What is a Comet and how is it different from other ARC enemies?

A Comet is a new heavy ARC machine introduced in Arc Raiders. It’s essentially a big rolling bomb it looks like a large metal sphere and its only attack is to roll at players and then self-destruct. Unlike other ARC, it deals massive area damage by exploding once it gets close.

Where and when do Comets spawn?

Comets spawn only outdoors where there is open sky. They are rare but most commonly found during Hurricane storms. Key spawn zones include Stella Montis (Loading Bay floor, 1–3 Comets often appear) and any large open map during storms (Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, Buried City plazas). You won’t find them indoors or in closed spaces.

How do I ensure a Comet drops its Igniter?

You must kill the Comet before it detonates. If you destroy it cleanly, it will drop one Igniter every time. In practical terms, use quick kills (see grenades or heavy fire) so it doesn’t get a chance to explode near you.

What happens if the Comet explodes on its own?

If a Comet self-destructs, the Igniter is destroyed in the blast and no Igniter will drop. You may only find scrap materials (ARC alloy, etc.) in the crater. This is why players sometimes think the drop rate is broken they’re accidentally letting the Comet explode.

Which weapons work best on a Comet?

Heavy, high-DPS weapons are recommended. Hullcracker, Ferro, and Anvil are cited as excellent choices because they can deal huge damage quickly. Fast-firing automatics (Wolfpack, Showstopper) also work well for sustained damage. Ultimately, bring your strongest gear and consider ammo or augments that boost rate of fire.

Why should I equip a Safe Pocket augment?

A Safe Pocket augment gives you a special inventory slot. After you loot the Comet Igniter, put it in your Safe Pocket so it won’t be lost if you die or get downed. Without a Safe Pocket, dying will drop the Igniter and force you to farm another Comet.

How many Comet Igniters do I need for the Collision Course quest?

You only need one Comet Igniter for this quest. The objectives are to destroy one Comet and deliver that one Igniter to Tian Wen.

Are Comets easier to kill in groups or solo?

Both approaches work. In a group, spread out so the Comet can’t hit everyone with one blast. Teammates can coordinate for example, one distracts while another shoots. Solo players should keep distance and use cover, since you have no backup. The tactics (grenades, high ground, etc.) are similar in either case.

Do Comets drop anything other than the Igniter?

Yes. Besides the Comet Igniter, a properly salvaged Comet can yield crafting components. Common drops include ARC Alloys, Crude Explosives, Advanced ARC Powercells, ARC Coolant, and Thermo Lining. These come from scavenging the wreckage pieces.

Is there any trick to farming multiple Igniters?

Not really since each Comet kill gives one Igniter, just repeat the process. Many players run multiple raids with Storm conditions to find Comets efficiently. Use the above strategies consistently (grenades, safe pocket, etc.) and you can farm Igniters at whatever pace suits you.

How to Kill a Comet and Get the Comet Igniter in Arc Raiders | Collision Course Quest Guide (Step-by-Step Strategy)

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What is the Comet in Arc Raiders and why it explodes on contact

In Arc Raiders, a Comet is a heavy ARC robot that functions like a rolling bomb. It is essentially a spherical, armored machine whose only attack is a powerful self-destruct. The game’s lore describes it as “a spherical ARC unit… [that] seems to exist for one singular purpose: to get up close and detonate”. In gameplay terms, when a Comet spots a player it will quickly charge and, upon reaching proximity, trigger a massive explosion. This shockwave deals significant area damage even a full light shield can drop to about 25% by a single blast. In short, the Comet’s design is to explode on contact as its primary means of attack.

Arc Raiders Collision Course quest explained: how to complete it fast

“Collision Course” is a quest given by the NPC Tian Wen (unlocked after the quest Unknown) that asks you to destroy a Comet and deliver its Igniter. In practice, you must kill one Comet and bring the resulting Comet Igniter back to Tian Wen. The quest was added in the Riven Tides update and is relatively straightforward if you know the tricks.

To complete it quickly, it’s recommended to prepare an augment with a Safe Pocket slot so you can safely carry the Igniter. Then load into a raid (ideally on a map or weather condition where Comets frequently spawn) and hunt a Comet using high DPS weapons or grenades. Once killed, loot the core piece for the Igniter and store it in your Safe Pocket. Finally, extract from the raid or return to base and hand the Igniter to Tian Wen to finish the quest.

