How to Get the Canto SMG Blueprint in ARC Raiders

If you have been running raids since the Flashpoint update dropped, you have probably heard players talking about one weapon nonstop. The Canto SMG. It is fast, deadly up close, and honestly feels like a budget version of the Bobcat that still shreds both players and Arc units.

But here is the truth from someone who has spent hours farming it. Learning how to get the Canto blueprint in Arc Raiders is not easy. In fact, it is one of those grinds that will test your patience more than most legendary drops.

This guide breaks everything down in a simple, real way. No fluff. Just what actually works.

What Is the Canto SMG Blueprint

The Canto blueprint is a Rare tier weapon blueprint introduced in the Flashpoint update. Once unlocked, you can craft the Canto SMG at your base and start using it in raids.

Why players want it

• High damage for an SMG
• Fast time to kill in close range fights
• Uses medium ammo which hits harder than typical SMGs
• Strong against both players and Arc enemies

From a veteran perspective, the Canto sits in a sweet spot. It is not overpowered, but it is extremely efficient if you play aggressively.

Where to Get the Canto Blueprint

Let’s get straight to the point.

If you are searching for how to get the Canto blueprint in Arc Raiders, there is only one reliable method.

First Wave Raider Caches during Hurricane

That is it.

You need to loot First Wave Raider Caches, also known as Hurricane Caches, and they only spawn when the Hurricane map condition is active.

Understanding Hurricane Caches

These caches are easy to miss if you do not know what you are looking for.

What they look like

• Small buried containers
• Slightly visible on the ground
• Emit a faint humming or beeping sound

Where they spawn

• Usually on the edges of the map
• Scattered across open areas
• Common on maps like Dam Battlegrounds and Blue Gate

The problem

Hurricane conditions make everything harder:

• Visibility is low
• Wind noise masks audio cues
• Your shield constantly drains

So even though the caches are technically simple to find, the environment makes it much more difficult.

Best Maps to Farm Canto Blueprint

Not all maps are equal when farming Arc Raiders Canto blueprint drops.

Dam Battlegrounds

This is widely considered the best map.

• High cache spawn density
• Large open areas
• Easier navigation once you learn routes

Blue Gate

Another solid option.

• Consistent cache spawns
• Slightly safer rotations
• Good for repeat farming runs

Veteran Tip

Pick one map and master it. Running random maps will slow your progress more than you think.

Step by Step Farming Strategy

Now let’s talk about what actually works in real gameplay.

1. Run light or go in naked

This is called naked runs.

• Bring minimal gear
• Focus on speed
• Accept that you might die

Your goal is not to survive every raid. Your goal is to find the blueprint fast.

2. Listen more than you look

During Hurricane conditions, visibility is terrible.

Instead:

• Listen for humming or pulsing sounds
• Move slowly when you suspect a cache nearby
• Use audio as your main detection tool

This alone will improve your success rate massively.

3. Check outskirts first

Most Hurricane Caches spawn away from hot zones.

So:

• Avoid central combat areas
• Move along the edges of the map
• Sweep systematically

This reduces PvP encounters and increases efficiency.

4. Use your Safe Pocket immediately

This is critical.

The moment you find the Canto blueprint:

• Put it into your Safe Pocket
• Do not hesitate
• Do not keep looting

Once it is secured, it is yours even if you die.

5. Extract or reset quickly

After securing the blueprint:

• Either extract safely
• Or let yourself get eliminated to reset faster

Veteran players often choose speed over safety here.

Drop Rate Reality Check

Let’s be honest about something.

The Canto blueprint is not a guaranteed drop.

Because it shares a loot pool with other blueprints:

• You might get it quickly
• Or you might farm for hours

In fact, many players feel that farming the Canto is harder than getting some legendary weapons.

This is why consistency matters more than luck.

Crafting the Canto SMG

Once you finally get the blueprint, you are not done yet.

You still need to craft the weapon.

Requirements

• Gunsmith Workbench Level 3
• 2 Advanced Mechanical Components
• 5 Magnets
• 3 Medium Gun Parts

Where to find materials

• Mechanical zones for advanced components
• Traders like Celeste for magnets
• Lockers and security areas for gun parts

The good news is that crafting the Canto is relatively cheap compared to other high-tier weapons.

Is the Canto Worth It

Short answer. Yes.

Long answer. It depends on your playstyle.

Pros

• Excellent close range damage
• Fast time to kill
• Strong against both PvP and PvE

Cons

• Small magazine size
• Noticeable recoil
• Requires upgrades to truly shine

Veteran Verdict

If you like aggressive gameplay, the Canto is one of the best Rare weapons you can use.

It feels like a lighter, more accessible version of top-tier SMGs without the insane cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After watching countless players struggle with how to get the Canto blueprint in Arc Raiders, these mistakes come up again and again.

Ignoring Hurricane conditions

You cannot farm this blueprint outside of Hurricane events. Do not waste time searching elsewhere.

Overgearing for runs

Bringing expensive gear into Hurricane runs is a mistake.

You will die. A lot.

Keep your loadout cheap and efficient.

Not using Safe Pocket

This is the biggest mistake.

If you die without securing the blueprint, the entire run is wasted.

Farming without a route

Running randomly across the map kills efficiency.

Learn spawn patterns and stick to a path.

Advanced Farming Tips

If you want to speed things up, here are some higher-level strategies.

Play during off-peak hours

Fewer players means:

• Less competition
• Safer exploration
• More caches available

Chain runs efficiently

Do not waste time between raids.

• Queue quickly
• Reset fast
• Stay focused

Learn sound patterns

Each cache has a distinct audio signature.

Once you recognize it, you will start finding them much faster than other players.

Final Thoughts

Getting the Canto blueprint in Arc Raiders is one of those grinds that separates casual players from dedicated ones.

It is not about luck alone.

It is about:

• Running smart routes
• Using the right strategy
• Staying consistent

If you stick with it, you will eventually get it. And once you do, the Canto is absolutely worth the effort.

For players who want to speed up their progress, some choose to explore Arc Raiders blueprints through trading platforms like PvPbank, but that is entirely optional depending on your playstyle.

At the end of the day, the grind is part of the experience.

And when that blueprint finally drops, you will know it was earned.