Introduction and quick context
This guide is a complete, practical walkthrough for finding and farming Candleberries in the Dam Battlegrounds map of Arc Raiders. It’s written for players who want repeatable, high‑yield runs that minimize risk and maximize event progression. Whether you play solo or in a small team, you’ll find route plans, loadout recommendations, engagement and extraction tactics, and advice on how to turn Candleberries into meaningful rewards. Expect clear, actionable steps and in‑game mindset tips that keep you alive and efficient.
Why Candleberries matter right now
Candleberries are a seasonal resource tied to event progression and limited projects. They’re commonly used for event turn‑ins, crafting tokens, and base upgrades during the Cold Snap or Flickering Flames windows. Because they’re time‑limited and often contested, efficient farming is the difference between finishing event stages and falling behind. The Dam Battlegrounds map concentrates a high density of Candleberry spawn points, making it the prime location for focused runs.
How to think about farming runs
Treat Candleberry runs like short, surgical missions. Your objective is not to dominate the map but to locate clusters, clear immediate threats, harvest quickly, and extract before the situation escalates. Adopt a mobility‑first mindset: speed, situational awareness, and minimal exposure. If you’re carrying high‑value progression gear, use a free loadout to avoid risking your main equipment.
Map overview and general spawn behavior
Dam Battlegrounds is a swampy, ruined industrial zone with shallow water channels, broken platforms, and a central dam structure. Candleberries spawn on small fruit trees and bushes that prefer open clearings near ruined foundations and the northern Power Generation Complex. Spawns tend to cluster in pockets rather than being evenly distributed, so once you find one cluster, nearby areas are likely to hold more. Expect ARCs to patrol the most exposed clusters and players to contest the best patches.
Best times and server awareness
Server population and event timing affect spawn density and contest levels. Early morning or late‑night windows on your server often have fewer players, making solo runs safer. Event windows that boost spawn rates or increase turn‑in value are the best times to farm, but they also draw more players. If you see multiple squads converging on the dam, switch to stealth runs or move to a quieter quadrant.
Loadouts and gear philosophy
Prioritize mobility, quick clear potential, and survivability. A typical farming kit includes:
A lightweight primary with fast handling and good close‑to‑mid range control.
A compact shield or short‑duration defensive ability to buy time during extractions.
Mobility perks such as sprint boosts, reduced fall damage, or faster vaulting.
Two healing consumables: one instant heal and one over‑time or emergency med.
One throwable for crowd control when ARCs or players converge.
Use free loadouts for farming to avoid risking progression gear. If you plan to hold a cluster with teammates, shift to crowd control and suppression tools, but remember that holding increases your visibility and risk.
Movement and approach tactics
Move along the map’s natural cover lines: ruined walls, collapsed platforms, and shallow water channels. Avoid crossing open clearings unless you have to. When approaching a suspected cluster, use a high vantage point to scan for ARCs and players. If you spot ARCs, bait them into a narrow approach where you can control engagement. If players are present, evaluate whether you can outmaneuver them or whether disengagement is the safer option.
Finding the hotspots
The most reliable Candleberry hotspots in Dam Battlegrounds are:
The northern Power Generation Complex and adjacent swamp clearings.
The central dam approaches and ruined platforms on the dam’s downstream side.
Small islands and ruined foundations in the southern marsh where fruit bushes cluster.
When you find a cluster, clear the immediate area of ARCs and hostile players, then harvest quickly. Clusters often appear in groups; sweeping a small radius around the first find usually yields more.
Route templates for repeatable runs
Below are three route templates you can adapt to server conditions. Each route is designed for short, repeatable loops that minimize exposure and maximize cluster hits.
Route A (fast solo sweep): Spawn near the northern complex, sweep the adjacent swamp channels clockwise, clear two to three clusters, then extract via the nearest safe point. This route favors speed and stealth.
Route B (central cluster loop): Start at the central dam, clear the downstream platforms, move to the ruined foundations on the east side, then circle back through cover to the extraction. This route is slightly longer but hits denser clusters.
Route C (team hold and farm): Two or three players secure a cluster near the northern complex, set up suppression on likely approach vectors, and rotate harvesters in and out. Use smoke or cover abilities to mask extraction.
Each route assumes you extract after clearing one or two clusters rather than attempting a long sweep. Short runs reduce the chance of being ambushed and let you bank resources frequently.
