ARC Raiders has a challenging mission for players in 2026: to obtain the blueprint for the legendary Aphelion weapon. This item, which previously dropped guaranteed upon defeating the Matriarch’s core, had its source changed by the developers in update 1.7.0. As a result, many fans of the extraction shooter are searching for the new ways to obtain this rare and powerful blueprint, which is now scattered across the Stella Montis map, with a special focus on the Night Raid mode.
As a result of this change, farming the blueprint has become a high-risk, high-reward activity. The best chance of finding it is in high-level areas, such as Medical Research, which is classified as a red zone. Meanwhile, other locations like the Loading Yard and Assembly Workshops also offer opportunities, albeit with lower probabilities. Thus, the hunt for the Aphelion has transformed into a strategic journey within the game.
Where to farm and how to craft the legendary weapon
To begin the search, load into the Stella Montis map and head to the areas with the highest chance, preferably Medical Research. There, you should search drawers, containers, and cabinets. However, extraction may not be easy, as these are high-traffic areas for players and hostile ARCs, such as Shredders. If you don’t succeed on the first try, extract and repeat the process, as persistence is the key to obtaining this rare item.
Once you obtain a copy of the blueprint, you will need a level 3 Gunsmith Workshop to perform the craft. Each Aphelion requires 1 Matriarch Reactor, 3 Complex Weapon Parts, and 3 Magnetic Accelerators. Additionally, if you recycle a previously crafted Aphelion, you recover 2 Magnetic Accelerators and 1 Complex Weapon Part, which helps manage valuable resources.
Why is the Aphelion worth so much effort?
The Aphelion remains one of the most coveted weapons in the game, justifying the entire hunt. It is a legendary energy weapon with exceptional performance in medium to long-range combat. Thanks to its high damage and accuracy, it can turn the tide of a difficult raid. Therefore, dedicating time to this farm can significantly elevate your character’s firepower in the competitive landscape of ARC Raiders in 2026.
It’s worth noting that, despite the main change, there is still a remote chance for the blueprint to drop from the Matriarch’s core when a specific map modifier is active. Thus, staying informed about the game’s rotating events is also a valid strategy. With more updates forecast throughout the year, the community is keeping an eye out to see if the developers will adjust the methods of obtaining this virtual treasure again.
