ARC Raiders: Communication Hideout Quest Guide

ARC Raiders is a thrilling, cooperative, PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, set in a post-apocalyptic world where players, known as Raiders, scavenge for resources while facing hostile machines and rival players. Among the game's diverse questlines, the Communication Hideout quest stands out as an engaging, objective-driven mission that tests players' navigation, scavenging, and situational awareness skills. Given by the NPC Shani, this quest tasks players with restoring communication systems in the Buried City by repairing equipment at the Red Tower in Old Town. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Communication Hideout quest, covering its objectives, strategies, rewards, and tips for success, ensuring players can complete it efficiently in a single raid.

Quest Overview and Shani's Role

The Communication Hideout quest begins in Speranza, the central hub where players interact with traders and quest-givers. Shani, a key NPC and the head of security, delivers the mission with a concise but urgent dialogue:

"We've been losing signals in some areas of Buried City-my guess is that our equipment is acting up. You're quite skilled with repairs, aren't you? Could you check it out?"

This brief exchange sets the tone for the quest. Shani's trust in the player's repair skills establishes a sense of responsibility, while the mention of signal loss hints at the technical nature of the task ahead. The Buried City, a sprawling, ruined urban landscape filled with ARC enemies and rival raiders, serves as the backdrop for this mission. The quest's objectives must be completed in a single raid, adding a layer of pressure to execute each step efficiently.

The Communication Hideout quest consists of five linear objectives, all centered around the Red Tower courtyard in the Buried City's Old Town. Here's a detailed look at each step:

Reach the Red Tower in Old Town

The first objective is to travel to the Red Tower, a prominent landmark located in the southern part of the Buried City, just northeast of the Plaza Rosa building. The Red Tower is easily recognizable due to its tall, reddish structure that stands out against the dilapidated urban landscape. To locate it, players should start a raid on the Buried City map, zoom in on the map to spot the Red Tower marker, and follow their compass to the courtyard at the tower's base. The area is often patrolled by ARC enemies like scanners and drones, so stealth or preparation for combat is advised.

Find the Missing Battery Cell

Once in the Red Tower courtyard, players must locate a missing battery cell needed to power the generator. The battery is found in a yellow-highlighted bag or box on the ground, typically near a large metal structure in the courtyard, to the northeast of the Red Tower. The item is small and can be easy to miss, so players should look for the glowing yellow interaction prompt. The battery's location is consistent, but the courtyard's open layout makes players vulnerable to ARC patrols or rival Raiders, so it's wise to clear the area or stay alert while searching.

Install the Battery Cell in the Generator

With the battery cell in hand, players must install it in the nearby generator, located in the same courtyard, often to the left of the battery's pickup spot. Interacting with the generator will automatically place the battery inside. This step is straightforward but requires players to be cautious, as interacting with the generator takes a few seconds, leaving them exposed to potential attacks.

Enable the Power on the Generator

After installing the battery, players must activate the generator by interacting with a small switch on its right side. This step powers up the system and is a quick interaction, but players should ensure the area is secure to avoid interruptions. The generator's activation is a critical step, as it enables the final objective.

Boot the Antenna Terminal Near the Red Tower

The final objective is to boot the antenna terminal, located on an upper platform of the Red Tower. From the generator, players should turn toward the Red Tower and look for an open window just above ground level, typically to the right of the generator. Vault through the window to enter the tower's interior, then follow the staircase upstairs. On the second floor, players will encounter a broken wall; pass through it and turn right to find a ladder. Climb the ladder to reach the roof platform, then turn right again and follow the exterior ledge around the corner. The antenna terminal, marked by a yellow interaction prompt, is a small control box on the platform. Interacting with it completes the quest instantly, with no need to extract.

Strategies for Success

Completing the Communication Hideout quest efficiently requires careful planning and awareness of the Buried City's dangers. Here are key strategies to ensure success:

Choose the Right Loadout: Since the quest doesn't require extracting items, players can opt for a free loadout to minimize the risk of losing valuable gear. However, bringing a weapon with Heavy Ammo (to deal with ARC enemies) and utility items like Smoke Grenades or Defibrillators can be helpful, especially if playing solo. Binoculars, sold by Shani, can also aid in spotting enemies from a distance.

