What order should you play the Yakuza games?
Follow along with our very own LAD bible
With Yakuza games (or Like A Dragon , as it’s now known) on the rise here in the West, I see more and more people ask the question: “What order should I play the Yakuza games in?” . Not only does it warm my heart, it also gets to me. To experience the series in the richest way possible, there’s an obvious answer. But if you’re someone who hasn’t got all the time in the world, or you’re a bit unsure whether Yakuza is the right fit for you, then there’s another way in. Now pick up that bike and walk with me.
What order should you play the Yakuza games?
In my humble opinion, the best way to get into Yakuza is from the very beginning, even if it’s a long road. Start with Yakuza 0 , then work your way through them (mostly) chronologically like so:
- Yakuza 0
- Yakuza Kiwami
- Yakuza Kiwami 2
- Yakuza 3 Remastered
- Yakuza 4 Remastered
- Yakuza 5 Remastered
- Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
- Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
- Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii
- Like A Dragon: Ishin!
In fairness, there are two other options you can take. If the thought of catching up on eight Yakuza games fills you with dread, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is your next-best starting option. It’s very much a clean-break from the mainline Yakuza series and takes place after the events of Yakuza 6. It features a whole new cast of characters, too, so you won’t miss out on any major story beats. There’s certainly something to be gained from having played all the other Yakuza games first, if only to appreciate the sweeping changes it makes to the series, but it’s still a great entry point regardless.
Alternatively, if you’re a real chronology buff, then you should probably start with Like A Dragon: Ishin! , which is a standalone story set several hundreds years before the mainline series. A lot of its all-star cast are handpicked from Yakuzas 0-6, though, so some of its references might be lost if you’re coming in fresh. Personally, I’d say this is best played at the end of your Yakuza journey, but you can also easily hop into it at any point and still have a good time. Do play a bit of Yakuza 0 first, though.
Ultimately, Yakuza’s ongoing story threads and recurring cast of characters do make this a series best played in chronological order. This is the approach I took, and I’m glad I did! With Yakuza 0, you begin with arguably the best game in the entire series, all while gaining an invaluable grounding in main-man Kiryu’s origin story. Then, as you move into Yakuza Kiwami (a remaster of the first game released in the series), you’ll fully comprehend the magnitude of everyone’s actions. And crucially, over the course of Kiwami 2, then 3, and so on, you won’t ever question yourself, like, “Am I missing something here?”
So read on below for our full order ranking, which details where they sit in the series as a whole, and how they stack up to the other Yakuza games.
Yakuza 0
Image credit:Sega
What is it? A prequel to the original Yakuza Release date: 2018 Time to beat: 64.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
Not only is Yakuza 0 the best Yakuza game , it’s the one you should start with. Why? Because it’s two origin stories wrapped up in a 1980s Kamurocho that overflows with the mightiest minigames, and easily the series’ most iconic characters: Mr. Libido, Mr. Shakedown, Pocket Circuit Fighter, the list goes on. The game sees you flit between two storylines, that of a young Kiryu and a young Majima, both of whom see themselves plunge deeper and deeper into the Yakuza’s murky underbelly.
While the game’s story is admittedly a slow-burn, once it gets going, you won’t be able to put it down. Majima’s story is particularly special, as he’s the strongest personality of the two, whose jaunts around Sotenbori (based on Osaka’s Dotonbori) evolve into a tragic tale of loyalty and love. Yakuza 0 isn’t only an essential game, it’s the essential grounding in Yakuza you need to move forwards into the rest of the series.
Yakuza Kiwami
What is it? A remake of the original Yakuza from 2005 Release date: 2019 Time to beat: 33 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
Where Yakuza originally started, all the way back in 2005, but remastered! Yakuza Kiwami kicks off with our boy Kiryu as he takes the fall for the murder of a crime boss to protect his sworn brother, Nishikiyama. Then there’s a ten-year time skip as Kiryu is released from prison (this is a theme), and he re-enters an organisation that’s taken a very different turn.
