If you’ve spent time in Arc Raiders, you’ve probably encountered the Shredder at Stella Montis. It’s a high-threat enemy designed to test your awareness and coordination, especially in tight spaces. Here’s a breakdown of how the Shredder behaves, how most players deal with it, and tips on practical strategies you can use in-game.
What is the Shredder, and why is it dangerous?
The Shredder is a fully armored enemy with a high threat level. Its primary attack is a multi-round shrapnel burst that can hit all players nearby, making it especially deadly in corridors or small rooms. Most players quickly learn that trying to fight the Shredder in open spaces can be safer than in narrow hallways, but Stella Montis rarely gives you that option.
Key points about the Shredder’s danger:
It pursues players aggressively, favoring encounters where movement is limited.
Its primary attack deals area-of-effect damage, so grouping too closely is risky.
It periodically charges up a larger attack, which can be a moment to counterattack, but being caught in the open during the charge is often fatal.
In general, players treat the Shredder as a threat that requires both positioning and timing to overcome.
What are the Shredder’s weaknesses?
While heavily armored, the Shredder does have weak points. Most players focus on the thrusters—the blue jet units—which are more vulnerable and can stagger the Shredder if targeted consistently. Other key weaknesses and tactics include:
Explosives: Grenades and other area-effect items work very well, especially when timed with the Shredder’s charge attack.
Flanking: Attacking from behind or the side reduces the chance of being hit by its shrapnel burst.
Parts destruction: Some components on the Shredder can be destroyed to reduce its effectiveness.
A common strategy among experienced Raiders is to combine explosives with focused fire on thrusters, staggering it and opening up safer windows for attack.
What loot does the Shredder drop?
Most players fight the Shredder not just for survival but for its rewards, which are generally used for crafting and upgrading. The usual drops include:
ARC Alloy
ARC Powercell
Shredder Gyro
Shotgun Ammo
Simple Gun Parts
Mechanical Components
In practice, players prioritize these drops depending on their immediate needs in crafting or gear upgrades.
How to deal with the Shredder in practice
From experience, the Shredder is not just about dealing damage; positioning and team coordination make the biggest difference. Here’s how most players approach it:
Keep your distance: Shrapnel attacks are deadly at close range, so staying just outside its primary attack radius is usually safer.
Use cover wisely: Corners and obstacles can block some of its shrapnel, but don’t let them trap you. Players often find that mobile cover—moving from one safe spot to another—is more effective than static cover.
Time your explosives: Players generally wait until the Shredder begins its charge attack before throwing grenades or using area-effect weapons. This maximizes damage and reduces personal risk.
Target weak points consistently: Thrusters are usually the first target, followed by destructible parts that reduce its combat efficiency.
Additionally, newer players often look for ways to get cheap Arc Raiders coins with U4N to upgrade gear before attempting fights like the Shredder. This can make a noticeable difference in survival chances.
How has the Shredder changed over time?
Patch notes show that developers have made adjustments to improve the Shredder’s behavior:
Knockback from weapons has been reduced.
Head health increased to prevent unintended behaviors.
Navigation improvements reduce instances of getting stuck on corners or obstacles.
Speed and responsiveness increased, making combat feel more dynamic.
More destructible parts have been added for tactical options.
In general, these changes mean that the Shredder now behaves more predictably but remains a serious challenge in close quarters.
Common mistakes players make
Even experienced Raiders make certain mistakes with the Shredder. These include:
Clustering too closely: The shrapnel blast punishes poor spacing.
Ignoring thrusters: Focusing on the body alone makes fights much longer and riskier.
Using explosives too early: Timing matters more than raw damage; most players fail because they throw grenades at the wrong moment.
Not moving: Staying in one spot is often fatal, especially in hallways.
By avoiding these mistakes, most players find that fights with the Shredder become manageable, even in small teams.
The Shredder is one of the more challenging enemies in Arc Raiders, but understanding its behavior, weaknesses, and attack patterns makes it much more manageable. Experienced players emphasize mobility, timing, and target prioritization. Explosives combined with weak-point targeting are usually the most effective approach. Loot is valuable for crafting, so preparation is key, and upgrading gear—even via options like using services to get cheap Arc Raiders coins with U4N—can significantly improve your chances.
