Bridging the gap between the Headwinds and Shrouded Sky expansions, the latest Arc Raiders update introduces the Shared Watch event. Running from Tuesday, February 10, until Tuesday, February 24, this limited-time engagement encourages players to shift their focus. At Digital Tech Explorer, we’ve been tracking the evolution of this title, and this event represents a pivotal moment where the narrative shifts from player-versus-player tension to a unified front against the true mechanical threat: the Arc machines.
For those who prefer a more tactical, cooperative approach to gaming, Shared Watch is a breath of fresh air. If you are a peaceful or approachable raider, you will find yourself right at home in these lobbies, as the community aligns to take down the machines. Below, we break down how to earn Merits, progress through the event, and claim the rewards before the clock runs out.
Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event Explained
During the Shared Watch event, your primary goal is the accumulation of Merits. These are earned by destroying, damaging, or assisting in the neutralization of Arc machines. While the game doesn’t strictly disable PvP, there is no mechanical incentive for it here; killing other players yields zero Merits. Unlike previous events like Stella Montis, where overall XP was the focus, Shared Watch specifically tracks XP gained from mechanical combat.
The conversion rate is straightforward: 100 XP gained from Arc combat equals one Merit. To maximize your efficiency, our PC games experts recommend squading up with friends. Hunting in packs allows you to take down larger targets faster, ensuring a steady stream of Merits for the entire team.
Merit Earning Potential
The tougher the machine, the higher the payout. Damage dealt and assists also count toward your total, meaning you don’t always need to land the final shot to see progress. Here is a breakdown of the typical XP and Merit yields for various Arc types:
| Arc Machine Type | Estimated XP | Merit Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Wasps, Hornets, Snitches | 100 – 200 XP | 1 – 2 Merits |
| Rocketeers, Leapers, Bastions | 500+ XP | 5+ Merits |
For those looking to optimize their farm, map events such as Night Raids are prime opportunities for high-score runs. Additionally, positioning yourself on the rooftops of the Spaceport to snipe Rocketeers—a tactic many will recognize from Trials—is highly effective. Bird City is another hotspot due to the high density of Snitches; triggering them will call down waves of Wasps and Hornets, providing a continuous loop of Merit-earning opportunities.
All Arc Raiders Shared Watch Rewards
The event features a 21-tier reward track. To complete the entire event, you will need to earn a total of 1,050 Merits, which equates to roughly 105,000 XP earned specifically from Arc combat. As you progress, you will unlock a variety of utility items and currency to help your future expeditions.
Key rewards include:
- Raider Tokens: Up to 150 tokens can be earned throughout the track.
- The Slugger Set: A baseball-themed cosmetic set that features a unique, industrial aesthetic (including a striking umbilical cord detail).
- Consumables: Various in-game items to bolster your survival odds in the wasteland.
As we continue to explore the digital frontier here at Digital Tech Explorer, we encourage players to dive in early. Because this is a limited-time event, the window to claim the full Slugger outfit is narrow. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice raider, the Shared Watch event is an excellent time to sharpen your skills and stock up on gear for whatever the next expansion brings.
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