Aside from Majima (Kiryu’s frenemy) pursuing you to hilarious effect, I wouldn’t say Yakuza: Kiwami is all that strong an entry. It’s got a decent story, but when compared to Yakuza 0 or later entries, its combat, side stories and minigames just aren’t as exciting or interesting. Stick it out for the story and it’s sequel…
Yakuza Kiwami 2
What is it? A remake of Yakuza 2 Release date: 2019 Time to beat: 36.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios remade Yakuza 2 in the Dragon Engine, giving it an entire graphical overhaul, a new “Majima Saga” bit of the story, and some updates to already excellent minigames. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is, by far, one of the best entries in the entire series. Why? Kiryu fights in a laser-focused arc to become the dragon, as there’s another guy called Ryuji Goda (a brilliant villain) who reckons he’s got the upperhand. Chuck in a touch of unexpected romance, too, and you’ve got a potent cocktail of thuggery and emotion.
Without spoiling anything, Majima’s special story bit legitimately made me cry. It features a certain encounter which will mean everything to you if you’ve played Yakuza 0. Oh, and the Cabaret Club management minigame is an all-consuming delight, with its own story to tell. You can also drop kick a tiger.
Yakuza 3 Remastered
<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/yakuza-3-remastered.jpg?width=2048&height=2048&fit=bounds&quality=85&format=jpg&auto=webp" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Kiryu hooks in a puffer fish off the shores of Okinawa, with “congratulations!” signalling his success, in Yakuza 3 Remastered. - 7”>
Image credit:Sega
What is it? A remaster of Yakuza 3 Release date: 2021 Time to beat: 31.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
I’d argue Yakuza 3 Remastered is the weakest of the bunch, not to mention that you step down from Yakuza Kiwami 2’s shiny engine - and general excellence - to a remaster that can’t hide the game’s age. The story sees Kiryu and his adoptive daughter Haruka escape to the sunny shores of Okinawa to run an orphanage, which is really sweet, to be fair. But, as is the way of things, Kiryu is pulled back to Kamurocho thanks to clan conflict that threatens his peaceful island life.
The minigames and side quests can be a great laugh, Okinawa is a lovely locale, and the combat’s fine , but I’d treat Yakuza 3 like Yakuza Kiwami: play it for the story and move on.
The good news for folks up to this step in their Yakuza-ing is that Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is out on February 11th, 2026. It’s a full-blown remake of Yakuza 3 which brings it up to the latest RGG game standards and adds Dark Ties - a new extra storyline exploring the backstory of Yakuza 3 arch-baddie Yoshitaka Mine.
Yakuza 4 Remastered
What is it? A remaster of Yakuza 4 Release date: 2021 Time to beat: 39.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
The upwards trajectory begins anew, as Yakuza 4 Remastered lets you play as four different characters, each with their own stories that eventually overlap. Two of the bunch, Shun Akiyama and Taiga Saejima, aren’t only great characters with interesting histories, but they’re fellas who reappear a lot later in the series.
Truthfully, it’s Shun Akiyama’s story which shines here. He’s charismatic, funny, and has a fighting style that’s as flashy as his personality. He also shares a great relationship with his assistant Hana. Play it for Akiyama.
Yakuza 5 Remastered
What is it? A remaster of Yakuza 5 Release date: 2021 Time to beat: 64.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
Yakuza 5 Remastered holds a special place in my heart as “The Fuck Off Massive One With Real Charm”. Yakuza 4 may have featured four protagonists, but well, Yakuza 5 goes one further. The story is sweeping, and at times, not really a lot to do with Kiryu. It gets a lot of flack for this, but I reckon it’s fine. Not everything has to be about Kiryu, and the other stories help flesh out characters with great importance to the series anyway.
Still, if we’re talking about Kiryu, he starts off as a cab driver, laying low after the events of Yakuza 4. Slowly, steadily, clans begin to rumble and he’ll be drawn - yet again - into a power struggle. Then as you switch between characters you’ll get to visit some other cities for the first time, like the snowy Sapporo or the buzzy Nagoya. Really, the biggest treat is being able to play as Kiryu’s adoptive daughter Haruka, as she pursues her dreams of becoming a Jpop idol. Fights are replaced by dance battles. You get to sign autographs. It’s literally an idol simulator and it’s absolutely wonderful.
Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
What is it? A conclusion to Kiryu’s story. Well, sort of. Release date: 2021 Time to beat: 31.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life sits right up there with Yakuza 0 and Kiwami 2 as one of the series’ greats. Fresh out of jail, Kiryu finds that Haruka has gone missing. Then discovers that she has a son?! And so, Kiryu enters dad mode and journeys to the port town of Onomichi to discover what evil stuff the Hiroshima criminal underworld’s been cooking up.
