Close Scrutiny map condition Arc Raiders
Close Scrutiny is one of the most aggressive map conditions introduced in the Flashpoint update for ARC Raiders. It abandons the usual scavenging loop and replaces it with a high-pressure objective built around the Assessor. Most encounters revolve around Arc and Arc resources, turning each raid into a concentrated PvPvE fight.
1. What is Close Scrutiny Map Condition?
Close Scrutiny map condition
Close Scrutiny belongs to a new map condition category called ARC Operations, designed as combat-driven map conditions rather than environmental modifiers. The defining feature is the arrival of the Assessor, a large ARC probe that becomes the primary objective for every squad on the map. When active, the raid has these main changes:
- Ambient loot is reduced across the map
- Fewer drawers and containers spawn with mainly crafting resources
- Locked Keyrooms are disabled, with no high-tier loot
- ARC patrol density increases across all major areas
- Vaporizer and Assessor spawns across the map
- Combat supplies spawn across the map
The result is a raid where progression depends almost entirely on engaging with the Assessor instead of traditional looting paths.
2. Maps Where Close Scrutiny Appears
The operation is limited to maps that support large-scale outdoor encounters. The Assessor requires open landing zones, which excludes fully enclosed environments. Close Scrutiny can appear on:
- Dam Battlegrounds
- The Blue Gate
- Spaceport
- Buried City
Stella Montis is excluded due to its indoor structure, which cannot support the Assessor landing mechanic.
3. Assessor Mechanics
Assessor Beacon
The Assessor is the core objective of Close Scrutiny and functions more like a multi-phase encounter than a simple loot container. These are the key Assessor mechanics:
- A red vertical beam marks its position across the map
- Three breachable probes that get activated one by one
- Each time you breach an Assessor, Arc spawns, including Vaporizer, Rocketeer, Hornets, and Wasps
- The platform stays active once one of the Assessor is breached
3.1. How to Loot Assessor
Assessor
The structure itself is divided into three breachable sections. Access does not require keys or external items. Instead, interaction is tied directly to positioning on the structure.
- Locate the Assessor using the red beam marker visible across the map
- Scout the area before committing, checking ARC patrols and Vaporizer positions
- Identify the active segment, as only one section can be interacted with at a time
- Breach the Assessor, while breaching new Arc patrol spawns, so use smoke grenades before starting full breach, otherwise get to cover
- Loot the opened segment quickly once access is complete
- Use safe pockets to store key materials like the Assessor Matrix and Dolabra blueprint
The best loot you can get during Close Scrutiny is through Assessor, which includes Arc resources like Arc Alloys, Circuitary, Assessor Matrix, and the new Energy Shotgun Dolabra blueprint.
4. Locked rooms and loot changes
Close Scrutiny removes most of the traditional loot routing systems found in standard raids. Key-based progression is intentionally disabled to redirect focus toward ARC objectives. All the locked keyroom locations are open and have normal value loot. So, if you’re looking for trinkets and weapons, you should play other map conditions like Night Raid or Hurricane.
Close Scrutiny is the best map condition to farm Arc resources and the Dolabra blueprint. Farming these resources will help you with completing the new High-Gain Antenna Project. Focus on multiple Assessors throughout the map to farm max loot during the event.
5. Enemy threats in Close Scrutiny
Two enemy types define the difficulty curve of this operation. Both are designed to punish stationary play and slow engagements around the Assessor.
5.1. Vaporizers
Shooting Vaporizer Thruster
Vaporizers are aerial ARC units that dominate Assessor zones and are exclusive to the Close Scrutiny map condition. Their laser attacks track aggressively and deal heavy fire damage, especially in open terrain.
5.2. How to Defeat Vaporizer
- Avoid open ground and move toward vertical cover like buildings, walls, or terrain edges
- Break the line of sight frequently to interrupt their laser tracking and reduce incoming damage
- Use Anvil or Hullcracker to destroy thrusters to bring Vaporizer down
- Stay mobile between attacks to avoid getting locked by multiple lasers
5.3. Shredders
Shredders are fast ground units that pressure players during extended fights. Unlike Vaporizers, they punish players who hold positions for too long.
5.4. How to Defeat Shredder
Shooting Shredder
- Listen for the audio cue (mechanical skittering) to detect incoming Shredders early
- Avoid staying stationary, as they are designed to punish fixed positions
- Use Shotguns and SMGs to deal huge damage to Shredders
- Place area denial tools like Surge Coil to control flanks and limit their approach
Tip: If you can bring a Hullcracker, it can two-shot a Shredder, which is one of the best ways to deal with them and collect resources like Shredder Gyros.
6. Combat Supplies and Resource Management
Combat Supplies
Combat Supplies are dedicated loot clusters that replace normal container routes during Close Scrutiny. They are designed to support ongoing fights rather than exploration. If you’re playing free loadout, Combat Supplies are your best bet at getting healings and grenades to help you with Assessors. You can get Combat Supplies throughout the map.
- Check your map for “Combat Supplies” markers once you move close enough to an area (they don’t appear from long range)
- Combat Supplies spawn near high-activity zones, often around or between Assessor landing areas
- Appear as grouped loot spots, containing ammo boxes, healing boxes, grenade boxes, and more
Tip: Always go to the Combat Supply marker near your spawn. Supplies far away from you have a higher chance of being looted already.
7. Best Loadout for Close Scrutiny
Anvil
Close Scrutiny favors a heavy combat setup built around breaking armor, controlling space, and surviving long engagements. With constant ARC pressure and limited loot, the loadout needs to handle Vaporizers, Shredders, and Assessor fights without relying on mid-raid resupply.
- Anvil (Primary weapon): A heavy-hitting option suited for breaking ARC armor and dealing strong burst damage. It performs well against Vaporizers when targeting weak points and holds up during Assessor fights.
- Hullcracker (Secondary weapon): Built for high armor penetration, making it effective against tougher ARC units and structural targets. It complements Anvil by focusing on finishing heavy enemies quickly.
- Smoke Grenades (Utility): Essential for breaking the line of sight, especially against Vaporizers. Smoke allows safe repositioning, resets pressure, and creates short windows to heal or reload.
- Wolf Pack Grenade (Explosive): Splits into multiple explosives, making it strong for clearing grouped enemies and applying pressure during Assessor fights or when flanked by Shredders.
- Healing items (Consumables): Critical for sustaining through continuous damage. Close Scrutiny rarely provides safe recovery windows, so carrying enough healing directly impacts survival.
