Arc Raiders Groundbreaking Quest Guide: Complete Walkthrough, Tips & Rewards

Arc Raiders is a ruthless extraction shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world where danger lurks around every corner. Players take on the role of Wardens, elite survivors navigating the decimated landscapes and dealing with both hostile factions and deadly environmental hazards. Among the many quests available, the Groundbreaking quest stands out as a pivotal mission, one that rewards players not only with valuable gear and upgrades but also advances the overarching storyline.

This quest, unlocked after completing "Deciphering The Data," delves into the lore of Exodus Research, focusing on the development of earthquake-proof construction techniques left behind in the ruins of a fallen civilization. As you work through this mission, you will explore dangerous high-traffic zones, confront rival Raiders, and protect a critical key necessary for mission success. The rewards? A sleek Warden Outfit (Tangerine Color) and a Power Rod, both of which can significantly boost your character's progression.

In this guide, we'll break down each step of the Groundbreaking quest, provide helpful tips for overcoming common pitfalls, and outline the best strategies to make the most of your time in Blue Gate.

Prerequisites and Quest Start

Before you dive into the Groundbreaking quest, you must first complete "Deciphering The Data," a quest that introduces you to Apollo and sets the stage for this next mission. After you finish the previous quest, speak to Apollo in Speranza to receive the Blue Gate Communication Tower Key, which is crucial for unlocking further areas.

Important:

Secure the key immediately. The Blue Gate Communication Tower Key is not only essential for completing this quest, but it is also in a PvP hotspot. Losing it could mean having to find a random drop or relying on another player to leave the door open, which is risky. Fortunately, a spare Blue Gate Communication Tower Key can be found in a hidden container behind the front desk at Pilgrim's Peak, the next area you'll visit. This is an important safety net that many players overlook, so make sure to stash the key in a secure pocket or augment slot to avoid losing it during your raid.

Step 1: Reach Pilgrim's Peak & Enter the Locked Room

Pilgrim's Peak, located at the northernmost point of the Blue Gate map, is a high-traffic zone teeming with enemy Raiders. The first thing you need to do is get there safely, and this requires navigating some of the most contested territory in the game.

The best approach is to travel south along the main road toward Pilgrim's Peak. If you're playing stealthily, you may want to use the ridge line as cover to avoid being detected by other players. Either way, keep your eyes peeled, as this area is a hotspot for player-versus-player (PvP) encounters.

Once inside Pilgrim's Peak, head through the main doors into the reception area. From there, turn right and move down the corridor. You'll encounter a locked door on your right-hand side, which requires the Blue Gate Communication Tower Key to open.

Inside the Locked Room:

You'll find a small, but rewarding room with several server racks, a weapon case, and some resource crates. Loot these for valuable items such as electronics, which can come in handy for crafting or upgrades.

Be cautious-this is a popular area, and other players often pass through. Stay alert for footsteps or other signs of movement before entering the room.

Step 2: Search the Room for Construction Research

Once inside the locked room, proceed to the right wall where you'll find a whiteboard covered with hand-drawn building schematics. Interact with the whiteboard to "search the room," which triggers the next objective.

The whiteboard will reveal a sketch of an unfinished housing structure, and this counts as discovering the construction research Apollo needs. At this point, you can loot everything around you, as players have reported finding high-tier weapons or rare electronics in the nearby case.

Step 3: Locate the Building Pictured on the Whiteboard

With the construction research in hand, the next step is to head southwest toward the Abandoned Housing Project-a point of interest (POI) directly south of Pilgrim's Peak. This area will be marked on your map, but many players have trouble pinpointing the correct building.

The whiteboard sketch will match the southernmost of the three unfinished buildings in the Abandoned Housing Project. To avoid confusion, count from north to south and focus on the third structure in the row.

Important:

The objective marker will only appear once you're in the right vicinity, so be sure to walk toward the Abandoned Housing Project and approach the southernmost building, which is the one you're looking for.

Step 4: Photograph the Abandoned Housing Project

Now that you've located the correct building, approach it from the north side. Look for a yellow interaction prompt near the rocks at the top of the slope, before descending fully to the foundation of the house. Standing in this spot will allow you to take a photograph of the structure.

You don't need a perfect angle for this photo-just aim for any interactable spot near the unfinished building. However, the northern rock overlook is the most reliable place to trigger the photo prompt.

This step marks the final in-raid objective, and once the photograph is taken, all progress is automatically saved. You don't need to extract from the raid to complete the quest, though staying alert for other players is always a good idea.

Rewards & Quest Turn-In

With the photograph of the Abandoned Housing Project in hand, it's time to return to Speranza and speak with Apollo. He'll react with excitement and reward you immediately:

Warden Outfit (Tangerine Color): This vibrant skin variant adds a stylish pop to your character and is perfect for standing out-or blending into specific environments.

Power Rod (1x): A rare crafting and upgrade material, the Power Rod is invaluable for future quests and gear enhancements.

These rewards make Groundbreaking an efficient and rewarding mission for both cosmetic and utility gains. Whether you're looking to improve your character's gear or simply want to flaunt a flashy new outfit, this quest has you covered.

Pro Tips & Strategies for Success

While Groundbreaking may seem straightforward, there are a few tips and strategies you can use to maximize your chances of success.

Gear Choice:

Since Blue Gate is a PvP hotspot, you may want to opt for a stealthy or low-profile loadout. Consider using a silenced SMG and light armor for quick rotations. This will allow you to scout the area without drawing too much attention to yourself.

If you're more risk-averse, consider using a free loadout with basic gear, as this will minimize your losses if you get caught by other players.

Timing:

Run the quest during off-peak hours or right after a server wipe when fewer players are around to loot and camp in the northern regions. This increases your chances of completing the mission without being interrupted by enemy Raiders.

The Abandoned Housing Project is a popular spot for loot, so clear it quickly and efficiently.

Common Mistakes:

Forgetting the key: If you don't secure the Blue Gate Communication Tower Key, you won't be able to access the locked room. Stash it safely in an augment or secure slot.

Missing the whiteboard interaction: Players often overlook the whiteboard in the locked room, but it's crucial for progressing the quest. Don't miss this interaction.

Photographing the wrong building: Double-check that you're photographing the southernmost house in the Abandoned Housing Project, not just any building in the area.

Bonus Loot:

The locked room in Pilgrim's Peak and the Abandoned Housing Project often contain high-value electronics and weapon crates. Combine this quest with other Blue Gate contracts to maximize your loot efficiency.

Next Steps

Once you've completed Groundbreaking, the next quests in the Apollo storyline-A Dead End and Worth Your Salt-will open up. These missions continue to build on the story and provide additional opportunities for progression.

The Groundbreaking quest in Arc Raiders is a fantastic blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and high-stakes combat. Whether you're after the stylish Tangerine Warden Outfit or stockpiling Power Rods for future upgrades, this mission offers a rewarding experience for players looking to progress their character and immerse themselves in the game's lore. Complete it, and you will advance your game progress while also earning valuable ARC Raiders Items/BluePrints and ARC Raiders Coins. With its blend of strategic exploration, quick decision-making, and tense PvP combat, Groundbreaking is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding quests in Arc Raiders.

So, grab your gear, secure that key, and get ready to capture the Abandoned Housing Project in a photo. Your journey to becoming a true Warden starts here. Happy raiding!

MMOexp ARC Raiders Team