If you’ve spent any time in the world of ARC Raiders, you know that upgrading your gear is crucial for survival. One of the most sought-after components for a key upgrade is the Sentinel Firing Core. Finding this rare item can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re just trying to get your Gunsmith to the next level. I’ve been there, dodging sniper fire and scouring the map for these elusive parts.
This guide is built from my own experience grinding for these cores. I’ll walk you through exactly what they are, the best places to find them, and how to use them effectively. We’ll cover everything from combat tactics against Sentinels to safer, alternative farming methods. Let’s get you those upgrades.
What Is the Sentinel Firing Core?
Before we dive into hunting them down, let’s get clear on what a Sentinel Firing Core is and why you need it. It’s more than just another piece of loot; it’s a ticket to better firepower.
Overview of the Item
The Sentinel Firing Core is a “Rare” item in ARC Raiders. As the name suggests, you get it from destroyed Sentinels, those menacing automated turrets that can end your run in a flash. Its primary function is to serve as a critical component for workshop upgrades. Because of its rarity and the danger involved in acquiring it, each core you find is a significant win.
Primary Uses
So, what do you do with a Sentinel Firing Core once you have one? It has two main purposes, both centered around resource management and progression.
First and foremost, you need Sentinel Firing Cores to upgrade your Gunsmith from level 2 to level 3. This is a major progression milestone, as it unlocks the ability to craft higher-tier weapons like the Patina, Jupiter, and Aelion. Getting your Gunsmith to max level is a game-changer, and these cores are the key.
Secondly, if you find yourself with extra cores or need other materials more urgently, you can recycle them. A Sentinel Firing Core breaks down into valuable crafting materials like ARC Alloy and Mechanical Components, which are always useful for other projects and repairs.
Where to Find Sentinel Firing Cores
Now for the main event: where do you actually find these things? There are two primary sources, one being much more direct and dangerous, and the other offering a safer, albeit less guaranteed, alternative.
Sentinel Turrets
The most reliable way to get a Sentinel Firing Core is to take it directly from the source. Sentinel turrets are stationary, high-powered sniper turrets that protect key areas. You’ll know you’ve found one when you see four yellow laser beams starting to converge on your position. Unlike the standard auto-turrets, these things pack a serious punch.
Common Locations:
- Dam Battlegrounds: This is one of the most consistent spots. I almost always find a Sentinel perched on the high, destroyed section of the dam wall. It overlooks the Hydroponic Dome Complex, situated between The Breach and the Pipeline Tower. The high ground gives it a clear shot, so be careful.
- Buried City: This area is another hotspot for Sentinels. Check the top of the Town Hall’s clock tower. I’ve also had luck finding them under the large highway bypass that runs over the town. The challenge here is that when you destroy a Sentinel, the debris can fall into inaccessible areas, making it impossible to loot.
ARC Couriers
If going head-to-head with a sniper turret doesn’t sound appealing, you have another option: ARC Couriers. These are the UFO-like drones you occasionally see. You can breach them to get loot, and there’s a chance a Sentinel Firing Core will be inside.
I’ve had incredible luck with Couriers. On one run, I needed two cores and found them both in the first Courier I breached. It’s not a guaranteed drop like it is from a Sentinel, but it’s a much safer method. You don’t have to risk getting one-shotted from across the map. Keep an eye out for these drones, especially around the Hydroponic Dome Complex on the way to the Generator Hall.
How to Defeat Sentinels and Collect Cores
Taking down a Sentinel requires patience and a good strategy. Rushing in will get you sent back to the respawn point. Here are some tactics that have worked for me.
Combat Strategies
The key to fighting a Sentinel is using cover. Its attack pattern is predictable: the lasers lock on, converge, and then it fires a powerful shot. You have a small window to step out, do some damage, and get back behind cover before it fires.
A high-damage, single-shot weapon like the Ferro sniper rifle is your best friend here. A few well-placed shots to its weak spot can take it down quickly. If you don’t have a sniper, you can try to get closer and use a burst-fire weapon, but this is much riskier. Always be aware of your surroundings and have an escape route planned.
