ARC Raiders: How to Complete the Controlled Access Zone Puzzle

The Shrouded Sky update in ARC Raiders introduced one of the most complex cooperative challenges yet - the Controlled Access Zone puzzle in Dam Battlegrounds. If you've completed A Rising Tide, you've already stepped into this mysterious vault area. But unlocking the final loot room requires coordination, preparation, and smart resource management.

In this complete guide, we'll break down how to solve the Controlled Access Zone puzzle, what items you'll need, and how to maximize rewards - including valuable ARC Raiders Items and materials used to buy ARC Raiders BluePrints.

Where to Find the Controlled Access Zone

The Controlled Access Zone is located in the north of Dam Battlegrounds, positioned between:

·The Breach

·The Power Generation Complex

While there are multiple entry points, the easiest method is simple:

Slide Down the Ladder on the Dam Wall

On the surface of the dam, locate the ladder and slide down into the interior chute system. From there, you'll enter the multi-level interior structure that houses the puzzle.

Puzzle Requirements: You Need Four Players

Before you go further, understand this critical detail:

The Controlled Access Zone puzzle requires four players to complete.

Because the maximum squad size in ARC Raiders is three, you must cooperate with at least one stranger in the match.

If you're solo, that means convincing three other players to help. Communication and trust are key.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Controlled Access Zone Puzzle

Inside the zone, you'll notice:

·A spiraling walkway leading downward

·A flooded area at the bottom

·An empty battery slot near the top

·A locked vault door with four lightbulbs

·Multiple hidden buttons scattered around

Here's how to solve it.

Step 1: Find the Fuel Cell

Somewhere within the chute area, a fuel cell (battery) spawns each match.

The spawn location changes, but common areas include:

·In the flooded bottom section

·Near wrecked ARC machines

·Submerged in murky water

·Along stair edges or platforms

Be extremely thorough. The battery can be difficult to see underwater.

Step 2: Insert the Fuel Cell

Once found:

1. Carry the fuel cell to the top of the chute.

2. Insert it into the empty machine near the hanging Rocketeer.

3. This action opens a nearby locked side room.

Inside that newly opened room is one of the four required buttons.

Step 3: Locate All Four Buttons

There are four buttons in total. Their locations (except the one in the unlocked room) change every match.

Common hiding spots include:

·Along staircases

·Behind pipes

·Near structural beams

·Beside the locked vault door

Each player must position themselves at one button.

Step 4: Press All Four Buttons Simultaneously

Timing is everything.

All four players must activate their buttons at the same time. If done correctly:

·The first vault door opens.

·A second locked door is revealed inside.

Congratulations - you're halfway there.

Step 5: Repair the Second Door (Randomized Requirements)

The second door is where most groups fail.

To unlock it, you must repair the door using specific materials displayed on the panel to the left.

The required materials are random for each match and may include:

·Metal Parts

·ARC Powercells

·Leaper Pulse Units

·Motors

·Industrial Batteries

This is where preparation pays off.

Why Preparation Matters

Some repair materials are rare. While you can search for them mid-match, that approach is risky and time-consuming - especially with other players contesting the area.

A smart strategy is to bring higher-value ARC Raiders Items into the raid that commonly appear in repair requirements. This reduces reliance on RNG and increases your odds of completing the puzzle.

Additionally, farming Dam Battlegrounds beforehand helps stockpile useful components.

Reward: Is the Puzzle Worth It?

Absolutely.

Inside the final vault, you'll find:

·High-tier crafting components

·Rare ARC Raiders Items

·Valuable upgrade materials

·Late-game economic resources

These rewards are especially important if you're working to buy ARC Raiders Blueprints for stronger weapons and gear.

Blueprint progression significantly impacts your long-term power curve. Completing high-difficulty cooperative puzzles like this accelerates that process.

Best Strategy for Success

Here's how experienced players consistently complete the Controlled Access Zone puzzle:

Communicate Early

Let nearby players know you're attempting the puzzle.

Clear the Area First

Eliminate ARC threats before splitting up.

Assign Roles

·One player searches flooded areas.

·One secures upper levels.

·Two sweep mid-levels for buttons and materials.

Pre-Bring Rare Materials

If possible, carry rarer ARC Raiders Items that are commonly required for repairs.

Spread Out During Search

The zone is vertical - maximize coverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

·Attempting the puzzle with only three players

·Ignoring flooded spawn locations for the fuel cell

·Pressing buttons without synchronized timing

·Not bringing backup materials

·Lingering too long and attracting PvP attention

The puzzle is high-reward - but also high-risk.

Final Thoughts

The Controlled Access Zone puzzle in ARC Raiders is one of the most engaging cooperative challenges introduced in the Shrouded Sky update. It tests communication, exploration, resource planning, and adaptability.

To summarize:

1. Enter via the dam ladder.

2. Find and insert the fuel cell.

3. Locate four hidden buttons.

4. Press them simultaneously with four players.

5. Repair the second door using randomized materials.

6. Loot the vault and extract safely.

If completed successfully, the rewards can significantly boost your progression, especially if you're collecting ARC Raiders Items and working to buy ARC Raiders Blueprints for advanced gear.

It may take coordination - and maybe even a little diplomacy with strangers - but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Now gather your squad… and good luck cracking the vault.