Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Before you deploy, read the exact quest objective, decide what you actually need to carry, and choose gear you can afford to lose if the run goes wrong. Keep valuable quest materials in a Safe Pocket when the current game rules allow it, and choose an extraction route before taking detours. No loadout or route guarantees a safe extraction, but these choices can reduce the amount you put at risk.
Start with the exact quest objective
Quests do not all call for the same preparation. Identify which kind of task you have before selecting a loadout:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Visit a location: You may need to reach a place, not bring a particular item.
- Interact with an object: Check whether the interaction requires a carried material or something you can find during the raid.
- Collect and extract: The item must be acquired in the raid and brought out successfully.
- Defeat an ARC machine: Consider whether your equipment is adequate for the fight, or whether a route that avoids combat can serve another part of the objective.
Use the in-game objective as the authority for your current run. Quest lists can become dated as the game changes; PC Gamer’s list was updated May 1, 2026, and is a reference rather than a substitute for the active objective (PC Gamer’s ARC Raiders quest list).
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose what you are willing to risk
Epic Games Store’s gameplay guide says equipment brought in a custom loadout is lost on elimination, except for items in Safe Pocket slots. Treat other carried gear and materials as exposed until you successfully extract. That makes your loadout a risk decision, not just a question of maximum firepower.
#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
Use a Free Loadout for lower-stakes runs
A Free Loadout can make sense for scouting, gathering resources, or learning a route when you do not want to put higher-tier equipment at risk. Epic’s guide describes it as lower-tier gear with less inventory space and no Safe Pockets, so it is not equivalent to a custom loadout and may be a poor fit for a task that needs extra capacity or protection.
Availability can depend on the active map condition. Embark Studios’ Live Update 1.33.0 temporarily disabled Free Loadouts for Night Raid and Close Scrutiny for a three-week test beginning June 16, 2026. That was a time-limited restriction, not evidence that those conditions remain restricted now; check the current deployment screen (Embark Studios’ Live Update 1.33.0).
Rank #2
- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
Bring only the equipment the task calls for
If the objective demands a fight or a specific tool, bring what is needed to complete it, while avoiding extra valuable gear that does not improve the run. There is no universally safest or best loadout: the right choice depends on the objective, what you can replace, and how much combat the route is likely to involve.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Decide whether to carry quest materials or find them topside
For every required material, weigh the time saved by bringing it against the risk of losing it before extraction. If it can be found during the raid, scavenging avoids exposing an item from your stash, but takes time and may draw attention.
Rank #3
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
Example: Eyes on the Prize
PC Gamer’s February 23, 2026 walkthrough says the Eyes on the Prize objective requires three wires to interact with a broken solar panel in Buried City. The wires can be scavenged during the match, or carried in to simplify the objective. Bringing them saves the search, but puts them at risk if you fail to extract (PC Gamer’s Eyes on the Prize walkthrough).
Use Safe Pocket slots deliberately
When your loadout has Safe Pocket slots, use them for items you most need to protect, provided the current game rules allow that item there. Epic’s guide says items in those slots are the exception to the loss of custom-loadout equipment on elimination. Do not assume an item is protected simply because it is important to a quest; verify the available slot and in-game rules before deploying.
Rank #4
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
Plan extraction before you take a detour
Extraction is part of the objective whenever you need to secure what you have collected: carried loot is not safe until you successfully leave the raid. Before moving toward optional loot or a quest location, consider where you can extract and whether that route fits the value of the items you are carrying.
Regular extraction
Epic’s guide notes that regular extraction controls can sound an alarm, potentially attracting both human players and ARC enemies. Factor that attention into the value of the gear and quest items you are carrying, rather than treating extraction as a quiet or guaranteed exit.
Raider Hatches
The guide describes Raider Hatches as hassle-free escapes, but they require a key. If you have one, consider whether the hatch’s location and access make it a workable alternative for this run; do not plan around it if you lack the key.
Reduce unnecessary noise and exposure
Opening containers takes several seconds and makes noise, according to Epic’s guide. Search when the likely benefit is worth the time and attention, especially when you already have the materials needed for the quest. Avoid turning a focused objective run into a broad looting trip unless the extra supplies justify the added exposure.
Quick Recap
A quick pre-deployment check
- Read the active objective. Identify whether you must visit, interact, collect and extract, or fight.
- List required items. Mark which must be carried in and which can reasonably be found topside.
- Set your acceptable loss. Use a Free Loadout if available and appropriate, or bring only the custom gear the task needs.
- Protect what you can. Place priority items in Safe Pocket slots when available and permitted.
- Choose an extraction plan. Account for route distance, a hatch key if relevant, and the possible alarm from regular extraction.
- Skip low-value searches. Container time and noise are costs; loot only when the expected benefit is worth them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
