ARC Raiders: Source of the Contamination Quest Guide

In ARC Raiders, the quest "Source of the Contamination" takes players deeper into the environmental and human threats plaguing Speranza. Following the events of "Water Troubles", this mission uncovers a deliberate act of sabotage in the city's water supply. Given by Celeste, the quest sends Raiders to the Dam Battlegrounds to investigate irregularities in the water system.

The storyline is straightforward: a suspicious barrel is polluting the Flood Spill Intake, setting the stage for the subsequent quest, "Switching The Supply", where Raiders work to restore the city's clean water flow. Despite its brevity, this mission offers a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with Dam Battlegrounds, secure early loot, and gain useful crafting materials.

Prerequisites

Before beginning "Source of the Contamination," players must complete "Water Troubles." Only after this prerequisite will Celeste unlock the follow-up quest.

Starting the Quest

The quest begins in Speranza when you accept it from Celeste. She will warn:

"I'm not saying our water's been tampered with… return to the Dam."

After accepting, you will enter the Dam Battlegrounds raid. Early on, Celeste communicates via radio:

"Flood Spill Intake faces the swamp; locate the Water Treatment Building first."

Unlike many other ARC Raiders quests, no extraction is required. This allows you to focus on exploration and objectives without worrying about the timer. Players are encouraged to use a free loadout, as it minimizes the risk of losing valuable equipment in this relatively short mission.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Reach the Water Treatment Building

Upon entering Dam Battlegrounds, your first objective is to locate the Water Treatment Building, which is generally positioned in the west-central area of the map. This building is just north of the Water Treatment Control or slightly right of the South Swamp Outpost, depending on your spawn point. On the minimap, it is highlighted with a yellow marker, making navigation straightforward.

Dam Battlegrounds is known for its high player activity and presence of ARC drones, so stay alert while moving toward the building. For beginners, this map offers an ideal environment to practice movement, stealth, and environmental awareness.

2. Search for the Flood Spill Intake Near the Swamp

Once at the Water Treatment Building, the next step is to locate the Flood Spill Intake, which sits adjacent to the swamp. Players should circle around the northern/back side of the building, where a ramp-like structure protrudes from the yellow boundary. The area is surrounded by concrete walls and contains a stagnant puddle of polluted water-a clear visual cue for your objective.

Stealth is highly recommended here. Utilize swamp foliage and trees for cover, and keep an eye on the sky for drones that can detect movement. A cautious approach not only prevents unwanted encounters but also ensures faster completion with minimal combat.

3. Investigate Suspicious Objects

The heart of the quest involves inspecting the suspicious barrel floating in the puddle. Wade carefully into the water to avoid falling off the edges or alerting nearby ARC drones. Once near the barrel, interact with it to defuse or examine, depending on the game prompt.

Completion is instant upon interaction. Celeste's radio message confirms the discovery:

"This is bad."

With the barrel neutralized, players can exit the area via the Central Swamp Lift located to the north. This lift offers a safe route back without triggering additional encounters.

Tips and Tricks

Even though "Source of the Contamination" is a short quest, following a few strategies can make it smoother and more rewarding:

Stealth Route

Approach through the swamp to avoid patrols and player traffic.

Stay in foliage, and use tree cover for maximum concealment.

Keep an eye on drones patrolling the skies-they can spot you even through bushes.

Loot Opportunities

Swamp trees are great for mushroom farming-gather 12+ mushrooms for Scrappy upgrades.

Nearby abandoned structures may contain basic weapons, ammo, and crafting materials.

Combat Prep

Since you are encouraged to use a free loadout, stick with evasion over direct fights.

Prioritize movement, cover, and observation rather than engaging ARC drones or players unless necessary.

Fast Clear

Solo players can complete the quest in 2-5 minutes.

Repeatable for alternative characters to stockpile materials quickly.

Common Pitfalls

Focus on the barrel only-other flooded areas in the map are irrelevant to this quest.

Avoid unnecessary detours, which may lead to ARC encounters or wasted time.

Rewards

Completing "Source of the Contamination" yields the following rewards:

5x Steel Spring - essential for crafting and mod upgrades.

5x Duct Tape - used in weapon and gear repairs.

1x Mod Components - helps upgrade weapons or gear for better performance.

These materials are especially useful early in the game for enhancing your firearms or gadgetry, giving you a tactical edge in upcoming missions. Post-raid, players can craft mods or assemble items to prepare for more challenging objectives in Dam Battlegrounds.

Related Quests

"Source of the Contamination" sits squarely in Celeste's water storyline, which explores the human sabotage amidst the ARC invasion. Completing it unlocks the next chapter:

Next Quest: Switching The Supply

In "Switching The Supply," players must reroute clean water to the city, directly impacting Speranza's survival and continuity of Celeste's narrative. Understanding the sequence helps players anticipate objectives and maintain storyline immersion.

"Source of the Contamination" is a concise but meaningful quest in ARC Raiders, offering both narrative progression and practical rewards. Players are introduced to Dam Battlegrounds, learn stealth and environmental navigation, and secure essential crafting materials. Be sure to complete it to obtain the necessary ARC Raiders Items/BluePrints, ARC Coins and other resources to deepen your understanding of the game.

While short, it is a critical bridge in the water-related storyline, revealing deliberate contamination and setting up the next phase of Speranza's defense. Mastering this quest allows Raiders to move confidently into Switching The Supply, ensuring the city's survival against sabotage and ARC threats.

With careful navigation, attention to stealth, and focus on the main objective-the suspicious barrel-players can clear this quest quickly, reap the rewards, and prepare for more demanding missions ahead.

MMOexp ARC Raiders Team