What is the Dog Collar in Arc Raiders?
The Dog Collar is classified as a Rare item. Its main purpose is to help you train Scrappy, the robotic companion. Beyond that, it can also be recycled into crafting materials if you don’t need it for upgrades.
In terms of gameplay, it’s lightweight, weighing just 0.8 units, and can stack up to three per inventory slot. That makes it easy to carry multiple collars without cluttering your inventory.
Where Can You Find Dog Collars?
Most players find Dog Collars in Residential areas during scavenging missions. They are not guaranteed drops, but checking multiple residential buildings usually gives you a good chance. If you’re specifically hunting for them, focus on locations that typically spawn Rare items.
Once you have a few, you can either save them for Scrappy upgrades or recycle them for crafting components.
How Does the Dog Collar Work for Scrappy?
The primary function of the Dog Collar is to upgrade Scrappy from level I to level II. You’ll need one Dog Collar per upgrade. In practice, most players try to save them until Scrappy reaches level I so that each collar has a noticeable impact. Using them earlier won’t give you any extra benefits until Scrappy is ready for the next tier.
For example:
Scrappy I → Scrappy II: Requires 1 Dog Collar.
Upgrading him improves his combat efficiency and unlocks better AI routines.
Some players make the mistake of recycling Dog Collars too early. While recycling can give you materials, you lose the chance to strengthen Scrappy, which is usually more valuable in mid-game missions.
Can You Recycle or Salvage the Dog Collar?
Yes. If you don’t need the collar for Scrappy, recycling it is a good fallback. Here’s what you get:
Recycling Results: 8 Fabric + 1 Metal Part
Salvaging Results: 5 Fabric
Fabric is particularly useful for crafting ammo or certain items, while Metal Parts are essential for weapon or workshop upgrades. In practical play, most players recycle Dog Collars only when they have several extras, keeping at least one or two for Scrappy’s upgrades.
Should You Prioritize Training Scrappy or Recycling?
In my experience, training Scrappy is almost always the better choice early to mid-game. Scrappy can provide combat support, carry items, and even help with certain mission objectives. Recycling becomes more valuable once you have multiple Dog Collars in your inventory or if Scrappy is already at level II and you don’t plan to level him further immediately.
Where Do Workshop Upgrades Fit In?
After you’ve used a Dog Collar on Scrappy, the Workshop automatically registers the upgrade. This is straightforward in practice: just open your Workshop, select Scrappy, and apply the Dog Collar. There’s no extra crafting required.
Upgrading Scrappy doesn’t consume a lot of in-game resources besides the Dog Collar itself, which is why it’s recommended to save your collars rather than selling them. The sell price of a single Dog Collar is 640 coins, which is okay but usually not worth it compared to the benefits Scrappy provides in missions.
How to Acquire More Dog Collars
If scavenging isn’t giving you enough Dog Collars, some players explore other methods. One common approach is to invest in missions that reward Rare items or check out the in-game market for options. Sometimes, you can even buy certain blueprints to help craft upgrades faster. For example, if you’re looking to optimize Scrappy, it can be worthwhile to buy arc raiders Wolfpack blueprint since it indirectly supports companion upgrades, including items like Dog Collars.
Tips From Real Gameplay
Don’t hoard unnecessarily: Carrying one or two collars for upgrades is fine; any extras can be recycled for useful materials.
Focus on Residential areas: Most new players underestimate how reliable residential scavenging is.
Upgrade Scrappy strategically: Only use collars when he’s ready for the next level. Early use won’t improve him beyond his current tier.
Balance recycling and upgrading: If you find 3 or more Dog Collars at once, consider recycling one or two but always keep at least one for immediate upgrades.
Common Questions from Players
Q: Can I find Dog Collars outside Residential zones? A: Very rarely. Residential scavenging is the primary source. Don’t waste too much time searching in Industrial or Mission areas unless you’re just exploring.
Q: Is it worth selling Dog Collars for coins? A: Not usually. The 640 coin sell price is low compared to the potential impact of upgrading Scrappy. Use selling only if you have extra and need quick cash.
Q: Can I upgrade Scrappy multiple times with one Dog Collar? A: No. Each Dog Collar applies to a single level upgrade. Plan accordingly so you don’t waste them.
The Dog Collar is a small but powerful item in Arc Raiders. Its main value comes from upgrading Scrappy, which in turn improves your efficiency in missions and combat. While recycling and selling are options, most experienced players will tell you that keeping a few for upgrades pays off more in the long run. Remember to scout Residential areas, plan your upgrades, and only recycle extras. With a little strategy, your Scrappy companion can become a real asset on the battlefield.
