Arc Raiders offers a variety of equipment to adapt to different combat situations, and shields are an important part of surviving encounters. One of the more common shields players use early on is the Light Shield. In this guide, I’ll go over how it works in practice, what to expect when using it, and tips based on how most players approach it.



What is the Light Shield and How Does it Work?



The Light Shield is an uncommon shield designed to provide basic protection while keeping your mobility high. Unlike heavier shields, it doesn’t slow you down significantly, which is important for players who prefer to move quickly during combat.



In general, the shield can absorb up to 200 damage if it is fully repaired and you have enough shield rechargers available. Its damage mitigation is 40%, which means it reduces incoming damage but won’t make you invincible. Most players treat it as a supplementary defense rather than a primary way to survive fights.



Each bar of the Light Shield corresponds to 10 units of shield, and every bar that gets damaged reduces its durability by 5. This means that if you’re taking continuous damage, the shield can degrade relatively quickly, so monitoring its status is important.



How Do You Get a Light Shield?



There are several ways to acquire a Light Shield in Arc Raiders:



Scavenging: Occasionally, players find Light Shields in loot drops or from defeated enemies. This method is less predictable and usually works best for early-game players.



Crafting: Most players end up crafting their own Light Shields. The recipe is simple:



2x ARC Alloy



4x Plastic Parts



Can be crafted at Workbench I or Gear Bench I.



Crafting is generally the preferred method because it allows you to maintain shields regularly without relying on random drops. In practice, keeping a few spare materials for quick crafting during missions is a common strategy.



Buying: Some players choose tobuy arc raiders items directly from in-game vendors, such as Lance. While crafting is usually more efficient long-term, purchasing can save time if you are in a hurry or lack the necessary crafting materials.



How Should You Use the Light Shield in Combat?



In general, the Light Shield is best for players who need some defense but still want to stay mobile. Here’s how most players approach it:



Hit-and-Run Tactics: Because it doesn’t slow you down, it works well when you need to dodge enemy fire or move around objectives.



Blocking Critical Shots: It can absorb a moderate amount of damage, so players often use it to block single high-damage attacks rather than constant damage.



Paired with Rechargers: The shield’s effectiveness drops as it takes damage, so having shield rechargers available is crucial. Players often carry one or two during missions to keep the shield functional.



It’s important to note that the Light Shield is not meant for front-line tanking. In missions where enemies deal heavy sustained damage, most players prefer heavier shields or a combination of cover and mobility.



Repairing and Maintaining Your Shield



Durability is a key factor when using the Light Shield. Each repair restores 50 durability and requires 1 Light Shield and 4 Plastic Parts.



Most players follow a simple rule: repair the shield whenever it falls below 50% durability. This keeps it reliable and avoids situations where the shield breaks in the middle of a critical fight. Additionally, salvaging old shields can provide components like ARC Alloy and Plastic Parts, which helps reduce crafting costs.



Tips from Experienced Players



Stock Up on Materials: Keep extra ARC Alloy and Plastic Parts. Crafting on the fly during missions can save you from unexpected drops in durability.



Balance Shields and Weapons: Most players find that pairing the Light Shield with ranged weapons works best. Mobility is its strength, so don’t slow yourself down with heavy melee combat unless necessary.



Combine Shields: Some players carry multiple types of shields. A Light Shield can be your mobile option, while a heavier shield or armor can be used for planned defensive positions.



Monitor Damage Bars: Since every bar reduces durability, checking shield status frequently ensures you won’t be caught off guard.



The Light Shield is a practical and flexible option for players who need protection without sacrificing mobility. In practice, it works best when used smartly with rechargers, and when you manage your repairs and materials efficiently. While it won’t replace heavier defensive equipment, it fills a niche for hit-and-run strategies and mid-game missions. Most players find it a reliable companion if used according to these general strategies.