For once, Arc Raiders is giving you a reason to lower your guard around strangers. From February 10 to February 24, 2026, the Shared Watch event runs inside normal matches, so you don't have to queue into anything special. You'll still bump into other Raiders, sure, but the game's gently pushing everyone to aim their rifles at the machines instead. If you're the type who likes to prep before dropping in, it's worth keeping an eye on gear and ARC Raiders Items so you're not caught short when a big ARC target shows up and the whole lobby suddenly decides to pile on.

How Merits Actually Work

The event boils down to Merits, and they're earned in a very specific way: you get 1 Merit for every 100 XP gained from damaging or destroying ARC machines. That detail matters, because it changes what "playing well" looks like. PvP damage doesn't help your Merit total, so picking a fight just because you can is basically a waste of time if you're trying to progress. You'll notice it fast—people who normally shoot first start hovering nearby, waiting for an opening to help on a machine instead. And if you try to coast while others do the work, your numbers crawl.

The Reward Track Feels Like a Real Grind

There are 21 unlocks on the track, and clearing everything takes 1,050 Merits total. Rewards land every 50 Merits, which makes the grind feel less brutal because you're regularly hitting a checkpoint. Early on you'll snag the Slugger outfit with that baseball-ump vibe, then you'll start seeing more practical stuff mixed in: the Tactical MK.3 healing blueprint, Vita Sprays, and some premium Raider Tokens. It doesn't stay purely "useful," either—there are small flex items like charms, face paint, and even an acoustic guitar that's weirdly perfect for those calm seconds when you're just listening for footsteps.

Fast Progress Means Hunting the Big Stuff

If you want to finish before the February 24 deadline, don't get stuck farming tiny drones all night. The real gains come from bigger ARC threats like Bastions and Leapers, because the XP payout is higher, and Merits follow that XP. It's harder, and yeah, you'll burn ammo and meds, but it's still more efficient. A simple rhythm works: rotate toward high-activity zones, stick close enough to tag damage, and don't be shy about teaming up on a target even if you met the other players ten seconds ago.

A Nicer Kind of Match

The best part is the mood shift. Matches feel less like a paranoia simulator and more like a messy, temporary truce where you're reading the same threat together. You'll still get betrayed sometimes, but it happens less when Merits are on the line and the machines are the only thing that counts. If you're short on time, restocking smart helps, and sites like U4GM are often mentioned by players for grabbing game currency or items so you can stay geared and keep chasing those higher-tier ARC fights without constant downtime.