The Light Stick in Arc Raiders is a common throwable utility item that creates light in dark areas. Most players treat it as a simple tool rather than a combat item. You throw it, it lands on the ground, and it lights up the area around it for a short time.
In general, Light Sticks are used to improve visibility when exploring buildings, tunnels, or underground zones where natural light is limited. They do not deal damage, attract enemies on purpose, or provide buffs. Their value comes purely from information and visibility.
Light Sticks come in several colors, including red, green, blue, and yellow. In practice, the color does not change how the item works. The light radius and duration are the same, so most players choose a color based on personal preference or visibility against the environment.
How Do Light Sticks Work in Practice?
When thrown, a Light Stick illuminates a radius of about 7 meters and lasts for roughly 40 seconds. You cannot turn it off once thrown, and you cannot move it unless you throw another one.
Most players use Light Sticks before entering a room rather than after. This lets them check corners, staircases, and loot spots without stepping into darkness first. In general, the light is strong enough to spot enemies, objects, and movement, but it does not completely remove shadows in large spaces.
Light Sticks are part of the “Quick Use” category, meaning they are fast to deploy and do not require aiming like a weapon. Usually, players throw them while moving rather than stopping completely, which keeps momentum during scavenging runs.
When Should You Use a Light Stick?
Most players use Light Sticks in three main situations:
Exploring dark interiors
Basements, underground tunnels, and damaged buildings often have poor lighting. Using a Light Stick makes it easier to scan for enemies and loot without relying only on your flashlight.
Checking risky rooms
In general, throwing a Light Stick into a room before entering reduces surprises. You can see movement, enemy silhouettes, or environmental hazards without exposing yourself right away.
Holding a temporary position
Some players throw Light Sticks while looting or crafting in place. The light helps maintain awareness while staying focused on menus or containers.
Light Sticks are usually not used in open outdoor areas, since daylight already provides enough visibility. Carrying them for surface-only runs is often unnecessary.
Do Light Sticks Give Away Your Position?
This is a common question. In practice, yes, Light Sticks can reveal your presence indirectly.
The light itself is visible, especially in darker zones. Most players assume that any unexplained light means someone has been there recently. However, Light Sticks do not produce sound when active, so enemies will not be alerted unless they already have line of sight.
In general, players balance this risk by throwing Light Sticks only when needed and avoiding overuse in high-traffic areas. Compared to running with a flashlight constantly on, Light Sticks are often considered the quieter option.
How Many Light Sticks Should You Carry?
Light Sticks have a stack size of five and a low weight of 0.15 each. This makes them easy to carry without affecting loadout balance much.
Most players carry between one and three Light Sticks per run. Carrying a full stack is usually unnecessary unless you plan to spend a long time underground or inside large structures.
In general, Light Sticks are treated as disposable tools. If you finish a run with unused ones, that is normal. They are meant to reduce risk, not to be optimized for resale value.
How Do You Get Light Sticks?
Light Sticks can be obtained in several ways:
Scavenging
They are commonly found while looting, especially in utility-related containers. Most players pick them up when inventory space allows.
Crafting
You can craft a Light Stick using 3 Chemicals at a Utility Station (level 2). The blueprint is locked, so you need access to the correct crafting setup.
Buying from NPCs
Light Sticks are sold by Apollo. In general, players only buy them if they are preparing for a specific run that involves dark areas.
They can also be recycled or salvaged into 1 Chemical, which is useful if you need materials more than lighting.
Are Light Sticks Worth Crafting?
Whether Light Sticks are worth crafting depends on your playstyle.
Most players do not craft them regularly because scavenging usually provides enough. Crafting becomes more useful when you are low on utility items and planning a deep exploration run.
Since crafting converts 3 Chemicals into 1 Light Stick, many players prefer to save Chemicals for other utility items unless visibility is a known problem. In general, Light Sticks are a convenience item, not a priority craft.
How Do Light Sticks Compare to Flashlights?
Light Sticks and flashlights serve similar purposes but work differently.
Flashlights move with you, which is good for navigation, but they also clearly reveal your position. Light Sticks stay in one place and let you light an area without constantly broadcasting movement.
Most players use both. A common approach is to throw a Light Stick to light a room, then turn off the flashlight while looting or waiting. In practice, this reduces visual noise and helps maintain situational awareness.
Common Mistakes Players Make with Light Sticks
New players often make a few mistakes:
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Throwing Light Sticks too late, after already entering a dark area
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Using them in bright outdoor zones where they add no value
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Carrying too many and wasting inventory space
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Forgetting they can be recycled for Chemicals
In general, experienced players treat Light Sticks as situational tools rather than default equipment.
Final Thoughts on Light Sticks in Arc Raiders
Light Sticks in Arc Raiders are simple but useful. They do not change combat outcomes directly, but they reduce uncertainty, which matters a lot in scavenging-focused gameplay.
Most players use them sparingly, mainly in dark or enclosed areas. They are cheap, lightweight, and easy to replace, which makes them a low-risk utility option.
In general, if you are struggling with visibility or getting surprised in dark spaces, carrying a couple of Light Sticks is usually worth it.
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