You want to know exactly how Arc Raider quests work, so it seems you need an Arc Raider Quests Guide, how many there are, and how to actually complete them without wasting time. Here’s the thing most guides miss: quests in ARC Raiders aren’t just tasks. They’re your entire progression system. If you ignore them, you fall behind fast.
Quick Answer
There are 60+ quests currently available in ARC Raiders, including main storyline missions and update-based additions like North Line and Cold Snap. These quests unlock progressively and reward XP, gear, and key upgrades needed to survive tougher zones.
What are Quests in ARC Raiders?
Quests are the backbone of your progression loop. You accept them from NPC Traders in Speranza, head into dangerous map zones, complete objectives, extract safely, then cash in rewards.
Simple on paper. Brutal in practice.
Why are they important:
- Mission progression drives your entire advancement
- Unlocks better gear, crafting options, and map access
- Forces you into new zones you might otherwise avoid
In my experience, ignoring quest chains ends up undergeared by halfway through. You feel it hard when enemies scale.
Next, let’s break down the exact number and structure, so you know what you’re dealing with.
How Many Quests are in Arc Raiders?
Right now, you’re looking at 60+ total quests, and that number keeps growing with patch updates.
Breakdown by type
| Quest Type | Approx Count | Purpose |
| Main Storyline Missions | 45+ | Core progression |
| Seasonal Missions | 10+ | Update-based content |
| Hidden / Advanced Objectives | 5+ | Late-game challenges |
Important detail: quests unlock in a strict mission unlock order. You can’t skip ahead.
That means if you’re stuck on one mission, your entire progression pauses. And yes, that’s where most players struggle.
Full Arc Raiders Quest Guide list
This is the structured list based on how you naturally progress.
Early game missions
These introduce basic mechanics, such as exploration tasks and extraction.
- Picking Up the Pieces
- Clearer Skies
- Trash Into Treasure
- Off the Radar
- A Bad Feeling
- The Right Tool
- Hatch Repairs
- Safe Passage
What to focus on: Objective tracking and safe extraction. Don’t rush fights yet.
Mid-game objectives
Now the game tests your awareness and efficiency.
- First Foothold
- Dormant Barons
- Mixed Signals
- A Lay of the Land
- Market Correction
- Keeping the Memory
- Back on Top
- After Rain Comes
Here’s the truth.
This is where most players start failing missions.
Why? Because enemy density and environmental challenges spike hard.
Late game challenges
These require proper loadouts and squad coordination.
- Reduced to Rubble
- A Reveal in Ruins
- Digging Up Dirt
- Industrial Espionage
- Eyes in the Sky
- Source of the Contamination
- Armored Transports
Key takeaway:
Late game quests demand squad-based progression, not solo rushing.
Seasonal and update-based quests
ARC Raiders evolves constantly. New missions drop with each patch.
North line update
- In My Image
- Cold Storage
- Snap and Salvage
Cold snap update
- The Clean Dream
- A Toxic Trail
- The Stench of Corruption
- Paving the Way
- Deciphering the Data
These seasonal missions introduce weather conditions and survival mechanics that change how you approach objectives.
Cold Snap, for example, punishes players who ignore environmental damage.
How to Complete “A First Foothold.”
This is one of the most searched missions for a reason.
Arc Raiders quests guide
- Explore designated map zones
- Locate key markers
- Survive enemy encounters
- Extract safely
Strategy
- Stick to low-risk routes near extraction points
- Avoid unnecessary fights
- Carry essential inventory items only
Big mistake players make: Overloading inventory. You slow down and become an easy target.
A Lay of the Land Arc Raiders
This quest pushes you into deeper exploration. You’re no longer just surviving. You’re mapping.
What changes here:
- Larger map zones like Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport
- More complex objective markers
- Increased robotic enemy patrols
Best tip: Use high ground. Visibility reduces ambush risk by about 30-40% in open zones.
Back on Top Quest
This mission is all about placement objectives.
You must mark
- Pattern House
- White Lookout Tower
- South Trench Tower
- Mural Building
Efficient Route
Start from outer zones, loop inward, then extract.
Best Strategies to Complete Quests
Speed matters. Especially in multiplayer runs.
Core efficiency tips
- Track all objectives before deployment
- Use squad progression sharing to complete tasks faster
- Carry tools like a LiDAR Scanner for placement missions
Real-world scenario
Imagine you’re mid-run, deep in Buried City, when you realize you’re missing one item needed to complete a crafting objective. Suddenly, you’re faced with two bad choices: abandon the quest entirely or risk staying exposed longer than planned.
Either way, it costs you time, resources, and progress. That moment of frustration is completely avoidable, and it all comes down to one thing: preparation always wins.
Quest Rewards Explained
Not all quests are equal.
Reward types
- XP rewards for leveling
- Gear unlocks like weapons and armor
- Consumable rewards for survival
- Cosmetics rewards for customization
Most valuable reward: Gear unlocks are tied to mid-game missions. These directly impact the survival rate.
Where to Find Key Quest Locations
Understanding map zones is half the battle.
Important areas
- Dam Battlegrounds
- Spaceport
- Buried City
Each area has unique enemy behavior and loot patterns.
Navigation tips
- Stick to the cover in open zones
- Avoid high-traffic extraction points early
- Learn the spawn patterns of robotic enemies
Common Quest Problems and Fixes
Even experienced players hit walls.
Quest not progressing
Usually caused by missed objective markers.
Missing Items
Check inventory requirements before deployment.
Too difficult missions
Scale back. Farm easier missions for better gear.
Truth most guides skip: Sometimes the best move is to delay a quest.
Pro Tips Most Players Don’t Know
Here’s something you won’t see everywhere.
Quest routing matters more than aim skill.
Plan your path before entering a match.
- Combine multiple objectives in one run
- Avoid unnecessary zones
- Extract early if needed
This alone can cut your completion time by 25 to 35 percent.
Arc Raiders Quest Progression Roadmap
If you want smooth progression, follow this flow:
- Early missions for basics
- Mid-game quests for gear unlocks
- Seasonal missions for rewards
- Late-game challenges with the squad
Skip this order, and you’ll struggle.
Related Systems That Affect Quests
Quests don’t exist in isolation.
Key systems
- Skills and upgrades
- Loot farming routes
- Extraction mechanics
These all feed into your progression loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quests are currently in Arc Raiders?
There are 60+ quests, including base game and seasonal missions.
What is the hardest quest in Arc Raiders?
Late-game missions like digging up dirt and being reduced to rubble are among the toughest.
Which quest gives the best rewards?
Mid-game quests often provide the most impactful gear unlocks.
Can you complete quests solo?
Yes, but squad-based progression is significantly more efficient.
Do quests reset after updates?
No, but new seasonal missions are added with each patch.
Final Takeaway
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: Arc Raiders quests are not optional content; they are your progression engine. Master them, and the entire game opens up, but ignore them, and every single run will feel harder than it should. Start with the early missions, build your gear steadily, and move smart through each objective.
That is how you stay ahead and keep every run working in your favor.