Combat tactics when contested
If you encounter players contesting a cluster, your decision tree is simple: disengage if you’re outnumbered or outgunned; fight if you have a clear advantage and can extract quickly afterward. Use terrain to funnel opponents into chokepoints. If ARCs join the fight, prioritize them first if they threaten your extraction path; otherwise, use them as a distraction to slip away.
Stealth and detection management
Stealth perks and suppressed weapons help, but Candleberry clusters are often in exposed areas where sound and movement give you away. Move in short bursts, crouch when crossing open ground, and use smoke or environmental cover to break line of sight. If you’re farming during high‑traffic times, consider night or fog windows when visibility is reduced.
Harvesting mechanics and inventory management
Harvest only what you can carry comfortably. Overloading slows you down and makes extraction riskier. If the event requires turn‑ins, prioritize the amount needed for the next milestone rather than hoarding. Keep a mental or written checklist of how many Candleberries you need for each turn‑in to avoid unnecessary runs.
Extraction planning and deception
Extraction is the most dangerous part of a farming run. Use unpredictable extraction points when the map is hot. If you must use a common extraction, approach from an unexpected angle or wait for a lull. Use terrain to break sightlines and deploy defensive items only when necessary. If you’re carrying high‑value items, consider a short detour to a less obvious extraction even if it costs time.
Team coordination and roles
When farming with a team, assign roles: harvester, overwatch, and extraction runner. The harvester focuses on collecting Candleberries, overwatch covers likely approach vectors, and the extraction runner secures the path to the extraction point. Rotate roles to avoid fatigue and predictable patterns. Communication is key—call out ARCs, player movement, and extraction timing.
Handling ARCs and environmental hazards
ARCs patrol the most exposed clusters. Use baiting tactics to lure them into narrow approaches where you can control the engagement. Environmental hazards like shallow water slow movement and can expose you to ranged fire; use them strategically to break line of sight but avoid getting stuck.
Event turn‑ins and reward optimization
Not all turn‑ins are equal. Prioritize event stages that give the best immediate value for your playstyle—tokens for crafting, materials for base upgrades, or progression points that unlock repeatable rewards. If a turn‑in requires a large number of Candleberries, plan multiple short runs rather than one long sweep.
Seasonal mechanics and modifiers
Seasonal events sometimes add modifiers that affect spawn rates, ARCs behavior, or environmental hazards. Pay attention to event notes and in‑game timers. If a modifier increases spawn density, expect more players and adjust your routes accordingly. If a modifier makes turn‑ins more valuable, concentrate on maximizing safe extraction rather than risky high‑yield plays.
Advanced tips and tricks
Use the map’s verticality to scout clusters from above before committing.
Rotate extraction points to avoid predictable patterns that other players can exploit.
If you’re carrying a lot of Candleberries, drop a decoy stash and extract with a lighter load, then return for the stash later when the map is quieter.
Learn ARC patrol patterns; they often loop predictable routes that you can exploit.
When farming in a team, stagger your harvest times so not everyone is exposed at once.
Minimal bullet checklist before each run
Free loadout equipped
Mobility perks active
Two healing items
One crowd control throwable
Extraction route planned
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t linger in open clusters after harvesting. Don’t bring heavy progression gear on contested runs. Don’t assume a cluster is safe just because ARCs aren’t present—players often camp nearby. Avoid predictable extraction patterns and don’t try to clear the entire map in one run.
Solo vs team tradeoffs
Solo runs are faster and stealthier but yield fewer Candleberries per trip. Team runs can harvest more but attract attention and require coordination. If you prefer low risk, stick to solo short loops. If you want to maximize per‑run yield and can coordinate, use a small team with clear roles.
How to adapt when the map is hot
If multiple squads are active, switch to stealth loadouts, use quieter extraction points, and favor shorter runs. If the dam becomes a hotspot, move to peripheral swamp islands where clusters are less contested. When the map is extremely busy, consider farming on alternate maps or waiting for quieter windows.
Progression and long‑term strategy
Plan your Candleberry farming around event milestones. If a milestone requires a large number, schedule multiple short sessions across several days rather than trying to grind it all in one marathon. Balance Candleberry runs with other progression activities so you don’t burn out.
Cosmetic and crafting considerations
Some event rewards are purely cosmetic while others feed into crafting and base upgrades. Decide whether you’re farming for cosmetics, progression, or crafting materials and tailor your runs accordingly. If a cosmetic is time‑limited, prioritize the runs that unlock it.
