🎯 Quick TL;DR: Finding First Wave Caches
Fast Strategy for Maximum Loot
- Only spawn during hurricane events - hurricanes are in heavy rotation, cycling between maps continuously
- Spawn on all maps EXCEPT Stella Montis (indoor map)
- Use raider cache spawn locations but they're more sparse (1 in 5-10 markers)
- Map markers show POSSIBLE spawns - not every marker will have a cache in each raid
- Spacing is inconsistent - in my experience they rarely spawn very close, but some players have found caches within 100m of each other
- Listen for unique sound - mechanical with electric tone (use headphones)
- Insane loot - consistent purple blueprint drops (Tempest, Bobcat, Vulcano) plus high-grade healing
- Best maps: Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City (highest cache density)
Interactive Maps with Cache Locations
Click any map to view raider cache spawn locations on our interactive maps. First Wave Caches use the same spawns but are more sparse. Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City have the highest cache density.
💎 What Are First Wave Caches?
First Wave Caches are special raider cache variants introduced in the Shrouded Sky update. These elite containers only spawn during hurricane events and contain the highest-tier loot in Arc Raiders, including blueprints for the most powerful weapons in the game.
🌪️ Hurricane Event Exclusive
Spawn Condition: Only during active hurricane events (in heavy rotation, cycling between maps continuously)
Available Maps: All maps except Stella Montis (indoor map)
Spawn Pattern: Use raider cache locations but appear in roughly 1 of every 5-10 markers
Important: Map markers show POSSIBLE spawn locations - not every marker will have a cache in each raid
Spacing: Based on my experience, they rarely spawn very close together, though some players have reported finding caches within 100 meters of each other
Best Maps: Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City have the highest cache density
The key difference from regular raider caches is the incredible loot quality. Where regular caches might give you standard weapons and supplies, First Wave Caches consistently drop high-value blueprints and premium healing items that would normally take dozens of raids to accumulate.
📍 Where to Find First Wave Caches
Spawn Location Strategy
First Wave Caches use the same spawn points as regular raider caches, but they're significantly more sparse. Understanding the spawn pattern is crucial for efficient farming:
⚠️ Important: Map Markers Show POSSIBLE Spawns
The raider cache markers on our interactive maps show where First Wave Caches CAN spawn, not where they WILL spawn. In each hurricane raid, caches spawn at a random subset of these locations. Expect roughly 1 in 5-10 markers to have a cache, but this varies by raid.
- Check our interactive maps for raider cache markers (linked above) to see all possible spawn locations
- Travel to the closest marker cluster from your spawn location
- Approximately 1 in 5-10 markers will have a First Wave Cache in any given raid
- Spacing is inconsistent - in my experience, they rarely spawn very close together, but some players have found caches within 100 meters of each other
- If you find one in a cluster, still check nearby markers - you might get lucky
Note: Stella Montis is an indoor map and doesn't have First Wave Cache spawns during hurricanes.
Using the Interactive Maps
Our interactive maps (linked above) show all raider cache spawn locations with filters enabled. These markers represent POSSIBLE spawn locations - First Wave Caches won't appear at every marker in each raid:
- Identify high-density areas with multiple raider cache spawns
- Understand these are potential spawns - expect roughly 1 in 5-10 to have a cache
- Plan a route that checks multiple markers in sequence
- Don't skip clusters - while spacing is often spread out, multiple caches can spawn near each other
- Mark your finds to track patterns for future runs
🎧 How to Identify First Wave Caches by Sound
The most reliable way to locate First Wave Caches is by audio detection. They emit a distinctive sound that's noticeably different from regular raider caches.
Listen to the unique First Wave Cache sound and watch a Tempest blueprint drop
The Unique Sound Profile
🔊 What to Listen For
Sound Description: Mechanical noise with a distinct electric tone - not quite like regular raider caches
Pro Tip: Use headphones for best results. The electric tone becomes much more obvious with good audio separation
Memory Aid: Once you hear it, you'll remember it. The electric component makes it instantly recognizable
Audio Hunting Strategy
- Approach a raider cache marker on your map
- Stop moving when you're close (within ~30-50 meters)
- Listen carefully for the mechanical-electric sound
- Home in on the sound - move in the direction where it gets louder (use headphones to hear directionality)
- You'll find it quickly once you've locked onto the audio signature
This audio detection method is far more efficient than visually searching every possible spawn location. The sound carries a decent distance, allowing you to identify First Wave Caches without having to check every marker manually.
