What is an Energy Clip and Why Does It Matter?
An Energy Clip is a rare type of ammo used exclusively by energy weapons like the Jupiter, Aphelion, and Equalizer. Each clip will fully recharge a single weapon, so one clip can cover a full magazine reload.
In practice, this means you don’t have to hoard dozens of clips to stay effective. If you’re mindful of your shots, a few clips can carry you through extended encounters. Unlike heavy ammo, energy clips penetrate ARC armor efficiently, which makes them a go-to choice when facing tougher enemies.
Energy clips are considered rare, weigh 0.3 units each, and stack up to five per inventory slot. The value is also notable: a single clip sells for 1,000 coins, which can be useful if you ever need to convert surplus ammo into resources.
How Do I Get Energy Clips?
There are two main ways to obtain Energy Clips:
Crafting – This requires a Workbench 1 and the Equalizer Blueprint. The recipe is straightforward:
1 × Advanced ARC Powercell
2 × Battery This combination yields 5 Energy Clips per craft. One thing to note in practice is that crafting multiple batches can quickly consume your powercells and batteries, so plan ahead to avoid running out during longer sessions.
Buying from Vendors – Energy Clips are sold by Tian Wen. This is convenient if you have coins but lack the necessary crafting materials. It can also be faster than farming for powercells, especially if you already have a steady income of in-game currency.
How Do Energy Clips Work in Combat?
Understanding how energy clips function in practice helps you decide when and how to use them. Each clip fully charges a weapon, which means timing your reloads is important. If you waste a clip on a half-empty magazine, you’re losing efficiency. Most experienced players aim to reload only when the weapon is nearly depleted, or during breaks in combat.
Another consideration is weapon compatibility. Not all weapons can use energy clips. The main ones are:
Jupiter – Legendary single-shot weapon, high damage (55) and range (~72 units)
Equalizer – Legendary auto-fire weapon, moderate damage (8) but high sustained output
Aphelion – Legendary 2-round burst weapon, medium damage (24), longer range (~76 units)
Each weapon consumes energy clips differently. For example, the Equalizer uses ammo faster due to its auto-fire, so you’ll need to craft or stockpile more if you prefer sustained fire. Jupiter, being single-shot, is more conservative but devastating in precision situations.
Can I Use Energy Clips Efficiently With Multiple Weapons?
Yes, but you need to plan. If you carry multiple energy weapons, managing your clip inventory becomes critical. A common approach is to prioritize one main weapon for combat and keep a backup for emergencies. Since each clip fully recharges one weapon, splitting them across multiple guns can leave you low in prolonged battles.
When looting or crafting, it’s also helpful to check your arc raiders items list. Some missions drop powercells or batteries that can be converted into energy clips. Experienced players often farm these materials before major encounters to avoid running dry mid-mission.
Tips for Crafting Energy Clips
Stock Materials in Advance – Advanced ARC Powercells and batteries are the limiting factors. Collect them consistently, especially if you plan to craft in bulk.
Check Workbench Access – Workbench 1 is required. Many missions allow you to set up temporary crafting stations, but knowing the location ahead of time saves time.
Balance Crafting vs. Buying – If you’re low on crafting materials but high on coins, purchasing clips can be more efficient. Conversely, crafting is better if you want to conserve coins or have surplus materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrafting – It’s tempting to craft a large batch of clips, but they take up inventory space and may not be used immediately. Carry only what you anticipate needing.
Reload Timing – Using a clip when the weapon is only partially empty wastes the recharge potential. Time your reloads carefully.
Ignoring Weapon Compatibility – Not all weapons use energy clips. Don’t spend resources crafting clips if your loadout doesn’t include compatible energy weapons.
Energy Clips are one of the most important resources for any serious Arc Raiders player who relies on energy weapons. By understanding how to craft them, when to use them, and how to manage your inventory, you can make the most of every clip in combat. Keep track of your materials, plan your reloads strategically, and pay attention to your arc raiders items to ensure you’re always prepared for tough encounters.
Mastering Energy Clips isn’t just about having ammo; it’s about knowing when and where to use it efficiently, which separates casual players from those who consistently clear high-level missions.
