Arc Raiders is not a game that rewards reckless behavior. Every raid is a calculated risk, and every resource you collect carries weight. Among the many materials you’ll encounter, Tick Pods stand out as one of the most important resources for long-term progression. Despite their value, many players struggle to farm them efficiently, often losing hard-earned loot due to poor positioning, bad timing, or simple misunderstandings of enemy behavior.
This guide breaks down exactly how to get Tick Pods in Arc Raiders, where Tick enemies spawn, how to defeat them safely, and how to extract with your pods intact. Whether you’re a new player or someone looking to optimize farming runs, this article will help you turn Tick Pods from a frustration into a reliable source of progress.
What Are Tick Pods in Arc Raiders?
Tick Pods are biological crafting materials dropped by Tick enemies—small, Arc-corrupted machines that infest specific regions of the map. Unlike static loot found in crates or containers, Tick Pods are tied directly to enemy encounters, which means you must understand how Ticks behave to farm them effectively.
Why Tick Pods Matter
Tick Pods are used for:
- Crafting advanced gear
- Unlocking upgrades
- Progression systems tied to survivability
- Improving long-term extraction success
Without a steady supply of Tick Pods, your gear progression slows significantly, making future raids more dangerous.
Understanding Tick Enemy Behavior
Before focusing on locations, it’s essential to understand how Ticks operate. These enemies are designed to punish impatience.
Key Tick Characteristics
- Small, fast-moving enemies
- Highly aggressive when triggered
- Often appear in groups
- Explode on close contact
- React strongly to sound and movement
Ticks often remain hidden until a player gets close, which is why many deaths feel sudden or unavoidable. In reality, these encounters are predictable once you learn the signs.
Where to Find Tick Enemies in Arc Raiders
Ticks do not spawn randomly across the map. They are concentrated in high-risk Arc-infested zones that reward awareness and preparation.
Common Tick Spawn Locations
Look for areas that match these environmental cues:
- Underground tunnels and maintenance shafts
- Abandoned industrial facilities
- Ruined buildings covered in Arc growth
- Narrow corridors filled with mechanical debris
- Low-visibility areas with tight sightlines
These locations often appear quiet at first, which makes them especially dangerous. Silence usually means Ticks are waiting.
Environmental Warning Signs
Before encountering Ticks, you may notice:
- Flickering lights
- Subtle mechanical sounds
- Clusters of Arc residue
- Tight spaces with limited exits
If you spot one Tick, assume more are nearby. They rarely operate alone.
How to Kill Ticks Without Getting Overwhelmed
Ticks are not durable, but they are lethal if handled poorly. Rushing in or panicking will almost always result in damage or death.
Safe Combat Approach
The most effective way to deal with Ticks is controlled engagement:
- Maintain mid-range distance
- Strafe laterally instead of backing up
- Use short bursts rather than continuous fire
- Reload before entering confined spaces
Ticks explode when they reach you, so keeping space is critical.
Weapon Selection Tips
While most weapons can kill Ticks, some are better suited than others:
- Mid-range rifles for controlled damage
- Shotguns only if you have space to retreat
- Avoid slow reload weapons in tight areas
Always clear escape routes before engaging a cluster.
Use Audio Cues to Your Advantage
Ticks often announce themselves through subtle sounds before appearing visually. Wearing headphones and lowering background noise can significantly improve reaction time.
Listening carefully can mean the difference between a clean fight and an instant wipe.
Collecting Tick Pods Safely
Once Ticks are defeated, Tick Pods drop on the ground and must be collected manually. This moment is more dangerous than it seems.
Looting Best Practices
- Confirm all nearby Ticks are dead
- Scan corners before approaching drops
- Loot quickly and reposition
- Avoid standing still while collecting
Many players die while looting because they assume the area is clear.
Best Strategies for Farming Tick Pods Efficiently
Efficient farming is not about killing as many Ticks as possible—it’s about surviving consistently.
Solo Farming Strategy
Solo players should prioritize speed and safety:
- Run light gear to stay mobile
- Target one known Tick zone per raid
- Avoid prolonged firefights
- Extract immediately after securing pods
Short, repeatable runs reduce risk and improve long-term gains.
Squad Farming Strategy
Squads have an advantage when farming Tick Pods:
- One player draws attention
- Others cover angles and exits
- Faster clearing of grouped enemies
- Improved defense against rival players
Communication is essential. Chaos attracts third-party threats.
Avoiding Player Interference
Tick fights generate noise, which can attract other players. To reduce risk:
- Limit unnecessary gunfire
- Change routes frequently
- Avoid popular farming zones during peak hours
- Extract as soon as objectives are met
Greed is the fastest way to lose everything.
Inventory Management Tips for Tick Pod Runs
Tick Pods consume valuable inventory space. Entering a raid without a plan often leads to inefficient runs.
Pre-Raid Preparation
Before deploying:
- Remove nonessential items
- Bring only necessary healing
- Choose weapons suited for mid-range fights
- Leave space specifically for Tick Pods
A cluttered inventory increases extraction pressure.
Managing Risk Mid-Raid
As your inventory fills:
- Re-evaluate whether to continue
- Avoid side objectives
- Stick to known paths
- Keep extraction in mind at all times
Tick Pods are worthless if you don’t extract.
Extraction Tips to Protect Your Tick Pods
Extraction is often the most dangerous part of the run.
Before Calling Extraction
- Heal fully
- Reload all weapons
- Scan surroundings carefully
- Listen for footsteps or machinery
Avoid sprinting in open areas unless necessary.
During Extraction
- Use cover whenever possible
- Stay alert for ambushes
- Avoid unnecessary movement
- Be ready to cancel and reposition
Many players lose Tick Pods within seconds of extraction due to impatience.
Common Mistakes Players Make When Farming Tick Pods
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what works.
Frequent Errors
- Treating Tick Pods like static loot
- Ignoring sound cues
- Fighting in enclosed spaces
- Staying too long in one area
- Carrying excessive loot
- Delaying extraction unnecessarily
Smart decisions consistently outperform raw combat skill.
Advanced Tips for Consistent Tick Pod Farming
For experienced players looking to optimize:
- Learn multiple Tick spawn routes
- Memorize escape paths
- Adjust farming times based on player activity
- Practice disengaging instead of committing
Consistency builds progress faster than risky hero plays.
Final Thoughts on Getting Tick Pods in Arc Raiders
Tick Pods are a cornerstone of progression in Arc Raiders, but they demand respect. They reward players who plan ahead, listen carefully, and know when to leave. Farming them successfully is less about mechanical skill and more about decision-making under pressure.
By understanding Tick behavior, choosing the right locations, and prioritizing clean extractions, you can turn Tick Pod farming into a reliable and low-risk routine.
In Arc Raiders, survival is success—and Tick Pods are proof you earned it.
Read Also: