The North Line update, the latest major patch for ARC Raiders, introduces an exciting new category of challenges and rewards in the extraction-shooter genre. One of the most impressive highlights is the new map, Stella Montis: a high-altitude research facility set in the mountains, designed for keen players eager to conquer the landscape, gather loot, and secure extraction. In this guide, I’ll outline essential map strategies to help you conquer Stella Montis and fully leverage the North Line update.
Understand the Terrain
Stella Montis transcends the ordinary “drop-in” zone; it’s a rich tapestry of layers, complexity, and innovative design, featuring high-tech ruins and dynamic vertical spaces. Discover the essential terrain features you need to conquer:
- Elevated vantage points: Look for rooftop access, cliff-ledges, and tower-like structures. These spots let you take ranged engagements and drop down onto enemies.
- Chokepoints and tunnels: The new map uses narrow corridors and underground access, perfect for setting ambushes or holding defensive positions.
- Indoor ruins with close-quarters pressure: Because of tight hallways and indoor rooms, expect enemies to appear around corners and from above/below. This transforms typical open-field tactics into more tactical movement.
Strategy tip: Before heavy firefights, spend time scanning the map in quiet runs. Note high ground positions, roof exits, and interior chokepoints. Use your first few raids to gather spatial knowledge rather than pushing for max loot.
Tweak Load-outs for Map Conditions
With Stella Montis’ verticality and indoor settings, you might find that your standard gear requires some adjustments. The North Line patch notes reveal enhancements in map movement delay and adjustments to the loot drop structure.
- Choose weapons with flexibility: Combine a medium/long-range rifle (to control high ground) with a compact SMG or shotgun for indoor bursts.
- Prioritise grenades/mines that control space: Gas Mines or Pulse Mines are excellent in corridors or tunnels. The update guide also emphasises this.
- Cover/escape tools matter more: Because you’ll be on rooftops and indoors, include a quick-mobility tool (grappling hook, slide, vault) so you aren’t trapped when enemies flank from above or below.
Prioritise High-Value Loot Zones
In Stella Montis, every moment counts as you’ll aim to raid with precision and extract with confidence. The advanced ruins conceal greater treasures, yet they come with increased danger.
- Target loot hotspots: Look for server-rooms, research labs, and elevated vaults. These are likely to contain blueprints or rare items.
- Plan escape routes: Because verticality means you might be at risk of falling or being trapped, know two routes: one for normal extraction, another for emergency escape.
- Check map conditions: The map being indoors/vertical means some usual extraction corridors will be more dangerous. Use high ground to monitor them before moving down.
Master Enemy Behaviour
The latest update for the North Line unveils exciting new ARC adversaries designed specifically for Stella Montis: meet the Shredder, a master of close-quarters combat, and the formidable Matriarch, a true boss-level challenge.
- Shredder: Because this enemy thrives in indoor/close spaces, keep rooms clear, avoid being backed into corners, and use mobility to keep distance.
- Matriarch: For high-tier runs, coordinate with your team: assign roles (aggro, support, flank), use heavy weapons, and make sure you have cover and escape options.
- General ARC behaviour has been upgraded for this map: faster AI, more aggression, and tighter indoor engagements. Understand their scanner states (patrol/alert/combat) to react accordingly.
Important Disclaimer: After securing loot, use your elevated vantage to cover teammates moving through tunnels or indoor passages toward extraction. Set traps or mines in the tunnels for enemy ambushes.
The latest “North Line” update revitalizes ARC Raiders, introducing new terrain, challenges, and strategies that incentivize players to think vertically, collaborate effectively, and adapt quickly. The Stella Montis map elevates the standard extraction loop into a multi-dimensional, tactical adventure: towering high-rises, crumbling interiors, fresh adversaries, and a thrilling game of risk and reward lurking in every corridor. Achieving mastery demands more than just sheer firepower; it necessitates keen spatial awareness, precise load-out choices, seamless team coordination, and disciplined extraction strategies.
