Arc Raiders is a game that can feel complicated at first, especially when it comes to crafting gear and upgrading your weapons. One item that often confuses newer players is the Padded Stock Blueprint. This guide explains what it does, how to get it, and how to use it effectively in practical gameplay.
What is the Padded Stock Blueprint?
In general, a blueprint in Arc Raiders is an item that allows you to craft a specific piece of equipment. The Padded Stock Blueprint is no different. Once you have it, you can craft a Padded Stock, which is an attachment for your weapons that improves stability and control.
Most players aim to use the Padded Stock on rifles and other firearms that tend to have noticeable recoil. In practice, adding a Padded Stock usually makes automatic weapons easier to handle in sustained fire, which is useful in both solo missions and team operations.
Where can I find the Padded Stock Blueprint?
The Padded Stock Blueprint is not something you start with. In general, you’ll need to loot it from the topside. Most players focus on high-traffic areas where other blueprints and mod components spawn.
In practice, this means running missions or zones where top-level loot is expected. Expect that you might have to check multiple locations or repeat missions before finding it. Loot in Arc Raiders can be random, so persistence is usually necessary.
What materials do I need to craft a Padded Stock?
Once you have the blueprint, crafting the Padded Stock requires a few specific materials:
Gunsmith Level 3 – You need to have your crafting skill in gunsmithing at level 3. Most players prioritize leveling this skill early if they plan to craft weapon mods.
2x Mod Components – These are common crafting materials. Most players farm them from dismantling other gear or picking them up during missions.
5x Duct Tape – Duct tape is widely available but tends to be in high demand. Collecting it in advance is usually a good idea if you plan to craft multiple weapon mods.
In practice, players often stockpile materials before crafting multiple items to save time and avoid multiple trips back to supply zones.
How do I craft the Padded Stock?
Crafting in Arc Raiders is straightforward once you have the blueprint and materials. You need to:
Open the crafting menu.
Navigate to the Blueprints section.
Select Padded Stock.
Make sure you have all required materials (Gunsmith 3, 2 Mod Components, 5 Duct Tape).
Hit craft.
Most players find that the crafting process itself is quick, but getting the required materials takes the majority of the time. In general, planning your crafting around available resources is more efficient than crafting on demand.
How does the Padded Stock perform in practice?
Once equipped, the Padded Stock usually reduces weapon recoil and improves aiming stability. For most players, this translates into better accuracy during extended firefights.
On assault rifles, it is most noticeable during automatic fire.
On sniper rifles, the benefit is minimal, as these weapons already have low recoil.
On SMGs, it can make short-range sprays more controllable.
In general, players prioritize the Padded Stock for weapons they frequently use in missions that require sustained fire.
Are there any tips for getting the blueprint efficiently?
Yes, a few practical tips from experienced players:
Focus on top-tier loot zones – The blueprint is more commonly found in topside areas, so prioritize running these missions.
Farm regularly – Loot drops can be random. Checking multiple zones increases your chances.
Trade safely – If you are considering acquiring the blueprint outside of looting, make sure you buy ARC Raiders blueprints safely on U4N. This ensures you are not risking game security issues or scams.
Prepare your materials – Before you craft, check that you have Gunsmith 3 and enough Mod Components and Duct Tape. This avoids unnecessary trips and wasted crafting attempts.
How do most players use the Padded Stock?
In general, the Padded Stock is part of a broader weapon upgrade strategy. Players often combine it with other mods like scopes, extended magazines, or enhanced grips.
In team missions, players usually equip the Padded Stock on weapons that need stability, allowing for more consistent fire support.
Solo players benefit from the reduced recoil when clearing areas with multiple enemies.
Most players upgrade one weapon first and then craft additional Padded Stocks once they have sufficient materials.
Are there alternatives to the Padded Stock?
Yes. While the Padded Stock is effective for recoil control, other weapon mods can offer similar benefits:
Compensators reduce vertical recoil but can slightly affect horizontal stability.
Heavy barrels may improve accuracy at range but reduce movement speed while aiming.
In general, the choice depends on your playstyle and the type of missions you run most often. Most players experiment with combinations to see what works best for their preferred weapons.
The Padded Stock Blueprint is a practical item for players who want better weapon handling in Arc Raiders. Finding it requires some patience, and crafting it demands specific materials, but the stability improvements make it worthwhile for most players.
By focusing on looting topside areas, maintaining a stockpile of crafting materials, and using the Padded Stock on weapons where it has the greatest impact, you can optimize your loadout efficiently. Remember, in general, planning ahead and understanding how mods interact is key to getting the most out of your gear.