after interacting to confirm the progress.

Stage 2: Testing ARC Parts for Irregular Behavior

Stage 2 is where the project begins to test your resourcefulness. You are required to deal specific amounts of damage using three distinct items harvested from defeated ARC: Pop Triggers, Wasp Drivers, and Leaper Pulse Units.

Damage Requirements Table

The common mistake here is using these powerful throwables on weak enemies. Because overkill damage is lost, you should prioritize "tanky" ARC enemies like Bastions. When you throw a Wasp Driver, remember that it does not detonate on impact—you must manually shoot the device to trigger the explosion.

Stage 3: Advanced ARC Destruction Methods

The final stage of Part 1 is the most demanding. It requires you to rotate between fire, energy, and explosive damage. Many players find this stage difficult because they attempt to use the wrong weapons for the wrong tasks.

Fire Damage Strategy

To deal 1,500 fire damage, prioritize using Fireball Burners. Players have noted that these deal damage equivalent to Blaze Grenades but are significantly easier to farm. The best method is to aggro a Bombardier, as its stationary nature ensures it stays within the fire pool for the duration of the burn.

Energy Weapon Selection

For the energy damage objective, the legendary weapons you received in Stage 2—the Jupiter, Aphelion, and Dolabra—are your best friends.

• The Jupiter: Use this for long-range engagements (200m+).
• The Anvil/Bettina: Use these if you need to focus on weak points like the Leaper’s eye.

Warning

Avoid the Leapers for energy weapon testing! They are far too aggressive and will likely force you into close-quarters combat, where your heavy energy weapons are less effective. Stick to Rocketeers or Bastions for a safer experience.

Farming and Efficiency: Community-Sourced Advice

Efficiency is the name of the game in ARC Raiders. Based on community testing, the "Shredder Room" method in the Port Authority building on Riven Tides is widely considered the gold standard for testing damage. By luring a Shredder into a confined room and closing the door, you create a controlled testing environment where your throwables cannot miss.

Best Farming Locations

Always remember to bring a budget loadout when farming. Since you are focusing on specific project objectives, there is no need to risk your best armor or high-tier weapons. If you find yourself running low on specific items, do not hesitate to surrender and re-queue; the time saved is worth more than the loot you might lose in a failed extraction.

FAQ: Phantom Targets Part 1

Q: Do I need to extract to save my progress for the Phantom Targets project? A: No. Progress for the ARC Raiders Phantom Targets part 1 objectives is saved the moment you perform the action. You can surrender or be eliminated without losing your project credit.

Q: Can I use Fireball Burners for the Pop Trigger requirement? A: No, this is a common mistake. Fireball Burners are excellent for the fire damage task in Stage 3, but they do not count toward the 50 damage required for Pop Triggers in Stage 2.

Q: What happens if I accidentally sell my legendary weapons from Stage 2? A: You will have to find alternative energy weapons that meet the destruction criteria. It is highly recommended to hold onto the Jupiter, Aphelion, or Dolabra specifically for the Stage 3 energy damage task.

Q: Is there a time limit for Part 1? A: The project is temporary and runs until September 6, 2026. Ensure you complete all objectives before the deadline to claim your rewards and prepare for the narrative developments in Part 2.