What Is the Recorder and How Does It Work?
The Recorder is a Quick Use gadget classified as Uncommon. When equipped, holding down the fire button starts one of two repeating melodies. While playing, you cannot use weapons, other gadgets, breach doors, or search containers unless you unequip it. In practice, this makes it similar to carrying a Field Crate—it’s something you use for distraction or team support rather than combat.
The primary practical effect is that the Recorder attracts ARC attention. If used near enemies, it can manipulate their patrol patterns or lure them away from objectives. You can also use it to signal teammates or coordinate during chaotic raids. Experienced players often keep it for a mix of utility and style, especially when clearing Residential zones.
Where Can You Get the Recorder?
There are three main ways to obtain a Recorder:
Scavenging: You can find it in Residential areas, though availability is not guaranteed. Check high-traffic loot locations first, because Recorder spawns are limited.
Vendors:
Apollo: Sells it for 3,000 Coins, with a daily limit of 6 per player.
Shani: Sells it for 50 Cred, limited to 3 per day.
In practice, most players combine scavenging with vendor purchases to ensure they always have one ready. Since it’s Uncommon, hoarding more than a few isn’t necessary, but keeping one for critical missions is useful.
How Do You Use the Recorder Effectively?
A lot of players underestimate how disruptive the Recorder can be if used correctly. Here are some practical tips based on real gameplay:
Distraction: Playing the Recorder near ARC clusters can redirect enemies, giving your team room to flank or secure objectives. Timing is key—start the melody just before they detect you.
Team Communication: In loud matches where voice chat isn’t practical, using the Recorder to signal “move in” or “fall back” works surprisingly well.
Looting Safely: While holding it, you can lure enemies away from loot-heavy containers, though remember that you cannot actually search containers without unequipping. Plan your movements carefully.
Showmanship: While not strictly tactical, the Recorder is sometimes used to impress teammates. This doesn’t affect combat outcomes but can be a fun social tool in raids.
A common mistake is holding the Recorder too long in open areas. If you attract too many ARC units without backup, you’ll be overwhelmed quickly. Experienced players usually play in short bursts while repositioning.
Can the Recorder Be Repaired?
Yes, the Recorder can be repaired, and this is often overlooked in practical play. You’ll need:
1x Recorder
4x Plastic Parts
In practice, this means recycling a spare Recorder or collecting enough Plastic Parts while scavenging. Repairing is generally faster than crafting a new one, so keep some materials handy if you rely on the gadget for distraction strategies.
Recycling and Salvaging
Understanding what the Recorder yields when recycled or salvaged helps plan resource management:
Recycling: Returns 10 Plastic Parts per Recorder.
Salvaging: Returns 4 Plastic Parts per Recorder.
Most experienced players recycle spares instead of salvaging because the extra Plastic Parts are valuable for repairing other gadgets. If you’re low on materials, this can become a key part of your resource loop.
It’s worth noting that some players choose to sell unused gadgets instead of recycling them. In fact, you can sell Arc Raiders items like the Recorder for Coins or Cred if you don’t need them. This is a quick way to convert excess items into currency for vendor purchases.
Common Questions From Players
Q: Can I use the Recorder while under fire? A: Yes, but it’s risky. You cannot use weapons while playing it, so only use it when enemies are distracted or at a distance.
Q: Does the Recorder stack with other gadgets? A: No. You must unequip it to use any other gadget or breach equipment. Plan ahead before activating it.
Q: Should I carry more than one Recorder? A: One is usually enough. If you anticipate prolonged engagements or need to repair one mid-raid, keeping a spare in your inventory or ready for recycling is helpful.
Q: Is the Recorder worth vendor purchase? A: Depends on your playstyle. If you like using distraction tactics or want the social aspect, spending Coins or Cred is reasonable. Otherwise, scavenging can save resources.
The Recorder is an underrated gadget that combines utility and strategy in Arc Raiders. It works best when used to manipulate enemy movements, assist teammates, or support loot runs. Its limitations—unable to attack or use other gadgets while playing—mean it must be used thoughtfully. Keeping repair materials and considering recycling versus selling are part of maintaining efficiency.
For players who understand its value, the Recorder is more than just a novelty—it’s a tactical tool that can make raids smoother and safer when used correctly.
