ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Guide: How to Complete Every Stage Fast

What you’ll learn: how to clear the Phantom Targets project efficiently, where the cargo elevator antenna objective works, how to handle the later damage tasks, and which rewards make this project worth prioritizing for smoother progression and stronger extractions.

Phantom Targets is one of the more straightforward project chains in ARC Raiders, but it can still trip players up because the first objective looks bugged at a glance and the later steps depend on using specific ARC enemy components correctly. If the goal is fast completion with minimal wasted raids, the best approach is to treat the project as a route-planning task rather than a combat challenge.

This guide breaks down every stage shown so far, including the antenna upgrades on cargo elevators, the enemy-component damage tasks, and the final destruction requirements tied to damage types. It also covers the reward track, why some items are valuable for progression, and how to reduce risk while moving between objective points.

How Phantom Targets Starts

The opening task asks players to upgrade a cargo elevator antenna at three extract elevator locations. The important detail is that this can be done across multiple raids or in a single raid. That flexibility matters because it lets cautious players spread the objective over several runs, while confident squads can finish the first stage in one efficient route.

The task appears to work on any map where the relevant extract elevators are available. You do not need a special event instance for the interaction itself. Once you reach a valid extraction bunker, climb on top of the elevator structure and look for the antenna. Interact with it and hold the prompt until the upgrade completes.

If nothing obvious happens after the interaction, check the quest journal or map objective tracker. Progress can register even when the feedback feels unclear. That is the main reason many players assume the task is broken when it is actually counting correctly.

Stage 1: Upgrade Three Cargo Elevator Antennas

How the objective works

Each valid extraction elevator has an antenna mounted on top of the bunker-like structure. The process is simple:

• Travel to an extract elevator location.
• Climb onto the top of the structure.
• Find the antenna interaction point.
• Hold the interact key to perform the upgrade.
• Check your journal to confirm progress.

You need three successful interactions total. They do not have to be done in a specific order, and the route is flexible. If one extraction point is too hot with enemy activity or rival raiders, rotate to another and preserve your run.

Best way to complete it in one raid

If you want a one-run clear, plan around three known elevator extracts and move between them with stamina, healing, and mobility in mind. The safest version of this approach is to avoid unnecessary fights. Your objective is not loot density or PvP pressure; it is clean movement and task completion.

Bring a compact survival setup rather than a heavy combat kit. A light loadout usually makes more sense here than overinvesting in expensive gear. This is one of those cases where lower-risk equipment can outperform greedier setups, especially if your only goal is project progress and extraction.

Because the interaction happens on top of the structure, expect a moment of vulnerability while climbing and channeling the upgrade. Clear nearby ARC threats first if they can interrupt you. If another team is close, disengaging and circling back is often smarter than forcing the interaction under pressure.

Why the journal check matters

The first stage can appear unresponsive after the antenna interaction. Always verify the count manually. If the tracker shows one out of three, two out of three, or completion, the task is functioning. This small habit prevents wasted backtracking and helps you decide whether to continue the route or extract immediately.

Completing the first stage grants several useful items, including the Combat MK3 Aggressive, the Heavy Shield, and the Vita Spray. These are solid rewards for players trying to stabilize their mid-run survivability and expand their usable kit without burning extra ARC Raiders Items from storage.

For players still building out ARC Raiders Workbench progression, rewards like these also reduce pressure on your regular resource economy. Getting practical gear from projects means fewer crafted replacements and less strain on your usual loot and resources loop.

Stage 2: Deal Damage Using ARC Enemy Components

The second stage shifts from navigation to conditional combat. Instead of simply interacting with map objects, you must deal damage to ARC enemies using specific components looted from other ARC units. This is where many runs slow down, because players kill the right enemy but forget they also need to use the dropped component offensively afterward.

The three listed requirements are:

• Deal damage to any ARC enemy using Pop Triggers.
• Deal damage to any ARC enemy using Wasp Drivers.
• Deal damage to any ARC enemy using Leaper Pulse Unit.

Pop Trigger objective

To complete this portion, find the relevant Pop enemy, loot the Pop Trigger component, and then use it against any ARC target. The target does not need to be the same enemy type that dropped it. The objective only cares that the damage source is the required component and that the victim is an ARC enemy.

The easiest method is to weaken a nearby target first, then apply the component effect to guarantee registered damage. This reduces the chance of wasting the item on a missed throw, bad timing, or an enemy that moves out of range.

Wasp Driver objective

This step requires taking down a Wasp, looting the Wasp Driver, and using it to damage an ARC enemy. Since Wasps can be annoying in open ground, it helps to fight them from partial cover and avoid getting dragged into a longer engagement than necessary.

If your inventory is tight, leave room before hunting these targets. Component-based objectives can become frustrating when a needed drop appears but your bag is already overloaded with ARC Raiders crafting Materials and other raid loot.

Leaper Pulse Unit objective

For this requirement, eliminate a Leaper, grab the Pulse Unit, and use it on any ARC enemy. Leapers can be dangerous if they close distance quickly, so this is a good section to handle with positioning first. Fight them where you have a clear retreat path, then secure the component before additional enemies collapse on the noise.

As with the other Stage 2 tasks, you only need the component to deal damage, not necessarily score the final blow. That distinction makes the objective much easier. Soften the target with your normal weapon, then trigger the required effect for clean confirmation.

Take a look at: our fastest route guide for every objective

Best Stage 2 strategy

The most efficient way to finish Stage 2 is to combine target hunting with ordinary loot runs. Do not force a raid that revolves entirely around one component unless you are missing only a single objective. Instead, move through areas where mixed ARC patrols are common, carry a flexible weapon, and save healing for moments when component setup becomes messy.

