What are keys in Arc Raiders?

Keys in Arc Raiders are lootable in-game items that unlock specific locked doors, bunkers, and facilities on various maps, granting access to high-tier loot, rare weapons, and blueprints.

Do keys disappear after use in Arc Raiders?

Yes, Arc Raiders keys are single-use items and will disappear from your inventory once they have been used to open a locked door.

Can I lose keys if I die in Arc Raiders?

Yes, if you die during a raid, any keys you are carrying will be lost unless you have placed them in your safe pocket.

Where can I find keys in Arc Raiders?

Keys are rare drops found in loot containers across all maps. Your best chances are in high-loot areas (marked in red), residential zones, administrative buildings, security outposts, and sometimes from elite Arc enemies or as quest rewards.

Is the loot from locked doors worth it?

Generally, yes, the loot from locked doors is considered valuable. It is highly recommended to use keys during night raids or other events with loot multipliers to maximize your rewards.

Introduction to Arc Raiders Keys

Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person PvPvE extraction shooter developed and published by Embark Studios, released on October 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. In the game, players venture from an underground base to the planet's surface to collect items and fight hostile robots and other human players. A crucial element for maximizing loot and accessing valuable resources in Arc Raiders is the use of in-game "keys." These keys are special lootable items that grant access to locked rooms, bunkers, and facilities that typically house higher-tier loot, including rare weapons, useful reward containers, and blueprints.

How Keys Work in Arc Raiders

Keys in Arc Raiders are single-use items, meaning they disappear after being used to unlock a door. If a player is killed during a raid, any keys they are carrying will be lost unless they have been secured in a safe pocket. Locked doors, once opened, reset with every new raid, so the same doors will require a new key to be opened in subsequent runs. The loot found behind these locked doors is generally considered worthwhile, especially when combined with loot spawn event multipliers.

Finding Arc Raiders Keys

Keys are considered incredibly rare drops in Arc Raiders. They can be found randomly in various loot containers across all maps. To increase your chances of finding keys, players should focus on searching:

High-Loot Areas: These locations are often outlined in red on the map and have a higher probability of dropping valuable items, including keys.

Residential Zones: Drawers, cupboards, and other containers within residential areas are good places to search. Ruby Residence on the Dam Battlegrounds map is specifically noted as a great location for farming keys due to its multi-tier apartment buildings with numerous drawers and cupboards.

Administrative Buildings: Research and Administration buildings are also key locations for finding keys.

Security Outposts: These areas are also good for finding access keys, though they often come with heavy resistance.

Elite Enemies and Quest Rewards: Some keys can occasionally drop from tougher Arc enemies, particularly those guarding restricted zones. Certain quests may also reward players with keys.

Looting Other Players: Killing and looting other players can also be a way to acquire keys.

Types of Keys and Locations

Arc Raiders features a variety of keys, each typically corresponding to a specific locked door or area on a particular map. As of January 2026, there are at least 21 distinct keys. Here are some examples of keys and where they are used:

Dam Battlegrounds Keys: These include the Dam Surveillance Key, Dam Staff Room Key, Dam Testing Annex Key, and Dam Control Tower Key. These keys are generally found within the Dam Battlegrounds map, often in residential areas or the Research and Administration building. The Dam Control Tower Key, for instance, is considered highly valuable for accessing rich loot.

Buried City Keys: Examples include the Buried City Residential Master Key, Buried City JKV Employee Access Card, Buried City Hospital Key, and Buried City Town Hall Key. These keys unlock specific doors within the Buried City map, such as the Town Hall, J Kozma Ventures building, or the Hospital.

Spaceport Keys: The Spaceport Warehouse Key, Spaceport Trench Tower Key, Spaceport Container Storage Key, and Spaceport Control Tower Key are used to access locked areas in the Spaceport map, such as warehouses or control towers.

Blue Gate Keys: This category includes the Blue Gate Village Key, Blue Gate Cellar Key, Blue Gate Communication Tower Key, and Blue Gate Confiscation Room Key. These keys are used to open locked areas within the Blue Gate map.

Stella Montis Keys: Keys like the Stella Montis Medical Storage Key, Stella Montis Assembly Admin Key, Stella Montis Security Checkpoint Key, and Stella Montis Archives Key are found and used on the Stella Montis map.

Raider Hatch Key: This key opens a Raider Hatch, which serves as a safer and faster extraction point.

Tips for Using Keys Safely and Effectively

To maximize the benefits of finding and using keys in Arc Raiders, consider the following strategies:

Secure Keys in Safe Pocket: Always place any keys you find into your safe pocket immediately. This prevents their loss if you are eliminated during a raid.

Prioritize Night Raids and Loot Multipliers: The loot obtained from locked rooms is significantly more valuable during night raids, electromagnetic storms, or other events that provide loot multipliers. Using keys during these conditions can lead to substantially better rewards. Avoid using keys during normal conditions or day raids if possible, as the loot difference is massive.

Explore Thoroughly: Since keys are rare and randomly dropped, meticulous exploration of residential zones, administrative buildings, and high-loot areas is essential.

Be Aware of PvP Hotspots: High-loot areas and locations with valuable locked rooms are often contested by other players. Be prepared for engagements when venturing into these zones.

Know Your Map: Understanding where each key is used and the layout of the locked rooms can help you plan your raids more efficiently and decide which keys to prioritize.

Consider Trading: While not elaborated upon in the search results, one source mentions key trading options, suggesting that keys might be a tradable commodity.

By strategically finding and utilizing keys, players can significantly enhance their raiding experience and acquire valuable resources in Arc Raiders.

Comprehensive Guide to Keys in Arc Raiders

Quick Summary