The Canto SMG is one of two weapons added to Arc Raiders in the Flashpoint update, and it's already turning heads. A rapid-fire SMG that runs on medium ammo, it hits hard at close range and can be modded out for even nastier performance. The catch? Getting the blueprint is genuinely difficult, and a lot of players are running the wrong strategy to find it.
Where to find the Canto SMG blueprint
The Canto SMG blueprint is a Rare-tier drop, which means no fixed spawn point exists on any map. Unlike some blueprints tied to a specific chest or room, this one can technically appear in containers, Security Lockers, and weapon cases just about anywhere. That said, spending hours wandering randomly is a poor use of your time.
Canto SMG blueprint in crafting
How do you trigger the best spawn conditions for the Canto blueprint?
The single most reliable method confirmed so far is loading into a map with the Hurricane Major Map Condition active, then targeting First Wave Raider Caches. These small crates only appear during the Hurricane condition and carry some of the highest blueprint spawn rates in the game. Players who've been grinding this route consistently report better drop rates than any other method.
Beyond Raider Caches, looting Security Lockers in high-density areas across all five maps gives you additional rolls. Here are the spots worth prioritizing:
There's also a third avenue worth checking: the weekly Arc Raiders Trials. Blueprints occasionally appear as rewards, and the Canto SMG has shown up in the rotation. Keep an eye on what's available each week before you spend a full session grinding caches.
How to craft the Canto SMG
Once the blueprint extracts safely back to Speranza, head straight to your Gunsmith Station. This is where the build happens, and the material cost is straightforward:
- 2x Advanced Mechanical Components
- 5x Magnet
- 3x Medium Gun Parts
The Canto accepts multiple weapon mods, so once it's built, there's real room to push its performance further. As a Rare-tier weapon, it doesn't come with alternate fire modes like the Legendary Dolabra, but raw fire rate and mod flexibility make it a serious close-quarters option.
Is the Canto SMG worth hunting?
Honestly, yes. The Canto fills a specific gap for players who want a medium-ammo SMG that can be modded and reliably crafted once the blueprint is secured. The Legendary tier weapons get more attention, but the Canto is more accessible and still punches well above its rarity tier at close range.
For more weapon guides, boss strategies, and everything else happening in Arc Raiders, browse the latest gaming guides to stay ahead of the meta.