This is also a good point to think about bag value. If you are choosing between extracting with a full pack of ARC Raiders extraction loot or gambling on one more component objective while low on meds, the safer play is often to bank progress and reset. Phantom Targets is generous enough that steady completion beats reckless speed.

Completing the second part awards several high-value items, including Aphilion, Dabra, and Jupiter. These rewards are especially appealing if you are trying to expand your options without depending entirely on lucky drops or scarce ARC Raiders rare Blueprints. Project rewards like this can smooth out the awkward gap between early consistency and stronger endgame loadouts.

Stage 3: Destroy ARC Enemies with Specific Damage Types

The final stage is more direct than Stage 2, but it still benefits from planning. The listed tasks are to destroy ARC enemies using:

• Fire damage
• Energy damage
• Launcher ammo

Unlike the previous stage, this part is about kill confirmation with the correct damage category. That means the finishing blow matters much more. If a target dies to standard bullet damage after being softened by fire or energy, it may not count toward the objective.

Fire damage kills

Use incendiary tools, environmental ignition sources when available, or weapons and effects that reliably apply burn damage. The safest route is to weaken an ARC enemy first, then finish it with the fire-based source so the kill registers cleanly.

If you are short on specialized gear, this is one of the few cases where saving the right consumables for a project run is worth it. Burning premium utility on random raids can slow your later progress, especially when your stash of ARC Raiders progression resources is still limited.

Energy damage kills

Energy damage objectives are usually easiest when handled with a weapon or tool that deals consistent, repeatable energy output rather than a rare one-off effect. Prioritize weaker ARC targets or already-damaged enemies so you do not waste time and ammo trying to brute-force tankier units.

If your current kit is light on elemental options, this is where thoughtful ARC Raiders gear upgrades can make a big difference. A small change in available damage types often turns a frustrating objective into a routine cleanup run.

Launcher ammo kills

This is the highest-risk part of the final stage, mainly because explosive ammunition is valuable and easy to misuse. Avoid firing into cluttered close-range fights unless you are certain of the angle. The cleanest method is to isolate slower or grouped ARC enemies and secure the final blow with launcher damage.

Because launcher ammo can be expensive to replace, do not waste shots on healthy low-value targets if a standard weapon can set up the kill first. Efficient damage staging matters here, especially for players managing scarce ARC Raiders Materials and trying to avoid unnecessary re-crafting.

Stage 3 rewards

Finishing the final stage unlocks the Powered Descender, the Horizontal Grip, and the Snap Hook. The standout reward is the Powered Descender, effectively a jetpack-style mobility unlock that can reshape traversal, repositioning, and extraction routes. For many players, this is the real reason to prioritize Phantom Targets early.

The Horizontal Grip is also valuable for stabilizing weapon handling, while the Snap Hook adds more movement flexibility. Together, these unlocks support both safer map traversal and stronger combat efficiency.

For Stage 1 antenna runs

• Use a light kit with reliable healing.
• Prioritize movement over maximum carrying capacity.
• Avoid prolonged fights near extraction bunkers.
• Confirm each interaction in the journal before moving on.

Take a look at: what Phantom Targets could be teasing next

For Stage 2 component tasks

• Leave inventory space for enemy drops.
• Weaken targets before using required components.
• Fight in areas with mixed ARC spawns.
• Extract if you complete one or two requirements and resources are low.

For Stage 3 damage-type kills

• Bring at least one dependable elemental option.
• Set up kills with standard weapons first.
• Save launcher ammo for guaranteed confirmations.
• Do not overcommit if your objective progress can be banked safely.

Why Phantom Targets Matters for Progression

Phantom Targets is more than a side project. It gives direct access to useful combat tools and mobility unlocks that can improve future raids. For players trying to optimize progression without endless grinding, projects like this are often more efficient than chasing random drops alone.

That is especially true if your stash is missing key utility pieces or you are still deciding where to spend upgrade resources. Structured rewards reduce uncertainty and can save time compared with repeated farming runs for a single breakthrough item. Some players eventually look for how to stock up on ARC Raiders Materials without endless grinding, but before that point, targeted projects are one of the best ways to stretch your economy naturally.

The project also encourages broader mechanical familiarity. Stage 1 teaches map movement and extract awareness. Stage 2 trains players to recognize enemy-specific drops and use them correctly. Stage 3 reinforces damage typing and kill setup. That makes Phantom Targets a useful progression checkpoint, not just a reward dispenser.

What This Update May Be Setting Up

Based on the current structure, Phantom Targets looks like a staged content rollout rather than a one-and-done task chain. Later parts being locked suggests a larger patch cadence, potentially tied to new encounters, expanded project lines, or broader seasonal progression. Even without overcommitting to speculation, it is clear this project is meant to bridge current gameplay with upcoming content beats.

If future updates expand on these objectives, players who finish the available stages early should be in a better position to pivot into whatever comes next, whether that means new enemy interactions, more advanced mobility tools, or additional unlock paths tied to ARC Raiders Weapons and support gear.

Can the antenna upgrades be done across multiple raids?

Yes. You do not need to finish all three in one run. Progress carries as long as each valid antenna interaction is registered.

Why does the first antenna objective look bugged?

The interaction feedback can be unclear. Open your journal or map tracker after each upgrade to confirm the count.

Do Stage 2 component objectives require a kill or just damage?

They require damage to an ARC enemy using the listed component, not necessarily the final blow.

What is the best reward from Phantom Targets?

For most players, the Powered Descender is the biggest unlock because it improves movement, route flexibility, and overall survival potential.

Should beginners prioritize Phantom Targets early?

Yes, especially if the available objectives align with your normal raid routes. The rewards can support smoother progression and reduce pressure on your regular equipment pool.