Mental game and patience
Farming is repetitive by nature. Keep runs short and purposeful to avoid fatigue. Celebrate small wins—each successful extraction is progress. If you get ambushed or lose a run, treat it as data: what went wrong, and how can you change your approach next time?
FAQ
Where exactly do Candleberries spawn in Dam Battlegrounds? Candleberries appear on small fruit trees and bushes concentrated in swamp clearings near the northern Power Generation Complex, the central dam approaches, and ruined foundations in the southern marsh. Clusters tend to group, so finding one often leads to nearby spawns.
How fast do Candleberries respawn? Respawn timing varies by server and event. Expect moderate respawn intervals; plan multiple short runs rather than long sweeps to maximize efficiency.
Should I use my main progression gear when farming? No. Use free loadouts to avoid risking valuable progression gear on contested runs. Free loadouts let you focus on harvesting without the stress of losing high‑value equipment.
Are Candleberries guarded by ARCs or players? Both. ARCs patrol exposed clusters and players often contest the best patches. Use cover, baiting, and quick extraction to mitigate both threats.
What’s the best solo loadout for Candleberry runs? A lightweight primary with fast handling, a compact shield, mobility perks, two healing items, and one throwable for crowd control. Prioritize speed and survivability.
How many Candleberries should I harvest before extracting? Harvest only what you can carry comfortably. If you’re close to a milestone, collect enough to complete the turn‑in and extract. Short, frequent extractions are safer than long hauls.
Is it better to farm solo or with a team? Solo is safer and stealthier; teams can harvest more per run but attract attention. Choose based on your risk tolerance and coordination ability.
How do I avoid being ambushed at extraction? Vary extraction points, use terrain to break sightlines, and approach extraction from unexpected angles. If the map is hot, delay extraction until you can move safely.
Can Candleberries be used for crafting? They’re primarily used for event turn‑ins and base upgrades; crafting uses depend on seasonal recipes and event mechanics.
What should I do if the dam becomes a hotspot? Switch to peripheral clusters, use stealth loadouts, or wait for quieter server windows. Rotate routes and extraction points to stay unpredictable.
Quick summary: Use short, repeatable loops through the northern Power Generation Complex and central dam clearings, harvest small fruit bushes, and extract after one or two clusters to stay safe and efficient.
Printable waypoint list with concise coordinates and approach notes
Northern Power Complex North Edge 01 — approx. spawn cluster near ruined transformer; approach via collapsed walkway, use cover from concrete slabs; clear ARCs before harvesting.
Northern Power Complex South Marsh 02 — small island with two bushes; approach from shallow channel to avoid open sightlines; extract east if contested.
Central Dam Downstream Platform 03 — cluster on broken platform; use high ground to scout; bait ARC patrols into narrow bridge before harvesting.
Ruined Foundations East Isle 04 — hidden pocket behind rubble; low visibility spot good for solo stealth harvests; extract via zipline or hatch.
Southern Marsh Outcrop 05 — peripheral cluster with fewer players; longer walk but safer; ideal when dam is hot.
Solo loadout and perk breakdown with exact gear suggestions and alternatives
Primary weapon: Lightweight SMG Vector or equivalent — fast handling for close quarters; alternative: compact AR with suppressor.
Secondary: Suppressed pistol or compact shotgun — backup for tight spaces; alternative: throwable for crowd control.
Defensive: Compact shield or short‑duration barrier — buys time during extraction; alternative: quick dodge/perk combo.
Perks: Sprint boost, reduced vault time, silent footsteps — mobility first; swap sprint boost for extra healing if Cold Snap frostbite is active.
Consumables: Instant heal and over‑time med, one smoke grenade — heal for frostbite and fights; smoke for masked extractions.
Step‑by‑step single‑session run plan (one hour loop)
Start with a 5‑minute scout: spawn near the northern complex, climb to a vantage point and listen for ARC activity and other players. Move to Waypoint 01 and clear ARCs using narrow approach lines; harvest the first cluster and immediately move to the adjacent pocket (02). Keep movement short and crouched when crossing open marsh. After two clusters, head to the central dam (03) using covered routes; if you encounter heavy player traffic, detour to Ruined Foundations East Isle (04) for a quieter harvest. After three to four clusters, plan extraction: choose the least obvious hatch or elevator and approach from a different angle than your entry. If frostbite or Cold Snap is active, factor in shelter stops and extra healing—limit each loop to 20–25 minutes before banking your haul.
Pro tip: short, frequent extractions beat long hauls—bank progress often and rotate extraction points to stay unpredictable.
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