If you’re diving into Arc Raiders, you might be wondering how certain weapons, gadgets, and game mechanics actually work in practice. As an experienced player, I’ll break down some of the key details and provide insights based on how most players approach the game. The goal is to help you understand the mechanics and make better choices in missions, without any hype or sales language.
What is the Showstopper and How Does It Work?
The Showstopper is one of the throwable weapons in Arc Raiders. It functions as a grenade with a twist: it detonates after a delay and stuns enemies within its radius. Here’s what you need to know:
Effect: The grenade stuns enemies in the area of effect. It does not directly deal damage, but it is highly effective for crowd control.
Timing: The detonation delay differs depending on who throws it. For Raiders, it takes about 2 seconds to explode, while for ARC enemies, it takes roughly 10 seconds. This difference is something you can use strategically in combat.
Range: The grenade can be thrown up to about 6 meters. In practice, most players find it works best in tight corridors or enclosed spaces where enemies are grouped.
Cost and Availability: The Showstopper costs $2,200 in-game currency and is a Mastery-only item, meaning you usually need to reach certain milestones or complete specific challenges to unlock it.
Tips from experienced players: Most players use the Showstopper to interrupt enemy pushes or create space when overwhelmed. Because the stun duration is short, timing is critical—you want to throw it just as enemies are clustering together, not too early. Many players also pair it with other abilities to maximize crowd control.
How Do Cooldowns and Timing Affect Gameplay?
Cooldowns in Arc Raiders are one of the things that most players underestimate. For example, the Showstopper has different timing depending on who is using it, and this impacts how you plan your moves. In general:
Raiders can throw grenades quickly, allowing for rapid follow-up attacks.
ARC enemies have longer delays, which gives players an opportunity to predict and avoid their attacks.
Understanding these timing differences is crucial, especially in multiplayer scenarios. Most players will observe enemy patterns and time their grenades accordingly, rather than spamming them indiscriminately.
How Should Players Approach Mastery-Only Items?
Mastery-only items, like the Showstopper, are generally designed for players who have spent time in the game and understand its mechanics. In practice, these items give you additional tactical options rather than outright power boosts.
Acquiring Mastery items: Most players focus on completing mission objectives and challenges rather than grinding aimlessly. This not only unlocks items but also teaches you better gameplay habits.
Using Mastery items effectively: Because these items are rare, players usually reserve them for key situations—like breaking a difficult wave of enemies or controlling a critical objective.
It’s also worth noting that some players look to buy arc raiders blueprints online to speed up unlocking Mastery items. While this can give you faster access to certain gear, most experienced players stress that understanding how the item works in-game is far more valuable than simply having it early.
What Are the Best Practices for Using Grenades?
Grenades, in general, are more about positioning and timing than raw damage. In Arc Raiders:
Know the enemy placement: Most players wait until enemies are grouped before throwing a grenade. A lone enemy usually won’t justify using a stun grenade.
Mind your teammates: Grenades can affect allies in some modes. Experienced players make sure to coordinate with the team to avoid wasting them.
Use grenades for control, not kills: The Showstopper is a stun grenade. Its value comes from disabling enemies temporarily, giving your team time to reposition, heal, or finish off targets.
Combine with movement abilities: Many players throw grenades and immediately dash or reposition, which maximizes the tactical advantage.
Common Player Mistakes with Showstopper
Even seasoned players sometimes misuse the Showstopper. The most frequent mistakes include:
Throwing too early: If you throw the grenade before enemies are in range, the stun effect is wasted.
Ignoring timing differences: Forgetting that the ARC enemies’ grenades take longer to detonate can lead to unnecessary damage.
Overreliance: Some players try to stun everything, which can leave them without options when a grenade is needed most.
The key takeaway is that in general, careful planning and observation matter more than simply having the item.
How to Integrate Showstopper into Team Play
In multiplayer or co-op modes, the Showstopper can support your team in several ways:
Initiating fights: Throw a grenade at the start of a confrontation to briefly stun enemies, allowing teammates to engage safely.
Defensive maneuvers: When retreating, a well-timed grenade can prevent pursuers from following.
Objective control: Use the stun to temporarily secure objectives, especially in competitive modes where positioning is critical.
Most players find that the Showstopper is most effective when combined with communication and team coordination. In general, it’s less about raw power and more about enabling smarter play.
Arc Raiders rewards players who understand mechanics and timing over those who just chase powerful items. Weapons like the Showstopper are useful tools, but their value comes from knowing how and when to use them. Mastery-only items add depth to the game, and while some players may choose to buy arc raiders blueprints online, experience and skill usually matter far more than owning rare items early.
