Arc Raiders demands precision in loot gathering, and few items are as elusive as **Rusted Bolts**—the three required for the Trophy Cabinet’s first stage. While the game hints at their presence in Mechanical and Industrial zones, players often struggle to pinpoint exact locations, especially when other parts like Surveyor Vaults or Arc Courier drops overshadow the hunt.
The challenge isn’t just scarcity; it’s visibility. Bolts frequently hide in plain sight—scattered on shelves, tucked inside breached vehicles, or nestled in overlooked containers. The key is focusing on **overlapping zones** where both Industrial and Mechanical tags converge, maximizing efficiency.
Top Locations for Rusted Bolts
- Scrapyard (Dam Battlegrounds): The most reliable source, where bolts are often found inside large, abandoned vehicles. Breaching these structures yields consistent drops.
- Spaceport (Central Area): Combines Container Storage and Vehicle Maintenance, with bolts sometimes loose on shelves or in drawers.
- Water Treatment Control (West Dam Battlegrounds): A less crowded spot with a higher chance of finding bolts in industrial equipment.
- Primary Facility (Dam Battlegrounds): Located beneath the Control Tower, this area frequently holds bolts in mechanical storage units.
- Loading Bay (Stella Montis): Containers with ripped-open sides often contain bolts in small drawers—check every accessible unit.
Unlike other loot, Rusted Bolts don’t spawn in predictable patterns. They’re more likely to appear in **high-traffic industrial zones** where vehicles or machinery are present. Players should prioritize areas with both tags, as these hybrid environments increase encounter rates. For example, the Spaceport’s Shipping Warehouse in the north is a hotspot, while the Scrapyard remains the most consistent for those willing to breach vehicles.
Efficiency matters when progressing through the Trophy Cabinet. While Surveyor Vaults or Arc Courier missions may yield other components, bolts require a more methodical approach. Ignoring these locations risks unnecessary backtracking, especially if other players have already cleared the primary spots.
For those stuck on this step, the Scrapyard in Dam Battlegrounds is the safest bet. Breaching vehicles there guarantees a higher chance of finding bolts, while other zones offer secondary opportunities. Keep an eye out for containers with drawers—many bolts are hidden in these overlooked spots.
