Ion Sputter
Weight: 1.5 kg | Stack Size: 3 | Sell Value: 6,000 Raider Coins | Found in: Exodus Areas
This guide covers the best maps, container types, and specific locations to farm Ion Sputters efficiently. Whether you need 3 Ion Sputters for your Expedition project or want to stockpile them for future use, the strategies below will help you secure this valuable Epic item.
Where Are Ion Sputters Found
Ion Sputters spawn exclusively in Exodus areas, marked on the map with the distinctive Exodus symbol. These high-end loot zones contain the most valuable items in Arc Raiders, but they also attract the most player traffic. If you search random zones without the Exodus tag, your chances of finding an Ion Sputter are essentially zero.
Currently, the primary areas to farm Ion Sputters exist on two maps: Stella Montis and The Spaceport. Stella Montis contains the majority of Exodus zones and sees the highest concentration of Ion Sputter finds. The Spaceport offers a viable alternative with its Rocket Assembly area, though it sees fewer player reports due to lower finds.
Generally, Ion Sputters seem to be an item heavily impacted by the Night Raid Events, where the frequency of finding Ion Sputters massively increases during the event.
Best Ion Sputter Locations
While Ion Sputters can spawn across multiple Exodus areas, certain locations stand out for reliable farming. Below are the best spots organized by map, starting with the most efficient options. Keep in mind that Stella Montis is a heavy PvP map, so expect competition at these high-value locations.
Loading BayLoading BayMedium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialAtriumAtriumCultural ArchivesCultural ArchivesAn underground storage unit of humanity’s premier works of art and literature.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldMedical ResearchMedical ResearchIt seems that advanced medical research was being conducted here, far beyond what Raiders have encountered in other old medical bays.High-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalAssemblyAssemblySome experimental technology was being explored on these high-tech assembly lines.CommunicationsCommunicationsLoot: Electrical, TechnologicalCentral CorridorCentral CorridorBusiness CenterBusiness CenterA large, hard to access viewing area where private meetings were likely hosted.Loot: Exodus, CommercialLobbyLobbyMedium-threat area · Loot: Security, TechnologicalCafeteriaCafeteriaFew traces of humanity are left in this strangely empty cafeteria.Assembly WorkshopsAssembly WorkshopsMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalAuditoriumAuditoriumViewing DeckViewing DeckCargo Dock ACargo Dock ABusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeStorage RoomStorage RoomCargo Dock BCargo Dock BAssembly LineAssembly LineSecurity BridgeSecurity Bridge
Extraction point
The SpaceportThe SpaceportLa ChiesaLa ChiesaEast PlainsEast PlainsAlberi HillsAlberi HillsFuel StorageFuel StorageService BuildingsService BuildingsEast Plains WarehousesEast Plains WarehousesStaff ParkingStaff ParkingFuel ProcessingFuel ProcessingCommunications TowerCommunications TowerFuel DepotFuel DepotMaintenance HangarMaintenance HangarSecurity CheckpointSecurity CheckpointJiangsu WarehouseJiangsu WarehouseWater TowersWater TowersElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationFuel LinesFuel LinesRocket AssemblyRocket AssemblyA graveyard of rocket parts that never made it to space.Medium-threat area · Loot: Exodus, IndustrialThe TrenchThe TrenchArrival BuildingArrival BuildingThe ransacked reception building for aspiring space travelers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalShipping WarehouseShipping WarehouseLoot: Industrial, MechanicalDeparture BuildingDeparture BuildingThe former Avantale security gate for passengers headed to the Launch Towers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalCar ParkCar ParkFuel ControlFuel ControlLoot: Mechanical, ElectricalContainer StorageContainer StorageHigh-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalEast Container YardEast Container YardWest Container YardWest Container YardLittle HangarLittle HangarEast HangarEast HangarVehicle MaintenanceVehicle MaintenanceThe Spaceport’s many buses and cargo trucks used to come here for a tune-up.Medium-threat area · Loot: Mechanical, IndustrialLaunch TowersLaunch TowersAstraventuro’s premier rocket launch destination.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, SecurityNorth Trench TowerNorth Trench TowerMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalSouth Trench TowerSouth Trench TowerMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalWest HangarWest HangarControl Tower A6Control Tower A6Shorter than the Launch Towers, but still a decent view of the grounds.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, Commercial