How to kill a Comet before it self-destructs in Arc Raiders

To obtain the Igniter, you must destroy the Comet before it explodes. The key strategies are: (1) Use explosive grenades to strip its armor, or (2) shoot its weak point as it charges. For example, two to three Seeker Grenades will shred the Comet’s armor and kill it outright. Alternatively, if you can get shots on it, waiting for the Comet to begin charging is effective: its armor shell will split open during the charge, exposing the core. Hitting this core will destroy the Comet instantly. In practice, many players combine both methods: throw a seeker or two to weaken it, then finish with high-damage gunfire. Either way, the goal is overwhelming damage before the Comet reaches detonation range.

How to kill a comet and get the comet igniter in arc raiders | collision course quest guide (step-by-step strategy)

Best weapons to use against Comets in Arc Raiders (Ferro, Anvil, and more)

High-damage, high-fire-rate weapons work best on Comets. Guides recommend heavy hitters like the Hullcracker sniper and heavy rifles (Ferro, Anvil) to punch through its tough armor. For example, one guide calls the Hullcracker and Anvil “the fastest consistent kills,” often needing only a few shots. Rapid-fire weapons (Wolfpack, Showstopper) are also effective because they can put many rounds on target quickly. Embark’s team even suggests switching to high-rate ammo or automatic weapons to whittle down the Comet faster. In short, equip your strongest guns (especially ones that can penetrate armor or fire bursts) the Hullcracker, Ferro, Anvil, or similar and be ready with a full-auto backup in case a quick grenade kill fails.

How to get the Comet Igniter drop in Arc Raiders Collision Course quest

After killing a Comet properly (before it self-destructs), you will find the Comet Igniter by scavenging the Comet’s core. The game spawns a special loot container when you kill a Comet in time, which resembles a round core piece. Open that container and you will find exactly one Comet Igniter inside. The Arc Raiders Wiki confirms this: the Igniter is “found by scavenging non-exploded destroyed Comets”. In short, kill the Comet cleanly, loot both wreckage parts immediately, and check the round “core” portion first that’s where the Igniter resides.

Why Comets must be destroyed before exploding to get loot

If a Comet detonates on its own, its Igniter is essentially destroyed by the blast. Multiple sources stress this point: GameSpot explains that Comet Igniters won’t drop if the Comet blows up you literally have to kill it to get the item. NeonLightsMedia calls it a “nasty little rule”: if the Comet self-destructs, the Igniter “is destroyed in the blast”. In practice, this means the drop rate is effectively 0% if you let the Comet explode. The only loot you’ll see in that case is generic ARC salvage (e.g. metal ring scraps). Therefore, you must destroy the Comet before detonation if you want the Igniter otherwise it won’t be lootable at all.

Comet spawn locations in Arc Raiders maps (where to find them easily)

Comets are rare and only spawn in open outdoor areas. They require open sky, so you won’t find them indoors. The most consistent spawn is on Stella Montis Loading Bay: 1-3 Comets often drop there. Aside from that, they appear during Hurricane weather on big maps like Dam Battlegrounds and The Spaceport. Other good outdoor farms include parts of the Blue Gate map (e.g. Warehouse Complex) and Buried City (e.g. Plaza Rosa area) during storms. In general, hunt in large open zones where ARC usually drops Comets “rocket down from orbit” and patrol these outdoor zones.

Arc Raiders Comet weak points and how to deal maximum damage

The Comet’s core is its weak spot. Its heavy armor protects the center until under fire. When hit or charging, the shell opens slightly to expose the inner core. Shooting this exposed core inflicts maximum damage one clean shot here can kill it. Additionally, you can strip armor off by targeting its sides. A developer tip specifically says “shoot off the armor plating on the sides” to help break it faster. In summary, focus fire on the core as soon as it’s visible, and even aim at the side plating if you want to remove armor more quickly.

Best grenade strategy to kill Comets quickly in Arc Raiders

Grenades are a popular and effective way to kill Comets fast. Seeker Grenades are often cited as the top choice: one source notes that “only a few [Seeker Grenades]” can drop a Comet before it explodes.

Because Seekers track the enemy, you can lob them and let them chase the Comet’s core. Another fast option is Snap Blast Grenades (sticky grenades); combining a couple of Seekers with a Snap Blast can one-shot it. If you don’t have those, Wolfpack grenades or any high-damage explosive work.

