A light stick is a throwable item that creates a small area of illumination when it activates. In-game, this means it lights up a 7-meter radius for 40 seconds. It’s classified as a quick-use, common item, and it weighs very little (0.15 units), so carrying a few at a time doesn’t limit your mobility.
In practical terms, light sticks are similar to grenades in how you throw them, but instead of causing damage, they provide visibility. This makes them useful in dark zones, caves, or during night missions where spotting enemies or resources is harder.
When you throw a light stick, it sticks to the ground or bounces slightly, then immediately begins emitting light. Most players use them to:
Mark a safe path – If you’re exploring an area with a lot of hazards, throwing a light stick in front of you can help you and your team see where you’re going.
Signal teammates – In multiplayer runs, players often use different colored light sticks to communicate. For example, a blue stick can mark loot, a red stick can indicate enemies, and yellow can mark an area to regroup.
Temporary lighting for combat – Sometimes enemies spawn in dark areas, and using a light stick lets you see them without needing a flashlight, which can be louder or reveal your position more than a light stick.
Keep in mind that light sticks don’t last long—just 40 seconds—so timing is important. Don’t throw them too early or too late if you need the area illuminated for your team.
ARC Raiders has several light stick colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. In practice:
Red: Typically used for danger or combat zones. Many teams adopt this as a “don’t enter” signal.
Blue: Often used to indicate loot or objectives. Blue sticks are less visually aggressive, so they won’t confuse your teammates.
Green: Commonly used to mark safe paths or cleared areas.
Yellow: Works well for temporary markers, like where to gather or regroup.
Most experienced players carry at least a mix of colors. That way, you can adapt quickly to different mission needs without having to rely on voice chat.
There are three main ways to get light sticks in ARC Raiders:
Scavenging – You can find them in crates, supply drops, or scattered around certain missions. This is the easiest method early in the game.
Crafting – Crafting light sticks requires 3× Chemicals at a Utility Station 2, and you must have the Light Stick Blueprint learned. Many players prioritize acquiring the blueprint early because crafting ensures you always have a backup supply. Sometimes, you’ll also see references to the ARC Raiders buy Bobcat Blueprint, which is useful if you’re trying to expand your crafting options at the same time.
Buying from Apollo – Apollo sells light sticks directly. This is convenient if you don’t want to farm materials, but it costs 150 coins per stick, which can add up if you’re stocking multiple colors.
Crafting a light stick is straightforward. You need 3 Chemicals and the appropriate blueprint. The result is a single light stick. If you ever need to reclaim materials, light sticks can be recycled or salvaged to get back one Chemical each. This makes them resource-friendly and easy to manage in long campaigns where chemicals might be in short supply.
Most players treat light sticks as disposable tools: use them, then recycle extras at the end of a mission to reclaim some materials. That approach keeps your inventory clean and your supply of chemicals balanced.
Here are a few strategies I’ve seen work reliably in missions:
Path marking: When exploring dark corridors or caves, throw a light stick every 10–15 meters to create a trail. Teammates can follow it safely without having to constantly shine flashlights.
Combat distraction: Some players throw a light stick near enemies to briefly illuminate them. This doesn’t stun or damage, but it can force them out of cover and give your team a clearer shot.
Loot marking: If your team splits up, a colored light stick is an easy way to mark loot for others to grab. This avoids confusion and prevents wasted backtracking.
Experienced players usually carry 2–3 of each color for flexibility. Don’t overload your inventory with light sticks alone—just enough to use strategically.
Time your throws carefully – A 40-second light duration is short. Don’t throw a stick too early in a room or corridor; you want it to be active when you actually need the light.
Use colors consistently – Pick a system with your team. If red always means “danger,” make sure everyone knows it. Consistency prevents mistakes during chaotic fights.
Recycle when done – Any unused or expired sticks should be recycled for chemicals. This saves resources for crafting other items.
Combine with other tools – Light sticks don’t reveal enemies through walls, but combining them with sound or thermal tools can make a team much more effective in dark areas.
Light sticks in ARC Raiders are simple but versatile tools. They provide illumination, help with team communication, and can mark paths or loot. The key to using them well is timing, color consistency, and knowing when to throw versus when to save. Crafting them requires chemicals and a blueprint, but recycling makes them sustainable. Whether scavenging, crafting, or buying, light sticks are a staple in any well-prepared player’s inventory.
For teams that communicate well and plan ahead, even common items like light sticks can make a noticeable difference in mission efficiency and survival. Understanding how your team uses them is often more important than the number you carry.
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