In ARC Raiders, having a reliable way to gather rare crafting materials can make or break your run. One of the trickiest resources to find is the rare mushroom, used in some of the game’s best consumables and upgrades. Many players end up with just one or two per drop, but with the route I’ve been running, you can grab four every single time, and do it fast. After hours of trial and error, I’ve nailed down a path that’s quick, safe, and avoids most ARC patrols. Once you’ve got it memorised, it feels less like luck and more like clockwork. If you’ve ever been caught short on supplies before a big fight, you’ll know why this matters — steady access to these mushrooms keeps your squad ready for anything. You can think of it as locking in your own little supply chain for ARC Raiders Items right from the start of the mission.
The Value of Mushrooms
These aren’t just random collectibles. Mushrooms feed into recipes for top-tier med kits, strong combat boosts, and unique gadget tweaks that can swing a fight in your favour. Hoping to stumble across them mid-mission is risky — sometimes you’ll get lucky, other times you’ll be under-equipped when you need them most. Running a set farming route means you’re in control. You can craft what you need, share extras with your squad, and hit objectives with the right gear already in your pack. The route I’m about to walk you through takes only a few minutes at the start of a drop, so you’re not losing time on your main goal.
Step 1: Abandoned Pumping Station
From the southern drop zones, especially near the Xeres Geothermal Plant, head east as soon as you land. You’re looking for a big, worn-down pumping station — concrete walls, rusted pipes, the works. Don’t bother with ARC patrols you spot off in the distance. Go straight to the north side of the building. The first mushroom hides in a damp patch behind some old barrels. It’s easy to miss if you’re not scanning the corners, so grab it quick and move on.
Step 2: Collapsed Highway Overpass
Next, go north until you hit the remains of a massive highway bridge. One section has fallen, forming a sloped pile of broken concrete and rebar that leads into a shallow ravine. The second mushroom grows under the collapsed part, right at the base of a big support pillar. Keep an eye out for Ticks that sometimes skitter around here, but it’s usually not too dangerous.
Step 3: Secluded Cave
Follow the ravine northeast. The ground gets rockier and the walls close in. Watch the right-hand side for a vine-covered cave entrance — it’s small and easy to run past if you’re moving too fast. Inside, just a few steps in, you’ll spot the third mushroom glowing in the dark. This is probably the easiest one to find, and you rarely see enemies inside.
Step 4: Lookout Ridge
Leave the cave and look for a climbable path up the ridge to your right, on the southern side. It’s a short, steep climb. At the top, you’ll find a flat ledge with a great view of the ravine you just crossed. The fourth mushroom sits near the cliff edge, beside a lone, weathered tree. This spot’s not just good for the mushroom — you can also use it to scout your next move toward the mission objective. With all four collected in just minutes, you’ll have the resources to craft what you need and keep your squad in top shape. That’s how you start a run ready for whatever ARC throws at you, with your own stash of ARC Raiders gear already secured.