ARC Raiders Guide: Obtaining the Aphelion Blueprint

The Aphelion has long been recognized as one of the rarest weapons in ARC Raiders. Initially, players faced significant challenges in acquiring this weapon, given the necessity of defeating one of the game’s toughest foes to obtain the blueprint. However, with the recent updates, the acquisition of the Aphelion has become notably easier, as developers modified the blueprint drop mechanics.

This comprehensive guide highlights how to effectively obtain the Aphelion blueprint following the Cold Snap update, which has revamped its drop rates and methods for acquisition.

Overview of the Aphelion

Armor Penetration: Very Strong
Ammo Type: Energy
Rarity: Legendary
Cost: 27, 500 Credits

How to Acquire the Aphelion Blueprint

Following the December 1.7.0 update for ARC Raiders, players can now discover the Aphelion blueprint in a variety of locations across the Stella Montis map. Rather than dropping exclusively from a specific enemy, players can now find it among crates, boxes, and drawers scattered throughout the map. The frequency of drops is influenced by the loot quality of the surrounding area.

Patch 1.7.0 Highlights

“Moved the Aphelion blueprint drop from the Matriarch to Stella Montis.”

Optimal Locations for Farming Aphelion Blueprints

Location	Map	Layer
Cultural Archives	Star of the Mountain	Top Layer
Medical Research	Star of the Mountain	Top Layer
Control Room	Star of the Mountain	Bottom Layer

Currently, there is no definitive method to guarantee the Aphelion blueprint’s acquisition. Its drop is entirely RNG-based, meaning players must rely on luck while looting within the Stella Montis locale.

Crafting the Aphelion Legendary Weapon

Crafting Guide Video

Once you’ve successfully obtained the Aphelion blueprint, the next step involves consuming it to learn the recipe. This addition provides access to the crafting options within the gunsmith workshop. As a Legendary weapon, creating an Aphelion requires specific resources, detailed below:

Resource	Quantity Needed
Matriarch Reactor	1
Complex Gun Parts	3
Magnetic Accelerators	3

Previous Method of Obtaining the Aphelion Blueprint

Initially, acquiring the Aphelion blueprint was straightforward, as players could obtain it directly from the Matriarch—a formidable adversary within ARC Raiders. During encounters with this massive robot, players could loot the core to secure both the blueprint and the necessary Matriarch Reactor for crafting. This acquisition method, however, underwent significant changes with the December 2025 update.

Is the Aphelion Worth Crafting?

Despite its commendable armor penetration, many players debate the Aphelion’s effectiveness. Its crafting process can be arduous, and its performance in player-versus-player scenarios is often subpar. Additionally, the weapon’s two-round burst mode may feel sluggish compared to competitors. Many players commonly favor the Equalizer among Legendary weapons. Despite its own limitations in PvP, the Equalizer’s steady energy beam proves far more effective for tackling large ARC foes, including the Matriarch.

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