Extended Light Magazine II is a mid-tier weapon upgrade that increases magazine size for light-ammo weapons in Arc Raiders. In practice, it gives you more shots before reloading, which matters a lot during longer fights against both AI enemies and other players.



Most players look at this blueprint once they start surviving longer raids. Early on, reload timing doesn’t feel important, but later you’ll notice that reloading at the wrong moment often leads to death. This upgrade is mainly about reducing those bad moments.



Extended Light Magazine II is crafted through the Gunsmith system and requires Gunsmith II access. That already tells you it’s not an early-game item.



Why Do Players Use Extended Light Magazine II?



In general, players use this upgrade for consistency rather than raw power. It doesn’t increase damage. It doesn’t change recoil. What it does is give you breathing room.



Most players experience these situations:



Fighting two or more enemies back-to-back



Getting rushed while reloading



Missing a few shots under pressure



A larger magazine smooths out these problems. Usually, this means fewer forced reloads and more control in messy fights. For light weapons that already have fast handling, this upgrade fits naturally.



Which Weapons Benefit the Most?



Extended Light Magazine II works best on light-ammo weapons that are used in sustained fights. In practice, most players put it on weapons they rely on during longer engagements rather than quick ambushes.



Weapons that benefit the most usually have:



High fire rate



Moderate base magazine size



Frequent use in PvE zones



For burst damage or single-shot playstyles, the benefit is smaller. Players who rely on hit-and-run tactics often skip it.



What Are the Crafting Requirements?



To craft Extended Light Magazine II, you need:



Gunsmith II



2x Mechanical Components



3x Steel Spring



$5000



This recipe puts it firmly in the mid-game range.



Most players will already have some Mechanical Components saved up, but Steel Springs are often the limiting factor. The currency cost is reasonable, but repeated crafting can add up if you die often.



How Hard Are Mechanical Components to Get?



Mechanical Components are fairly common once you know where to look. In general, most players find them in:



Industrial areas



Abandoned machinery zones



Tool crates and mechanical containers



They’re not rare, but they’re also used in many other upgrades. This means players often have to decide whether to spend them now or save them for later gear.



Most players recommend stockpiling these instead of crafting everything immediately.



Why Are Steel Springs the Real Bottleneck?



Steel Springs tend to slow players down more than Mechanical Components. They drop less often and are used in several popular blueprints.



In practice, players usually get Steel Springs from:



High-risk industrial zones



Enemy drops in contested areas



Locked or guarded containers



Because of this, many players delay crafting Extended Light Magazine II until they have spare Springs. Dying with them in your inventory feels bad, so players often wait until they feel confident in extraction routes.



Is Gunsmith II Hard to Unlock?



Gunsmith II is more about progression than difficulty. Most players unlock it naturally by:



Crafting lower-tier attachments



Completing standard progression objectives



Spending time experimenting with weapon mods



In general, if you’re actively using the Gunsmith system, you’ll reach Gunsmith II without grinding specifically for it. Players who ignore crafting tend to unlock it much later.



When Should You Craft This Upgrade?



Timing matters more than people think.



Most players craft Extended Light Magazine II when:



They have a reliable main weapon



They survive more than half their raids



They can afford to lose the materials once or twice



Crafting it too early often leads to frustration, especially if you die before getting real value from it. In general, it’s better to wait until your loadouts are stable.



How Does It Affect Real Combat Situations?



In actual gameplay, the benefit shows up during pressure moments. Most players notice:



Fewer reload interruptions



Better control when fighting multiple enemies



More flexibility when missing shots



It doesn’t turn bad aim into good aim. Usually, it just gives you more time to recover when things go wrong.



Players who fight aggressively tend to feel the benefit more than cautious players.



Is It Worth the Cost?



For most players, yes — but not immediately.



The $5000 cost is reasonable once you’re extracting regularly. Mechanical Components are manageable. Steel Springs are the main decision point.



In general, players who rely on light weapons long-term consider this blueprint a standard upgrade. Players who frequently switch weapons sometimes skip it.



Are Blueprints Hard to Find?



Blueprint availability depends on progression and luck. Some players unlock it naturally, while others look for specific sources.



You may see references online like ARC Raiders blueprints for sale at U4N marketplace, but in practice, most players still rely on in-game progression and exploration to unlock what they need. Blueprints tend to feel more valuable when earned through play rather than rushed.



Common Mistakes Players Make



Most mistakes around this upgrade come from timing.



Common issues include:



Crafting it before having spare Steel Springs



Using it on weapons they don’t keep long-term



Assuming it increases damage



In general, players who plan their upgrades ahead of time avoid these problems.



Final Thoughts From a Player Perspective



Extended Light Magazine II is not flashy, but it’s practical. Most experienced players value upgrades that reduce mistakes rather than increase stats.



If you use light weapons often, survive consistently, and have spare materials, this blueprint makes sense. If you’re still struggling to extract, it’s usually better to wait.