How To Equip Medium Shield in ARC Raiders

In the high-stakes extraction zones of ARC Raiders, durability is often the key to surviving a tough encounter or making a safe escape. Your primary line of defense is your shield, but unlike most gear, shields cannot be freely swapped. They are locked behind specific Augments, which means upgrading your protection requires fundamentally changing your loadout and crafting strategy.The game features three tiers of protection: Light, Medium, and Heavy. While Light Shields are accessible to everyone, graduating to the more durable Medium and Heavy Shields requires an investment in advanced gear. The Medium Shield offers the ideal balance—allowing you to take significantly more punishment at a minor cost to mobility.If you’re ready to stop relying on basic protection and start shrugging off damage, here is a complete guide to understanding the shield system, acquiring the necessary Augments, and effectively utilizing Medium Shields in ARC Raiders.

ARC Raiders: How To Equip Medium Shield

The Shield and Augment System Explained

Shield compatibility in ARC Raiders is entirely determined by the Augment you have equipped. Augments serve as the core of your loadout, controlling your carry capacity and thetype of protection you can use. To equip better shields, you must craftand purchase higher-tier Augments.

Shield Tier	Required Augment(s)	Mobility vs. Defense	Access
Light	Free Loadout or Looting Augment	High Mobility, Low Defense	Available to all players (starter gear)
Medium	Combat MK1 or Tactical MK1	Good Balance (Minor Mobility Loss)	Requires Augment crafting and purchase
Heavy	Raider Augment III+	Low Mobility, High Defense	Requires Equipment Bench Level 3+

The Light Shields, available with the starter Free Loadout and Looting Augments, areperfect for scouting and looting builds as they impose no movement speed penalties. However, for direct combat, they simply don't offer enoughprotection.

How to Unlock and Equip Medium Shields

To gain access to Medium Shields, you must obtain and equip either the Combat MK1 Augment or the Tactical MK1 Augment. These two Augments specifically enable the use of Medium Shields andalso provide a welcome increase to your carrying capacity.

Step 1: Obtain a Base Augment Resource

Before you can craft the improved Augments, you first need a base resource: the Free Loadout Augment resource.

• Extraction: The easiest way to get this resource is by successfully extracting with a Free Loadout Augment after a raid.
• Crafting: Alternatively, you can craft the Free Loadout Augment resource at your Equipment Bench.

Step 2: Purchase the Improved Augment from Lance

With the base resource secured, you can now purchase the upgrade.

• Visit the Clinic: Head to the Clinic located at your base.
• Speak with Lance: Interact with the vendor, Lance, who specializes in Augment upgrades.
• Craft and Purchase: Use the Free Loadout Augment resource you acquired to craft and purchase either the Combat MK1 or the Tactical MK1 Augment.

Step 3: Equip the New Augment

• Go to the Loadout Station: Access your Loadout Station (or raid prep screen).
• Equip the Augment: Select and equip the newly purchased Combat MK1 or Tactical MK1 Augment.

Equipping one of these two Augments instantly increases your carrying capacity and, most importantly, enables the use of Medium Shields in your loadout.

The Case for the Medium Shield

While Heavy Shields offer the best protection, that high tankiness comes atthe severe cost of a significant movement penalty, making you a slowtarget. The Medium Shield, enabled by the Combat or Tactical MK1Augment, is often the most practical choice.

• Ideal Balance: Medium Shields present an ideal middle ground, effectively balancing durability and mobility. You can absorb more damage without feeling crippled by movementpenalties, allowing you to reposition during firefights or escape whenthings go sideways.

The Path to Heavy Shields

If your ultimate goal is maximum defense, you must continue your Augment progression:

• Upgrade the Equipment Bench: You will need to upgrade your home base Equipment Bench to Level 3.
• Craft High-Tier Materials: This higher-tier bench unlocks the ability to craft the necessary materials for the Raider Augment III+ and the crafting components for Heavy Shields.

Focus on the Medium Shield first; it provides a tangible upgrade insurvivability that will drastically improve your chances of extractingsuccessfully in ARC Raiders.

---

Other Articles Related

How To Get Compensator Blueprint in Arc Raiders
Learn how to secure the Compensator Blueprint in Arc Raiders. Our guidecovers the best farming methods, mission strategies, and enemy drops tocraft this essential weapon attachment.
How To Get Light Bulbs in Arc Raiders
Learn how to find and secure Light Bulbs in ARC Raiders, a key craftingresource. This guide covers the best looting locations, strategies forevading enemy ARC, and tips for a successful extraction.
How To Get Stitcher SMG in Arc Raiders
Learn how to get the Stitcher SMG in ARC Raiders with our step-by-step guide. Find the weapon parts, complete the assembly, and dominate thebattlefield with this powerful close-range weapon.
How To Get Burletta Pistol in Arc Raiders
Learn how to get the Burletta Pistol in ARC Raiders with our step-by-stepguide. Find the blueprint location, required materials, and craftingtips to unlock this powerful sidearm.
How To Get Vulcano Shotgun in Arc Raiders
Learn how to secure the powerful Vulcano Shotgun in Arc Raiders. Our guidecovers the exact location, drop source, and the steps you need to claimthis devastating weapon for yourself.
How to Complete Water Troubles Quest in Arc Raiders
Struggling with the Water Troubles quest in ARC Raiders? Our guide walks you through finding the water samples, fixing the pump, and claiming your rewards. Get step-by-step tips to finish this quest fast.
Where To Find Cooling Fan in ARC Raiders
Struggling to beat the heat in ARC Raiders? Our guide shows you exactly where tofind a Cooling Fan, a crucial component for crafting and survival. Getthe location tips you need now.
How To Get the Torrente Gun in Arc Raiders
Learn how to secure the powerful Torrente Gun in Arc Raiders. Our guidecovers step-by-step strategies, locations, and tips to add this dominant energy weapon to your arsenal and dominate the battlefield.
How To Get More Safe Pockets in Arc Raiders
Level up your survivability in ARC Raiders! Discover expert strategies &tips to unlock more Safe Pockets for carrying extra gear, ensuringyou're always prepared for the dangers ahead.
How to Complete the A Symbol of Unification Quest In ARC Raiders
Complete the A Symbol of Unification quest in ARC Raiders easily! Find the Raider Flag at the Formical Outpost on the Dam Battlegrounds map and learn exactly where to raise it.
How To Get Riolu and Lucario in Pokemon Legends Z-A
Discover how to obtain Riolu and Lucario in Pokemon Legends Z-A. Unleash their potential and enhance your gameplay
How to Get Adrenaline Injector Kills in Battlefield 6
 Master Battlefield 6 with our guide to Adrenaline Injector kills. Boost your gameplay and dominate the battlefield 
What To Sell in Escape From Duckov
the best products to sell in  Escape From Duckov  and boost your success. Uncover top-selling items and strategies
How To Open Locked Crates in Escape From Duckov
Learn the best methods to open locked crates in Escape From Duckov. Get tipson finding keys, using lockpicks, and securing rare loot. Your ultimateguide to crate mastery.
Call Station and Supply Drops in Arc Raiders
Explore all Blue Gate tunnel locations in ARC Raiders. Find hidden entrances,secure valuable loot, and dominate the map with our complete guide.