How do Firecrackers actually work in a real match?
A Firecracker is a thrown device that sparks, pops, and makes noise for several seconds. The duration is long enough to pull attention from nearby ARC machines and sometimes other players. It does not deal damage. Its value is entirely in distraction and positioning.
In real matches, most players throw Firecrackers to redirect enemies away from a path, a loot room, or a downed teammate. The noise radius is noticeable, but not map-wide. You still need to throw it with intent. Tossing it too close often causes enemies to split attention instead of fully moving.
Where do players usually get Firecrackers during the event?
Firecrackers come from three main sources: scavenging, crafting, and vendors. During event-heavy periods, players often rely more on crafting because it is predictable and cheap. The materials are common, and most players already have Utility Station 1 unlocked.
Scavenging Firecrackers is inconsistent. You might find them in containers, but relying on loot RNG during a focused run is risky. Buying them from vendors works, but many players save coins for higher-impact items.
Most experienced players craft them in batches before a session and carry a small stack rather than crafting mid-run.
Is it worth crafting Firecrackers instead of selling the materials?
For most players, yes. Plastic Parts and Chemicals are common enough that using them for Firecrackers rarely blocks progression. Selling Firecrackers gives coins, but the return is not impressive compared to the utility they provide.
In practice, Firecrackers save more resources than they cost. Avoiding a fight, escaping a bad pull, or looting safely without firing shots often preserves armor, ammo, and healing items. Over time, that matters more than the coin value.
How do experienced players use Firecrackers differently?
New players often throw Firecrackers reactively, after enemies are already close. Experienced players use them proactively. The most common patterns are:
Throwing one before entering a risky area to pull patrols away Using one to reset enemy positions after a loud fight Creating noise to mask footsteps when repositioning Baiting machines away from extract routes
Another key difference is placement. Skilled players aim Firecrackers behind cover or around corners so enemies fully commit to the sound source.
Do Firecrackers help against other players?
Indirectly, yes. Firecrackers do not affect players directly, but they change the environment. Throwing one can trigger machines to move into another squad’s path or create confusion during third-party fights.
Some players use Firecrackers to fake movement or draw attention away from their actual location. This works best in areas with multiple levels or limited sightlines. It is less effective in open terrain.
Are Firecrackers useful late game or only early on?
Firecrackers stay useful throughout progression. Early game, they help you survive when your weapons and armor are weak. Late game, they help you avoid unnecessary risk.
Even players running high-tier gear still carry Firecrackers because avoiding damage is always better than tanking it. They also remain useful when farming specific components or completing contracts that require movement through dangerous zones.
How does the Firecracker event affect the in-game economy?
During periods when Firecrackers are emphasized, Plastic Parts tend to feel slightly more valuable simply because more players are crafting utility items instead of hoarding materials. However, this usually stabilizes quickly.
Some players look for shortcuts and choose to buy arc raiders Vulcano blueprint or other high-impact gear instead of investing time into utility crafting. That approach works for aggressive playstyles, but it does not replace the value of distraction tools.
Overall, the Firecracker event encourages smarter movement rather than more firepower.
Should you carry Firecrackers every run?
Most experienced players do. The weight is low, the stack size is reasonable, and the flexibility is high. Carrying at least one stack of Firecrackers gives you options when things go wrong.
That said, if you are running a very short loot route or a pure PvP loadout, you might skip them. For general exploration, solo play, or resource runs, they are almost always worth the slot.
What mistakes do players commonly make with Firecrackers?
The biggest mistake is expecting them to solve everything. Firecrackers are not a panic button. If you throw one while sprinting in the open, enemies may still track you.
Another common issue is overusing them. Spamming Firecrackers can create unpredictable enemy movement and sometimes make a situation worse. One well-placed throw is usually enough.
Finally, some players forget the sound works both ways. Other players can hear it too, which can attract attention if used carelessly.
Are Firecrackers still worth learning if you play aggressively?
Yes. Even aggressive players benefit from controlling enemy movement. Firecrackers let you decide when and where fights happen instead of reacting to bad pulls.
They also allow you to disengage cleanly, which is important if you value consistent extraction over risky kills.
Final thoughts from a long-time player
The Firecracker event is less about spectacle and more about reinforcing good habits. Firecrackers reward players who think ahead, move deliberately, and avoid unnecessary fights.
They are simple tools, but they scale with player knowledge. If you learn how enemies respond, where sound travels, and when to create distractions, Firecrackers become one of the most reliable items in your loadout.
