ARC Raiders: Deciphering The Data Quest Guide
The Cold Snap update in ARC Raiders introduced a slew of new quests that mix exploration, decryption mechanics, and high-stakes PvPvE action on the sprawling Acerra Spaceport map. Among these missions, Deciphering The Data stands out as both accessible for beginners and slightly tricky due to hidden terminal placements. The quest is handed out by Shani immediately after completing "Paving The Way" and sends players into key areas of the Spaceport to unlock critical intelligence using "Magnetic Decryptors"-interactable terminals rather than physical items.
Despite its simplicity, many players stumble during the second stage, making an efficient walkthrough invaluable. This guide will take you step by step through the quest, provide terminal locations, and share survival tips for completing it safely, whether solo or in a squad.
Quest Objectives and Rewards
The objectives for Deciphering The Data are straightforward:
Use the Magnetic Decryptor in the Fuel Control Building
Reach the Arrival Building in Spaceport
Use the Magnetic Decryptor on the top floor of the Arrival Building
Completing the quest grants:
3× Defibrillator - A rare quick-revive injection that restores 50 health and revives downed teammates in 1.5 seconds. Essential for squad play and clutch moments.
3× Trailblazer - A high-tier stim that boosts sprint speed and stamina regeneration, perfect for aggressive pushes or rapid repositioning in PvPvE zones.
These rewards are particularly useful in late-game raids and high-risk operations, making this short quest well worth the effort.
Step 1: Fuel Control Building - First Decryption
Start your run by dropping into Spaceport and heading toward the center of the map. The Fuel Control Building is situated directly next to Rocket Assembly, east of the Launch Towers. This POI tends to attract fewer players than hotter loot zones, though vigilance is still required to avoid potential campers.
Approach the southwest-facing entrance, marked "Fuel Control - Authorized Personnel Only." Once inside, activate your flashlight (default F) because the interior is dark. Proceed straight to the far southeastern wall, where a greenish-blue terminal stands against the back of the main room. An interact prompt labeled "Decrypt Data" appears. Hold the button to activate the terminal-the machine will spark and short-circuit briefly, confirming your progress. No item pickups are required, and you can even die afterward without losing progress.
Pro Tip: Move cautiously inside Fuel Control; the darkness can mask enemy Raiders or ARC drones. Flashlight usage is essential for visibility but makes you more conspicuous.
Step 2: Travel to the Arrival Building
After completing the first decryption, sprint west past the Launch Towers toward the Arrival Building, a large red-highlighted POI on the map's northwestern edge. Unlike Fuel Control, Arrival is a high-value loot zone with offices, multiple terminals, and occasional ARC patrols roaming the plaza outside.
Use cover such as shipping crates, trenches, and low walls to avoid sniper fire. Running straight across open spaces dramatically increases risk. Experienced Raiders often move in a zigzag pattern and watch for elevation changes to mitigate exposure.
Pro Tip: If playing in a squad, split your team to scout the plaza while the rest secure the building entrance. Knowing enemy positions before entering can save valuable health and stims.
Step 3: Top-Floor Terminal in Arrival Building
Inside the Arrival Building, locate any staircase or elevator leading to the top floor. This area is a wide office space featuring cubicles, pillars, and rows of computer stations. The terminal you need is tucked away along the western or northwestern wall.
Look for two parallel rows of tall server-like machines between the pillars. The correct terminal is the second-to-last on the right side of these rows, or visually highlighted in yellow when you approach. Interact with "Decrypt Data", and the quest completes instantly. From this point, extraction is optional, and dying does not negate your progress.
Common Mistake: Many players fail this step by searching the ground floor or the wrong machine rows. Always double-check the top floor west side before moving on.
Survival and Efficiency Tips
Free Loadout Only
Since the quest does not require extraction, consider running it with a default starter kit. Avoid bringing high-value gear you might lose during PvPvP skirmishes.
Flashlight Discipline
Fuel Control's darkness makes your flashlight essential, but remember it reveals your position. Flick it on only when needed, especially in areas where snipers or other players might spot you.
PvP Awareness
The Arrival Building is one of the most contested zones on Spaceport. If you hear footsteps or gunfire, consider waiting for the top-floor crowd to disperse before engaging the terminal. Alternatively, clear the top floor first if playing solo or in a small squad.
Navigation Hacks
Use the in-game map to place waypoints immediately when objectives update. Both POIs-Fuel Control and Arrival Building-are clearly labeled and help guide your route efficiently.
Why Complete "Deciphering The Data"
Completing this quest offers more than just immediate rewards:
Critical Items - Defibrillators and Trailblazers enhance survival and mobility for squad-based raids.
Story Progression - Unlocks the next stage in Shani's quest chain, leading to additional high-value missions and rewards.
Map Knowledge - Completing the objectives familiarizes players with Spaceport's layout, teaching safe paths, hiding spots, and terminal locations that pay off in later high-loot runs.
For experienced Raiders, the entire quest can be completed in under 10 minutes, while newcomers may budget 15-20 minutes, accounting for combat and navigation. The combination of rewards, rapid completion, and map knowledge makes this quest one of the best early-game learning opportunities in ARC Raiders.
The Deciphering The Data quest in ARC Raiders is deceptively simple but highly rewarding. By guiding players through Fuel Control and Arrival Building, it teaches the basics of PvPvE awareness, resource interaction, and strategic movement across Acerra Spaceport. Rewards such as Defibrillators and Trailblazers offer tangible benefits in squad play, while completing the quest ensures story progression and crucial map familiarity. You will acquire more ARC Raiders Coins and rare ARC Raiders Items/BluePrints during your missions. Enjoy the game!
Whether you're a solo player learning the ropes or part of a coordinated squad, following this guide ensures you can decrypt the data efficiently and safely. Grab your starter kit, stick to cover, watch your surroundings, and your squad's next operation across Spaceport just became significantly safer.
This mission proves that in ARC Raiders, intelligence gathering is more than lore-it's survival, strategy, and the key to dominating the map.
MMOexp ARC Raiders Team