What is the Projector, and why does it matter?
The Projector is a Rare item you can find mainly in residential areas while scavenging. Its base function is simple: it can be recycled into crafting materials. Specifically, recycling a Projector gives 2 Wires and 1 Processor, while salvaging it gives 1 Processor. It also has a minor in-game coin value if you sell it directly, but it’s relatively low at around 1,000 coins.
From experience, the Projector itself isn’t something you’ll ever use directly in combat or missions. It’s not a weapon, not a consumable, and not a crafting module. Its value lies in the materials you can get from it, especially if you’re actively crafting upgrades or equipment.
Should I sell the Projector for coins?
Selling a Projector is fine if you’re low on immediate cash or need coins for buying blueprints or rare items. The problem is the coin return is quite low compared to the crafting value.
In practice, I usually only sell Projectors when:
I have excess inventory and don’t need more crafting materials.
I need a quick coin boost for something specific, like a blueprint or gear upgrade.
Otherwise, recycling is generally more beneficial. Even if you’re cash-strapped, you’ll usually get more long-term value from the materials than from the 1,000 coins you’d get by selling it.
When is recycling better than selling?
Recycling a Projector gives you 2 Wires and 1 Processor, which are used in a variety of crafting recipes. From my experience in missions, Processors are often the bottleneck for building higher-level gear. Wires are more common, but getting a few extra each mission adds up.
For example:
If you want to upgrade your gear or build modules for your mechs, those extra Processors from recycling one Projector can save you a scavenging run later.
Wires are useful for multiple builds at once, so recycling helps you stockpile without hunting for more components.
In short, recycling is almost always better unless you desperately need coins. Even then, consider whether you can wait until you have more Projectors or other Rare items to sell in bulk.
What about salvaging?
Salvaging a Projector gives only 1 Processor and no Wires. It’s a middle ground between selling and recycling. Some players do this when they want a quick Processor for a specific blueprint without committing to full recycling.
In practice, I rarely use salvaging unless I need exactly 1 Processor and have extra inventory space. It’s situational and depends on your immediate crafting needs.
How does this fit into long-term gameplay?
Over time, managing resources becomes critical in Arc Raiders. Most experienced players don’t sell every Rare item they find. Instead, they:
Recycle items like Projectors to build a stockpile of crafting materials.
Only sell items when coins are needed to buy blueprints, modules, or consumables.
Salvage occasionally when a single material is needed immediately.
This approach reduces the number of scavenging trips and ensures you can craft or upgrade equipment without waiting for specific drops.
Are there exceptions? When might selling make sense?
There are a few cases where selling a Projector is reasonable:
You already have enough Wires and Processors: If your inventory is overflowing, the Projector becomes more valuable as coins than as materials.
You need a specific blueprint fast: Some players sell excess items to buy blueprints from vendors. For example, if you want to buy arc raiders bobcat blueprint, selling Projectors and other low-demand items might be the fastest route.
Inventory limits: When inventory space is tight and you don’t want to drop items mid-mission, selling can prevent wasting a slot.
Outside of these scenarios, most players benefit more from recycling than from selling.
How do other players usually handle Projectors?
From my experience in multiplayer and watching veteran players:
Common trend: Recycle almost all Projectors and other Rare components.
Selling: Mostly done in bulk if the player is trying to stockpile coins quickly.
Salvaging: Rarely done, usually for a specific crafting need.
This shows that Projectors are generally more valuable for their materials than for coins, especially early to mid-game when Processors are in high demand.
Summary: sell, recycle, or salvage?
Here’s a simple rule based on practical gameplay:
Recycle: Most of the time. Helps you build a stock of Wires and Processors for long-term crafting.
Sell: Only if you need quick coins, want to buy blueprints, or are over your inventory limit.
Salvage: Only if you need a single Processor immediately for a specific recipe.
Personally, I recycle almost all Projectors. Selling is something I do in rare cases, mostly to fund a specific blueprint purchase or to clear inventory.
Projectors are low-maintenance items that offer more value in materials than in coins. If you’re asking “should I sell it?” the default answer is no, unless you have a concrete reason. Always check your inventory and current crafting goals before making a decision. By managing your Projectors smartly, you’ll save time scavenging and ensure you’re ready for upgrades and missions without unnecessary farming.