The key is to pre-damage the armor. For example, a burst of grenades as soon as you see the Comet gives you time to finish it safely. (Tip: wait until the Comet is running straight before throwing throwing while it turns often causes grenades to hit armor instead of the core.) In practice, “fast-acting grenades” like Seekers and Snap Blasts remove most of the guesswork and let you kill the Comet before detonation.

How to avoid Comet explosion damage and survive encounters

Staying safe from a Comet’s blast is largely about distance and cover. Always give it room to run – don’t get too close, and try to fight from higher ground or behind cover. Official tips warn “you do not want to be anywhere near when the Comet begins its self-destruction”. In group play, spread your squad out so the Comet can’t hit everyone at once: the developers advise that Comets try to hit the middle of a group, so “stand well back” and “spread out”.

If a Comet does start to detonate, even a full shield can be reduced to ~25% by the shockwave, so it’s best to move behind solid cover or run away the moment you see it stopping to explode. In short, keep your distance, use terrain, and do not cluster up – this minimizes damage if a Comet goes off and lets you survive the encounter.

Safe pocket tips for extracting Comet Igniter without losing it

The Comet Igniter is a rare quest item, so you definitely don’t want to drop it on death. The best safeguard is the Safe Pocket augment (often called “Pocket”). Equip any augment that adds a safe pocket slot before you start.

This way, when you loot the Igniter it will go into that special slot. The guides emphasize this: Gamespot explicitly says to “bring an augment sporting a safe pocket” so you can extract with the Igniter. After killing the Comet and looting the core, immediately stow the Igniter in your Safe Pocket. If you die without it in the pocket, you’ll lose it and have to do the task again. In summary: always use a Safe Pocket augment when farming Comet Igniters and move the item there as soon as you loot it.

Common mistakes players make when farming Comet Igniters

Several pitfalls can foil your efforts. A major mistake is attacking at the wrong time: throwing Seekers while the Comet is turning causes them to hit armor instead of the core. Always wait for it to run in a relatively straight line for a clean hit. Fighting on uneven terrain is another error: Comets can bounce unpredictably on slopes, making your shots miss. Also, some players skip bringing a backup weapon. If your grenades fail, not having a fast follow-up (e.g. a full-auto rifle) means you can’t finish the job.

Lastly, don’t tunnel-vision on the Comet nearby ARC enemies can punish you if you ignore them. In short: time your grenades properly, choose flat ground, have a backup gun, and watch your surroundings. Avoiding these common errors will save you from wasted spawns.

Solo vs squad strategy for killing Comets efficiently

Solo raiders and squads may approach Comets differently. Solo players should use the environment to their advantage picking high ground or corners where a Comet can only roll toward them slowly. Since there’s no team to back you up, solo play means you need enough firepower and an escape plan. Squads, on the other hand, can split roles.

For example, one player can draw the Comet’s attention (as a decoy) while others line up shots from a distance. However, the ARC team notes that in a group you must spread out, because the Comet will try to hit the center of your team. In practice: Squad tactics might include flanking the Comet or overwhelming it from multiple angles, but always keep teammates separated so one blast doesn’t down everyone. Solo tactics usually involve keeping maximum distance and focusing on a quick kill. Either way, communication and positioning are key to efficiency.

Does the Comet always drop a Comet Igniter in Arc Raiders? Drop rate explained

If you destroy the Comet correctly, it will always drop one Igniter. The drop isn’t random as of current game data, a properly killed Comet yields exactly one Igniter each time. The Arc Raiders Wiki explicitly states that when you destroy a Comet before it implodes, “it seems to ALWAYS drop the Igniter”. In the community, the only reason players miss the drop is by letting the Comet explode.

Guides point out that believing the drop is “bugged” is actually due to the Comet self-destructing, which destroys the Igniter. In summary, the effective drop rate is 100% if the Comet is killed in time. There is no internal chance roll you just need to kill it properly to guarantee the Igniter.

