The latest major update for Arc Raiders is proving to be a real test for players. Since the Flashpoint patch went live on March 31st, the new Vaporizer enemy has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions in the game.
This low-flying robotic drone is no ordinary threat. It stalks maps in pairs and is frequently found guarding the new Close Scrutiny Assessors, making high-stakes extractions even more dangerous. Early encounters have shown that even experienced raiders are struggling to survive against it.
Players have shared multiple clips of painful first encounters with the Vaporizer. One raider posted footage of being completely overwhelmed in their initial meeting with the enemy, describing it as getting “vaporized” in seconds. Another video shows a player thinking they had decent cover, only to be flanked and eliminated by two Vaporizers circling around from behind.
The enemy’s main attack is a focused laser beam. Once it connects, it deals heavy damage and applies a burning effect that is difficult to recover from. In one particularly chaotic clip, several players attempted to fight three Vaporizers in an open area while trying to secure pressure loot. None survived. As one poster put it, “Humanity definitely losing the battle so far.”
While most early attempts have ended in quick defeats, at least one daredevil has figured out a creative and extremely bold way to eliminate the Vaporizer.
In a clip that has been making the rounds, the player manages to get above the drone, drops directly onto it, and attaches a Deadline explosive to its exterior. They then jump off, take cover, and detonate the charge. The method is effective, but it clearly relies on perfect timing, positioning, and a healthy dose of luck.
Turns out Vaporizers aren’t so tough against a Deadline
by u/Hairy-Kaleidoscope-9 in ArcRaiders
After successfully pulling it off, the player simply commented, “I think I just peaked.”
The community has reacted with a mix of admiration and amusement at the high-risk play. While it works, most agree it is not a sustainable or repeatable strategy for every encounter.
The introduction of the Vaporizer fits perfectly with the direction Embark Studios has taken with the Flashpoint update. The new Close Scrutiny map condition already increases tension by adding heavy ARC protection around valuable loot. Adding a mobile, aggressive flying enemy raises the difficulty even further and forces players to adapt their approach.
So far, the Arc Raiders community seems to be enjoying the challenge despite the frequent deaths. Players are already experimenting with different loadouts, positioning tactics, and team coordination to deal with the new threat more reliably.
As more raiders spend time fighting the Vaporizer, better strategies and counters are likely to emerge. For now, though, the new enemy has succeeded in making raids feel noticeably more dangerous and unpredictable.
The Flashpoint update continues to deliver fresh content and meaningful changes to Arc Raiders. With the Vaporizer now patrolling the maps, players have a clear new priority: learning how to survive and eventually master this floating mechanical menace.
If you have not jumped into the update yet, be prepared. The Vaporizers are out there, and they do not show mercy.