ARC Raiders Dust On The Wires Quest Guide

In ARC Raiders, side quests like Dust On The Wires serve as narrative-driven investigations that blend exploration, light puzzle-solving, and high-stakes extraction mechanics. Given by Shani in Speranza, this quest dives into the fate of a missing scout patrol that failed to report back. The story reveals fragmented logs hinting at unexpected regrouping and possible internal deals involving Ferrovia contrada members undermining Celeste's authority-adding subtle lore depth to the Spaceport's industrial ruins.

All six objectives must be completed in a single round on the Spaceport map. There is no combat requirement, but the map's open layout and player-versus-player (PvP) risks make smart routing and inventory management essential. The reward-a unique Backpack Charm (Fax Machine)-is a cosmetic attachment that lets you personalize your raider's gear with retro tech flair, perfect for players who enjoy collecting unique visual flair alongside progression.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown exceeding, including precise locations, recommended routes, preparation tips, and strategies to minimize exposure and maximize success. Whether you're a new Raider or a veteran optimizing runs, this will help you complete the quest efficiently while uncovering its story beats.

Prerequisites and Preparation (Essential for Success)

Quest Chain Context: Dust On The Wires unlocks after completing "The Trifecta." It sits in a sequence with follow-ups like "Waking the Grid" and "Fragmented Logs," so finishing it advances Shani's story arc.

Key Loadout Recommendations:

Augment with Safe Pocket: Mandatory. The Scout Patrol Note is a quest item you must extract with. A safe pocket protects it even if you die before extraction. Without it, you risk losing progress and restarting the entire round.

Light Mobility Build: Prioritize speed and stamina over heavy armor. You'll cover significant ground across the map-expect 5-10 minutes of running depending on spawn.

Basic Tools: A flashlight helps in darker interiors, but the map is mostly daylight. Bring minimal loot to avoid encumbrance.

Spawn Strategy: Eastern spawns are ideal. If you spawn west, plan a wide arc to avoid high-traffic central zones. Always check your spawn location immediately upon dropping in.

General Tips Before Starting:

Treat this as a "ghost run"-stealth and positioning trump fighting. Time your raid for lower-population windows if possible (server-dependent).

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Completing All Objectives in One Round

Objective 1 & 2: Visit Any Field Depot on the Eastern Side of the Spaceport + Use the Field Radio to Transmit the Scout Group's Last Log to Shani

Start here-both steps combine at the same location. There are multiple Field Depots on the eastern side (roughly three viable ones). The southernmost depot (between Security Checkpoint and Communications Tower, or just southwest of East Plains Warehouse) is optimal because it positions you closer to later objectives and reduces backtracking.

Other options:

Northwest of Service Buildings.

South of Rocket Assembly.

How to Identify and Complete:

Look for buildings with prominent rooftop antennas.

Enter the small structure. Inside, find the glowing yellow terminal/computer on the only desk (often near crate deposit areas).

Interact (prompt: "Resend Log" or "Use Field Radio"). Shani will acknowledge receipt, and your quest log updates instantly.

Visual Aid: Field Depots appear as compact, fortified sheds. The radio terminal is unmistakable once inside.

Pro Tip: If multiple players are nearby, wait 10-15 seconds or reposition. The interaction is quick (under 5 seconds), but contested areas can lead to ambushes.

Objective 3: Interact with the Terminal in the Old Raider Tower North of the Maintenance Hangar

Now cross toward the southwest map quadrant. The Old Raider Tower sits north of the Maintenance Hangar, outside the main walled area, near Vehicle Maintenance and Fuel Storage. It's a low-profile structure (not a skyscraper tower-more like a reinforced watchtower with external stairs).

Navigation:

From your Field Depot, head southwest along perimeter paths to avoid central chokepoints.

Climb the spiral staircase or ladder to the top platform.

Interact with the terminal (same glowing prompt style).

Shani responds again, piecing together fragmented logs and directing you toward the scout patrol's last known position.

Visual Aid: The tower stands out with its antenna and weathered metal exterior.

Objective 4 & 5: Find Traces of the Scout Patrol Near the Maintenance Hangar + Search the Remains Left by the Scouts

These are adjacent and extremely close to the Raider Tower. Head to the west/southwest side of the Maintenance Hangar (look for upturned trolleys and debris on a slight slope).

Exact Spot:

Follow the path around the hangar's exterior.

You'll see signs of struggle: scattered parts, overturned carts.

Approach for the "Transmit Location" prompt-interact to update.

Move forward a few paces to the specific trolley covered by a blue tarpaulin with a barrel inside.

Interact to search the remains. This drops the Scout Patrol Note (required item). Pick it up immediately.

Visual Aid: The remains are marked by environmental storytelling-carts, tarps, and debris.

Objective 6: Deliver the Scout Patrol Note to Shani

Secure the note in your Safe Pocket. Head to the nearest extraction point (multiple available around Spaceport-prioritize the closest uncontested one). Extract successfully, then return to Speranza and speak with Shani to hand in the note and complete the quest.

Optimal Route and Advanced Strategies

Best Full Route (Under 8 Minutes Possible):

Spawn → Southern Eastern Field Depot (radio interaction).

Direct southwest path to Old Raider Tower (terminal).

Immediate short hop to Maintenance Hangar slope (traces + remains).

Nearest extract (south or west edges).

This minimizes cross-map travel. Total distance is roughly half the map if you choose the right depot. Use natural cover-rock formations, buildings, and elevation-to break line-of-sight with other players.

PvP and Risk Mitigation:

High-traffic zones around Maintenance Hangar see more action-use audio cues (footsteps, gunshots) to reroute. If contested, abort to extract and retry the round. The note is only at risk after pickup.

Group up with trusted teammates if playing in a squad for mutual cover during long runs.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

Wrong depot (must be eastern side-western ones don't count).

Forgetting to extract with the note (dies = restart).

Premature extraction before all steps.

Ignoring Shani's dialogue-she provides real-time hints on next locations.

Bonus Farming While Questing:

Spaceport offers plentiful scrap, batteries, and crafting materials near these locations. Quick detours to nearby containers or broken machinery can net extra loot without derailing progress.

Rewards and Post-Quest Benefits

Immediate Reward: Backpack Charm (Fax Machine) - A nostalgic, retro-themed attachment that clips onto your backpack. It's purely cosmetic but highly visible and a fun conversation starter in lobbies.

Long-Term Value:

Advances Shani's questline (unlocks "Waking the Grid" and related story content).

ARC Raiders Coins and reputation gains typical for mid-tier quests.

Builds map familiarity-Spaceport is a core endgame/extraction map, so mastering these landmarks pays off in future raids.

Why Dust On The Wires Matters in ARC Raiders

This quest exemplifies ARC Raiders' blend of narrative depth and extraction tension. Unlike pure combat missions, it rewards knowledge, efficient movement, and risk assessment. Completing it not only nets a cool charm but deepens your understanding of the world's factions and mysteries-hints at larger conflicts involving Ferrovia and Celeste that echo into endgame content. Furthermore, players can accumulate various resources, such as ARC Raiders Items and Coins—so act fast!

Players report finishing it in 6-12 minutes once the route is memorized, making it one of the more approachable yet rewarding side quests. If you're grinding Spaceport for other objectives (like field crate deliveries or photo bounties), slot this in early.

Final Advice: Practice the route in a low-stakes raid first. Once mastered, Dust On The Wires becomes a reliable "free" quest you can knock out while farming other resources. Equip that Safe Pocket, drop in east, follow the flow-and soon you'll be sporting the Fax Machine charm while uncovering the next chapter in Shani's investigations.

MMOexp ARC Raiders Team