Step-by-step Collision Course quest walkthrough for Arc Raiders players

Accept the Quest: Speak to Tian Wen (after completing “Unknown”) to start Collision Course. She’ll tell you to destroy a Comet and bring her the Igniter.
Prepare Your Gear: Equip a Safe Pocket augment beforehand. Also stock up on Seeker Grenades or other explosives, and use a high-DPS weapon (Hullcracker/Anvil etc.) based on the tips above.
Find a Comet: Enter a raid on a map known for Comet spawns (e.g. Stella Montis Loading Bay, Dam or Spaceport in Hurricane). Keep an eye out for the large rolling ARC unit (it has a glowing eye and turns yellow/red when aggro’d).
Kill the Comet Quickly: When you locate the Comet, attack from a safe distance. Use Seeker/Snap grenades or heavy gunfire to destroy it before it explodes. Aim for its exposed core for maximum damage.
Loot the Core: As soon as the Comet dies, loot both debris pieces. The round core chunk contains the Comet Igniter.
Secure the Igniter: Immediately put the Igniter into your Safe Pocket. This ensures you don’t lose it if you die.
Extract and Deliver: Exit the raid with the Igniter. Back at base (Sprenaza), talk to Tian Wen and deliver the Igniter to her to complete the quest. You will receive the rewards (Canto I, Extended Medium Mag III, Muzzle Brake II) and finish Collision Course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Comet and how is it different from other ARC enemies? A Comet is a new heavy ARC machine introduced in Arc Raiders. It’s essentially a big rolling bomb it looks like a large metal sphere and its only attack is to roll at players and then self-destruct. Unlike other ARC, it deals massive area damage by exploding once it gets close.
Where and when do Comets spawn? Comets spawn only outdoors where there is open sky. They are rare but most commonly found during Hurricane storms. Key spawn zones include Stella Montis (Loading Bay floor, 1–3 Comets often appear) and any large open map during storms (Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, Buried City plazas). You won’t find them indoors or in closed spaces.
How do I ensure a Comet drops its Igniter? You must kill the Comet before it detonates. If you destroy it cleanly, it will drop one Igniter every time. In practical terms, use quick kills (see grenades or heavy fire) so it doesn’t get a chance to explode near you.
What happens if the Comet explodes on its own? If a Comet self-destructs, the Igniter is destroyed in the blast and no Igniter will drop. You may only find scrap materials (ARC alloy, etc.) in the crater. This is why players sometimes think the drop rate is broken they’re accidentally letting the Comet explode.
Which weapons work best on a Comet? Heavy, high-DPS weapons are recommended. Hullcracker, Ferro, and Anvil are cited as excellent choices because they can deal huge damage quickly. Fast-firing automatics (Wolfpack, Showstopper) also work well for sustained damage. Ultimately, bring your strongest gear and consider ammo or augments that boost rate of fire.
Why should I equip a Safe Pocket augment? A Safe Pocket augment gives you a special inventory slot. After you loot the Comet Igniter, put it in your Safe Pocket so it won’t be lost if you die or get downed. Without a Safe Pocket, dying will drop the Igniter and force you to farm another Comet.
How many Comet Igniters do I need for the Collision Course quest? A: You only need one Comet Igniter for this quest. The objectives are to destroy one Comet and deliver that one Igniter to Tian Wen.
Are Comets easier to kill in groups or solo? Both approaches work. In a group, spread out so the Comet can’t hit everyone with one blast. Teammates can coordinate for example, one distracts while another shoots. Solo players should keep distance and use cover, since you have no backup. The tactics (grenades, high ground, etc.) are similar in either case.
Do Comets drop anything other than the Igniter? Yes. Besides the Comet Igniter, a properly salvaged Comet can yield crafting components. Common drops include ARC Alloys, Crude Explosives, Advanced ARC Powercells, ARC Coolant, and Thermo Lining. These come from scavenging the wreckage pieces.
Is there any trick to farming multiple Igniters? Not really since each Comet kill gives one Igniter, just repeat the process. Many players run multiple raids with Storm conditions to find Comets efficiently. Use the above strategies consistently (grenades, safe pocket, etc.) and you can farm Igniters at whatever pace suits you.

Conclusion

Killing a Comet in Arc Raiders requires preparation, good positioning, and fast damage. Use high ground and cover, bring Seeker or Snap grenades, and focus on hitting the Comet’s core before it detonates. Always equip a Safe Pocket augment so you keep the Comet Igniter once looted. By combining these tips knowing spawn locations, using the right weapons (Ferro/Anvil/Hullcracker), and avoiding common mistakes you can quickly complete the “Collision Course” quest. Remember: no Igniter drops if the Comet self-destructs, so work efficiently to secure your loot. Follow the quest steps carefully, extract safely with the Igniter, and you’ll have conquered the Rolling Bomb to get your prize.