How to Kill Bastions on ARC Raiders

Bastions are formidable enemies in ARC Raiders that can eliminate you in a single barrage of machine gun fire. This guide will walk you through the essential strategies, optimal positioning, and weapon recommendations needed to defeat these dangerous foes safely and effectively.

Understanding Bastions

Bastions are heavily armored enemies that fire machine gun bullets at an insane rate. Unlike bombardiers, they only shoot bullets and do not deploy grenades, which makes certain defensive positions viable. However, the sheer volume of fire they unleash means you must treat them with respect and caution.

Finding Cover and Safe Positioning

The Importance of Cover

The number one tip for killing bastions is to ensure you have somewhere to hide behind. Never attempt to engage a bastion in open ground—the relentless machine gun fire will cut you down immediately. Proper cover is not optional; it is essential to your survival.

Best Defensive Positions

The optimal location for fighting a bastion is inside a building, particularly near a window where you can peek out to shoot and then retreat to safety. Windows allow you to engage the enemy while maintaining protection from the constant barrage of bullets. Avoid rooftops, as they provide inadequate cover. Doorways are also relatively safe positions since bastions only fire bullets—unlike bombardiers whose grenades can penetrate doorways.

Identifying and Targeting Weak Spots

Every bastion has critical weak spots you must target. Look for the yellow-colored sections on the bastion’s knee pads. These are the vulnerable areas where you need to concentrate your fire. Hit these yellow spots repeatedly, and eventually the bastion won’t be able to stand up, leading to its destruction.

Recommended Weapons and Ammunition

Primary Weapon: Hull Cracker

The best weapon for killing bastions is the Hull Cracker, which you can purchase from the trader for 30,000 credits each day. This weapon is specifically designed to penetrate armor and deals significant damage to the bastion’s weak spots.

Ammunition Requirements

To use the Hull Cracker effectively, you need launch ammo. You should aim to have approximately ten rounds of launch ammo to successfully kill a bastion. This is the minimum amount recommended for a clean takedown.

Alternative Weapon Option

If you don’t have access to the Hull Cracker, the Anvil is a viable alternative. Look for versions with arc armor penetration that are rated as Strong or Very Strong. Be aware that using the Anvil will take considerably longer to kill the bastion compared to the Hull Cracker.

Engagement Strategy

To get the bastion’s attention, fire a normal bullet first to draw it out. Once you have its focus, retreat to your prepared defensive position—ideally a window or doorway inside a building. From this safe location, peek out briefly to fire your launch ammo at the yellow knee pad weak spots, then immediately retreat back inside to reload and avoid the incoming fire.

Summary

Killing a bastion in ARC Raiders requires three key elements: proper cover in a defensive position (preferably a window or doorway), consistent targeting of the yellow weak spots on the knee pads, and the appropriate weapon system (Hull Cracker with launch ammo, or Anvil with strong arc armor penetration). With these strategies in place, you can safely eliminate bastions without taking unnecessary damage.

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