The Phantom Targets event in ARC Raiders has turned a strange signal investigation into a much larger story about corrupted ARC technology. For players working through the event, ARC Raiders BluePrints are not the only valuable objective to watch. The investigation also introduces unusual enemies, special materials, and several stages that require a different approach from normal raids.

The event runs from August 4 through September 6, 2026, giving Raiders a limited window to complete all six stages. While the early objectives focus on repairing equipment and testing ARC parts, the later stages reveal that the mysterious readings are connected to Glitched Wasps. Understanding how the investigation develops makes it much easier to prepare for each objective.

How The Phantom Targets Story Begins

The mystery starts when Shani detects strange surveillance readings across the Rust Belt. The signals appear inconsistent, almost as though something is interfering with normal ARC equipment. Instead of immediately revealing the source, the project sends Raiders through several experiments designed to track and understand the anomaly.

The first stage requires players to repair malfunctioning antennas positioned around Cargo Elevators. These objectives can appear in areas such as Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, and Riven Tides. Repairing the antennas helps triangulate the unusual radar signals and provides the first real clue about where the investigation is heading.

Because these locations can be exposed, it is worth checking the area before interacting with an antenna. Other ARC machines can quickly turn a simple repair objective into a full fight, so taking a few seconds to clear nearby threats can save resources.

Testing Salvaged ARC Technology

Stage 2 changes the investigation into a combat experiment. Raiders need to deal 500 damage to ARC enemies using several specific components recovered from defeated machines.

Pop Triggers come from Pops and can be thrown toward enemies, although their movement is not always predictable. Wasp Drivers come from standard Wasps and require an extra step. After throwing one, you need to shoot it manually to activate the explosion.

Leaper Pulse Units are another required component and are obtained from Leapers. When trying to finish the damage requirements quickly, Bombardiers are useful targets because their armor is relatively light. Choosing easier targets can save ammunition and reduce the amount of time spent exposed in dangerous areas.

Stage 3 continues the testing process but introduces different damage requirements. Raiders must destroy flying ARC enemies with launcher ammunition, deal fire damage, and use energy weapons against heavier targets.

Preparing For The Glitched Wasps

The investigation becomes much clearer with Update 1.42.0, released on August 18. Stages 4 through 6 identify Glitched Wasps as the main source connected to the strange signals.

These enemies are noticeably different from ordinary Wasps. Their movements are erratic, their sounds are unusual, and groups appear to move toward a common destination. They are not especially durable, however, so players can usually handle them without bringing an extremely expensive loadout.

The important part is collecting the materials they provide. Glitched Wasp Parts, ARC Phase Arrays, ARC Transmitters, Glitched ARC Light Rings, and Glitched ARC Circuitry all become important during the later project stages.

Be Careful With The Commit System

Stages 4 and 5 introduce a material commitment system. Instead of simply picking up the required items and having the objective completed automatically, Raiders must extract with them and permanently commit them through the project screen.

This means you should check your inventory carefully before submitting anything. Once an item has been committed, it cannot be recovered. There is little reason to turn in more than the project requires because each stage needs 10 parts.

Extra materials can still be useful because they provide Merits and can be recycled into crafting resources. However, keeping the required amount separate from other valuable materials is a safer approach.

Event Rewards Worth Chasing

Completing the Phantom Targets project provides several useful rewards. The event includes legendary energy weapons such as the Aphelion, Dolabra, and Jupiter. Raiders can also earn equipment including Combat Mark III Aggressive, a Heavy Shield, Vital Spray, a Power Descender, a Horizontal Grip, and a Snap Hook.

The Anomalia Outfit provides a cosmetic reward, while each completed stage grants 50 Raider Tokens. Progress is also saved during a match, so dying or failing to extract does not erase the event progress earned during that run.

For players who are also collecting ARC Raiders BluePrints, this event is a good opportunity to combine progression goals. You can work on project objectives while continuing to gather useful equipment and resources during ordinary raids.

Finishing The Investigation

The Phantom Targets project gradually changes from a tracking experiment into a hunt for the Glitched Wasps. The first three stages teach players how the investigation works, while the final stages concentrate on the corrupted creatures and the materials they carry.

With the September 6 deadline approaching, efficient preparation is more useful than rushing. Bring the correct weapons for each objective, keep enough fire-based equipment for the elemental requirements, and avoid committing unnecessary materials.

If you still need additional resources while completing the event, you can also consider options to buy ARC Raiders Loot when you want to spend less time farming basic supplies and more time working through the Phantom Targets objectives. The key is to use your available raid time efficiently while keeping the event's material requirements in mind.

The Glitched Wasps may have been identified as the source of the strange signals, but their final destination remains unexplained. Until more information appears, finishing the project, collecting its rewards, and continuing to follow the corrupted ARC trail gives Raiders a good reason to keep exploring the event before it ends.