ARC Raiders — Complete Close Scrutiny Guide
Introduction
With the Flashpoint update, ARC Raiders introduced its first full-scale ARC Operation — Close Scrutiny. Unlike standard weather conditions and map modifiers, this new system completely changes how raids work and transforms every match into a race toward one central objective — the Assessor.
Instead of casually looting, avoiding danger, and extracting safely, players now compete for a single high-value event while fighting new enemies, surviving increased PvE pressure, and dealing with constant PvP threats.
Close Scrutiny is not simply another map modifier — it is the first real step toward endgame PvPvE content in ARC Raiders.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
how Close Scrutiny works;
where the Assessor appears;
how container breaching works;
how to farm Assessor Matrix;
how to kill Vaporizers efficiently;
which loot is worth the risk;
the best builds and extraction strategies.
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What Is Close Scrutiny
The First ARC Operation
Close Scrutiny is the first ARC Operation introduced in ARC Raiders during the Flashpoint update.
Unlike previous conditions that focused on weather or enemy density, Close Scrutiny revolves entirely around a single PvE objective — the Assessor.
Main Features
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Type | Major Map Condition |
Duration | 1 Hour |
Main Objective | Assessor |
New Enemy | Vaporizer |
Exclusive Loot | Yes |
PvP Pressure | Very High |
How It Changes Raids
During Close Scrutiny:
standard loot is reduced;
locked doors become unavailable;
ARC resources increase;
exclusive rewards appear;
PvE intensity rises significantly.
Maps Available for Close Scrutiny
Supported Maps
Map | Available |
|---|---|
Blue Gate | Yes |
Buried City | Yes |
Spaceport | Yes |
Dam Battlegrounds | Yes |
Stella Montis | No |
Why Stella Montis Is Excluded
The Assessor requires open space to land.
Because Stella Montis is heavily built around enclosed structures and underground areas, the operation cannot function there.
How to Check Availability
Before entering a raid:
Open Deploy.
Review active map conditions.
Check whether Close Scrutiny is currently active.
The operation rotates hourly similarly to Night Raids and Electromagnetic Storms.
Understanding the Assessor
What Is the Assessor
The Assessor is a giant three-legged ARC probe that lands several minutes after the raid begins.
The probe itself is non-hostile, but it becomes the center of all activity on the map.
Assessor Overview
Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
Type | ARC Probe |
Containers | 3 |
Direct Combat | No |
Summons ARCs | Yes |
Leaves Over Time | Yes |
Why It Is Dangerous
The danger comes from:
enemy patrols;
alarm triggers;
arriving players;
limited container timers.
How to Find the Assessor
Visual Indicators
The Assessor is extremely easy to identify.
Look for:
three red beams;
a probe icon on the compass;
a visible landing animation.
Assessor Search Steps
Enter Close Scrutiny.
Wait several minutes.
Monitor the compass.
Follow the red beams.
Important Detail
Every player sees the Assessor simultaneously.
That means:
increased PvP;
heavy traffic;
aggressive contesting.
The later you arrive, the more likely another squad already controls the area.
How to Breach Assessor Containers
Container Mechanics
Each leg of the Assessor leads to a separate loot container.
To open one:
climb the leg;
interact with the panel;
collect loot quickly.
What Happens After Opening
Each breach triggers:
an alarm;
enemy reinforcements;
Vaporizer activity.
Recommended Breach Flow
Step | Action |
|---|---|
1 | Clear nearby ARCs |
2 | Secure flanks |
3 | Breach container |
4 | Loot quickly |
5 | Reposition |
Vaporizer — The Main Threat
Meet the New Enemy
Vaporizer is the new flying ARC introduced with Flashpoint.
Vaporizer Characteristics
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Flight | Yes |
Laser Weapons | Yes |
High DPS | Yes |
Group Behavior | Yes |
Why Vaporizer Is Dangerous
Its laser:
stacks damage;
burns healing rapidly;
punishes open positioning.
Best Vaporizer Counterplay
Recommended Approach
use rooftops;
break line of sight;
reposition vertically;
avoid open spaces.
Best Weapons
Weapon | Efficiency |
|---|---|
Hullcracker | Excellent |
Aphelion | Excellent |
Wolfpack | Good |
Dolabra | Excellent |
Surveyors and Shredders
Why They Matter
Surveyors:
summon reinforcements;
reveal positions.
Shredders:
pressure stationary players;
punish tunnel vision.
Target Priority
Surveyor
Vaporizer
Shredder
Everything else
Close Scrutiny Loot
Main Rewards
The Assessor is the primary source of exclusive rewards.
Loot Table
Item | Rarity |
|---|---|
Dolabra Blueprint | Very Rare |
Assessor Matrix | Epic |
Canto Blueprint | Rare |
ARC Materials | Common |
High-tier Gear | Frequent |
Why Assessor Matrix Matters
Assessor Matrix is required for:
High Gain Antenna progression;
recycling;
endgame crafting.
Best Loadout for Close Scrutiny
Recommended Setup
Slot | Recommendation |
|---|---|
Primary | Hullcracker |
Secondary | Dolabra |
Gadget | Surge Coil |
Utility | Photoelectric Cloak |
Healing | Expanded Supply |
Why Photoelectric Cloak Is Strong
It allows players to:
breach containers;
disengage quickly;
avoid reinforcement waves.
Solo or Squad?
Comparison
Format | Difficulty |
|---|---|
Solo | Very High |
Duo | High |
Squad | Recommended |
Why Squad Play Wins
Squads allow role separation:
clearing;
looting;
flank control;
defense.
Managing PvP Pressure
The 25% Rule
Most squads engage around container openings.
Survival Tips
assign one scout;
preserve healing;
avoid staying under Assessor.
Best Extraction Timing
Leave after securing the first container.
Greed causes more deaths than ARCs.
The most common mistake is staying for container three after the entire server already knows your location.
Best Close Scrutiny Tips
How to Play Efficiently
Don’t Chase Normal Loot
It’s heavily reduced.
Don’t Rush Engagements
Scout before committing.
Avoid Chain Opening Containers
Take breaks between breaches.
Plan Extraction Early
Never assume the closest extraction remains safe.
Final Thoughts
Close Scrutiny is the first true ARC Operation in ARC Raiders and one of the hardest activities currently available.
It delivers:
exclusive rewards;
new PvE systems;
meaningful endgame progression;
extremely high-risk gameplay.
But the cost is:
constant PvP;
dangerous ARC density;
serious preparation requirements.
Once you learn how Assessor mechanics work and understand how to manage player pressure, Close Scrutiny becomes one of the strongest progression activities in the game.