ARC Raiders: Comprehensive Guide to First Foothold Quest

In ARC Raiders, quests typically do not involve elaborate tasks while operating in the Topside. Most quests revolve around retrieving specific items or exploring designated areas. However, the quests associated with newly unlocked maps serve an essential purpose beyond merely requesting item collection; they are designed to help players familiarize themselves with new environments and highlight significant locations. A prime example is the quest titled A First Foothold, which players encounter upon unlocking the Blue Gate map. In this quest, Apollo, a specialist in gadgets and grenades from Speranza, prompts players to locate several critical sites throughout the map. The challenge arises as there are no clear waypoints, and only vague clues are provided about each location.

This guide aims to assist you in completing the ‘A First Foothold’ quest, outlining the locations you need to visit to facilitate a successful raiding experience in the Blue Gate.

Quest Objectives

The ‘A First Foothold’ quest requires players to visit four specific locations:

An observation deck near the Ridgeline on the map’s perimeter
A communications terminal located between the Olive Grove and the Highway Collapse
Satellite dishes on the rooftop of a church situated north of the Data Vault
A raider structure near Trapper’s Glade, where roof repairs are needed

Completing all these objectives in a single run can be quite demanding due to the necessity of traversing the entire map while avoiding threats from both ARC forces and other players. The situation becomes increasingly perilous the longer you remain Topside, as more ARC are dispatched to the area.

To maximize efficiency and safety, aim to complete at least two objectives in one trip, which significantly reduces the risk of not returning to Speranza. If you choose to attempt all objectives in one go, ensure you have a hatch key handy to navigate back home after finishing your tasks.

Identifying Key Locations

Finding the Ridgeline Observation Deck

A character in 'ARC Raiders' standing at a wooden structure with the option to 'STABILIZE DECK' — ARC Raiders.

To spot the observation deck near the Ridgeline, direct your attention to the map and set your waypoint on the eastern point where the ‘ne’ of ‘Ridgeline’ is situated. Keeping close to the map’s perimeter makes navigating to this objective considerably straightforward.

Locating the Olive Grove Comms Terminal

A character named 'SlyBowser' in tactical gear stands beside equipment in a game environment — ARC Raiders.

Apollo’s indication for the comms terminal’s location can be perplexing. While it’s described as being ‘near’ the Olive Grove, a more accurate description would be that it sits midway between the Olive Grove and the Highway Collapse, approximately equidistant from both landmarks.

Reaching the Satellite Dishes on the Church Roof

A character in 'ARC Raiders' walks towards a building on a rocky hillside — ARC Raiders.

Much like the Ridgeline observation deck, the satellite dishes’ location is also at the map’s edges, specifically to the northeast between Pilgrim’s Peak and the Village. To access the satellite dishes, approach the church from the back, allowing you to jump onto the roof. Alternatively, use front structures that provide elevation to reach the rooftop.

Finding the Raider Structure in Trapper’s Glade

A character named SlyBowser in the game Synced explores a forest scene — ARC Raiders.

The Raider structure in Trapper’s Glade can ideally be paired with a visit to the comms terminal due to their relative proximity. Just be cautious of time—the risk of losing your way can escalate as you aim to cover the entire map in a single session. The structure is located just south of the text marking ‘Trapper’s Glade’ on the map. Ascend to the roof to trigger the event of nailing it down.

Quest Rewards

Upon your return to Speranza after completing these objectives, you will be rewarded by Apollo with three Shrapnel Grenades, three Snap Blast Grenades, and three Heavy Fuze Grenades.

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