Arc Raiders – Shared Watch Event Guide & All Rewards

The Shared Watch Event is a two‑week Arc Raiders event that rewards players for engaging with ARC machines. This offers exclusive rewards by earning Merits through damaging and destroying ARC. The Shared Watch event focuses on PvE; however, there is no separate PvE mode available to complete the event tracker.

Focus on bringing high-arc penetration weapons during the raids and destroy smaller and bigger arcs like Bastion, Rocketeer, and Bomardier for higher XP for Merits. 

1. What is Shared Watch Event?

Shared Watch Event Tracker

The Shared Watch Event is a limited‑time in‑game event in Arc Raiders running from February 10 to February 24, 2026. The event mainly focuses on cooperative play, focused on fighting ARCs rather than enemy raiders.

• Core Loop: Damage or destroy ARC enemies to earn Merit points.
• Progress Mechanic: You do not earn Merits from player kills — only from ARC damage and destruction.
• PvP Still Exists: You can still run into hostile players — Shared Watch doesn’t disable PvP, but your objectives and progression come from ARC combat.
• Merit Rewards: These Merits unlock event rewards such as Raider Tokens and a new cosmetic set.

2. All Shared Watch Event Rewards in ARC Raiders

Shared Watch Event Rewards

Rewards are unlocked at incremental Merit thresholds. As you earn Merits by damaging or destroying ARC machines, a reward track fills up — from cosmetics to Raider Tokens and utility items. Rewards will be automatically added to your account once you reach a Merit threshold. Check your Raider Tab and Inventory for rewards.

Merit Conversion

• 100 XP = 1 Merit from ARC damage and destruction.
• Assist Merits are granted for helping destroy ARC enemies, encouraging cooperation.

3. Shared Watch Event – ARC Combat Strategy

Destroying Rocketeer

1. Enter a run and bring heavy weapons that have high penetration ARC armor, like Hullcracker, Anvil, or Ferro. Heavy hits yield far more Merit progress.
2. Search or bring grenades and explosives like Blaze Grenade for fire damage and Wolfpack for bigger ARC like Rocketeer, Bomardier, etc.; they help disable armor quickly.
3. Always aim for weak points on ARC enemies (cores, joints, exposed yellows) rather than shooting armor plating.
4. Use cover and vertical terrain to avoid ranged attacks and rockets.
5. Stay aware of smaller ARC units (Wasps, Pops, Fireball, etc.)—clear them first to avoid interruptions during boss fights.

4. Queen Boss – Strategy

Queen fight

1. Locate a Harvester Event on the map; the Queen only spawns there.
2. Gear up with at least one Hullcracker or Equalizer (you’ll need penetration and burst).
3. Clear surrounding smaller ARC adds so you’re not pulled off target.
4. Dodge incoming mortars and laser beams by rolling or taking immediate cover when you see or hear cues.
5. Use Showstopper to stun the Queen, giving you a window to deal concentrated damage.
6. Target the Queen’s weak points—especially the leg joints and head core—while avoiding melee swipes.
7. Use Snap Hook to reposition or climb for better angles if needed.
8. Use Deadlines to deal huge damage chunks for quick boss fights.
9. Continue sustained fire until the Queen falls, yielding high XP and Merits.

5. Matriarch Boss – Strategy

Matriarch fight

1. Wait for a Matriarch Event marker on larger maps like Dam Battlegrounds or Spaceport.
2. Bring heavy ammo weapons like Anvil and Hullcracker—this boss has heavy plating and frequent summoning.
3. Clear reinforcement ARCs first—Bombardiers, Bastions, and other adds.
4. Take high ground or use cover to dodge rockets and gas mines; stay mobile.
5. Hold fire during shield phases; save heavy ammo for when the Matriarch’s armor breaks or the core is exposed.
6. Focus fire on the central glowing core and leg joints for maximum damage.
7. Use Snap Hook to climb up on the core and use 6 to 7 Deadlines to destroy Matriarch quickly. 
8. Rotate positions to avoid splash and gas effects as attacks ramp up.
9. Once the Matriarch is down, loot quickly and extract.

6. Merit Farming Flow 

1. Damage multiple ARC enemies in a run to build XP quickly.
2. Prioritize engaging boss ARCs like Queen and Matriarch when safe—they give much more XP.
3. Track XP into Merits via the Shared Watch Event UI.
4. Return to extraction only when ammo/health is low or boss defeat is complete.
5. Claim Merit rewards once thresholds are hit.

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