If you’re getting ready to take on A Wrench in the Works in ARC Raiders, proper gear and advance planning can determine whether you extract successfully or lose everything. Before starting the expedition, many players decide to buy ARC Raiders BluePrints so they can access useful crafting options and strengthen their loadouts. Improved weapons, armor, and utility gear provide a major edge when dealing with dangerous machines and rival Raiders throughout this demanding mission.

Understanding A Wrench in the Works  
A Wrench in the Works stands out as one of the more interesting missions in ARC Raiders because it brings together exploration, resource gathering, environmental threats, and intense combat. Unlike basic loot runs, this mission sends players through contested zones while requiring interaction with multiple objective-specific locations.

The rewards include useful crafting materials, rare parts, and experience that supports your overall progression. Completing the mission reliably is a strong way to build up your inventory for later expeditions.

That said, the mission also draws many other players who are chasing the same rewards. Be prepared to face not only ARC machines, but also enemy squads looking to take the loot you worked hard to collect.

Preparing Before Deployment  
Good preparation starts well before you enter the map. Every successful attempt begins with selecting equipment that offers a balance of offense, defense, and mobility.

A recommended loadout includes:

A dependable mid-range rifle  
Plenty of ammunition  
Medical supplies  
Repair kits  
Grenades  
A backup weapon for emergencies  

Heavy gear can offer strong protection, but it also slows your movement. Since A Wrench in the Works often requires repositioning, medium-weight equipment usually gives the best overall balance.

Also, ensure your backpack has enough free space for mission rewards. Carrying too many supplies can leave you with little room for valuable loot when it’s time to extract.

Learn the Map Layout  
Understanding the terrain is one of the greatest advantages you can gain.

Rather than rushing straight to the objectives, take time to learn:

Main roads  
Building entrances  
Underground routes  
Elevated positions  
Extraction points  
Machine patrol paths  

Skilled players rarely move in direct lines. They rely on buildings, rocks, and natural cover to avoid unnecessary fights while reaching objectives safely.

Knowing alternate routes is especially helpful if another squad is blocking the path you planned to use.

Prioritize Mission Objectives  
Many newer players get sidetracked by every chest or enemy encounter they come across.

Instead, complete the objectives first.

Mission progress usually involves:

Investigating marked locations  
Gathering mechanical components  
Activating or repairing equipment  
Taking out specific machine threats  
Reaching extraction alive  

There will still be plenty of loot available after the objectives are finished. Focusing on the mission first lowers avoidable risk and helps make sure valuable rewards aren’t lost.

Fighting ARC Machines  
Machine enemies act differently based on their type.

Smaller reconnaissance units tend to attack fast but are not very durable.

Heavier machines:

Inflict huge damage  
Have stronger armor  
Control larger areas  
Demand teamwork or careful positioning  

Whenever possible, aim at exposed weak points.

Avoid standing in open spaces. Use nearby structures to break enemy line of sight, peek from cover, fire in controlled bursts, and move before machines can adjust their aim.

Grenades and explosive barrels are useful for clearing grouped enemies quickly while saving ammunition.

Watch for Other Raiders  
PvP encounters are often more dangerous than fighting machines.

Another squad may:

Track your gunfire  
Camp mission objectives  
Set ambushes near extraction zones  
Wait until machines have weakened you  

Try to avoid extended firefights when possible.

If another team already holds an objective, patience may be the smarter option. Waiting nearby can allow hostile players and machines to damage each other before you step in.

Sound control is also important.

Constant sprinting, unnecessary shooting, or throwing explosives can draw attention from far away.

Resource Management  
This mission favors players who use resources carefully.

Do not spend healing items after every minor encounter.

Instead:

Heal only when needed  
Reload when it is safe  
Repair gear before it breaks at a critical moment  
Save explosives for elite enemies  

Inventory management becomes more important as you collect valuable loot.

If needed, drop common materials to make space for rare crafting components.

Team Coordination  
While the mission can be finished solo, squads have several advantages.

Strong teams split responsibilities.

One player scouts.

Another offers long-range support.

Others focus on carrying mission items or defending objectives.

Clear communication helps prevent confusion during sudden encounters.

Calling out enemy locations, machine patrols, and extraction plans can greatly improve the team’s chances of survival.

Do not stay packed too tightly together.

Maintaining spacing lowers the risk of several teammates being hit by explosions or powerful machine attacks at once.

Safe Extraction  
Extraction is often the most dangerous part of the mission.

Once objectives are complete, do not sprint straight to the extraction point.

Instead:

Watch the surrounding area  
Check rooftops  
Listen for footsteps  
Look for signs of recent gunfire  
Wait if another squad is close  

Many experienced players purposely delay extraction for a short time so aggressive teams leave first.

Patience often results in a safer escape.

If fighting cannot be avoided, choose survival over loot. Extracting with fewer items is still better than losing everything.

Improving Future Runs  
Every successful completion offers useful lessons.

Ask yourself:

Which fights could have been avoided?  
Where did enemies appear?  
Which supplies ran out first?  
Which routes felt safest?  

Improving your approach over time leads to more reliable mission success.

Unlocking more crafting recipes and upgrading your equipment will also make you more efficient when taking on higher-risk expeditions.

Final Thoughts  
A Wrench in the Works delivers a strong mix of exploration, tactical combat, and meaningful progression in ARC Raiders. Players who prepare properly, study the map, manage resources carefully, and avoid needless fights will complete the mission much more consistently than those who depend only on firepower. As your gear collection grows and your experience improves, investing in stronger equipment and expanding your crafting options becomes even more worthwhile. Many players support their long-term progress by collecting additional ARC Coins for sale, giving them the ability to craft better weapons and gear for future expeditions while facing tougher challenges with greater confidence.