Arc Raiders thrives on scavenged parts, where most items serve a single purpose before being discarded or sold for minimal coin. Water Pumps, for instance, have long been overlooked—useless for combat, worthless for crafting, and barely worth selling. But with the introduction of the Weather Monitor project, these small, unassuming components have become unexpectedly critical. The catch? They’re harder to find than ever.
Unlike other scavenged materials, Water Pumps don’t spawn in predictable loot drops or enemy drops. Instead, they lurk in the overlooked corners of industrial zones, tucked away in crates or half-hidden on shelves. Missing one could mean grinding through multiple areas just to complete the project’s final stage. Here’s where to focus your search—and why the effort might be worth it.
The New Purpose of Water Pumps
The Weather Monitor project demands four specific items: Duct Tape, Rusted Bolts, Wasp Drivers, and a single Water Pump. Most players likely already have stockpiles of the first three, but the Water Pump is the odd one out. It’s not something you’ll stumble upon during a typical raid, nor is it something you can easily farm from enemies. This makes it the most elusive requirement in the project—one that could force you to revisit old battlegrounds or dig through overlooked containers.
Outside of this project, Water Pumps remain nearly worthless. Selling them nets a paltry 1,000 coins, while recycling them yields only a fraction of the Metal Parts or Oil you’d get from other scrap. Their value is now entirely tied to the Weather Monitor, making their scarcity all the more frustrating.
Where to Hunt for Water Pumps
Water Pumps aren’t randomly scattered across Arc Raiders’ maps. Instead, they cluster in mechanical and industrial hubs, where machinery and storage facilities dominate. Two key locations stand out as the best hunting grounds
- Dam Battlegrounds: A hub for power and water infrastructure, this area is packed with potential hiding spots. Check:
- Power Generation Complex
- Controlled Access Zone (especially the red lockers in the side room)
- Primary Facility
- Water Treatment Control
- Spaceport: The industrial backbone of the map, where shipping, fuel, and vehicle maintenance create prime looting opportunities. Look inside:
- Shipping Warehouse
- Fuel Control
- Rocket Assembly
- Container Storage
- Vehicle Maintenance
In these areas, Water Pumps often sit on tables, shelves, or inside metal crates. They’re small and easy to overlook, so thoroughness is key. For example, one was recently spotted in the Controlled Access Zone puzzle area, tucked away in a locker that many players might skip. The same goes for Spaceport’s storage units—every crate is worth inspecting.
Why the Hunt Matters
Completing the Weather Monitor project unlocks a functional device that tracks storm patterns and other environmental data—useful for planning raids and avoiding hazardous conditions. Without a Water Pump, you’re stuck at the fourth stage, unable to progress. Given how rare they are, this could mean
- Revisiting old maps to scavenge overlooked containers.
- Prioritizing industrial zones over other loot spots.
- Accepting that some Water Pumps may require multiple attempts to secure.
For most players, the effort is justified by the project’s utility. For others, it’s a reminder of how Arc Raiders forces you to adapt—even when dealing with seemingly useless items. Once the Weather Monitor is complete, Water Pumps will likely revert to their previous obscurity. But for now, they’re the key to unlocking something greater.
