If you’re looking for a deadly new toy for your excursions, ARC Raiders brings exactly what you need in the latest Flashpoint update. The hottest addition is the Canto, a rare fully-automatic SMG that feels like a welcome hybrid of speed and power in the extraction shooter genre. With its focus on looting in a hostile environment, the game feels like a mix of The Division and Escape from Tarkov, but with a unique sci-fi visual style and mechanical ARC monsters. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to farm the Canto blueprint and why you shouldn’t miss out on it.
Why You Need the Canto in Your Arsenal
The Canto isn’t just another run-of-the-mill SMG. It sets itself apart from most other weapons in its class by utilizing medium ammunition. This gives it much higher stopping power than you’re used to with submachine guns, while maintaining excellent handling in close-to-medium range combat.
- Rarity: Rare (Blue).
- Usage: Ideal for aggressive playstyles in both PvE and PvP.
- Customization: Can be upgraded to levels I through IV at the Gunsmith and supports weapon mods.
- Relevance: With Shredders now spreading to every map in the Flashpoint update, a reliable close-range weapon is an absolute necessity.
Best Method: First Wave Caches During Hurricane
Currently, the only confirmed source for the Canto blueprint is looting First Wave Caches. These special containers only spawn under a specific environmental condition: Hurricane. If you’ve farmed blueprints like the Tempest or Il Toro before, the process will feel familiar.
First Wave Caches have a distinct sound cue a low humming or pulsing noise. Once you learn to recognize it, you’ll find them much faster, even in the low visibility brought by the storm. These caches spawn randomly in open areas and near points of interest (POIs). Don’t forget that during a hurricane, your shield degrades faster due to environmental effects, but the reward of rare loot is well worth the risk.
Strategy for Efficient Farming (“Naked Runs”)
The most efficient way to acquire the blueprint is through naked runs. You head into the raid without any valuable gear, bringing only a few Adrenaline Shots for quick movement. Your sole objective is to sprint across the map, listen for the First Wave Cache audio cue, and loot as fast as possible.
As soon as you find the Canto blueprint, immediately put it in your Safe Pocket. This ensures you won’t lose it even if you’re taken down by ARC or another Raider. Once the blueprint is secured, you can either attempt to extract or simply surrender and jump into the next raid. It’s a numbers game the more caches you open, the sooner you’ll get your Canto.
How to Craft the Canto at the Gunsmith
Once you’ve successfully extracted the blueprint, the recipe will unlock at your Tier 3 Gunsmith Workbench. To craft it, you will need the following materials:
- 2x Advanced Mechanical Components: Obtained by recycling rare (blue) or epic (purple) parts, or found in mechanical loot areas.
- 5x Magnets: Can be found while scavenging the map or purchased from Celeste at Speranza.
- 3x Medium Gun Parts: Can be found in lockers and cupboards, or purchased from Celeste.
Tips for a Successful Hunt
- Check the Timer: If you join a raid with less than 25 minutes remaining, most caches have likely already been looted. In this case, it’s better to try a new lobby.
- Ignore Combat: Your goal is the blueprint, not kills. If you see another player at a cache, move on.
- Use Audio: While the hurricane limits visibility, the sound of First Wave Caches is very specific. High-quality headphones are your greatest advantage here.
- Raider Containers: Although there is speculation that the Canto might drop from standard Weapon Cases or Ammo Crates, this hasn’t been confirmed by the community yet. Stick to the hurricane for now.
Redakce’s Take
With the Flashpoint update, ARC Raiders is finally getting the right kind of depth, and the Canto SMG is exactly the type of weapon the meta was missing. The combination of SMG speed and the power of medium ammo makes it a versatile tool, especially appreciated during unexpected ambushes. Farming in a hurricane is nerve-wracking (and a test for your shields), but the feeling when you finally hear that pulsing cache and find the blue scroll inside is priceless. For us, this is a “must-have” piece for anyone serious about their progress in ARC Raiders.
FAQ
Q: Where can I find the Canto weapon blueprint?
A: Currently, the only confirmed source is First Wave Caches, which only appear during the Hurricane map condition.
Q: What ammo does the Canto use?
A: Unlike most other SMGs, the Canto uses medium ammo, giving it higher damage output.
Q: Will I lose the blueprint if I die in the raid?
A: Not if you put it in your Safe Pocket immediately after finding it. In that case, it stays in your inventory even after a failed extraction.
Q: Can I upgrade the Canto?
A: Yes, it is a Rare weapon that can be upgraded up to level IV at the Gunsmith and equipped with various mods.
Q: Does the Canto drop from regular weapon crates?
A: This has not been confirmed yet. All verified drops have come exclusively from First Wave Caches during a hurricane.