💰 First Wave Cache Loot Table
The loot from First Wave Caches is dramatically better than regular raider caches. Here's what you can expect:
Epic Weapon Blueprints (The Main Prize)
🏆 Premium Blueprint Drops
- Tempest Blueprint: High drop rate - appeared more frequently than other purple blueprints in my testing
- Bobcat Blueprint: Regular purple blueprint in rotation
- Vulcano Blueprint: Regular purple blueprint in rotation
Real Results: Based on my farming sessions, roughly 60% of caches contained blueprints, with Tempest appearing in about half of those. However, individual runs varied - some had multiple purple blueprints, others had none. The key takeaway: I've never extracted from a hurricane event without finding at least one or two purple blueprints total. After several runs, you'll start accumulating more blueprints than you can use.
High-Grade Healing Items
First Wave Caches consistently drop premium healing supplies that are normally rare and expensive:
- Vitashot
- Sterilized Bandage
- Herbal Bandage
These healing items alone make First Wave Caches worth farming. After several runs, you'll have more medical supplies than you know what to do with.
High-Value Weapons
In addition to blueprints, First Wave Caches frequently contain actual high-tier weapons ready to use or sell:
- Torrente 3
- Anvil 2
- Renegade (often multiple)
- Other purple-tier weapons
These weapons are valuable both for immediate use and for their high sell value when you accumulate multiple copies.
Other High-Value Loot
First Wave Caches also contain premium mods and components (see loot grid image above for examples):
- Exodus Modules
- Magnetic Accelerator
- Other premium weapon mods and attachments
Total Value
💵 Real Farming Results
Example 1-Hour Farming Session (5 raids):
- 3x Tempest blueprints
- 1x Vulcano blueprint
- 1x Bobcat blueprint
- Various high-grade healing items
- Multiple Exodus Modules and premium mods
Total Sell Value: 500,000+ Credits
This total includes loot from caches plus other items collected during the runs. The First Wave Caches alone provide the majority of the value through premium blueprints and healing items.
🗺️ Farming Strategy: Maximizing Your Cache Finds
The Efficient Hunting Method
Hurricane events are in heavy rotation, cycling between maps continuously. During any active hurricane, only First Wave Caches spawn - regular raider caches are replaced entirely. Here's how to farm efficiently:
- Load into a map with an active hurricane (check the map rotation)
- Note your spawn location and plan your route based on it
- Check our interactive maps for nearby raider cache markers (linked above)
- Travel to the closest marker cluster from your spawn point
- Listen for the unique sound signature as you approach marker locations
- When you find and loot a First Wave Cache, travel to a different area of the map (remember: spacing)
- Repeat until you've cleared your planned route or the match timer is low
⚡ Spawn Location is Key
The most important factor in route planning is where you spawn. Don't waste time traveling across the entire map - identify the closest cache marker clusters from your spawn and work outward from there. Since spawns are random and you might find multiple caches in one area, thoroughly check your starting zone before moving on.
Advanced Route Planning
Use the interactive maps to plan an efficient route:
- Pre-identify 5-7 raider cache marker clusters spread across the map
- Plan a route that visits each cluster in sequence
- Check multiple markers per cluster since spawns are random - you might find multiple caches in one area
- End near an extraction point for quick exit with your loot
While my personal experience suggests caches rarely spawn very close together, Discord feedback shows this isn't universal - some players have found caches within 100 meters of each other. Don't skip checking nearby markers in a cluster just because you found one.
🎯 Best Maps for First Wave Cache Farming
Top Tier: Dam Battlegrounds & Buried City
These two maps have the highest raider cache density, making them the most efficient for First Wave Cache farming:
Dam Battlegrounds
- Highest cache density in the game
- Multiple high-density clusters spread across the map
- Excellent for spawn-based route planning
- Open terrain makes travel between markers fast
Buried City
- Very high cache density throughout the map
- Vertical gameplay adds complexity but rewards familiarity
- Multiple clusters within short travel distances
- Good extraction point access
Alternative Options
Blue Gate and Spaceport also spawn First Wave Caches but have lower overall cache density. They're still viable if you spawn in favorable locations or prefer their layouts.
💡 Map Familiarity Matters
If you're extremely familiar with Blue Gate or Spaceport cache locations, stick with what you know. However, if you're learning the patterns, start with Dam Battlegrounds or Buried City for the best results per run.
