Close Scrutiny is the first ARC Operation added to ARC Raiders in the Flashpoint update (patch 1.22.0), and it plays nothing like a standard raid. Standard loot is gutted, a massive ARC machine called the Assessor lands on the map, and two new enemy types make sure you pay for every mistake. If you drop in expecting a casual scavenging run, you will leave empty-handed or dead. Here's everything you need to survive it.
What is the Close Scrutiny ARC Operation?
Close Scrutiny is a Major Map Condition that belongs to a new category called ARC Operations, introduced by Embark Studios in the Flashpoint update. Unlike environmental conditions such as Cold Snap or Electromagnetic Storms, ARC Operations are combat-focused events built around a central objective.
When Close Scrutiny is active, a large unarmed ARC machine called the Assessor makes a controlled landing on the map. It doesn't shoot at you directly, but its presence triggers unprecedented ARC patrol density across the entire area. Locked Doors are disabled, ambient loot from standard crates and civilian hotspots drops significantly, and all reward density shifts toward the Assessor itself.
According to the official Flashpoint update post from Embark Studios, the operation is described as "certainly not for the faint-of-heart," with the trade-off being that whoever knows what riches lie within the Assessor stands to gain significantly.
What maps does Close Scrutiny appear on?
Close Scrutiny is available on four of the five current maps in ARC Raiders. The one exception is Stella Montis, which is an indoor bunker environment that doesn't suit the Assessor's open-air landing mechanic. The four maps where you can encounter it are:
- Dam Battlegrounds
- The Blue Gate
- Spaceport
- Buried City
The Assessors are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Each one emits a large red beam that shoots straight into the sky. There are three Assessor probes per operation, and you can breach each one, though the surrounding ARC will make that harder than it sounds.
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Spot the red sky beam from a distance before committing to an approach. Use that time to scout patrol positions and identify Vaporizer flight paths before you get within laser range.
What are the new threats in Close Scrutiny?
Two enemy types define the danger level of Close Scrutiny. Understanding how both work before you drop in is the difference between a successful extract and losing everything.
Vaporizers
The Vaporizer is a new flying ARC unit introduced in the Flashpoint update. These drones operate in groups and use high-tracking laser attacks that deal massive damage. Their attack patterns are unpredictable enough that standard dodge-roll timing doesn't reliably work against them the way it does against Bombardiers.
Vaporizers guard the Assessor directly, and they're the biggest obstacle between you and the loot inside. The Arc Raiders Hub community noted that "flying enemies have always been a pain, but the Vaporizer is on another level."
How to deal with Vaporizers:
- Never fight them in the open. Use roofs, overhangs, and any vertical cover you can find.
- The Dolabra Energy Shotgun's focused electric discharge can disrupt their flight sensors, grounding them temporarily for a quick finish.
- Prioritize them before attempting to breach the Assessor. Starting the breach while Vaporizers are still active is a fast way to die.
Roaming Shredders
Shredders were previously contained to Stella Montis, but the Flashpoint update has spread them across Blue Gate, Buried City, Spaceport, and Dam Battlegrounds. During Close Scrutiny, they roam freely and will punish you for staying stationary too long while fighting the Assessor.
How to deal with Shredders:
- Listen for the distinct mechanical skittering sound. It's your only reliable early warning.
- The moment you hear it during an Assessor fight, stop shooting and reposition immediately.
- Place a Surge Coil deployable near your cover position to electrify the ground and stop Shredder flanks.
What's the best loadout for Close Scrutiny?
Your standard scavenging kit won't cut it here. The operation demands a loadout that handles both heavily armored ARC units and fast-moving aerial threats simultaneously.
The Dolabra is the star of this loadout. Its variable focus mechanic is new to ARC Raiders and genuinely changes how you approach armored targets. Use the wide burst when Shredders are closing in from multiple angles, then switch to the focused funnel when you need to strip Assessor plating or ground a Vaporizer. The blueprint drops most commonly from Assessor breaches during Close Scrutiny, so you may need to run the operation a few times before you get it.
The Canto SMG runs on medium ammunition, which matters for extended raids. You won't burn through rare ammo reserves the way you would with a heavy weapon, and it holds its own against other Raiders at close range.
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Do not attempt to breach the Assessor before clearing at least the two Vaporizer groups. Once you start the breach, loud sounds emit from the probe and attract additional ARC. Starting with active Vaporizers overhead is effectively a wipe.
How does PvP work in Close Scrutiny?
Because ambient loot is heavily reduced, the Assessor becomes the only meaningful source of rewards on the map. Every squad knows this. The result is that Close Scrutiny turns into a PvPvE hotspot where you're fighting ARC, Vaporizers, Shredders, and other Raiders simultaneously.
After testing multiple Assessor runs, the pattern is consistent: most PvP ambushes happen when the Assessor drops to around 25% health. Other squads will hold back, let you take the damage and burn the resources clearing the ARC patrols, then rush in for the finish and the loot. Keep a squad member watching your flanks or drop a Surge Coil behind your position as a warning system.
Extraction points near the Assessor also become contested fast. If you've secured high-value components from a breach, consider moving to a quieter, more remote extraction point rather than fighting through a second engagement while already depleted.
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The 25% threshold on the Assessor is when you're most vulnerable. Assign one squad member to watch for incoming Raiders rather than continuing to damage the boss during this phase.
For a deeper breakdown of general strategies, weapons, and loadout theory across all maps, the ARC Raiders strategy and loadout resource at Arc Raiders Hub is worth bookmarking.
What do you get from the Assessor?
The Assessor is the primary source of rare progression components needed to craft the new Flashpoint weapons. Specifically, defeating it and completing breaches drops materials for crafting the Dolabra Energy Shotgun and the Canto SMG. The Dolabra blueprint in particular is described as rare, so expect to run multiple operations before it appears.
Beyond weapon blueprints, materials gathered during Close Scrutiny also contribute to the High-Gain Antenna Project, a community-driven initiative added in the Flashpoint update. Contributing to the project is the only way to earn new Raider Tokens for the Wasp Hunter Set and unlock permanent upgrades to your crafting bench.
The crafting bench upgrades are worth the effort. The Flashpoint update also streamlined the crafting system so you can fulfill missing materials directly from the crafting menu without jumping between tabs, which makes processing your Assessor loot considerably faster after a successful raid.
High-Gain Antenna project UI
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The Wasp Hunter cosmetic bundle costs 2,400 Raider Tokens (approximately $20 USD) and includes four outfit colorways, the Diver Backpack, a Scrappy Helmet, and the Thruster Hammer Raider Tool.
Quick reference: Close Scrutiny checklist
Before you drop into a Close Scrutiny operation, run through this:
- Equip the Canto SMG as primary and Dolabra Energy Shotgun as secondary
- Pack a Surge Coil in your gadget slot
- Locate the Assessor red beam from a safe distance before approaching
- Clear all Vaporizer groups before starting the breach
- Assign one squad member to watch for Raiders at the 25% Assessor health threshold
- Plan your extraction route away from the Assessor if you're carrying high-value components
- Contribute Assessor drops to the High-Gain Antenna Project back at base
For more ARC Raiders guides covering weapons, builds, and map strategies, the complete Close Scrutiny operation breakdown at PlayerAuctions goes into additional detail on patrol tier composition. You can also browse more gaming guides across all genres on GAMES.GG.