How to Upgrade Scrappy - Your Passive Resource Machine
If you’ve been sleeping on Scrappy in Arc Raiders, you’re leaving a ton of free resources on the table. What looks like a goofy little rooster wandering around your base is actually one of the most efficient long-term progression systems in the game.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How Scrappy works
- Why upgrading him should be a priority
- Every item you need to level him up
- The best farming routes and strategies to get those materials fast
By the end, you’ll have Scrappy maxed out—and your resource income will thank you.
— Scrappy —
What Is Scrappy?
Scrappy is your passive resource collector in Arc Raiders. Once unlocked, he will gather materials for you automatically while you’re playing.
But here’s the key detail a lot of players miss:
Scrappy ONLY works while you’re actively deployed on the surface (top side).
This means:
- He does not generate resources while you’re offline
- He does not work while you’re idle in menus
- He does work during raids, looting runs, and exploration
Think of Scrappy as a background farming companion—he’s constantly working while you focus on surviving and looting.
Why Scrappy Is So Important
At first glance, Scrappy might seem like a minor side system—but upgrading him is actually one of the smartest early investments you can make.
Here’s why:
1. Passive Resource Generation
Scrappy gives you materials without extra effort, which adds up significantly over time.
2. Scales With Upgrades
Each level increases:
- The amount of materials collected
- The efficiency of farming over time
3. Supports Crafting Progression
The materials Scrappy gathers are used for:
- Crafting gear
- Building upgrades
- Sustaining your runs
4. Rewards Active Play
Because he only works during runs, Scrappy rewards players who:
- Stay active
- Explore efficiently
- Chain multiple raids together
Scrappy Upgrade Requirements (All Levels)
Let’s break down exactly what you need to max him out—and where to find everything.
Level 2 Upgrade
Required Item:
- Dog Collar (x1)
Where to Find It:
Buried City – Red Tower
Farming Tips:
- Loot red lockers inside the tower
- Check crates outside the building
- Don’t skip exterior loot—some players find it there more consistently
Pro tip: Do quick in-and-out runs focusing only on high-density loot spots.
Level 3 Upgrade
Required Items:
- Lemons (x3)
- Apricots (x3)
Where to Find Them:
Blue Gate – Olive Grove
Farming Strategy:
- Look for fruit-bearing trees
- Items may:
- Spawn on the ground
- Drop after interacting with trees
Efficiency Tip:
Run a loop through the grove, hitting every tree you see. This area is one of the most consistent sources for early-game food items.
Level 4 Upgrade
Required Items:
- Prickly Pear (x6)
- Olives (x6)
- Cat Bed (x1)
Prickly Pear Locations:
Buried City
- Target specific cactus spawn zones
- Use a safe pocket strategy:
- Enter with minimal gear
- Grab prickly pears
- Store them safely
- Extract—or even surrender
This minimizes risk while farming rare materials.
Olive Locations:
Blue Gate – Olive Grove
- Same area as lemons/apricots
- Interact with olive trees
- Check ground spawns as well
Cat Bed Location:
Buried City – Red Tower
- Loot:
- Exterior crates
- Interior containers
This item can be RNG-heavy, so expect multiple runs.
Final Upgrade (Max Level Scrappy)
Required Items:
- Mushrooms (x12)
- Apricots (x12)
- Very Comfortable Pillows (x3)
Mushroom Farming (BEST METHOD)
Location:
Spaceport
High-Value Spot:
- There’s a specific tree that consistently spawns 3 mushrooms
⚡ Strategy:
- Rush the location early in the match
- Beat other players to the spawn
- Extract quickly or loop nearby areas
Timing matters here—this spot is competitive.
Bonus Apricot Farming
- Found along pathways near farming routes
- Keep an eye out while moving between objectives
Combine apricot farming with other runs to save time.
🛏️ Comfortable Pillows
Location:
Buried City – Red Tower
- Focus on:
- Exterior loot boxes
- High-density container areas
Expect RNG—this may take several runs.
Advanced Farming Tips
Want to max Scrappy faster than everyone else? Use these strategies:
1. Run “No-Kit” Farming Routes
- Bring minimal gear
- Prioritize safe-pocket items
- Extract early or surrender safely
2. Chain Efficient Routes
Example loop:
- Start: Buried City (Red Tower)
- Move: Blue Gate (Olive Grove)
- End: Spaceport (Mushrooms)
This lets you farm multiple upgrade materials in one session.
3. Prioritize Early Upgrades
The sooner you upgrade Scrappy:
- The more value you get over time
- The faster your progression snowballs
4. Play Actively (Important!)
Remember:
Scrappy only works while you’re on the surface.
So:
- Avoid idle time
- Stay in raids longer (when safe)
- Queue runs back-to-back
Final Thoughts
Scrappy might look like comic relief, but he’s actually a core progression system disguised as a pet.
Players who invest in him early will:
- Build resources faster
- Craft more consistently
- Stay ahead of the curve
Meanwhile, players who ignore him will constantly feel like they’re grinding harder for less reward.
Conclusion
Maxing out Scrappy is one of the smartest long-term decisions you can make in Arc Raiders. With the right farming routes and a bit of efficiency, you can upgrade him quickly and unlock a steady stream of passive materials that fuels everything else in the game.
So stop ignoring your feathered worker.
Get out there, farm smart, and let Scrappy carry your economy in the background.