The Aphelion is a powerful legendary burst-fire rifle in ARC Raiders, known for its high damage output and versatility in mid-range combat. This weapon excels at taking down human raiders, making it highly sought after in the game. There are two main methods for obtaining the Aphelion: a guaranteed drop from the Matriarch event or random high-value loot spawns on the Stella Montis map. Each method has its advantages, but some may be more suitable for different playstyles. 

What is the Aphelion?
The Aphelion is a legendary-tier burst-fire weapon that delivers strong damage with controlled bursts of fire. It is especially effective in mid-range combat against human raiders rather than large ARCs. Due to its burst pattern, it is ideal for experienced players who can manage its shots while maintaining high damage output.

Method 1: Guaranteed Drop from the Matriarch (Not Recommended)
The first method to obtain the Aphelion blueprint is by participating in the Matriarch event, which occurs during raids with the Matriarch map condition. To maximize your chances, join a raid as a solo player and locate the Matriarch. Work with other solo players to fight and damage the Matriarch. Once she begins to explode, a large round core sphere will appear from her body. Rush to this sphere as quickly as possible and loot it to guarantee an Aphelion blueprint.

However, this method comes with heavy competition. Since other players will also rush for the core, there is a high risk of being beaten to the loot. This makes the Matriarch method highly competitive and often frustrating, especially in solo raids where other players may steal your loot.

Method 2: High-Value Loot on Stella Montis (Recommended)
A safer and more consistent method for obtaining the Aphelion blueprint is by looting the Stella Montis map. Here, Aphelion blueprints can drop as random high-value loot, which makes this method ideal for players who prefer a less risky approach. To increase your chances of finding the blueprint, it’s best to load into the Stella Montis map during the Night Raid map condition. This increases the likelihood of encountering high-value loot spawns, including the Aphelion blueprint.

On Stella Montis, blueprints have been found in various locations, such as in small green drawers beside large shipping containers in the loading bay area and in trash cans in the atrium. The map contains several high-value loot zones, so thorough exploration and looting of drawers, containers, and bins are recommended. With patience and repeated runs, players can acquire multiple Aphelion blueprints over time. Stay up to date with the new expedition requirements ARC Raiders by getting the right items from U4GM, ensuring a smooth journey.

How Blueprint Availability Changed
Initially, the only way to obtain the Aphelion blueprint was by defeating the Matriarch and looting the core. This made the weapon feel difficult to acquire, especially with the intense competition during the Matriarch event. Due to player complaints about the difficulty of obtaining the blueprint, it was later added to the general high-tier loot pool on Stella Montis. As a result, the Aphelion blueprint is now available in regular loot containers such as drawers and trash cans, making it easier for players to find.

Final Tips for Farming Aphelion
To farm the Aphelion efficiently, prioritize raids on Stella Montis during Night Raid conditions. Focus on high-value areas such as the loading bay and the atrium, which are known for dropping high-tier loot. Be thorough in your searches and repeat runs to increase your chances of finding the Aphelion blueprint. While the Matriarch core loot remains a high-risk, guaranteed method, the Stella Montis path is a more relaxed and repeatable route for acquiring this legendary burst-fire rifle.

Conclusion
The Aphelion is a must-have weapon for players who prefer mid-range combat and need a reliable, high-damage option against human raiders. Whether you opt for the competitive, high-risk Matriarch method or the more consistent and less stressful loot farming on Stella Montis, securing the Aphelion will add a powerful tool to your arsenal in ARC Raiders. Stay patient, keep looting, and eventually, you’ll add this legendary weapon to your collection.