I adore Yakuza 6 because it shows a different, fatherly side to Kiryu. Onomichi might be one of my favourite locations in the series, too, all quaint and sunny and lovely. Not to mention that it’s about Kiryu grabbing hold of a criminal organisation whose lost its way. He’s someone with values and he will fight to instill them in a generation where those values are beginning to slip.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Image credit:Sega
What is it? The first Yakuza game to introduce a new protagonist and transform combat from beat ’em up to turn-based RPG battle Release date: 2020 Time to beat: 67.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Game Pass , Humble
I gave Yakuza: Like A Dragon a bestest best in my review , for good reason. It’s the first Yakuza to swing a bicycle at the series and give the series a total refresh, transforming the series from a real-time action game into more of a traditional turn-based RPG . The charismatic Ichiban Kasuga takes the reins, with an origin story that sees him take the fall for a crime he didn’t commit (sound familiar?), then return to a savage betrayal by a man he respected the most.
The turn-based combat isn’t without its flaws, but it’s still a grand time and it introduces a cast of pals who you’ll fall in love with. You can take on different Jobs, and be a Chef who fights with a ladle, or a Musician who heals with the power of strings. The new locale Yokohama is vast and vibrant, with some of the funniest, most heartfelt stories yet.
Technically, you could play this as your first Yakuza and still have a grand time. But you’d be missing out on lots of the references, and you’d also some appreciation for how important a shift the game represents for the direction of the series.
Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Sega
What is it? A stop-gap that fills us in on Kiryu’s agent activities between the events of Yakuza: Like A Dragon and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Also, a conclusion to Kiryu’s story. Well, sort of.
Release date: 2023 Time to beat: 21.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Microsoft Store
Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name hasn’t only got the most ridiculous name of the lot, I’d say it’s one to avoid if you’re a newcomer to the series. This is because it’s not a fully-fledged Yakuza game, in the sense that it’s only 20-hours or so in length (roughly half of your usual Yakuzas) and acts as a stop-gap that sums up Kiryu’s activities between the end of Yakuza: Like A Dragon and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Technically, yes, you could play this as a newbie. But you’d be far better off coming into this knowing Kiryu and what he’s been through. The weight of the story very much leans on his rocky past and, crucially, the things he holds dearest: family ties. Go in blind and you’d also miss out on crossover with Yakuza: Like A Dragon, where you might just bump into familiar faces.
In my LAD Gaiden review , I was a bit mixed on its story beats and its side activities. You’ve effectively got agent Kiryu here, with Yakuza’s real-time combat elevated by silly gadgets and an absolutely fantastic colosseum minigame, where “mini” is doing it a massive disservice. On the other hand, I find it doesn’t really provide a compelling reason as to why Kiryu’s back yet again, and 90% of what you do in the game ends in a battle, which can wear you down quickly.
Is it essential? Probably not. But if you’re a fan who’s played them all, then I’d say it’s worth giving a crack.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Image credit:Sega
What is it? A direct follow-up to Yakuza: Like A Dragon that continues Ichiban’s story, and introduces the sunny shores of Hawaii as a new locale. Also, the conclusion to co-protagonist Kiryu’s story, for now at least Release date: 2024 Time to beat: 84.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Microsoft Store
Yakuza 0, Kiwami 2, Yakuza 6, Yakuza: LAD… and now Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Welcome pal, you’ve just joined the ranks of my favourite Yakuza games ever. In my Infinite Wealth review , I slapped a Bestest Best badge on it for good reason. Not only does it whisk Ichiban off to a wonderful new location Hawaii, it gives you a chance to play as Kiryu in Yokohama as he battles ailing health. The story is deeply personal and one of the series’ standouts.
Story aside, the game features numerous tweaks to the turn-based combat and the reward loop in general. Little things, like your personality traits or bonds with pals, now tie into activities that motivate. All wrapped up in a Yakuza package that doesn’t lose sight of what makes Yakuza, Yakuza: depth, silliness, and warmth. Oh, and there’s a great Animal Crossing parody and Pokémon parody bundled in with it too, with the AC parody large enough to be its very own game.
