If you believe the Queen is the toughest end-game boss in Arc Raiders, prepare to face an even bigger challenge: the Matriarch. Defeating this colossal boss requires more than sharp shooting and teamwork. As a powerful ARC enemy, the Matriarch offers high-tier loot, including crucial crafting components for new weapons. In this guide, we’ll delve into effective strategies, optimal loadouts, and combat advice to help your squad bring this beast down efficiently.
Arc Raiders Matriarch Location
The Matriarch can only be found during the Matriarch (map modifier) event. To search for it, enter a Matriarch Event map, identifiable by the ‘diamond link’ icon. Click on the map to confirm your entry. Remember, the difficulty level can range from 3 to 5 depending on the map.

Spotting the Matriarch is relatively easy, as it ranks among the largest ARC enemies. When you enter a Matriarch event, look for the massive ARC with a head projecting a distinct red light.
Arc Raiders Matriarch Health, Weakness, and Attacks
Understanding your enemy is critical. Here are the important stats for the Matriarch in Arc Raiders, including health points, weaknesses, and attack types.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Level | Extreme |
| Armor Plate | Full Plated |
| Primary Attack | Rocket Fire |
| Special Abilities | Gas Mortars Energy Shield Flashbangs Summon ARC |
| Weakness | Joints Heads Core |
| Health | 35,000 HP |
Best Loadouts to Kill Matriarch in Arc Raiders

To successfully defeat the Matriarch, you need an optimal loadout. Besides bringing powerful weapons and healing items, ensure you have a Raider Hatch Key for extractions if necessary. This is crucial for escaping when you’re surrounded by enemy ARCs or players.
Shields and Augments
For the Matriarch event, equip the Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive) augment. This can be crafted from 2x Advanced Electrical Components and 3x Processor. Not only does it provide 20 backpack slots, 1 safe pocket slot, and 5 quick-use slots, but it also enables stronger shields and passive shield recharge while sprinting. Pair it with a Heavy Shield for optimal defense during the Matriarch raid.
Weapons
To effectively take down the Matriarch, you must carry some of the best weapons available. The Hullcracker stands out as the most effective ARC killer. Stock up on plenty of launcher ammo for this essential weapon.
Your secondary weapon should be the Venator, adept at keeping ARCs and human enemies at bay. This weapon excels in high damage output and armor penetration, making it effective against both Wasps and Hornets, as well as human adversaries.
Healing Items
When facing the Matriarch, your resilience is crucial. Bring a surplus of healing items such as Sterilized Bandages, Vita Shots, and Shield Recharges to endure the lengthy battle that lies ahead.
Grenades and Gadgets
Utilizing effective grenades and gadgets can be a game-changer. For quick takedowns, have Wolfpack grenades on hand; these target nearby ARCs after a short delay, delivering an impressive 1992 damage upon contact. Additionally, the Showstopper grenade stuns ARCs for 10 seconds, allowing you to control the battlefield while focusing on the Matriarch.
Tips and Tricks to Kill Matriarch in Arc Raiders
Equipped with knowledge about the Matriarch’s stats and loadouts, here are some tried-and-tested tips to enhance your chances of success:
1. Control the High Ground and Survive the Missile Barrage
The Matriarch is more aggressive than the Queen. Its homing missiles pose a significant threat. Whenever possible, stay elevated; the rockets often explode harmlessly below. If you fight on flat terrain, you’ll be taking splash damage continuously. Always seek sturdy cover before engaging and switch cover after toxic gas hits, as being caught in gas clouds impairs your movement and capacity to shoot.
2. Break the Armor and Focus the Weakpoints
The Matriarch’s formidable armor plating means you need a weapon that can strip it quickly. The Hullcracker is ideal for this purpose. Once you breach the outer layers, direct your fire at the exposed cores above its hull. Targeting these weak points allows you to deplete the Matriarch’s health much faster than merely shooting at its legs.
When the Matriarch deploys its defensive shield, conserve your ammo. This shield negates all firepower, including grenades and special shots. Hold your fire until the shield fades, then focus all efforts on the core.
3. Use Safe Angles and Prepare for Third Parties
In a Matriarch battle, other raiders can be a significant distraction. Locations like Dam Battlegrounds create dynamic scenarios, with the boss positioned in a pit surrounded by high terrain. This setup grants various angles for sniping and flanking.

The Pipeline Tower offers a strong vantage point if reached first. Establish a zipline and set traps at the entrance to defend your position while having a clear view of the Matriarch. After taking it down, send a squad member to loot while others cover various angles.
Keep in mind that the Matriarch spawns ARCs right before it goes down. Be prepared for sudden waves of Bastions and Rocketeers, or better yet, act quickly to loot before enemy squads arrive.
Arc Raiders Matriarch Loot and Rewards
Successfully defeating the Matriarch in Arc Raiders leads to valuable rewards. Here’s the treasure you can expect after taking down this formidable foe:
Main debris loot pool:
- ARC Alloy
- ARC Circuitry
- ARC Performance Steel
- Advanced ARC Powercell
- ARC Flex Rubber
- ARC Motion Core
- ARC Synthetic Resin
- ARC Thermo Lining
- Magnetic Accelerator
- Matriarch Reactor
Small debris loot pool:
- ARC Alloy
- ARC Circuitry
- ARC Performance Steel
- Advanced ARC Powercell
- ARC Flex Rubber
- ARC Synthetic Resin
- Magnetic Accelerator
- Matriarch Reactor
That covers everything you need to know about taking down the Matriarch in Arc Raiders and reaping the rewards like the Magnetic Accelerator and Matriarch Reactor. Now, do you plan to tackle the Matriarch on your own, or will it be a team effort? Share your strategies in the comments below.
What is the best weapon to kill the Matriarch in Arc Raiders?
The Hullcracker is the best weapon in Arc Raiders for defeating all ARC enemies, including the Matriarch.
Where can I find the Matriarch in Arc Raiders?
The Matriarch only appears during the Matriarch event on the map in Arc Raiders.
What strategies are recommended for defeating the Matriarch?
Controlling high ground, breaking armor quickly, and preparing for third parties are essential strategies for taking down the Matriarch efficiently.
How much health does the Matriarch have in Arc Raiders?
The Matriarch has 35,000 HP, making it one of the toughest bosses in the game.
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