Phantom Targets can look intimidating when you first see the full list of objectives, especially if you are still learning the maps and do not have a large stockpile of high-tier gear. The good news is that most of the project can be completed without expensive loadouts or risky PvP fights.
The key is to treat Phantom Targets as a series of small objectives rather than one long mission. The project is split into six stages, starting with Cargo Elevator antenna upgrades and later moving into ARC part tests, special damage requirements, Glitched Wasp components, and a final Fireworks objective.
Start With Cheap Loadouts
New players should avoid bringing their best weapons into every Phantom Targets raid. Most objectives can be completed with basic equipment, so there is little reason to risk expensive gear when a cheaper setup will do the job.
Carry a reliable primary weapon, enough healing, and only the ammunition required for the current objective. Keep your backpack relatively empty so there is room for mission materials.
This approach also makes it easier to recover from a failed extraction. You can simply return to the map with another inexpensive loadout instead of spending valuable resources replacing high-tier equipment.
Stage 1: Upgrade Cargo Elevator Antennas
The first stage is one of the safest parts of the project. You need to upgrade three antennas found on top of Cargo Elevators. The available locations include Riven Tides, Spaceport, and Dam Battlegrounds. Completing this stage rewards a Combat Mk. 3 augment, Heavy Shield, and Vita Spray.
Do not turn these runs into full loot expeditions. Reach the Cargo Elevator, complete the antenna objective, and leave when the situation becomes dangerous.
For beginners, learning the route is more important than collecting extra loot. Once you know where the elevators are located, this stage becomes much easier to repeat.
Stage 2: Use ARC Parts Efficiently
The second stage asks you to deal damage using Pop Triggers, Wasp Drivers, and Leaper Pulse Units. The requirements are 50 damage with Pop Triggers, 500 with Wasp Drivers, and 1,000 with Leaper Pulse Units.
Pop Trigger is the easiest requirement, so complete it whenever you have a safe opportunity. For Wasp Drivers and Leaper Pulse Units, avoid wasting the items on isolated targets. Wait until enemies are in a position where one use can deal meaningful damage.
This is also a good stage to manage your ARC Raiders Items carefully. Do not use more components than necessary just to finish the objective faster.
Stage 3: Focus on One Damage Type at a Time
The third stage looks more complicated, but it becomes manageable when divided into separate tasks.
You need to deal 1,500 fire damage to ARC enemies, destroy three qualifying ARC enemies with energy weapons, and destroy 20 flying ARC using launcher ammunition.
Do not try to complete all three objectives during the same fight. Bring the appropriate weapon for the task you are currently working on and choose safe encounters.
For the energy requirement, focus on the listed larger ARC targets. For flying ARC, save launcher ammunition for situations where you have a clear shot. Fire damage can be accumulated gradually rather than forcing a dangerous encounter.
Stages 4 and 5: Collect Glitched Wasp Parts
The later stages require specific Glitched Wasp components. Stage 4 asks for ten each of four materials, while Stage 5 requires another set of four components.
This is where inventory management becomes especially important for beginners. Before entering a raid, clear unnecessary items from your backpack and leave enough space for the required components.
Do not collect large amounts beyond the project requirement. Once the required materials are secured, return them to the project and move on.
Stage 6: Finish With Fireworks
The final stage is surprisingly simple compared with the material requirements. You need to deal 100 damage to flying ARC using Fireworks.
Do not chase flying targets across open terrain. Find a safer position, wait for an ARC target to come within range, and use the Fireworks when you have a clear opportunity.
Completing the final stage rewards the Computer Mouse Backpack Charm, Crash Mat Blueprint, Anvil IV, and Anvil Splitter.
The Crash Mat Blueprint is particularly useful as a permanent crafting unlock, so new players should make completing the final stage a priority.
Low-Risk Farming Rules
The safest Phantom Targets strategy is simple:
- Bring inexpensive gear.
- Focus on one objective per raid.
- Avoid unnecessary PvP fights.
- Keep enough backpack space for mission items.
- Do not over-farm materials after meeting the requirement.
- Extract once the important objective is complete.
- Replace expensive equipment with cheaper alternatives whenever possible.
You do not need a perfect build to finish Phantom Targets. Good positioning, careful inventory management, and patience are more valuable than bringing your strongest weapons into every raid.
Phantom Targets rewards players who stay focused. Instead of trying to complete everything in a single high-risk run, break the project into manageable sessions.
Start with the antenna upgrades, then work through the ARC part damage objectives. After that, concentrate on the fire, energy, and launcher tasks before moving into the Glitched Wasp stages.
Keep useful ARC Raiders BluePrints and crafting materials organized in storage, but do not sacrifice a successful mission just to carry additional loot.
For new Raiders, the best strategy is not to play aggressively. Enter with a cheap loadout, complete the objective, and extract. Repeat that process until the entire project is finished. With this approach, even players with limited gear and experience can complete Phantom Targets without burning through their valuable resources.