As you’ve probably gathered, Infinite Wealth is a direct follow-up to Yakuza: Like A Dragon (7). With this in mind, I’d say you’d almost certainly want to play Yakuza: LAD first. Why? You’d miss out on Ichiban’s origin story, how he met his pals, who his pals are, and the context of Infinite Wealth’s improvements. Yakuza: LAD may be a lengthy undertaking, but you’d hamstring your enjoyment of Infinite Wealth having not played it.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii
Image credit:Sega
What is it? A pirate themed spin-off starring fan favourite character Goro Majima Release date: 2025 Time to beat: 40 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Microsoft Store
Ever since debuting in the very first Yakuza game, Goro Majima has been a fan favourite of the series. And while he’s had joint billing as one of the leads in other games like Yakuza 0, Like A Dragon: Pirate In Hawaii is the first game in the franchise where the Mad Dog of Shimano has his own starring role.
Set after the events of Infinite Wealth, in Pirate LAD Majima finds himself washed ashore on a remote island near Hawaii with no recollection of his past life. He sets out to recover his lost memories, accompanied by Noah - the young boy who saved his life. Besides the beat-em-up style combat the Yakuza series is known for, the spin-off also features nautical battles , with Majima having to assemble a crew of pirates and captain his own ship, as he hunts for a legendary treasure and faces-off against scoundrels searching the seas for it.
If you’d like to know more, make sure you check out our Like A Dragon: Pirate In Hawaii review .
Like A Dragon: Ishin!
<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/like-a-dragon-ishin-face-punch.jpg?width=2048&height=2048&fit=bounds&quality=85&format=jpg&auto=webp" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Ryoma decides whether to punch a “heyazumi” in the face in Like A Dragon Ishin! - 15”>
What is it? A remake of a previously Japan-only historical spin-off that originally released back in 2014 Release date: 2023 Time to beat: 45.5 hours Where can I get it? Steam , Microsoft Store , Humble
As I mention in my Like A Dragon: Ishin review , I like to think of Ishin as a bit of theatre. It features an all-star cast from across the series taking on totally different roles and names - aside from Kiryu, who’s very much like Kiryu - in a late Edo samurai setting.
While the story is a deadly serious murder mystery embroiled in a tussle between loyalists and the shogunate, it’s no slouch when it comes to side silliness. You can bet on chickens or tend to your own allotment out in the sticks, trading homemade pickles for cash. Ishin could also be considered a great starting point for newcomers, as the game comes with no baggage. But it’s equally as strong if you’ve played any of the previous entries, as you’ll get references to past games, or squeal with glee as someone you recognise suddenly comes into shot.
What’s next for the Yakuza series?
Image credit:Sega
Beyond the imminent Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, there aren’t any other announced games in the LAD saga on the horizon as of writing. But we do know that series creator Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio are working on another game they’ve shown off at a couple of showcases so far.
That’s Stranger Than Heaven, which is a third-person beat-em-up . It’s set in early 20th century Japan, with the sections shown off so far taking place in 1915 and 1943. While it hasn’t been announced as part of the series starring Kiryu and co, the trailers give off plenty of LAD vibes, with the protagonist going around and smashing goons in an open-world Japanese city. It does look a lot more violent than the Like A Dragon games though, with plenty of blood gushing. As of right now, it’s not been given a release date.
If you’re still itching for more Yakuza, then I’ve got the just the thing for you. Have you considered Judgment and Lost Judgment ? Both games are by RGG Studio and share the same DNA as Yakuza. Instead of Kiryu and co, they star an all-new cast headed up by a lawyer turned undercover detective who solves crimes with spin-kicks. I wrote about how they’re a solid gateway into Yakuza , too. Again, I’d start with Judgment then move into Lost Judgment for that chronological goodness.
Or, you could throw the world a real curveball and scour the net for a way to play Streets of Kamurocho , the promotional freeware beat ’em up Sega released as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations in 2020. It’s a mashup of Yakuza and the classic Streets of Rage games which the former’s bike-slamming urban brawls serve as spiritual successors to.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Video Game
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Video Game
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
PS4 , PS5
Yakuza 0
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Yakuza 3 Remastered
PS4
Yakuza 4 Remaster
Video Game
Yakuza 5
PS3
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
PS4
Yakuza Kiwami
PS4 , PC
Yakuza Kiwami 2
PS4 , PC
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , PC
Rock Paper Shotgun is better when you sign in
Sign in and join us on our journey to discover strange and compelling PC games.
