ARC Raiders has quickly become one of the fastest-growing extraction shooters on Steam, reaching peak player counts above 450,000. With its high-risk gameplay loop and persistent progression, every match becomes a tense fight for survival — and one of the most valuable tools in the game is the Raider Hatch Keycard. These keycards allow players to access hidden hatches scattered across the map, offering one of the fastest and safest extraction methods in ARC Raiders. This guide explains where to find keycards, how to craft them, and when to use them for maximum advantage.
What Raider Hatch Keycards Are Used For
Raider Hatch Keycards give players instant access to special underground hatches — one of the quickest evacuation routes available. On the map, these exits appear as circle icons with a downward arrow.
Why they’re important
Hatches offer several advantages compared to elevators or train stations:
- Instant extraction (no multi-minute wait timers)
- Minimal noise — enemies won’t be alerted like they are when you call an elevator
- Low risk — no 15-second solo defense timers, no long squad survival countdowns
- No large crowds of players camping the exit
The catch? You cannot open a hatch without a keycard.
All Ways to Get Raider Hatch Keycards in ARC Raiders
There are five primary methods to acquire a keycard. Some rely on luck, others require crafting or progression— but each method has its place depending on your playstyle.
1. Buy a Keycard from the Vendor Shani
- Cost: 9,000 coins
- Limit: 1 purchase every 24 hours
- Requirement: Character level 12
This is the most reliable — but also the most expensive — method. A single extraction might not even pay back the cost, especially if you’re running low-level gear.
Best for: high-level players farming high-tier loot.
2. Craft the Keycard in the Workshop
The most cost-efficient and consistent method.
You’ll need:
- 3× Sensor Parts
- 1× Advanced Electric Component
And before crafting becomes available, you must build the Auxiliary Station at your workshop.
Best for: players who regularly collect materials and want a predictable supply of keycards.
3. Earn Keycards from Side Missions
Some optional objectives — like Hatch Repairs — reward players with keycards upon completion. These aren’t guaranteed every match, but they’re an excellent bonus if you’re already clearing contracts.
4. Loot Enemy Players
Sometimes enemy players carry keycards, especially those who planned a fast extraction route. However, this method relies entirely on luck — and only works if the key wasn’t stored in the enemy’s Secure Pocket.
5. Find Keycards in Raider Caches
Hidden Raider stashes across the map can contain valuable loot, including keycards. The drop rate is low, but it’s worth checking them whenever you pass by.
Best for: explorers and players who love clearing out POIs.
How to Use Keycards and Extract Through Raider Hatches
Once you have a keycard, simply approach a hatch and interact with it. The hatch unlocks instantly.
Important details:
- The hatch stays open for your entire squad, but only for a short time.
- Inform teammates before activating it — they might not reach it in time.
- Store spare keycards in your Secure Pocket so you don’t lose them on death.
Keycards are extremely valuable in high-reward missions where losing your loot would be devastating. Many players save them for late-game gear runs or difficult contract chains.
When You Should Save Your Keycards
Because they’re rare and often expensive, keycards should ideally be used when:
- You completed a high-tier mission with a big payout
- You found rare crafting materials
- You’re carrying legendary or high-value weapons
- Your squad is low on health and unlikely to survive another fight
Proper keycard management is a huge part of long-term progression in ARC Raiders.
Final Thoughts
Raider Hatch Keycards are one of the most strategically valuable items in ARC Raiders. Whether you buy, craft, loot, or stumble upon them, knowing when and how to use them can completely change the outcome of your match. With fast, quiet, and low-risk extraction, these keycards can save your most valuable runs — and secure massive profits with minimal danger. If you’re climbing the ranks in the extraction shooter genre, mastering keycard usage is essential for becoming a top-tier ARC Raider.
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