Extraction point
SeabedSeabedMulatierra HillMulatierra HillHotel ComplexHotel ComplexHarborHarborWeighing CheckpointWeighing CheckpointWith scales embedded into the road's surface, this must've been about as elegant as a checkpoint gets.Loot: Industrial, MechanicalTransfer DepotTransfer DepotDried RiverbedDried RiverbedLoot: NatureWavebreakerWavebreakerCustoms HouseCustoms HouseSignage indicates that some of the Exodus' valuable goods once passed right through this complex.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ElectricalPoolsidePoolsideHotel Panorama AzzurroHotel Panorama AzzurroA particularly lavish harbor resort, said to have hosted all of the Exodus' most distinguished supporters and financiers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, ResidentialAzzurro BeachAzzurro BeachA secluded stretch of once-pristine beachfront.Loot: ResidentialWreckageWreckageAges of violent undercurrents and biting rust have taken a visible toll.Loot: ARCPort Authority BuildingPort Authority BuildingOnce the beating heart of all maritime operations, it allows for dilligent surveillance of the port in every direction.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusStacking YardStacking YardJust a glimpse of these sky-scraping containers makes one want to stack things very high.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ExodusWharfWharfTennis CourtTennis CourtQuayQuayMarano RoadMarano RoadSpecial Handling TunnelSpecial Handling TunnelBeach BarBeach BarRailyardRailyard
Extraction point
Northern TracksNorthern TracksFallen EmperorFallen EmperorStuck between snow and debris, this giant walker seems to attract ARC attention from far beyond the Rust Belt.Loot: ARCSouthern PassSouthern PassFreight TerminalFreight TerminalAlmatera VillageAlmatera VillageIsolated yet seemingly close-knit, most of the village of Almatera has been swallowed by an avalanche.Railroad JunctionRailroad JunctionCrossing these train tracks, one may picture hungry astronomers heading out for lunch.Loot: Mechanical, ElectricalCommissary SupermarketCommissary SupermarketWith surprisingly elaborate shelving, this supermarket must've provisioned locals and astronomers alike.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, MedicalRailyardRailyardAn Exodus-era railyard, seemingly designed to handle delicate, uncommonly shaped freight.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalOld TownOld TownStrolling across these narrow streets, you can almost picture the days before astronomical and fallen behemoths.Medium-threat area · Loot: Residential, Old WorldLoading PlatformsLoading PlatformsThese platforms allow for the handling of particularly delicate goods.Loot: Industrial, ExodusElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA substation built to provide reliable power in the harshest weather conditions.Almatera StationAlmatera StationSaid to have once been a quaint local station, these tracks now seem to support high axle-load traffic.Medium-threat area · Loot: CommercialResearcher LodgingsResearcher LodgingsLoot: ResidentialTruck StopTruck StopA gasoline-stained refuge for the weary traveler.Frozen RiverFrozen RiverA long-frozen river that leaves prospective ice skaters dangerously exposed.Loot: NatureTransit TunnelTransit TunnelA sturdy concrete tunnel that has mostly withstood the test of time, providing shelter and safe passage.Dispatch TowerDispatch TowerWeather StationWeather StationA versatile meteorological instrument, long retired.Cielo Sereno ObservatoryCielo Sereno ObservatoryA marvel of astronomical ingenuity, even to those unable to fathom its one-time readings.Medium-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusOld HamletOld HamletStanding tall amongst the snows, this lodge straddles the line between rustic and chique.Loot: Old WorldDeep-Space TelescopeDeep-Space TelescopePerched atop a mountain summit, this marvel of astronomy puts all other antennas to shame.Loot: ExodusPiazza della RupePiazza della RupePorta BenvenutiPorta BenvenutiControlled Receiving FacilityControlled Receiving FacilityExtraction point
Storm Hut (approx., opens in a Flash Freeze)Stella Montis
Assembly and Assembly Workshops represent the single best location for farming Ion Sputters in Arc Raiders. This Exodus-tagged zone in the northwestern portion of Stella Montis contains a high density of yellow drawers and small cabinets that frequently spawn Epic items. The second-floor control rooms have the greatest chance of Ion Sputter spawns according to veteran players.