All 75 Arc Raiders Blueprints and where to get them
These areas have the highest chance of giving you Blueprints
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Embark Studios
Looking for more Arc Raiders Blueprints? It’s a special day when you find a Blueprint, as they’re among the most valuable items in Arc Raiders. If you find a Blueprint that you haven’t already found, then you must make sure you hold onto it at all costs, because Blueprints are the key to one of the most important and powerful systems of meta-progression in the game.
This guide aims to be the very best guide on Blueprints you can find, starting with a primer on what exactly they are and how they work in Arc Raiders, before delving into exactly where to get Blueprints and the very best farming spots for you to take in your search.
We’ll also go over how to get Blueprints from other unlikely activities, such as destroying Surveyors and completing specific quests. And you’ll also find the full list of all 75 Blueprints in Arc Raiders on this page (including the newest Blueprints added with the Cold Snap update , such as the Deadline Blueprint and Firework Box Blueprint), giving you all the information you need to expand your own crafting repertoire.
In this guide:
- What are Blueprints in Arc Raiders?
- Full Blueprint list: All crafting recipes
- Where to find Blueprints in Arc Raiders Blueprints obtained from quests Blueprints obtained from Trials Best Blueprint farming locations
What are Blueprints in Arc Raiders?
Blueprints in Arc Raiders are special items which, if you manage to extract with them, you can expend to permanently unlock a new crafting recipe in your Workshop. If you manage to extract from a raid with an Anvil Blueprint, for example, you can unlock the ability to craft your very own Anvil Pistol, as many times as you like (as long as you have the crafting materials).
To use a Blueprint, simply open your Inventory while in the lobby, then right-click on the Blueprint and click “Learn And Consume” . This will permanently unlock the recipe for that item in your Workshop. As of the Stella Montis update, there are allegedly 75 different Blueprints to unlock - although only 68 are confirmed to be in the game so far. You can see all the Blueprints you’ve found and unlocked by going to the Workshop menu, and hitting “R” to bring up the Blueprint screen.
It’s possible to find duplicates of past Blueprints you’ve already unlocked. If you find these, then you can either sell them, or - if you like to play with friends - you can take it into a match and gift it to your friend so they can unlock that recipe for themselves. Another option is to keep hold of them until the time comes to donate them to the Expedition.
Full Blueprint list: All crafting recipes
Below is the full list of all the Blueprints that are currently available to find in Arc Raiders, and the crafting recipe required for each item:
| Blueprint | Type | Recipe | Crafted At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bettina | Weapon | 3x Advanced Mechanical Components 3x Heavy Gun Parts 3x Canister | Gunsmith 3 |
| Blue Light Stick | Quick Use | 3x Chemicals | Utility Station 1 |
| Aphelion | Weapon | 3x Magnetic Accelerator 3x Complex Gun Parts 1x Matriarch Reactor | Gunsmith 3 |
| Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking) | Augment | 2x Advanced Electrical Components 3x Processor | Gear Bench 3 |
| Combat Mk. 3 (Aggressive) | Augment | 2x Advanced Electrical Components 3x Processor | Gear Bench 3 |
| Complex Gun Parts | Material | 2x Light Gun Parts 2x Medium Gun Parts 2x Heavy Gun Parts | Refiner 3 |
| Fireworks Box | Quick Use | 1x Explosive Compound 3x Pop Trigger | Explosives Station 2 |
| Gas Mine | Mine | 4x Chemicals 2x Rubber Parts | Explosives Station 1 |
| Green Light Stick | Quick Use | 3x Chemicals | Utility Station 1 |
| Pulse Mine | Mine | 1x Crude Explosives 1x Wires | Explosives Station 1 |
| Seeker Grenade | Grenade | 1x Crude Explosives 2x ARC Alloy | Explosives Station 1 |
| Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) | Augment | 2x Advanced Electrical Components 3x Processor | Gear Bench 3 |
| Angled Grip II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 3x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 2 |
| Angled Grip III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 3 |
| Hullcracker | Weapon | 1x Magnetic Accelerator 3x Heavy Gun Parts 1x Exodus Modules | Gunsmith 3 |
| Launcher Ammo | Ammo | 5x Metal Parts 1x Crude Explosives | Workbench 1 |
| Anvil | Weapon | 5x Mechanical Components 5x Simple Gun Parts | Gunsmith 2 |
| Anvil Splitter | Mod | 2x Mod Components 3x Processor | Gunsmith 3 |
| ??? | ??? | ??? | ??? |
| Barricade Kit | Quick Use | 1x Mechanical Components | Utility Station 2 |
| Blaze Grenade | Grenade | 1x Explosive Compound 2x Oil | Explosives Station 3 |
| Bobcat | Weapon | 3x Advanced Mechanical Components 3x Light Gun Parts | Gunsmith 3 |
| Osprey | Weapon | 2x Advanced Mechanical Components 3x Medium Gun Parts 7x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Burletta | Weapon | 3x Mechanical Components 3x Simple Gun Parts | Gunsmith 1 |
