Upgrading your Gunsmith workbench is an important milestone in ARC Raiders, especially when you want access to rare, epic, and legendary weapon blueprints. Reaching Level 3 requires careful preparation and a few successful supply runs. Before heading into dangerous areas, organize your inventory and plan how to collect the necessary ARC Raiders Items without wasting time on unnecessary fights.

The upgrade requires three different materials in specific quantities: three Rusted Gears, five Advanced Mechanical Components, and four Sentinel Firing Cores. Each resource has its own collection method, so knowing the best locations can make the process much smoother. With a practical route and a little patience, you can gather everything needed and improve your workshop efficiently.

Materials Needed for the Level 3 Upgrade

Before starting your search, check your storage and make sure you understand the full requirements. Rusted Gears are commonly found around abandoned vehicles and industrial areas, while Advanced Mechanical Components can be crafted or recovered through recycling. Sentinel Firing Cores require a different approach because they are associated with dangerous ARC units and certain wreck sites.

Keeping track of your progress helps prevent repeated trips to locations you have already searched. Collect the materials in manageable stages, and prioritize methods that match your current equipment and combat ability.

Where to Collect Rusted Gears

You need three Rusted Gears, and abandoned vehicles are among the most useful places to search. On the Bluegate map, explore the underground section of the Warehouse complex. Pay attention to tunnel checkpoints, rusted cars, and scattered junk piles. Night raids are worth considering because the supplied route information indicates that gear drops can be more favorable during these runs.

Buried City offers another option. Search the parking garage and inspect old vehicles around Building 6. These areas are useful when you want to combine material gathering with other scavenging activities instead of making a dedicated trip for a single resource.

The North Complex Elevator is also worth checking. Two abandoned buses parked nearby can provide a convenient opportunity to find the gears you need. Search each location carefully before moving on, since overlooked containers and vehicle loot can lead to unnecessary backtracking.

Efficient Ways to Get Advanced Mechanical Components

Five Advanced Mechanical Components are required for the upgrade. Crafting is a convenient option if your Refiner has already reached Level 2. You can produce these components using Steel Springs and Base Mechanical Components, allowing you to make progress without relying entirely on random loot.

If you prefer searching the maps, visit the Water Treatment Control building on Dam Battlegrounds. Look through the old grade controller machines and the smaller machines inside the pipe room. These industrial areas are useful targets when you are already exploring the Dam region.

Stella Montis provides another collection route. Head to the loading bay's machine room beneath the medical wing and inspect the green industrial machines. Remember to check the surrounding area for other useful supplies before leaving.

Recycling is another practical alternative. If you have extracted weapons that you no longer need, consider processing items such as the Renegade, Torrentus, or Venator at your base. Recycling unwanted equipment can help recover valuable components while freeing up inventory space. Compare this option with crafting and scavenging to determine which method best suits your current resources.

Finding Sentinel Firing Cores Without Wasting Runs

The final requirement is four Sentinel Firing Cores. One approach is to hunt Sentinel units and sniper turrets, particularly around Dam Battlegrounds. Useful places to investigate include the staircase near the Research Administration building, the floodgates, and the tops of piping towers.

These encounters can be dangerous, so prepare suitable weapons, ammunition, healing supplies, and an escape route before approaching a Sentinel. Night raids and Hurricane events may also offer more opportunities because Sentinel activity can increase under these conditions. However, the extra danger means you should weigh potential rewards against the risk of losing collected equipment.

For a safer alternative, search for crashed ARC Courier vessels. These wrecks can produce Firing Cores without requiring you to fight heavily defended Sentinel groups. Look for smoking crash sites as you explore different maps, and inspect them whenever your route makes it practical to do so.

Complete the Upgrade With a Clear Plan

A good collection strategy combines reliable scavenging with crafting and recycling. Start by gathering Rusted Gears from abandoned vehicles, then use your Refiner or industrial loot locations to secure the Advanced Mechanical Components. Collect Sentinel Firing Cores through combat only when you feel prepared, and take advantage of ARC Courier wrecks when you want to reduce the risk.

Once all three material requirements are satisfied, return to your base and upgrade the Gunsmith workbench to Level 3. This unlocks access to more advanced weapon blueprint opportunities and gives you greater flexibility when preparing for future raids. Organizing your supplies, choosing efficient routes, and avoiding unnecessary engagements will help you progress without making every expedition a struggle. As you continue developing your workshop, buy ARC Raiders Trinkets can also be a useful search phrase when exploring additional trading options for your in-game progression needs.