Loading BayLoading BayMedium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialAtriumAtriumCultural ArchivesCultural ArchivesAn underground storage unit of humanity’s premier works of art and literature.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldMedical ResearchMedical ResearchIt seems that advanced medical research was being conducted here, far beyond what Raiders have encountered in other old medical bays.High-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalAssemblyAssemblySome experimental technology was being explored on these high-tech assembly lines.CommunicationsCommunicationsLoot: Electrical, TechnologicalCentral CorridorCentral CorridorBusiness CenterBusiness CenterA large, hard to access viewing area where private meetings were likely hosted.Loot: Exodus, CommercialLobbyLobbyMedium-threat area · Loot: Security, TechnologicalCafeteriaCafeteriaFew traces of humanity are left in this strangely empty cafeteria.Assembly WorkshopsAssembly WorkshopsMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalAuditoriumAuditoriumViewing DeckViewing DeckCargo Dock ACargo Dock ABusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeStorage RoomStorage RoomCargo Dock BCargo Dock BAssembly LineAssembly LineSecurity BridgeSecurity BridgeExtraction pointFocus your search on the yellow drawers scattered throughout Assembly. These include the random trolley-style containers that many players overlook. One player reported finding two Ion Sputters in a single run just by thoroughly checking all the drawers that others had missed. The top floors often go unlooted, so prioritize these areas if you spawn into a raid that has already started.
A Raider Hatch exists inside Assembly, allowing for quick extractions if you have a Raider Hatch Key. If not, head east through the tunnel to the Lobby extraction point for a fast exit.
Business Center offers another reliable Exodus zone on Stella Montis. The Auditorium and Business Lounge areas contain numerous lootable containers with chances to spawn Ion Sputters. This location tends to see slightly less traffic than Assembly, making it a solid alternative when the workshops are heavily contested.
The Spaceport
Rocket Assembly is the primary Exodus-tagged area on The Spaceport map. Located in the upper-right portion of the map, this zone contains breachable containers, lockers, and drawers that can spawn Ion Sputters. The Spaceport generally sees less player traffic than Stella Montis, making it a lower-risk option for solo players.
The SpaceportThe SpaceportLa ChiesaLa ChiesaEast PlainsEast PlainsAlberi HillsAlberi HillsFuel StorageFuel StorageService BuildingsService BuildingsEast Plains WarehousesEast Plains WarehousesStaff ParkingStaff ParkingFuel ProcessingFuel ProcessingCommunications TowerCommunications TowerFuel DepotFuel DepotMaintenance HangarMaintenance HangarSecurity CheckpointSecurity CheckpointJiangsu WarehouseJiangsu WarehouseWater TowersWater TowersElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationFuel LinesFuel LinesRocket AssemblyRocket AssemblyA graveyard of rocket parts that never made it to space.Medium-threat area · Loot: Exodus, IndustrialThe TrenchThe TrenchArrival BuildingArrival BuildingThe ransacked reception building for aspiring space travelers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalShipping WarehouseShipping WarehouseLoot: Industrial, MechanicalDeparture BuildingDeparture BuildingThe former Avantale security gate for passengers headed to the Launch Towers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalCar ParkCar ParkFuel ControlFuel ControlLoot: Mechanical, ElectricalContainer StorageContainer StorageHigh-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalEast Container YardEast Container YardWest Container YardWest Container YardLittle HangarLittle HangarEast HangarEast HangarVehicle MaintenanceVehicle MaintenanceThe Spaceport’s many buses and cargo trucks used to come here for a tune-up.Medium-threat area · Loot: Mechanical, IndustrialLaunch TowersLaunch TowersAstraventuro’s premier rocket launch destination.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, SecurityNorth Trench TowerNorth Trench TowerMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalSouth Trench TowerSouth Trench TowerMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalWest HangarWest HangarControl Tower A6Control Tower A6Shorter than the Launch Towers, but still a decent view of the grounds.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, CommercialExtraction pointSurrounding locations like Fuel Control and East Container Yard also have containers worth checking. While the spawn rates may be lower than Stella Montis, the reduced competition can make Spaceport runs more consistent for players who prefer to avoid PvP encounters.
Consider running Spaceport during Night Raids or Electromagnetic Storm events. The increased difficulty reduces player traffic while potentially improving loot quality in Exodus zones.
Riven Tides
There isn’t much community data for Ion Sputter on Riven Tides yet. The Exodus loot on Riven Tides sits in Port Authority Building and Stacking Yard. Port Authority Building is a high-threat area, so expect ARC and other players.