| Compensator II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 4x Wires | Gunsmith 2 |
| Compensator III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 8x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Defibrillator | Quick Use | 9x Plastic Parts 1x Moss | Medical Lab 2 |
| ??? | ??? | ??? | ??? |
| Equalizer | Weapon | 3x Magnetic Accelerator 3x Complex Gun Parts 1x Queen Reactor | Gunsmith 3 |
| Extended Barrel | Mod | 2x Mod Components 8x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Extended Light Mag II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 3x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 2 |
| Extended Light Mag III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 3 |
| Extended Medium Mag II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 3x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 2 |
| Extended Medium Mag III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 3 |
| Extended Shotgun Mag II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 3x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 2 |
| Extended Shotgun Mag III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 3 |
| Remote Raider Flare | Quick Use | 2x Chemicals 4x Rubber Parts | Utility Station 1 |
| Heavy Gun Parts | Material | 4x Simple Gun Parts | Refiner 2 |
| Venator | Weapon | 2x Advanced Mechanical Components 3x Medium Gun Parts 5x Magnet | Gunsmith 3 |
| Il Toro | Weapon | 5x Mechanical Components 6x Simple Gun Parts | Gunsmith 1 |
| Jolt Mine | Mine | 1x Electrical Components 1x Battery | Explosives Station 2 |
| Explosive Mine | Mine | 1x Explosive Compound 1x Sensors | Explosives Station 3 |
| Jupiter | Weapon | 3x Magnetic Accelerator 3x Complex Gun Parts 1x Queen Reactor | Gunsmith 3 |
| Light Gun Parts | Material | 4x Simple Gun Parts | Refiner 2 |
| Lightweight Stock | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 3 |
| Lure Grenade | Grenade | 1x Speaker Component 1x Electrical Components | Utility Station 2 |
| Medium Gun Parts | Material | 4x Simple Gun Parts | Refiner 2 |
| Torrente | Weapon | 2x Advanced Mechanical Components 3x Medium Gun Parts 6x Steel Spring | Gunsmith 3 |
| Muzzle Brake II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 4x Wires | Gunsmith 2 |
| Muzzle Brake III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 8x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Padded Stock | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 3 |
| Shotgun Choke II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 4x Wires | Gunsmith 2 |
| Shotgun Choke III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 8x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Shotgun Silencer | Mod | 2x Mod Components 8x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Showstopper | Grenade | 1x Advanced Electrical Components 1x Voltage Converter | Explosives Station 3 |
| Silencer I | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 4x Wires | Gunsmith 2 |
| Silencer II | Mod | 2x Mod Components 8x Wires | Gunsmith 3 |
| Snap Hook | Quick Use | 2x Power Rod 3x Rope 1x Exodus Modules | Utility Station 3 |
| Stable Stock II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 3x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 2 |
| Stable Stock III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 3 |
| Tagging Grenade | Grenade | 1x Electrical Components 1x Sensors | Utility Station 3 |
| Tempest | Weapon | 3x Advanced Mechanical Components 3x Medium Gun Parts 3x Canister | Gunsmith 3 |
| Trigger Nade | Grenade | 2x Crude Explosives 1x Processor | Explosives Station 2 |
| Vertical Grip II | Mod | 2x Mechanical Components 3x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 2 |
| Vertical Grip III | Mod | 2x Mod Components 5x Duct Tape | Gunsmith 3 |
| Vita Shot | Quick Use | 2x Antiseptic 1x Syringe | Medical Lab 3 |
| Vita Spray | Quick Use | 3x Antiseptic 1x Canister | Medical Lab 3 |
| Vulcano | Weapon | 1x Magnetic Accelerator 3x Heavy Gun Parts 1x Exodus Modules | Gunsmith 3 |
| Wolfpack | Grenade | 2x Explosive Compound 2x Sensors | Explosives Station 3 |
| Red Light Stick | Quick Use | 3x Chemicals | Utility Station 1 |
| Smoke Grenade | Grenade | 14x Chemicals 1x Canister | Utility Station 2 |
| Deadline | Mine | 3x Explosive Compound 2x ARC Circuitry | Explosives Station 3 |
| Trailblazer | Grenade | 1x Explosive Compound 1x Synthesized Fuel | Explosives Station 3 |
| Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive) | Augment | 2x Advanced Electrical Components 3x Processor | Gear Bench 3 |
| Tactical Mk. 3 (Healing) | Augment | 2x Advanced Electrical Components 3x Processor | Gear Bench 3 |
| Yellow Light Stick | Quick Use | 3x Chemicals | Utility Station 1 |
Note: The missing Blueprints in this list likely have not actually been added to the game at the time of writing, because none of the playerbase has managed to find any of them. As they are added to the game, I will update this page with the most relevant information so you know exactly how to get all 75 Arc Raiders Blueprints.
