The Most Efficient Strategy for Removing Leapers in Arc Raiders
There are numerous motives to eliminate a Leaper, the frightening spider-like mechanical foe in Arc Raiders capable of traversing vast distances almost instantaneously. The mission “Into the Fray” explicitly instructs you to take one down. Weekly challenges often require you to inflict damage on or obliterate a Leaper. They’re also a reliable source of valuable loot. Their Pulse Units inflict significant damage as a thrown item and are essential for stage four of the ongoing Expedition Project. Here’s the most effective method to take them out.
While I would argue that Leapers, although daunting, are the least powerful among the larger Arc forces, their swift ability to navigate large areas makes them a formidable target. They can easily crush you with minimal effort. Fortunately, since they are large, they cannot fit into narrow spaces, and they do not launch projectiles. Thus, if you can find a secure location with a clear line of sight, and possess the right armaments, they will be done for.
After investing nearly 200 hours in this game, I have discovered what I believe to be the optimal spot for quickly dispatching a Leaper, whether you’re solo or in a group. To reach this location, proceed to Spaceport, specifically the central area of the map near the Central Elevator. There is a bunker northeast of the Elevator, nestled between it and the South Trench Tower. That’s where you want to be.
The only disadvantage of this location is that it’s situated in an open area, so it’s unlikely you’ll be the only one drawn into the battle, and you’ll need to watch out for rival players. To be frank, this applies to almost any area in the game. However, this specific spot has several key advantages regarding PvP and rapid extraction, so let’s delve into it.
Spaceport: The ultimate Leaper elimination zone
This bunker serves as a great place to prepare for a Leaper onslaught since both doors are pre-blocked (if you arrive and there’s no option to breach the door, it indicates that other players have already entered). The Leaper won’t be able to access the bunker, and as mentioned earlier, they don’t shoot projectiles, so as long as you steer clear of the windows when it unleashes its singularity area-of-effect attack, you’re essentially invulnerable while you unleash fire on our mechanical arachnid friend.
Regarding that Leaper, they generally arise in the nearby area. You’ll usually spot it wandering around close to the Elevator or near the Launch Towers and Departure Building to the south of the Elevator.
Occasionally, a Leaper may spawn on the opposite, eastern side of the Launch Towers. In theory, luring one over to the bunker can be done, but it requires some distance and exposes you to considerable risk. If there isn’t a Leaper present near the bunker, I recommend engaging in another activity and reloading to a new map instance where, ideally, our target will be waiting.
Step one: Equipping and securing the bunker
Any firearm using Heavy Ammo will inflict adequate damage on the Leaper. A fully upgraded Ferro will perform excellently, as will an Anvil. If you’re bringing one of those weapons, ensure you have a substantial supply of ammo. The Leaper will drop faster than you may expect, but you’ll need to land numerous shots.
Hullcrackers are acceptable but should be reserved for larger threats. Thrown explosives can also be useful, but bear in mind, we’ll be targeting the Leaper through a two-foot window in the bunker and there’s a high chance that amid the chaos you may misthrow the grenade and wind up bouncing it back into the bunker, which is, well, less than ideal.
If you enjoy Rainbow Six: Siege, you’ll appreciate this next segment. Any mix of the following items will enhance your success rate:
– Barricade Kit
– Door Blocker
– Any trap or mine (Blaze Grenade Traps, Jolt Mines, or even Trigger ‘Nades are effective)
– Lure Grenade (useful for directing the Leaper or other Arc away from you if the situation turns chaotic)
While the Leaper cannot enter the bunker, other players can, and there’s no assurance they’ll be amicable. So, we must do everything possible to hinder other players from accessing the area while you confront the Leaper.
Fortunately, the bunker is pre-blocked! Other players can dismantle those blocks, but they create substantial noise while doing so, allowing you time to redirect your attention to the encroaching threat.
However, you’ll need to break one of the blocks yourself to enter.