What is the Photoelectric Cloak and how does it work?



The Photoelectric Cloak is a gadget that temporarily conceals the wearer from ARC detection. When activated, the cloak makes you essentially invisible to enemy units, even if they are actively attacking you. However, there are a few important mechanics to keep in mind:



Movement Restriction – While cloaked, your movement speed is reduced significantly. This means the cloak is more suitable for strategic positioning, escaping danger, or sneaking past groups of ARC rather than for fast-paced combat. Most players use it to traverse heavily guarded areas or set up ambushes.



Energy System – The cloak relies on an energy meter that appears on your HUD. Every activation drains a small portion of this meter instantly. The energy then gradually recharges when the cloak is stowed or not in use. Because of this, short, repeated bursts of invisibility are less efficient than using the cloak for longer periods when needed. Experienced players usually plan their routes and timing to maximize the duration of invisibility in critical moments.



Shared Energy Between Cloaks – You can equip multiple Photoelectric Cloaks in your loadout, but the energy meter is shared between all of them. This means stacking cloaks does not extend your maximum invisibility time; it only provides backup options in case one cloak is damaged or you want to switch between different loadout setups mid-mission.



In practice, you’ll notice that the cloak is most effective when combined with distractions or noise-making devices. ARC units will lose sight of you almost immediately, but any sudden movement or combat actions can reveal your position, so timing is key.



How to craft a Photoelectric Cloak



Crafting the Photoelectric Cloak requires a few specific materials and a proper crafting station. Here’s what you need:



Ingredients:



2× Advanced Electrical Components



4× Speaker Components



Crafting Station: Utility Station 3



Crafting is straightforward once you have gathered the materials. Most players focus on scavenging these components from various missions or recycling other gadgets to accumulate the needed parts. One tip is to prioritize finding Advanced Electrical Components first, as they are used in multiple high-tier items and can be a bottleneck in crafting.



Repairing the Cloak



The Photoelectric Cloak isn’t indestructible. Its durability decreases with use, and repairing it requires additional components:



Repair Cost:



1× Advanced Electrical Component



2× Speaker Components



Durability Restored: +50



A common practice among experienced players is to carry repair components on missions, allowing quick fixes between engagements. This is especially important if you rely on the cloak for stealthy operations, as a broken cloak can leave you vulnerable in tight spots.



Recycling and Salvaging



If you have extra Photoelectric Cloaks you don’t need, you can recycle or salvage them for materials. Here’s what you get:



Recycling Results: 1× Advanced Electrical Component, 1× Speaker Component



Salvaging Results: 1× Advanced Electrical Component



Some players even use recycling as a way to keep a steady supply of components without grinding new missions. For those wondering, it’s also possible to convert extra cloaks into in-game currency. If you want to know how to sell arc raiders blueprints for cash, focusing on duplicate or unneeded blueprints and gadgets like the Photoelectric Cloak is the practical route.



Strategies for using the Photoelectric Cloak effectively



Timing and Planning – The cloak’s energy system rewards careful planning. Avoid activating it unnecessarily. Instead, use it to navigate through areas with multiple ARC patrols or to escape after drawing enemy attention.



Complementary Gear – Pairing the cloak with distraction tools such as noise makers, EMP grenades, or other gadgets enhances its effectiveness. While cloaked, you can set traps or mislead enemies, giving you more tactical options.



Team Coordination – In multiplayer, the cloak can help your team execute stealth strategies. One player cloaked can draw attention while others move undetected. Timing between team members is critical to avoid exposing a teammate by mistake.



Energy Management – Keep an eye on the energy meter and avoid splitting the cloak’s duration into too many short bursts. Longer periods of stealth are often more valuable than multiple short bursts, especially when sneaking past multiple ARC units.



Common Mistakes



Overusing the cloak: Constant activation can leave you without energy at critical moments.



Ignoring movement penalties: Walking slowly while cloaked can make you predictable if enemies know the map layout.



Stacking cloaks unnecessarily: Multiple cloaks don’t increase energy; they just add redundancy.



By avoiding these mistakes, you can make the most of the cloak’s capabilities.



The Photoelectric Cloak is a high-tier tool for stealthy players in Arc Raiders. Understanding how its energy system works, managing repairs, and knowing when and where to use it are crucial to getting consistent results. For players looking to craft or acquire it efficiently, focusing on material scavenging and recycling unused cloaks can keep you well-stocked. The cloak’s real value comes not from raw power, but from how effectively you integrate it into your tactical approach.



Whether you’re using it for solo stealth runs or coordinated team missions, mastering the Photoelectric Cloak will give you a significant advantage over unprepared ARC forces. Planning, timing, and complementary gear are the keys to making it work in real gameplay.

Durable Cloth | All Platform