If you’ve survived a few expeditions in ARC Raiders, you’ve probably discovered that not every enemy is equally dangerous. While many ARC machines can be handled with careful aim, the Rocketeer is one of the most frustrating opponents because it attacks from a distance and deals heavy explosive damage.

The good news is that defeating a Rocketeer isn’t about having the strongest weapon—it’s about understanding how it fights and using the environment to your advantage.

This guide explains how to kill the Rocketeer efficiently, whether you’re playing solo or with a squad.

What Is the Rocketeer?

The Rocketeer is a ranged ARC enemy equipped with powerful rocket launchers. Instead of rushing toward players, it often stays at medium or long range while launching explosive projectiles.

Because its rockets deal area-of-effect damage, standing still for even a few seconds can quickly end a fight.

The biggest challenge isn’t the Rocketeer’s health—it’s surviving long enough to deal consistent damage.

Quick Summary

Strategy	Effectiveness
Stay behind cover	★★★★★
Keep moving	★★★★★
Focus weak points	★★★★☆
Attack with teammates	★★★★★
Fight in open ground	★☆☆☆☆

Best Strategy to Kill the Rocketeer

Never Stay Still

The Rocketeer is designed to punish stationary players.

As soon as you hear a rocket launch or notice it aiming in your direction, move sideways instead of backing up. Constant movement makes its rockets much easier to avoid.

Use Solid Cover

Natural terrain, buildings, and large objects can completely block incoming rockets.

Peek from cover, fire a few shots, then immediately move back before another rocket is launched.

Avoid hiding behind objects that don’t fully protect you from explosive splash damage.

Aim for Weak Points

Like many ARC enemies, the Rocketeer may expose vulnerable components during combat.

When you have a clear shot, prioritize these exposed areas instead of firing randomly at its armor.

Targeting weak points helps conserve ammunition and shortens the encounter.

Eliminate Nearby Enemies First

Rocketeers become much more dangerous when smaller enemies are distracting you.

If weaker ARC units are nearby, clear them first whenever it’s safe to do so. This gives you more freedom to dodge rockets and focus your fire.

Use Teamwork

In squad play, assign roles naturally.

One player can draw the Rocketeer’s attention while teammates attack from different angles. Splitting its focus creates more opportunities to deal damage safely.

Trying to group together usually makes everyone vulnerable to the same rocket blast.

Recommended Weapons

Although weapon availability depends on your current equipment and progression, accurate firearms generally perform better than slow, inaccurate weapons.

Weapons that offer:

• Good accuracy
• Reliable mid-range damage
• Fast reload speed
• Consistent, sustained fire

is often easier to use against the Rocketeer than weapons that require close-range combat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Standing in one position for too long.
• Fighting without nearby cover.
• Ignoring smaller enemies.
• Chasing the Rocketeer into open terrain.
• Grouping too closely with teammates.

Avoiding these mistakes often makes the fight significantly easier.

Solo vs Squad Strategy

Solo	Squad
Prioritize survival over aggression.	Split the Rocketeer’s attention.
Move constantly between cover.	Attack from multiple directions.
Save healing items for emergencies.	Coordinate focus fire for faster kills.

Final Tips

If you’re struggling against the Rocketeer, don’t assume you need better gear. Learning the attack pattern and positioning yourself correctly usually has a bigger impact than simply dealing more damage.

Stay mobile, use cover whenever possible, and avoid rushing into open areas. Once you become familiar with its behavior, the Rocketeer becomes a much more manageable enemy.

Frequently Asked Questions