The Arc Raiders Last Resort event is now live, bringing 21 free rewards for players willing to put in the work. Running from April 28 to May 25, 2026, this limited-time event challenges you to earn Merits through XP conversion and collect rare Ship Models scattered across the Riven Tides map. Our team has spent the first days grinding through the event to bring you this complete guide on how to progress fast and claim every reward before time runs out.
Progression in the Last Resort event revolves around Merits, a seasonal currency that converts directly from your match XP. Every extraction you complete adds to your Merit total, pushing you closer to unlocking cosmetics like the Junior Outfit, unique backpack charms, and Raider Tokens. This Arc Raiders Last Resort Event Guide breaks down exactly how the system works and the most efficient ways to farm Merits.
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How to Progress in Arc Raiders Last Resort Event
Earning Merits is straightforward but requires consistent play and smart decision-making during matches. The primary method converts your match XP into Merits upon successful extraction, meaning you need to survive and escape to bank your progress.
Here is exactly how to earn Merits in the Last Resort event:
Step 1: Play matches on the Riven Tides map. This is the exclusive zone for the Last Resort event, featuring beach areas where Ship Models spawn. Focus on looting, completing objectives, and engaging enemies to accumulate XP during the match.
Step 2: Extract successfully. This is critical – you only convert XP to Merits when you extract alive. Die in the raid and you leave with nothing for that session. Plan your exit routes early and avoid unnecessary fights near extraction points.
Step 3: Use the Dockmaster’s Detector for Beachcombing. This special item acts like a metal detector, helping you locate buried Ship Models on the beach. Equip it and sweep the shoreline areas of Riven Tides to find hidden loot spots.
Step 4: Collect Ship Models. When your detector beeps, interact with the glowing spots to dig up Ship Models. These grant bonus Merits instantly and come in five different rarities, each worth progressively more.
Beachcombing adds a relaxed treasure-hunting layer to the usual high-stakes raiding. Many players in the community have noted appreciating this slower-paced mechanic as a break from constant PvP pressure. The Dockmaster’s Detector spawns regularly in loot crates, so grab one early in your raid if you plan to hunt for Ship Models.
Ship Models Guide: Types and Rarities
Ship Models are miniature collectibles that serve as the secondary progression method in the Last Resort event. Each model you find grants immediate Merits based on its rarity tier, making Beachcombing a worthwhile activity between firefights.
There are five Ship Model types in the event, ranging from Common to Legendary. Higher rarities grant significantly more Merits, so prioritize finding rare models when Beachcombing.
- Wind Sprite (Common). The most frequently found model, granting a small amount of Merits. These appear often when sweeping beaches with the Dockmaster’s Detector.
- Twilight Compass (Uncommon). Slightly rarer than Wind Sprite, offering moderate Merit rewards. You will typically find one or two of these per dedicated Beachcombing session.
- Velocity (Rare). A mid-tier model that grants a solid chunk of Merits. These require more thorough sweeping of beach areas to locate.
- Sirena Dorata (Epic). High-value models that significantly boost your Merit total. Epic Ship Models appear less frequently but are worth the search time.
- Leviathan’s Crown (Legendary). The ultimate find, granting the highest Merit reward of all Ship Models. Legendary models are extremely rare but can single-handedly push you past reward thresholds.
Community discussions reveal some confusion about why players are collecting toy boats in a tactical extraction shooter. The answer is simple: each model represents Merits, and Merits unlock free rewards. Think of them as physical currency pickups scattered across the map.
All Last Resort Event Rewards
The Last Resort event features 21 rewards spread across three pages of the reward track. Each reward requires a specific Merit threshold to unlock, with the final reward demanding substantial playtime to achieve.
- Page 1 contains the entry-level rewards, available after earning relatively few Merits. These include basic cosmetics and smaller token amounts to get you started.
- Page 2 escalates the requirements, offering mid-tier rewards including backpack charms and more substantial Raider Token payouts. This is where casual players should aim to reach.
