The Firecracker is a common quick-use gadget in Arc Raiders. Most players treat it as a basic utility item rather than a combat tool. When thrown, it creates a short burst of sound for about 7.5 seconds. The sound is not loud enough to cause damage or stun enemies, but it is noticeable to AI enemies and sometimes other players.

In general, the Firecracker is used to influence enemy movement or attention. It does not explode in a traditional sense. Instead, it sparks and pops repeatedly in one spot until the duration ends. Because of this, it works more like a distraction than a grenade.

The item is lightweight, with a weight of 0.05, and stacks up to five per slot. This makes it easy to carry one or two stacks without affecting loadout decisions too much.

How Does the Firecracker Work in Practice?

When you throw a Firecracker, it lands on the ground and immediately starts making noise. The sound stays centered on the landing spot and does not move. Enemies that react to sound usually investigate the source if they are close enough and not already engaged.

Most players use Firecrackers to pull enemies away from an area rather than toward themselves. For example, if you want to loot a building with patrols nearby, you can throw a Firecracker outside or behind cover to redirect attention.

In practice, enemies do not always react perfectly. Some enemies may ignore it if they are already alert, chasing someone, or locked into another behavior. Because of this, Firecrackers are most reliable when used before enemies notice you.

When Is the Firecracker Most Useful?

The Firecracker is usually most useful during scavenging runs rather than direct combat situations. Most players carry it for utility rather than as part of a fight-focused loadout.

Common situations where Firecrackers help include:

• Distracting patrols while looting containers

• Creating a brief opening to move through open areas

• Redirecting enemies away from an extraction path

• Testing whether enemies in an area react to sound

In general, Firecrackers are best used early in encounters. Once enemies are fully alert, the value drops significantly. They also work better in quieter areas, where there are fewer overlapping sound sources.

Does the Firecracker Attract Other Players?

This depends on the situation. The sound is noticeable, but it is not extremely loud compared to gunfire or explosions. Most players will not actively hunt Firecracker sounds unless they are already nearby or specifically paying attention.

In general, experienced players assume Firecracker sounds are deliberate distractions. Because of that, some players avoid them, while others use them to bait movement or check reactions.

Usually, Firecrackers are safer than firing a weapon if your goal is to stay unnoticed. Still, they are not completely silent, so using them always carries some risk.

How Do Most Players Use Firecrackers?

Most players treat Firecrackers as a situational tool. They are not used every run, but they are useful enough that many players keep at least one stack when scavenging.

Common player behavior includes:

• Throwing Firecrackers around corners before entering a room

• Using them to split enemy groups

• Saving them for extraction routes rather than early looting

• Dropping them when inventory space is tight

Because Firecrackers are common and cheap to craft, players are generally not afraid to use them freely. They are not considered rare or valuable items.

How Do You Craft a Firecracker?

Firecrackers can be crafted at a Utility Station Level 1. The recipe is simple and accessible early in progression.

To craft one Firecracker, you need:

• 4 Plastic Parts

• 2 Chemicals

Most players accumulate these materials naturally while scavenging. Plastic Parts are especially common, which makes Firecrackers easy to restock.

In general, crafting Firecrackers is efficient if you already have spare materials. However, some players prefer to save Chemicals for other gadgets later on.

Is It Worth Buying Firecrackers from Shani?

Firecrackers can be purchased from Shani, but most players do not rely on buying them regularly. The sell price is relatively low, and the item is easy to craft.

In practice, players usually buy Firecrackers only if:

• They are missing crafting materials

• They want a quick restock before a run

• They have extra currency and limited time

Crafting is usually more cost-effective, especially if you already loot Plastic Parts and Chemicals consistently.

What Happens When You Recycle or Salvage Firecrackers?

Firecrackers can be recycled or salvaged, but the returns are limited.

Recycling a Firecracker gives:

• 3 Plastic Parts

Salvaging a Firecracker gives:

• 1 Plastic Parts

In general, recycling is the better option if you need materials back. Salvaging is usually only done when players are short on time or inventory space.

Most players do not craft Firecrackers just to recycle them. Recycling is more commonly used when you pick up extra Firecrackers during a run and decide you do not need them.

How Does the Firecracker Compare to Other Gadgets?

Compared to grenades and offensive gadgets, the Firecracker is purely utility-based. It does no damage and offers no direct combat advantage.

In general:

• Grenades are for clearing enemies

• Traps are for area control

• Firecrackers are for movement and positioning

Most players see Firecrackers as optional but helpful. They are not essential, but they can make certain situations easier if used correctly.

Is the Firecracker Worth Carrying?

For most players, the Firecracker is worth carrying when focusing on stealth and scavenging. It is lightweight, cheap, and flexible.

However, it is usually not prioritized in combat-heavy runs. Players who expect frequent firefights often replace Firecrackers with healing or defensive items.

In practice, Firecrackers reward patience and planning. Players who rush or rely on brute force tend to get less value from them.

Final Thoughts on the Firecracker

The Firecracker is a simple gadget with a narrow but clear purpose. It helps control enemy attention and create small windows of opportunity. It does not guarantee safety, and it does not replace good positioning or awareness.

Most players who understand enemy behavior find Firecrackers useful in the right context. Used thoughtfully, they can reduce risk during looting and extraction. Used carelessly, they do very little.

In general, the Firecracker fits well into Arc Raiders’ slower, tactical pacing, especially for players who prefer avoiding unnecessary fights.

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