Where to find Blueprints in Arc Raiders
Below is a list of all containers, modifiers, and events which maximise your chances of finding Blueprints:
- Certain quests reward you with specific Blueprints .
- Completing Trials has a high chance of offering Blueprints as rewards.
- Surveyors have a decent chance of dropping Blueprints on death.
- High loot value areas tend to have a greater chance of spawning Blueprints.
- Night Raids and Storms may increase rare Blueprint spawn chances in containers.
- Containers with higher numbers of items may have a higher tendency to spawn Blueprints. As a result, Blue Gate (which has many “large” containers containing multiple items) may give you a higher chance of spawning Blueprints.
- Raider containers (Raider Caches, Weapon Boxes, Medical Bags, Grenade Tubes) have increased Blueprint drop rates. As a result, the Uncovered Caches event gives you a high chance of finding Blueprints.
- Security Lockers have a higher than average chance of containing Blueprints.
- Certain Blueprints only seem to spawn under specific circumstances: Tempest Blueprint only spawns during Night Raid events. Vulcano Blueprint only spawns during Hidden Bunker events. Jupiter and Equaliser Blueprints only spawn during Harvester events.
Raider Caches, Weapon Boxes, and other raider-oriented container types have a good chance of offering Blueprints. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Embark Studios
Blueprints have a very low chance of spawning in any container in Arc Raiders, around 1-2% on average. However, there is a higher chance of finding Blueprints in particular container types. Specifically, you can find more Blueprints in Raider containers and security lockers.
Beyond this, if you’re looking for Blueprints you should focus on regions of the map which are marked as having particularly high-value loot. Areas such as the Control Tower in Dam Battlegrounds, the Arrival and Departure Buildings in Spaceport, and Pilgrim’s Peak in Blue Gate all have a better-than-average chance of spawning Blueprints somewhere amongst all their containers. Night Raids and Electromagnetic Storm events also increase the drop chances of certain Blueprints .
In addition to these containers, you can often loot Blueprints from destroyed Surveyors - the largest of the rolling ball ARC. Surveyors are more commonly found on the later maps - Spaceport and Blue Gate - and if one spawns in your match, you’ll likely see it by the blue laser beam that it casts into the sky while “surveying”.
Surveyors are quite well-armoured and will very speedily run away from you once it notices you, but if you can take one down then make sure you loot all its parts for a chance of obtaining certain unusual Blueprints.
Blueprints obtained from quests
One way in which you can get Blueprints is by completing certain quests for the vendors in Speranza. Some quests will reward you with a specific item Blueprint upon completion, so as long as you work through all the quests in Arc Raiders, you are guaranteed those Blueprints.
Here is the full list of all Blueprints you can get from quest rewards:
- Trigger Nade Blueprint: Rewarded after completing “Sparks Fly”.
- Lure Grenade Blueprint: Rewarded after completing “Greasing Her Palms”.
- Burletta Blueprint: Rewarded after completing “Industrial Espionage”.
- Hullcracker Blueprint (and Launcher Ammo Blueprint): Rewarded after completing “The Major’s Footlocker”.
Alas, that’s only 4 Blueprints out of a total of 75 to unlock, so for the vast majority you will need to find them yourself during a raid. If you’re intent on farming Blueprints, then it’s best to equip yourself with cheap gear in case you lose it, but don’t use a free loadout because then you won’t get a safe pocket to stash any new Blueprint you find. No pain in Arc Raiders is sharper than failing to extract with a new Blueprint you’ve been after for a dozen hours already.