- Page 3 holds the premium rewards, including the highly anticipated Junior Outfit. These final rewards require significant Merit investment but offer the most unique cosmetics in the event.
Complete Rewards List by Merit Threshold:
- Early rewards (Page 1) unlock at low Merit thresholds and include basic customization options and small Raider Token amounts. These reward consistent play even if you cannot commit to completing the entire event.
- Mid-tier rewards (Page 2) require moderate Merit totals and feature the first backpack charms and emotes. Most dedicated players should reach this page within the first week of the event.
- Final rewards (Page 3) demand high Merit thresholds, with the Junior Outfit serving as the ultimate prize. This outfit showcases your commitment to completing the event and stands out in the lobby.
Raider Tokens appear throughout all three pages, giving you currency to spend in the shop even if cosmetics do not interest you. The Miniature Voyages theme ties all rewards together with a nautical aesthetic matching the Riven Tides update.
Tips and Strategies for Fast Progress
After testing multiple approaches during the opening days of the event, our team has identified the most efficient ways to farm Merits. These strategies balance speed with survival to maximize your Merit per hour.
Run familiar routes for consistent extractions. The safest way to progress is sticking to areas you know well. Familiarity reduces the risk of dying and losing your XP, which ultimately matters more than playing aggressively for higher match scores.
Solo vs Team Play considerations. Solo play lets you control your own extraction timing without coordinating with teammates. However, squads offer protection and can cover more ground for Ship Model hunting. Choose based on your playstyle and whether you have reliable teammates.
Prioritize Beachcombing in safe zones. Wait until the initial hot-drop chaos subsides, then sweep beaches during mid-game lulls. The Dockmaster’s Detector makes noise, so use it when you are relatively certain no enemies are nearby.
Avoid unnecessary PvP. Forum discussions highlight frustration with the shoot-on-sight mentality some players bring to events. Engage only when necessary for survival or objective completion. Every death resets your potential Merit gain for that match.
Balance XP farming with extraction. While higher XP matches convert to more Merits, risking everything for one big score is not worth it. Multiple successful extractions with moderate XP consistently outearn single high-stakes attempts that end in death.
The event runs for nearly a month, so you do not need to grind everything in one weekend. Steady daily play of a few matches will comfortably unlock all rewards before the May 25 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you progress in ARC Raiders?
Progress in the Last Resort event by earning Merits through XP conversion during extraction and collecting Ship Models on the Riven Tides map using the Dockmaster’s Detector for Beachcombing.
When does the Arc Raiders Last Resort event end?
The event runs from April 28 to May 25, 2026, giving players approximately four weeks to earn all 21 rewards before the event closes.
How do you earn Merits quickly in Arc Raiders?
Earn Merits fastest by extracting successfully with high match XP and consistently Beachcombing for Ship Models. Focus on survival over aggressive plays, as death means losing that match’s XP potential.
What are Ship Models in Arc Raiders Last Resort?
Ship Models are collectible miniature boats found through Beachcombing on Riven Tides beaches. They come in five rarities from Common (Wind Sprite) to Legendary (Leviathan’s Crown), each granting bonus Merits when collected.
Is the Last Resort event free to play?
Yes, all 21 rewards in the Last Resort event are completely free. Players earn Merits through gameplay without spending money, though Raider Tokens received as rewards can be used in the shop.
Conclusion
The Arc Raiders Last Resort Event Guide has covered everything you need to know about progressing through this limited-time event. By earning Merits through XP conversion and Beachcombing for Ship Models, you can unlock all 21 rewards including the Junior Outfit before the May 25 deadline.
Remember that consistency beats intensity – regular extractions with moderate XP will carry you further than risky high-score attempts that end in death. If you are enjoying the Riven Tides update, check out our Avian Alarm Project Guide for another time-limited event running alongside Last Resort.
Get out there, grab your Dockmaster’s Detector, and start Beachcombing. Those Ship Models are waiting on the shores of Riven Tides.