Oil is a crucial uncommon Topside Material in ARC Raiders, classified under Mechanical loot. Weighing just 0.25 units per stack (up to 15), it sells for 300 Raider Coins and plays a key role in crafting high-impact items like the Blaze Grenade, Explosive Compound, and Renegade I weapon blueprint. It also recycles into 3 Chemicals at the Raider Den (or 1 via salvaging topside), making it versatile for progression.
Whether you're stocking up for explosives to clear ARC hordes or upgrading your arsenal, efficient Oil farming is vital in this high-stakes extraction shooter. Below, we break down the best ways to acquire it.
Primary Methods to Obtain Oil
1. Scavenging and Looting Mechanical Areas
The most reliable source is looting Mechanical-tagged zones across all major maps. Oil commonly spawns in cars (38% chance), breachable containers (31%), regular containers (23%), and bags (8%). Focus on vehicles - pop hoods, check seats, and scan shelves. Community hotspots include:
| Map | Key Farming Spots | Notes/Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Dam Battlegrounds | Scrap Yard, Primary Facility, Water Treatment, Hydroponic Dome Complex | Excellent for industrial crates and pumps; low-traffic routes via catwalks. |
| Spaceport | Container Storage, Fuel Container, Shipping Warehouse, Vehicle Maintenance, Tunnels | Check car hoods and maintenance bays; tunnels are a hidden gem for consistent drops. |
| Buried City | Parking Garage, Outskirts, Grandioso Apartments, Abandoned Buses | Smash bus compartments; apartments yield cans from shelves. |
| The Blue Gate | Adorned Wreckage, Checkpoint, Maintenance Wing, Traffic Tunnel (Locked Gate variant) | Prime for cars and shelves during Locked Gate; tunnel unlocks boost access. |
| Stella Montis | Loading Bay, Lobby, Atrium (storage drawers) | Drawers in containers have high drop rates; watch for Shredders. |
Pro Tip: Run short 10-minute loops in fog or storms for stealth, and hit Dam's Scrap Yard or Spaceport tunnels for quick solos.
2. Recycling for Guaranteed Yields
Recycle junk from raids at your Raider Den for steady Oil. Here's the breakdown:
| Recyclable Item | Oil Yield |
|---|---|
| Turbo Pump | 3 |
| Blaze Grenade | 2 |
| Coolant | 2 |
| Explosive Mine | 2 |
| Motor | 2 |
| Polluted Air Filter | 2 |
| Water Pump | 2 |
| Heavy Fuze Grenade | 1 |
| Synthesized Fuel | 1 |
Stockpile pumps and motors from the spots above - they're abundant in industrial zones.
3. Vendor Purchase from Celeste
For a low-effort option, trade with Celeste at the Raider Den: 6 Assorted Seeds for 10 Oil (daily limit, ~78 Seeds average market value). Farm Seeds from nature spawns if you're short.
Advanced Farming Tips
- Prioritize Breachables: 31% Oil chance - use breaching charges liberally.
- Vehicle Focus: Always inspect cars, especially in Blue Gate Locked Gate runs.
- Solo Routes: Dam Hydroponic Dome or Spaceport Arrival Building for low PvP.
- Events/Weather: Night raids and storms boost spawns; pair with quick extracts.
- Inventory Management: Stack to 15, recycle excess for Chemicals if needed.