SeabedSeabedMulatierra HillMulatierra HillHotel ComplexHotel ComplexHarborHarborWeighing CheckpointWeighing CheckpointWith scales embedded into the road's surface, this must've been about as elegant as a checkpoint gets.Loot: Industrial, MechanicalTransfer DepotTransfer DepotDried RiverbedDried RiverbedLoot: NatureWavebreakerWavebreakerCustoms HouseCustoms HouseSignage indicates that some of the Exodus' valuable goods once passed right through this complex.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ElectricalPoolsidePoolsideHotel Panorama AzzurroHotel Panorama AzzurroA particularly lavish harbor resort, said to have hosted all of the Exodus' most distinguished supporters and financiers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, ResidentialAzzurro BeachAzzurro BeachA secluded stretch of once-pristine beachfront.Loot: ResidentialWreckageWreckageAges of violent undercurrents and biting rust have taken a visible toll.Loot: ARCPort Authority BuildingPort Authority BuildingOnce the beating heart of all maritime operations, it allows for dilligent surveillance of the port in every direction.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusStacking YardStacking YardJust a glimpse of these sky-scraping containers makes one want to stack things very high.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ExodusWharfWharfTennis CourtTennis CourtQuayQuayMarano RoadMarano RoadSpecial Handling TunnelSpecial Handling TunnelBeach BarBeach BarRailyardRailyardExtraction pointPendola Pass
Pendola Pass only arrived with the latest update, so reports are still thin. The game’s loot data fills the gap. The Exodus loot on Pendola Pass sits in Loading Platforms, Cielo Sereno Observatory and Deep-Space Telescope. Cielo Sereno Observatory is a medium-threat area, so it’s busy but manageable.
Northern TracksNorthern TracksFallen EmperorFallen EmperorStuck between snow and debris, this giant walker seems to attract ARC attention from far beyond the Rust Belt.Loot: ARCSouthern PassSouthern PassFreight TerminalFreight TerminalAlmatera VillageAlmatera VillageIsolated yet seemingly close-knit, most of the village of Almatera has been swallowed by an avalanche.Railroad JunctionRailroad JunctionCrossing these train tracks, one may picture hungry astronomers heading out for lunch.Loot: Mechanical, ElectricalCommissary SupermarketCommissary SupermarketWith surprisingly elaborate shelving, this supermarket must've provisioned locals and astronomers alike.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, MedicalRailyardRailyardAn Exodus-era railyard, seemingly designed to handle delicate, uncommonly shaped freight.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalOld TownOld TownStrolling across these narrow streets, you can almost picture the days before astronomical and fallen behemoths.Medium-threat area · Loot: Residential, Old WorldLoading PlatformsLoading PlatformsThese platforms allow for the handling of particularly delicate goods.Loot: Industrial, ExodusElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA substation built to provide reliable power in the harshest weather conditions.Almatera StationAlmatera StationSaid to have once been a quaint local station, these tracks now seem to support high axle-load traffic.Medium-threat area · Loot: CommercialResearcher LodgingsResearcher LodgingsLoot: ResidentialTruck StopTruck StopA gasoline-stained refuge for the weary traveler.Frozen RiverFrozen RiverA long-frozen river that leaves prospective ice skaters dangerously exposed.Loot: NatureTransit TunnelTransit TunnelA sturdy concrete tunnel that has mostly withstood the test of time, providing shelter and safe passage.Dispatch TowerDispatch TowerWeather StationWeather StationA versatile meteorological instrument, long retired.Cielo Sereno ObservatoryCielo Sereno ObservatoryA marvel of astronomical ingenuity, even to those unable to fathom its one-time readings.Medium-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusOld HamletOld HamletStanding tall amongst the snows, this lodge straddles the line between rustic and chique.Loot: Old WorldDeep-Space TelescopeDeep-Space TelescopePerched atop a mountain summit, this marvel of astronomy puts all other antennas to shame.Loot: ExodusPiazza della RupePiazza della RupePorta BenvenutiPorta BenvenutiControlled Receiving FacilityControlled Receiving FacilityExtraction pointStorm Hut (approx., opens in a Flash Freeze)What Do the Stats Tell Us
According to community-contributed data, Stella Montis accounts for the vast majority of Ion Sputter finds, making it the dominant farming map. The Spaceport also contains Exodus-tagged areas where Ion Sputters can spawn, but the lower player traffic means fewer reported finds. Both maps remain viable options depending on your playstyle and risk tolerance.
Community data shows that 100% of Ion Sputter spawns come from generic Containers, which include yellow drawers, small cabinets, containers, and lockers found within Exodus areas. The yellow drawers in particular appear to have elevated spawn rates for Epic items like Ion Sputters. Prioritize these container types when sweeping through Assembly and other Exodus zones.
Also Found Here
The same loot pool drops a handful of other useful items, so it pays to know what to look for.
