Arc Raiders power cables are the key to activating ARC towers and opening weapon caches, and the best locations to find them are inside supply rooms, on shelf racks in industrial buildings, and near downed ARC towers. You use them primarily to power up ARC devices, which then reward you with weapons, gear, and access to high-tier loot zones. This guide covers where to find power cables, how to use them effectively, and what to prioritize during a match.
What Are Power Cables in Arc Raiders?
Power cables are a consumable item that you carry in your inventory. They are required to interact with ARC towers—large, dormant machines scattered across the map. When you insert a power cable into an ARC tower, the tower activates and produces a reward, typically a weapon or piece of equipment. Power cables are also used to open certain locked supply caches. They are single-use, so you need one cable per activation.
Where to Find Power Cables: Best Locations
Power cables spawn in predictable spots, mostly in areas with industrial or military themes. Here are the most reliable locations:
- Supply rooms in main buildings (often marked by a blue or yellow door) – check shelves and metal crates.
- Industrial shelves in warehouses, factories, and construction sites – look for long white or black cables coiled on racks.
- Near downed ARC towers – sometimes a cable lies on the ground next to the tower itself, as if dropped by a previous player.
- On top of workbenches in maintenance areas – often near toolboxes or power tools.
- In the open world – occasionally found in the back of pickup trucks or on the ground near electrical boxes.
Note that cable spawns are not guaranteed; they are randomized, but these locations have the highest chance. Loot density is higher in higher-difficulty zones, so if you need cables quickly, head to the more dangerous areas.
How to Use Power Cables: Step-by-Step
- Locate an ARC tower (they appear as tall, cylindrical structures with a glowing core).
- Approach the tower and press the interaction key (default: E on PC, X on console).
- Select the power cable from your inventory if prompted.
- Wait for the activation animation to complete – this takes about 5 seconds.
- Collect the reward that drops from the tower.
You can also use power cables on locked supply caches, which are small metal boxes with a cable port. The process is the same. Note that activating a tower makes noise and attracts enemies, so be ready for a fight.
Best Uses: What to Prioritize
Power cables are scarce, so use them wisely. The best use is on ARC towers in high-tier loot zones, as they reward better weapons and gear. If you are low on ammo or need a specific weapon type, prioritize towers near your objective. Locked supply caches are a secondary option – they give smaller rewards but are faster to open. Avoid wasting cables on towers in low-tier areas unless you are desperate for a basic weapon.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
A common mistake is hoarding power cables for too long. Since they take up inventory space, you should use them as soon as you find a tower, unless you are saving one for a specific high-tier area. Another misconception is that power cables can be used multiple times – they cannot, each cable is consumed on use. Also, some players think cables are only found in buildings, but they can spawn in open areas, so keep an eye out.
Comparison: Power Cables vs. Other Loot Items
Power cables are unique because they are a key item, not a weapon or consumable. Compared to ammo or medkits, they have no direct combat use, but they provide access to potentially better gear. Unlike keys (if they exist in the game), power cables are not tied to a specific door; they work on any ARC tower or compatible cache. This makes them more versatile, but also means you need to find the right device to use them on.
Safety and Strategy Tips
Activating an ARC tower is not without risk. The activation process leaves you vulnerable, so clear the area of enemies first. Use cover and have a teammate watch your back. Also, the reward from a tower might attract other players, so be prepared to defend your loot. If you are playing solo, consider activating towers in less-trafficked areas, even if the rewards are lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry more than one power cable at a time?
Yes, you can carry multiple power cables, but they take up inventory slots. The exact number depends on your backpack size, but generally you can hold up to 3-5. Prioritize carrying one or two unless you are planning a loot run.
Do power cables respawn in the same location?
Loot spawns are randomized each match, so a cable found in a specific spot one game may not be there the next. However, the types of locations (supply rooms, industrial shelves) remain consistent, so check those areas every match.
Can I use a power cable on any ARC tower?
Yes, any ARC tower can be activated with a power cable, regardless of location. However, towers in higher-tier zones give better rewards, so saving your cables for those is recommended.
What happens if I die while carrying a power cable?
If you die, you drop all your items, including power cables, at your death location. Other players can pick them up. You can return to your death spot to retrieve them, but be aware that other players may have taken them.
Are power cables used for anything else?
Currently, power cables are only used to activate ARC towers and open compatible supply caches. There is no crafting or trading use for them, so they are purely a key item for loot.
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