You step onto the Frigate, the wind howls, and suddenly three turrets lock onto you at once. Welcome to the Hydra, the nastiest new threat from the Frozen Trail update (October 8, 2026). The good news is that it’s beatable, and you don’t need a perfect squad to do it.
Table of Contents
What Is the Hydra?
The Hydra is a stationary ARC turret found aboard the Frigate. It’s built from three stacked sections that operate independently, so it can target several Raiders at the same time. Standing in the open is a bad idea. If you’re new to the game, the ARC Raiders Wikipedia page covers the basics.
ARC Raiders: Hydra
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Aboard the Frigate |
| Type | Stationary three-section turret |
| Danger | Targets multiple players at once |
| Weak spot | Rear (reported as unarmored) |
| Reward | Progress toward Frigate loot, including Amplification Modules |
| Unique drop | None |
Best Strategy: Squad Play
Teamwork is the cleanest solution:
- Take turns as the decoy. One Raider draws fire while the others shoot from another angle.
- Peek and shoot. Pop out, fire, then duck back into cover.
- Clear the small fry first. Rocketeers and Vaporizers can wreck you mid-fight, and ignoring them is a common reason runs fail.
- Bring a Defibrillator. One bad exchange can down a teammate.

Going Solo: Two Ways to Win
The cheeky method: Run right up to the Hydra and circle it. At close range the turrets turn slowly and struggle to lock on. Then melee it or use the Bantam.
The safer method: Place a Barricade Kit for cover, then use a Hullcracker to hit its body. Expect roughly 10 to 15 shots. Wait for an opening, peek, shoot, and reset. Solo openings are smaller but still workable.
Loadout Tips
- Barricade Kit for cover on exposed areas like the wing.
- Armor-busting weapons such as the Hullcracker, or a heavy-ammo option like the Anvil.
- Extra ammo. Many players recommend bringing more than usual.
- Healing and a Defibrillator for squad runs.
Want more tips like these? Browse Technosports for the latest news and walkthroughs, and check our ARC Raiders and gaming guides before your next drop.
FAQs
1. Can you beat the Hydra solo in ARC Raiders?
Yes. Circle it at close range, or use a Barricade Kit with a Hullcracker, though a squad makes it far safer.
2. What do you get for beating the Hydra?
It has no unique drop. You beat it to progress the Frigate run, which rewards Amplification Modules.