Beginner Extraction Guide: How to Leave a Raid Safely
Short answer
Extraction is the moment you convert raid risk into kept resources. Call it while you still have fuel to reposition, clear the immediate area first, and never extract from the exact spot where you took your last fight.
Treat extraction as the objective
Resources you collect during a raid are not yours until you extract. New players often overstay after a good loot roll and lose everything to a fight they did not need to take. Decide your extraction condition before you enter the raid, for example 'I extract once cargo is 70% full or fuel drops below 30%'. Sticking to a pre-set rule removes the in-the-moment temptation to push for one more pickup.
Fuel and positioning checks
Before calling extraction, confirm you have enough fuel to reach the point plus a buffer for a detour. Check your surroundings for the nearest cover and the most likely angle another player or threat will approach from. If your mech is slow, start moving toward the extraction point earlier than feels necessary; the time cost of being conservative is far smaller than the cost of dying with a full cargo hold.
Common extraction mistakes
The three mistakes that lose new players the most loot are: extracting in the open with no cover, extracting at the same location repeatedly so it becomes predictable, and starting an extraction while still engaged in a fight. Treat the extraction window as the most dangerous part of the raid and behave accordingly.
Squad extraction
In a squad, designate one player to watch the approach while the others extract, then rotate. Agree on the order before the raid starts. The most common squad failure is everyone extracting at once and no one covering the last player out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extract anywhere?
Extraction is tied to specific points and windows. Learn which points exist on the route you run most and factor the travel time to them into your fuel budget.
What happens to loot if I die during extraction?
Loot not yet extracted is at risk. This is exactly why extraction is the objective and not an afterthought; protect the resources you have already earned.
Should I fight someone who is extracting?
Usually no. Third-partying an extraction is high-risk and often puts you in the same 'engaged during extraction' trap. Secure your own exit first.
How much fuel should I keep in reserve?
Enough to reach your extraction point plus roughly 30% for a detour. If you cannot meet that reserve, you have already stayed too long.