The Shrouded Sky update reshaped the surface of ARC Raiders with violent storms, harsher visibility, and deadlier ARC variants. One of the most dangerous additions is the Comet — a fast, explosive unit that only appears in specific conditions.

Defeating it gives you access to a rare progression material: Comet Igniter.

Comet Igniter is a high-tier crafting material introduced alongside dynamic weather systems in the Shrouded Sky update. It plays a key role in progressing the Weather Machine Project, a major crafting and infrastructure system tied to storm manipulation mechanics.

Unlike standard materials you can scavenge from containers or dismantled equipment, Comet Igniter:

Drops exclusively from Comet ARCs

Is not guaranteed on every kill

Requires active combat farming

There's no passive way to obtain it — you have to hunt for it.

When and Where Do Comets Spawn?

Comets most frequently appear during Hurricane weather events. Storm conditions increase ARC activity overall, including Comet spawn rates.

Best Conditions for Farming

Active Hurricane weather

Outdoor, open-terrain maps

High-ARC-activity zones

While Comets can appear outside of Hurricanes, spawn frequency is noticeably higher during storm events. If you're serious about farming Comet Igniter, time your deployments around Hurricanes.

How to Identify a Comet ARC

Comets are visually distinct once you know what to look for.

They are:

Compact and spherical

Extremely fast-moving

Aggressively pathing toward players

Found primarily in open outdoor areas

Unlike patrol-based ARCs that guard structures, Comets spawn in exposed spaces and immediately pressure players.

Understanding Comet Behavior

Comets behave like upgraded explosive units — think high-mobility demolition drones.

Here's their attack pattern:

They detect and rapidly close distance.

A red line across their body glows when alerted.

The glow shifts toward orange as they near detonation range.

They explode on contact or proximity.

If you're already fighting other enemies or carrying valuable ARC Raiders Items, getting surprised by a Comet can end your run instantly.

Best Weapons to Kill Comets

Comets have heavy armor plating similar to high-tier ARC units. You'll need solid penetration or high sustained damage to eliminate them before they detonate.

Strong Weapon Options

Bettina – High precision damage from range

Anvil – Reliable mid-to-long-range firepower

Hullcracker – Excellent armor penetration

II Toro – Effective but extremely risky due to close range

Shotguns like the II Toro can work — but forcing close engagements against an explosive enemy is dangerous. Long-range elimination is always safer.

Combat Tips for Surviving Comet Encounters

1. Fight at Range

Distance is your biggest advantage. The farther the Comet has to travel, the more time you have to destroy it before detonation.

2. Secure High Ground

Elevated positions improve visibility during storms and help you track fast-moving targets more effectively.

3. Avoid Tight Spaces

Confined interiors limit your escape routes. Comets are most lethal when they corner you.

4. Clear Other ARCs First

Getting swarmed while a Comet approaches is how most players die. Reduce surrounding threats before committing to the Comet.

5. Use Defensive Utility

Mobility boosts, shields, and defensive ARC Raiders Items can help you survive unexpected charges or buy enough time to finish the kill.

Efficient Farming Strategy

Because Comet Igniter is not a guaranteed drop, farming requires consistency and risk management.

Deploy During Hurricanes

Storm events increase spawn rates. Always check weather conditions before deploying.

Rotate Between Open Zones

Instead of camping one area, move between known open spawn fields. Active rotation improves encounter frequency.

Extract Immediately After a Drop

If you secure a Comet Igniter, consider disengaging and extracting. Extraction shooters reward survival, not greed.

Use Secure Storage Options

If your loadout allows secure storage, stash the Igniter before taking further risks.

What Is Comet Igniter Used For?

The primary purpose of Comet Igniter is progression within the Weather Machine Project. This crafting initiative requires:

Rare storm-based components

Blueprint unlocks

Advanced ARC Raiders Items

While players may choose to ARC Raiders BluePrints for sale through trading systems to speed up blueprint progression, core materials like Comet Igniter must still be earned in combat.

In other words:

You can optimize your build path — but you cannot skip hunting Comets.

Is Farming Comet Igniter Worth the Risk?

It depends on preparation.

Advantages

Required for high-tier crafting

Valuable in player trade

Found in predictable open zones

Disadvantages

High explosion lethality

Often contested during Hurricanes

Not a guaranteed drop

When approached strategically — with ranged weapons, strong positioning, and disciplined extraction decisions — Comet farming becomes a reliable part of endgame progression.

Whether you're advancing the Weather Machine, crafting stronger ARC Raiders Items, or accelerating progression through smart blueprint acquisition, mastering Comet encounters is essential for efficient late-game success.