⚔️ Combat & Survival Tips
New Hurricane ARC Threats
The hurricane event introduces two new ARC enemies that are extremely dangerous - on par with Stella Montis Shredders:
- Comet (Igniter) - brutal new ARC variant
- Firefly (Burner) - another deadly addition
For detailed strategies on how to fight these ARCs, including movement patterns and weak points, see our Comet Igniter & Firefly Burner Guide.
⚠️ Loadout Requirements for Hurricane Events
DO NOT use free loadouts during hurricane events. Free loadouts have:
- Zero safe pockets (wanna lose that tempest bp if you die?)
- Low-level gear insufficient for new ARC threats (Comet and Firefly are tough)
- Minimal ammo that won't sustain you through encounters
Recommended for Friendly Lobbies: Bring the Hullcracker specifically for dealing with Comet and Firefly ARCs. These enemies require serious firepower. See the Comet & Firefly guide for detailed combat strategies.
Safe Pockets: ALWAYS put valuable blueprints (Tempest, Bobcat, Vulcano) into safe pockets immediately after looting. Don't risk losing 500K+ credits worth of loot to an ARC or PvP death.
PvP Considerations
First Wave Caches are high-value targets that attract other players. During hurricane events, expect increased competition:
- Stay alert - other players are hunting the same caches
- Listen for footsteps while listening for cache sounds
- Check your surroundings before committing to opening a cache
- Have an escape route planned before you start looting
- Don't get greedy - extract with a few good finds rather than risk losing everything
Hurricane Event Hazards
Hurricane events add environmental challenges to your cache farming:
- Reduced visibility - harder to spot approaching players and ARCs
- Wind and debris - can expose your shield to ARC detection
- Audio interference - hurricane sounds can mask footsteps and cache sounds
- Navigation difficulty - landmarks harder to see in poor weather
⚠️ Extract Early, Extract Often
Don't try to loot every First Wave Cache on the map in one run. The moment you have 1-2 premium blueprints safely in your safe pockets, seriously consider extracting. One successful extraction with great loot is worth more than dying with an inventory full of Tempest blueprints.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where do First Wave Caches spawn in Arc Raiders?
First Wave Caches spawn during hurricane events on all maps except Stella Montis. They use the same spawn locations as regular raider caches but are more sparse, appearing in roughly 1 out of every 5-10 raider cache markers. Important: The markers on our maps show POSSIBLE spawn locations - not every marker will have a cache in each raid. Spawns are randomized each match.
How do I identify a First Wave Cache?
First Wave Caches emit a distinctive sound - mechanical noise with an electric tone that's different from regular raider caches. Once you hear it, you'll remember it. Use headphones for the best audio detection, and follow the sound to locate the cache quickly.
What loot do First Wave Caches contain?
First Wave Caches contain the most coveted blueprints in Arc Raiders: Tempest, Bobcat, and Vulcano blueprints. Based on my farming experience, roughly 60% of caches contained blueprints, with Tempest appearing more frequently than other purples. Individual runs vary, but I've never extracted from a hurricane event without finding at least one or two purple blueprints total. They also contain high-grade healing items like vitashot, sterilized bandage, and herbal bandage, plus premium mods like Exodus Modules and Magnetic Accelerator. The overall sell value of loot can exceed 500K credits per hour of farming.
What is the best map for farming First Wave Caches?
Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City have the highest cache density, making them the best maps for farming First Wave Caches. Dam Battlegrounds has the highest marker density with open terrain for fast travel, while Buried City offers very high density with vertical gameplay. If you're equally familiar with all maps, start with these two for maximum efficiency.
How often do First Wave Caches spawn?
First Wave Caches only spawn during hurricane events and appear at approximately 1 in every 5-10 raider cache marker locations. The markers on our interactive maps show all POSSIBLE spawn locations, but which ones actually spawn caches is randomized each raid. Spacing between caches varies - in my experience they rarely spawn very close together, but some players have reported finding caches within 100 meters of each other.
Can I farm First Wave Caches on Stella Montis?
No, First Wave Caches do not spawn on Stella Montis during hurricane events. Focus your farming efforts on Dam Battlegrounds, Blue Gate, Spaceport, or Buried City for guaranteed First Wave Cache spawns during hurricanes.
What is the Tempest blueprint drop rate?
Based on my farming experience, Tempest blueprints appeared more frequently than other purple blueprints. Roughly 60% of caches contained blueprints, with Tempest showing up in about half of those. However, individual runs vary significantly - some yield multiple purple blueprints, others none. The consistent pattern: I've never extracted from a hurricane event without finding at least one or two purple blueprints total across all the caches I opened.