How to use the Dockmaster's Detector to beachcomb in Arc Raiders
Overview & Key Takeaways
Grab a metal detector and sift through the sand.
The Riven Tides update adds a new beach resort map to Arc Raiders, so why not kick back and play in the sand? That's what the Beachcombing map condition is all about, letting you search for buried treasure on the shore. However, you'll need the Dockmaster's Detector first.
Beachcombing is unlike any other map condition currently in the game, in that you actually need to bring a specific item into the match to really get the most out of it. That's the Dockmaster's metal detector, and you'll need to equip it like a gadget.
How to get the Dockmaster's Detector in Arc Raiders
(Image credit: Embark)
Before you can start scanning for treasure, you need to obtain a Dockmaster's Detector. This is a new gadget that's effectively a metal detector. You can get a Dockmaster's Detector from:
- Looting containers and other players (including during the Beachcombing condition)
- Accepting the Shoring Up Defenses quest
- Completing the first step of the Avian Alarm project by placing the bird trap
It's possible that you can even find a Dockmaster's Detector blueprint to craft these gadgets for yourself. That would be nice, as the only consistent method of getting them otherwise is hoping you get lucky while looting.
Once you've got a Dockmaster's Detector, you'll need to equip it as a quick slot item in your loadout, as you would a grenade or healing item, before entering a Beachcombing-enabled match on Riven Tide.
If you haven't unlocked the Dockmaster's Detector, it's still worth heading to the shoreline. Why? Because there's a chance you'll find a player who has unlocked the Dockmaster's Detector. I'm not endorsing PvP, but you could kill them and take their metal detector. Or maybe you can convince them to share.
How Beachcombing works in Arc Raiders
Beachcombing is a minor map condition exclusive to the Riven Tide map, meaning it'll activate periodically as a normal matchmaking option for this location, similar to Bird City on Buried City—it's not a separate option like Night Raids. Beachcombing has the following unique effects active:
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- Buried valuables
- Lootable Dockmaster's Detectors
- Increased amount of birds
The most important detail is that buried treasure spawns exclusively in the dried-up Seabed area in the north of Riven Tide. Mosey on over and equip your Dockmaster's Detector to track it down.
As demonstrated in the video above, here's how beachcombing works:
- Hold the Dockmaster's Detector in your hand and hold the button to activate it, draining your stamina.
- If there's treasure nearby, it will beep and flash with an orange (or green) light. If this doesn't happen, there's no treasure close to you, so walk further along the beach.
- Triangulate the treasure's location by following the Dockmaster's Detector—it will beep and flash faster as you get closer to the dig site.
- The Dockmaster's Detector will start flashing green when you're very close.
- When you're directly above the treasure, Dockmaster's Detector will hold a steady green light, and you'll get the prompt to dig in the sand.
Dig up the marked location and you can find any number of surprises, such as a bomb you need to disarm in time, Ticks that'll hug your face, and, occasionally, actual treasure. I found several suitcases containing crafting materials, an Il Toro shotgun, and even the new toy boat trinkets you need for the Avian Alarm project and Last Resort event.