Weak Spots and Efficient Methods
A Sentinel’s weak spot is generally the base where it connects to the structure it’s mounted on. Hitting this area will deal critical damage. However, depending on your angle, this spot can be difficult to see or hit.
Here’s a step-by-step approach that I use:
- Locate the Sentinel: Find its position before it spots you.
- Find Solid Cover: Position yourself behind a building, large rock, or terrain that completely blocks its line of sight.
- Peek and Shoot: Step out from cover just long enough to aim and fire a shot at its weak spot. Immediately duck back behind cover.
- Wait for the Shot: You’ll hear the Sentinel fire. Once it does, you have a few seconds to repeat the process.
- Loot Carefully: After it’s destroyed, approach with caution. The core can sometimes land in tricky spots. Be prepared to do some climbing or searching to find it.
Using Sentinel Firing Cores
You’ve braved the dangers and secured your cores. Now it’s time to put them to good use.
Upgrading the Gunsmith
To upgrade the Gunsmith to level 3, you will need a specific set of materials. In addition to 4 Sentinel Firing Cores, you’ll also need 3 Rusted Gears and 5 Advanced Mechanical Components. Once you have everything, head to your workshop and perform the upgrade. This will unlock some of the best craftable weapons in the game and significantly boost your combat effectiveness.
Recycling and Salvaging
Don’t underestimate the value of recycling. If you’re not ready to upgrade the Gunsmith or have extra cores, breaking them down can give you a nice resource boost. Recycling a core yields 2 ARC Alloy and 3 Mechanical Components. This is a great way to get a stockpile of essential materials for other crafting needs.
Tips and Tricks for Collecting Sentinel Firing Cores
Farming these cores efficiently comes down to a few key strategies.
Avoiding Common Challenges
The biggest challenge with Sentinels in places like Buried City is losing the loot. When you destroy a turret on a high structure, the core can fall off the map or get stuck in an unreachable spot. To avoid this, try to fight Sentinels that are on lower ground or have a solid platform beneath them.
When fighting in open fields, always move from cover to cover. Never stand still in the open for more than a few seconds. Sentinels are designed to punish players caught out of position.
Maximizing Efficiency
To farm cores efficiently, create a route. Start in an area like Dam Battlegrounds, take out the known Sentinel, and then move toward other potential spawn points while keeping an eye out for ARC Couriers. This combined approach of actively hunting Sentinels while passively checking Couriers is the most effective way to gather cores quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Sentinel Firing Cores are needed for Gunsmith upgrades?
You need exactly four Sentinel Firing Cores to upgrade your Gunsmith from level 2 to level 3. You’ll also need other materials like Rusted Gears and Advanced Mechanical Components.
Can Sentinel Firing Cores be traded or sold?
Currently, in ARC Raiders, items like the Sentinel Firing Core are tied to your personal progression and cannot be traded with other players or sold for in-game currency. They are meant to be used for your own workshop upgrades or recycled for materials.
What are the best weapons for defeating Sentinels?
Sniper rifles, like the Ferro, are ideal for taking down Sentinels from a safe distance. Their high single-shot damage allows you to peek, shoot, and hide effectively. If you must fight at closer range, a powerful assault rifle can work, but the risk is much higher.
Is it better to hunt Sentinels or ARC Couriers for cores?
It depends on your playstyle and risk tolerance. Hunting Sentinels provides a guaranteed core upon destruction but is very dangerous. Hunting ARC Couriers is much safer, but the core is a chance-based drop. For pure efficiency, a mix of both is best.
Final Thoughts
The Sentinel Firing Core is more than just a crafting material; it’s a key that unlocks a new tier of power in ARC Raiders. While the hunt can be challenging, the reward is well worth the effort. Upgrading your Gunsmith to level 3 opens up a whole new arsenal, giving you the edge you need to take on tougher challenges.
By following the strategies in this guide—knowing where to look, how to fight, and when to be cautious—you can streamline your farming process. Remember to use cover, aim for weak spots, and don’t forget the safer option of ARC Couriers. Good luck out there, Raider.
