In Arc Raiders, the Processor is a rare topside material used mainly for crafting higher-tier gear and explosives. Most players first notice it when they start working toward Mk. 3 gear, because several important recipes require multiple Processors.

A Processor is not something you use directly. You don’t equip it or activate it. In general, it sits in your inventory until you either craft with it, recycle it, or sell it for credits. Because of that, its value depends almost entirely on where you are in progression.

The item has a low weight (0.2) and stacks up to 5, so carrying it is usually not a problem unless your bag is already full of tech loot.

Where Do Processors Usually Come From?

Most players get Processors through scavenging technological objects. These are common in indoor or tech-heavy areas.

Typical containers and objects that can drop Processors include:

• Computers

• Server racks

• Recording panels

• Oscilloscopes

In practice, this means offices, research facilities, underground complexes, and ARC-controlled structures are your best bet. Outdoor areas usually have fewer tech containers, so players focused on Processors tend to route through buildings instead of open terrain.

Processors can also be obtained by recycling certain items, which many experienced players rely on when scavenging runs are unlucky.

Which Items Recycle Into Processors?

Recycling is a reliable backup when you need Processors but can’t find enough in the field.

Items that recycle into Processors include:

• Alarm Clock (1)

• Anvil Splitter (1)

• Broken Guidance System (4)

• Projector (1)

• Rotary Encoder (2)

• Telemetry Transceiver (1)

• Trigger ’Nade (1)

• Mk. 3 gear pieces (Combat, Looting, Tactical variants)

In general, Broken Guidance Systems are the most efficient source if you find one, since they give multiple Processors. Most players will recycle Mk. 3 gear only if it’s a roll they don’t want or if they’re switching builds.

What Can You Craft With Processors?

Processors are mainly used in Gear Bench 3 and Explosives Station 2 recipes. This puts them firmly in mid-to-late progression.

Common crafting uses include:

Mk. 3 Gear

Most Mk. 3 gear recipes require:

• 3× Processor

• 2× Advanced Electrical Components

This applies to:

• Combat Mk. 3 (Aggressive, Flanking)

• Looting Mk. 3 (Cautious, Survivor)

• Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive, Healing)

Some of these recipes are blueprint locked, meaning you need the blueprint before crafting. Others are available by default.

Trigger ’Nade

At Explosives Station 2:

• 1× Processor

• 2× Crude Explosives

This makes the Trigger ’Nade, which some players like for controlled engagements, though it’s not considered essential by most builds.

Do You Need Blueprints for Processor Crafts?

Yes, for many recipes.

In general:

• Most Mk. 3 Combat and Tactical variants are blueprint locked.

• Looting Mk. 3 (Cautious) does not require a blueprint.

• Trigger ’Nade is blueprint locked.

This is why players sometimes talk about arc raiders blueprints for sale when discussing progression roadblocks. Usually, this comes up in community discussions about how hard it is to unlock certain crafts, not because crafting itself is complicated.

From a gameplay perspective, having Processors without the right blueprints means they will sit unused for a while.

Is It Better to Craft or Recycle Processors?

This depends on your stage of progression.

Early to Mid Game

Most players save Processors once they realize they are needed for Mk. 3 gear. Recycling them early usually isn’t worth it, since the recycling output is basic:

• 1× Wires

• 1× Plastic Parts

Those materials are easy to find elsewhere.

Late Game

Once you already have your preferred Mk. 3 setup, extra Processors are less valuable. At that point, players often:

• Recycle them for materials

• Sell them for credits

• Use them for niche crafts like Trigger ’Nades

In general, Processors are more valuable unspent than recycled, unless you specifically need wires or plastic parts right now.

Can You Buy Processors From NPCs?

Yes, but with limits.

Celeste sells:

• 5 Processors per day

• Cost: 10 Assorted Seeds each

This option is usually used by players who:

• Are short one or two Processors for a craft

• Have excess Seeds

• Don’t want to risk another raid

Buying them daily is not enough to fully support Mk. 3 crafting on its own, but it helps smooth out bad luck.

Should You Sell Processors for Credits?

Processors sell for 500 credits each.

Most players avoid selling them early. Credits are useful, but Processors are harder to replace than money. In general, selling only makes sense if:

• You already finished your Mk. 3 builds

• You have a surplus

• You urgently need credits for repairs or upgrades

Selling Processors too early is a common regret among newer players.

How Do Most Players Farm Processors Efficiently?

Based on common behavior:

1. Focus on tech-heavy locations

2. Open every computer and server rack

3. Prioritize survival over speed

4. Extract early if you find multiple Processors

Most experienced players don’t full-clear a map just for Processors. Instead, they route through likely areas and leave once they get what they need.

Risking a full inventory for “one more building” is how most Processor losses happen.

How Valuable Are Processors Really?

Processors are not flashy items, but they quietly gate some of the most important progression steps in Arc Raiders. Most players learn their value the hard way, after selling or recycling them too early.

In practice:

• Early game: Save them

• Mid game: Use them carefully

• Late game: Treat extras as flexible resources

If you manage your Processors well, Mk. 3 crafting feels smooth instead of frustrating.