ARC Raiders: Straight Record Quest Guide
In the unforgiving and chaotic world of Arc Raiders, every quest is a test of skill, wits, and strategy. Among the most memorable missions is Straight Record, a task that seamlessly blends the lore of the First Wave with practical gameplay challenges. Unlike generic fetch quests, this mission demands precise navigation, stealth, and awareness of both AI and player threats. Issued by Celeste after completing the prerequisite Broken Monument quest, Straight Record tasks you with shutting down an old EMP trap-originally built by Celeste's squad during the First Wave-that has now been repurposed by other Raiders for ambushes and communication disruption.
Upon accepting this quest, players receive 1x Binoculars and 1x Defibrillator, crucial tools for reconnaissance and survival. The rewards are generous for mid-game crafting: 5x Medium Gun Parts and 3x Advanced Mechanical Components. Completing the quest efficiently can be done in under ten minutes for experienced Raiders, but only if you understand the objectives and the layout of the Dam Battlegrounds map-a hotspot for loot, drones, wasps, and rival players.
This guide will break down the quest step by step, covering prerequisites, preparation, objectives, and advanced strategies for maximum efficiency.
Prerequisites and Preparation
Before diving into Straight Record, certain tasks and preparations ensure a smoother experience:
Complete Broken Monument Quest: You must search the Scrap Yard and Raider camp to collect key items. This unlocks Celeste's Straight Record mission.
Queue for Dam Battlegrounds Raid: Any modifier is acceptable, though stealth-friendly conditions make the mission easier.
Recommended Loadout: Focus on stealth and mobility. Use silenced weapons and light armor to reduce noise and avoid detection. Drones and wasps are highly sensitive to sound, so moving cautiously is critical.
Scout Tools: Bring binoculars for long-distance observation. The Defibrillator can save you if a sudden encounter goes wrong.
Environmental Awareness: Use bushes, trees, and high ground to remain hidden. Open fields are death traps; drones detect movement easily.
Efficiency in preparation can reduce time wasted on unnecessary combat or backtracking.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
1. Reach Victory Ridge
Your mission begins with a drop into the Dam Battlegrounds, the perfect mix of hazards and loot opportunities. The first objective is to reach Victory Ridge, which is situated strategically between West Broken Bridge (Pattern House POI) and Ruby Residence, directly west of Generator Hall and north of the Hydroponic Dome Complex.
Navigation Tips:
From most spawns, head north along ridges or roads while avoiding open fields to dodge patrols.
At the branching path, veer right downhill to activate the quest marker.
Keep binoculars ready to scan for drones or enemy Raiders.
Victory Ridge acts as a staging area for the next phase of the quest, and awareness of the terrain here can prevent early detection.
2. Find the Old EMP Trap
Once at Victory Ridge, your next objective is locating the old EMP trap, a relic from the First Wave.
The trap is easily recognizable by:
A tall, thin metal pole topped with a circular antenna, a yellow control panel at the base.
It is often located in a rocky clearing among pines and cacti, close to debris crates. Interacting with the trap reveals three power switches that need to be disabled to complete the quest.
Tip: Use binoculars to confirm the trap's location from a safe distance.
3-5. Disable the Power Switches
The EMP trap is powered by three scattered switches. Each must be disabled before the trap can be shut down.
Switch Locations:
First Switch - North of Trap
Located atop a small rocky hill or ridge.
Look for a glowing yellow box.
Climb rocks to access it.
Second Switch - East of Trap
Mounted on the second floor of ruined buildings near a red graffiti wall.
Enter from the opposite side and cross a wooden beam or pipe to reach the rooftop.
Third Switch - South of Trap
Found at the end of a thick power cable from a large utility pole.
Follow the cable downhill and interact at the loose wire junction.
Pro Tips for Efficiency:
Switches are 20-50 meters apart. Plan a circular path to reach them quickly.
Use binoculars to scout each switch location and avoid unnecessary combat.
If solo, take your time to remain undetected; squads can split to disable switches simultaneously.
6. Shut Down the EMP Trap
After all switches are disabled, return to the base panel of the EMP pole. Interact to power it down-this completes the mission mechanics. The trap will spark and deactivate, signaling mission success.
Extraction Tips:
You can extract immediately or continue looting the Dam Battlegrounds for extra resources.
Report back to Celeste to officially complete the quest and claim rewards.
Tips and Tricks
Stealth is Essential
Drones and wasps are highly sensitive to noise. Crouch-walk and avoid firing unless necessary. Even the slightest misstep can lead to swarming enemies.
Solo Runs: Quieter, more controlled, and easier to remain undetected.
Squad Runs: Can split up to disable switches faster, but requires coordination to avoid triggering alarms.
Hot Drops
Nearby Generator Hall is a treasure trove of loot. After completing the EMP shutdown, consider looting before extraction for maximum gains.
Spawn Awareness
If you spawn far from Victory Ridge (e.g., near south floodgates), consider restarting the raid.
The EMP trap location is fixed, so efficient spawn placement matters.
Advanced Efficiency
Combine this quest with Echoes of Victory Ridge, a nearby hideout with loot. This allows simultaneous completion of multiple objectives in one run.
Quest Log Status Indicators
Tracking progress in your quest log ensures you stay on top of objectives:
Reach Victory Ridge: Marker appears on map.
Find EMP Trap: Interact with the pole.
Disable Switches 1-3: Updates after each switch is turned off.
Shut Down Trap: Final interaction triggers completion ping.
Monitoring these indicators prevents wasted time and unnecessary backtracking.
Loot and Crafting Benefits
Straight Record rewards are perfect for mid-to-late game progression:
5x Medium Gun Parts - Useful for upgrading weapons like Rattler or Stitcher.
3x Advanced Mechanical Components - Essential for crafting robust mid-tier gear.
Frequent completion of this quest allows continuous weapon and gear improvement, giving you an edge in competitive raids.
Straight Record is a masterclass in tight quest design, balancing lore, challenge, and reward. Efficient Raiders can complete the objectives in under ten minutes, but the quest's layered difficulty ensures that stealth, map knowledge, and timing remain critical. By following this guide:
You'll locate Victory Ridge without unnecessary exposure.
Scout and disable the three EMP power switches efficiently.
Safely shut down the EMP trap and extract with valuable loot.
For those looking to maximize mid-game progression, repeatedly farming Straight Record provides essential crafting materials, upgrades, and experience, it is an effective way to accumulate ARC Raiders Coins and ARC Raiders BluePrints/Items. Once finished, the next quest in the narrative chain, Keeping The Memory, offers fresh challenges and story development.
Prepare your binoculars, stay quiet, and make every move count-Victory Ridge awaits, and the Raiders' future depends on your precision. Happy raiding!
MMOexp ARC Raiders Team