Stealth and Situational Awareness: The Red Tower courtyard is a hotspot for ARC patrols and rival Raiders, as it's a popular quest location. Before interacting with the battery, generator, or terminal, scout the area for enemies using cover and listen for audio cues like mechanical hums or footsteps. If other Raiders are present, consider waiting for them to move on or engaging strategically to secure the area.

Clear the Courtyard: ARC enemies, such as scanners or drones, can interrupt interactions, so clearing the courtyard of threats before starting the objectives is advisable. Focus on smaller groups of enemies to avoid being overwhelmed, and use cover to minimize damage.

Efficient Navigation: The path to the antenna terminal can be confusing due to the Red Tower's multi-level structure. To avoid getting lost, follow the exact route: window → staircase → broken wall → ladder → right turn → terminal. Memorizing this path can save valuable time, especially under pressure.

Solo vs. Team Play: While the quest is designed to be solo-friendly, playing with a team can make it easier to manage enemies and secure the courtyard. Teammates can cover you during interactions or revive you if downed. Quest progression is shared, so all team members' actions count toward completion.

Time Management: Since all objectives must be completed in one raid, prioritize speed while remaining cautious. If the courtyard is too contested, consider repositioning and returning when it's quieter. The quest can be completed in under 10 minutes with proper execution.

Rewards and Their Value

Upon booting the antenna terminal, the Communication Hideout quest is marked as complete, and players can return to Speranza to claim their rewards from Shani. The rewards include:

Aviator Outfit (Crimson Racer Color): A cosmetic outfit variant that adds a stylish, red-themed look to your Raider. This is a popular reward for players who enjoy customizing their appearance.

Faded Flush (Aviator Color): An additional cosmetic color variant for the Aviator Outfit, listed in the Raider Customization menu but not always shown in the quest menu. This adds further personalization options.

1x Anvil III: A powerful weapon or crafting material (depending on context) that's useful for dealing with ARC enemies or upgrading gear. Its uncommon rarity makes it a valuable addition to your inventory.

40x Heavy Ammo: A substantial amount of ammunition for heavy weapons, ideal for tackling tougher enemies or future quests. Heavy Ammo is always in demand, making this a practical reward.

These rewards strike a balance between cosmetic flair and functional utility, making the quest worthwhile for both new and experienced players. The Aviator Outfit variants enhance your character's style, while the Anvil III and Heavy Ammo provide tangible combat advantages.

Challenges and Common Pitfall

While Communication Hideout is rated as a "Normal" difficulty quest, it can be tricky for unprepared players. Here are common challenges and how to overcome them:

Finding the Battery Cell: The battery's small size and inconspicuous placement can lead to players overlooking it. Always check near the large metal structure in the courtyard and look for the yellow prompt.

Navigating the Red Tower: The path to the antenna terminal is complex, with multiple staircases and dead ends. Stick to the described route to avoid wasting time.

Enemy and Raider Interference: The courtyard's open layout makes it a hotspot for ARC patrols and PvP encounters. Clear the area or use stealth to minimize disruptions.

Single-Raid Requirement: Failing to complete all objectives in one raid means restarting from scratch. Plan your approach and ensure you have enough time and resources before starting.

The Communication Hideout quest in ARC Raiders is a well-designed mission that combines exploration, scavenging, and objective-based gameplay in the atmospheric Buried City. By following Shani's request to repair the Red Tower's communication equipment, players engage with the game's core mechanics while earning valuable rewards like the Crimson Racer Aviator Outfit, Anvil III, and Heavy Ammo. Though it presents challenges like navigating the Red Tower and managing enemies, the quest is accessible to solo and team players alike with proper preparation. Before starting the mission, you can enhance your character by obtaining ARC Raiders Coins and ARC Raiders BluePrints/Items from MMOexp, and improve your chances of success by reading relevant articles. Good luck!

MMOexp ARC Raiders Team