One of the best ways to get Blueprints is by hitting three stars on all five Trials every week. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Embark Studios
Blueprints obtained from Trials
One of the very best ways to get Blueprints is as rewards for completing Trials in Arc Raiders. Trials are unlocked from Level 15 onwards, and allow you to earn rewards by focusing on certain tasks over the course of several raids. For example, one Trial might task you with dealing damage to Hornets, while another might challenge you to loot Supply Drops.
Trials refresh on a weekly basis, with a new week bringing five new Trials. Each Trial can offer up to three rewards after passing certain score milestones, and it’s possible to receive very high level loot from these reward crates - including Blueprints. So if you want to unlock as many Blueprints as possible, you should make a point of completing as many Trials as possible each week.
Best Blueprint farming locations
The very best way to get Blueprints is to frequent specific areas of the maps which combine high-tier loot pools with the right types of containers to search. Here are my recommendations for where to find Blueprints on every map, so you can always keep the search going for new crafting recipes to unlock.
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Embark Studios
Dam Battlegrounds
The best places to farm Blueprints on Dam Battlegrounds are the Control Tower, Power Generation Complex, Ruby Residence, and Pale Apartments . The first two regions, despite only being marked on the map as mid-tier loot, contain a phenomenal number of containers to loot. The Control Tower can also contain a couple of high-tier Security Lockers - though of course, you’ll need to have unlocked the Security Breach skill at the end of the Survival tree.
There’s also a lot of reporting amongst the playerbase that the Residential areas in the top-left of the map - Pale Apartments and Ruby Residence - give you a comparatively strong chance of finding Blueprints. Considering their size, there’s a high density of containers to loot in both locations, and they also have the benefit of being fairly out of the way. So you’re more likely to have all the containers to yourself.
Buried City
The best Blueprint farming locations on Buried City are the Santa Maria Houses, Grandioso Apartments, Town Hall, and the various buildings of the New District . Grandioso Apartments has a lower number of containers than the rest, but a high chance of spawning weapon cases - which have good Blueprint drop rates. The others are high-tier loot areas, with plenty of lootable containers - including Security Lockers.
Spaceport
The best places to find Blueprints on Spaceport are the Arrival and Departure Buildings, as well as Control Tower A6 and the Launch Towers . All these areas are labelled as high-value loot regions, and many of them are also very handily connected to one another by the Spaceport wall, which you can use to quickly run from one area to the next. At the tops of most of these buildings you’ll find at least one Security Locker, so this is an excellent farming route for players looking to find Blueprints.
The downside to looting Blueprints on Spaceport is that all these areas are hotly contested, particularly in Duos and Squads. You’ll need to be very focused and fast in order to complete the full farming route.
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Embark Studios
Blue Gate
Blue Gate tends to have a good chance of dropping Blueprints, potentially because it generally has a high number of containers which can hold lots of items; so there’s a higher chance of a Blueprint spawning in each container. In my experience, the best Blueprint farming spots on Blue Gate are Pilgrim’s Peak, Raider’s Refuge, the Ancient Fort, and the Underground Complex beneath the Warehouse .
All of these areas contain a wealth of containers to loot. Raider’s Refuge has less to loot, but the majority of the containers in and around the Refuge are raider containers, which have a high chance of containing Blueprints - particularly during major events.
Stella Montis
On the whole, Stella Montis seems to have a very low drop rate for Blueprints (though a high chance of dropping other high-tier loot). If you do want to try farming Blueprints on this map, the best places to find Blueprints in Stella Montis are Medical Research, Assembly Workshop, and the Business Center . These areas have the highest density of containers to loot on the map.
In addition to this, the Western Tunnel has a few different Security Lockers to loot, so while there’s very little to loot elsewhere in this area of the map, it’s worth hitting those Security Lockers if you spawn there at the start of a match.
That wraps up this primer on how to get all the Blueprints in Arc Raiders as quickly as possible. With the Expedition system constantly resetting a large number of players’ Blueprints, it’s more important than ever to have the most up-to-date information on where to find all these Blueprints.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our Arc Raiders best guns tier list , as well as our primers on the best skills to unlock and all the different Field Depot locations on every map.
ARC Raiders
PS5 , Xbox Series X/S , PC
Rock Paper Shotgun is better when you sign in
Sign in and join us on our journey to discover strange and compelling PC games.