The Breachable Containers and bags that hold Ion Sputter, most often on Stella Montis and Riven Tides, also roll:
- Magnetic Accelerator (10 needed for Trophy Display phase 4, 3 for Expedition 5 phase 3, and more)
- Exodus Modules (5 needed for Trophy Display phase 5)
- Frequency Modulation Box (sells for 3,000 Raider Coins)
- Rotary Encoder (sells for 3,000 Raider Coins)
Ion Sputter also turns up in Breachable Containers and trash bins on Stella Montis and Riven Tides, alongside:
- Fried Motherboard (3 needed for Utility Station Level 3)
- Damaged Heat Sink (2 needed for Utility Station Level 2)
- Cooling Fan (sells for 2,000 Raider Coins)
- Battery (sells for 250 Raider Coins)
What Is An Ion Sputter
Ion Sputters are classified as Epic recyclable items in Arc Raiders. Each Ion Sputter weighs 1.5 kg, stacks up to 3, and sells for 6,000 Raider Coins at vendors. The item carries the Exodus tag, meaning it only spawns in specific high-end loot areas marked with the Exodus symbol on your map.
The in-game description simply states that Ion Sputters can be recycled into crafting materials. While they currently have no direct crafting recipes, their high sell value and valuable recycle components make them worth collecting even after completing Expedition requirements.
When recycled at the Raider Den, an Ion Sputter yields 4 Voltage Converters (worth 500 coins each, totaling 2,000 coins) and 1 Exodus Module (worth 2,750 coins) for a total recycle value of 4,750 coins. Salvaging topside only produces 1 Exodus Module, making recycling significantly better than field salvaging if you can extract safely.
Why You Need Ion Sputters
Ion Sputters serve a critical purpose in Arc Raiders progression, making them worth farming rather than selling immediately until you have completed your Expedition requirements.
Expedition 2 Requirements
The primary use of Ion Sputters is the Expedition 2 project, specifically Phase 4 of 5 in the Outfitting category. You need exactly 3 Ion Sputters to complete this project phase and advance toward resetting your profile. Given their Epic status and specific spawn locations, Ion Sputters should be prioritized for project completion above all else.
The “With A View” quest from Shani also requires delivering an Ion Sputter as one of its objectives. This quest rewards a Tactical MK2 augment upon completion, making it worthwhile to grab an extra Ion Sputter if you encounter one during your farming runs.
Recycle vs Sell
Ion Sputters sell for 6,000 Raider Coins each. Recycling yields 4,750 coins worth of materials (4 Voltage Converters and 1 Exodus Module). Selling gives you 1,250 more coins directly, making it the better option for pure profit once you have completed your Expedition requirements.
However, if you specifically need Voltage Converters or Exodus Modules for crafting high-end gear like Heavy Shields or the Bobcat submachine gun, recycling provides these materials directly. Evaluate your crafting needs before deciding. Never salvage Ion Sputters in the field unless your inventory is completely full and you cannot extract.
Tips For Farming Ion Sputters
Ion Sputters stack to 3, and each weighs 1.5 kg. A full stack takes up 4.5 kg of inventory space, so plan accordingly. A dedicated farming run can net 1 to 2 Ion Sputters if you hit the right Exodus areas and get favorable RNG, though some runs will yield nothing.
Since Stella Montis is a heavy PvP map with highly contested loot zones, consider loading into raids with a free loadout. Going in with zero augment, zero shield, and zero weapons still grants you a Safe Pocket. This approach manipulates the aggression-based matchmaking system by forcing you to play as friendly, reducing hostile encounters while farming. You cannot engage in PvP without weapons, which keeps your threat level low.
If you are confident and/or in friendly lobbies, a blue or pink augment with two or three Safe Pockets yields the highest results. Always put your Ion Sputters in your Safe Pocket immediately upon finding them. Dying with an Ion Sputter in your regular inventory means losing it permanently.
Use Fill Squad mode when farming Stella Montis. This reduces the number of individual players rushing the same spots, as groups spread out more than solo players do. Less competition means better odds of finding untouched containers.
Focus on yellow drawers and small blue/white cabinets first. These container types have elevated spawn rates for Epic items like Ion Sputters, Magnetic Accelerators, Geiger Counters, and Exodus Modules. Even if you do not find Ion Sputters, you can farm other valuable Epic loot to sell or recycle.
Do not neglect the top floors of Assembly and other Exodus buildings. Many players rush through the ground level and leave upper areas unlooted. If you spawn into a raid late, head directly to the second floor and check every drawer. Players who arrived earlier often miss these spots in their haste to extract.
Expect 3 to 5+ runs to gather the 3 Ion Sputters needed for Expedition 2. The drop rate is relatively low compared to other materials, so patience is essential. Run multiple short raids rather than one long expedition. Hit Assembly, grab what you can, and extract quickly. The spawns refresh each raid, making quick runs more efficient than full map exploration. Personally, it took me around 4 runs to get my 3 Ion Sputters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Arc Raiders Items 40
