Combat Recon Quest Walkthrough - Arc Raiders Guide
Embark Studios' Arc Raiders blends intense shooter action with strategic mission design, and the Combat Recon quest stands out as a pivotal early-game mission. Tasked with scouting critical locations and neutralizing key threats in the Buried City, this quest tests your navigation, stealth, and combat skills-all while laying the groundwork for future challenges against the ARC forces. This mission will also bring you more ARC Raiders BluePrints and other rewards.
Whether you're a new Raider still learning the ropes or a seasoned player looking to complete the quest efficiently, this step-by-step walkthrough breaks down every objective, shares pro tips, and highlights rewards to ensure you finish without unnecessary setbacks.
1. Quest Overview: What to Expect
The Combat Recon quest is given by Shani, Speranza's head of security, who sends you to the Buried City to gather intel on ARC activity. Unlike straightforward combat missions, this quest focuses on reconnaissance first, followed by targeted enemy elimination.
Your core objectives are simple but require careful planning: scope out three cover spots across the map, destroy two ARC Spotters, and deliver a Spotter Relay back to Shani. Completing these tasks will earn you valuable rewards and unlock the next mission in Shani's questline, which focuses on taking down the Bombardier-a powerful ARC unit patrolling the Buried City.
Before starting, we recommend equipping a loadout with a "safe pocket" to protect the Spotter Relay you'll collect later. This ensures the item isn't lost if you get downed during combat.
2. Step 1: Scope Out a Cover Spot in the Parking Garage Staircases
The first recon location is the parking garage, situated near the hospital and space travel buildings-easy to spot once you enter the Buried City map. Instead of climbing the stairs all the way to the top, take the zipline in the center of the garage for a faster route to the target area.
Once you reach the top, head toward the door leading to the staircase. You'll see a glowing interactive prompt-press the designated button (usually "E" on PC) to scope out the area and complete the first objective. Be mindful of nearby ARC patrols here; stick to cover to avoid unwanted attention.
3. Step 2: Scope Out a Cover Spot Near Marano Park
Next, make your way to Marano Park, located in the middle of the Buried City map. This open area is surrounded by buses and low buildings, providing ample cover as you move toward your objective.
Focus on the left side of the park, where several buses are parked next to a building. The recon spot is marked by a glowing prompt-interact with it to scope out the area. This location is near the Bombardier's patrol route, so keep an eye on the sky for the large ARC unit and its accompanying Spotters.
4. Step 3: Scope Out a Cover Spot in the Attics Around Main Street
The third and final recon objective takes you to Plaza Rosa, a southern area of the Buried City. Your target is an attic overlooking the plaza, which requires a bit of platforming to reach.
Head to the marked building on your map, climb to the roof (use nearby rooftops to jump across if needed), and drop into the attic through an open window. Inside, approach the window overlooking the plaza and interact with the prompt to finish the recon portion of the quest. A zipline inside the building can help you reach the attic faster if you're struggling to climb up.
5. Step 4: Destroy Two ARC Spotters
With the recon complete, it's time to shift to combat. Your next task is to destroy two Spotters-small, flying ARC drones that patrol near the Bombardier in Marano Park (around the area where you completed the second recon objective).
Spotters are relatively weak but dangerous: they can detect your location and improve the Bombardier's targeting capabilities, making it harder to avoid attacks. Use heavy weapons like the Anvil for quick kills-two shots are usually enough to take down one Spotter.
Stick to cover while engaging Spotters to avoid being spotted by the Bombardier. Once both Spotters are destroyed, wait for the Bombardier to de-aggro (lose interest in you) before approaching their husks to collect a Spotter Relay-this item is critical for the final objective.
6. Step 5: Deliver the Spotter Relay to Shani
The final step is simple but requires careful extraction. With the Spotter Relay in your inventory, return to Speranza-the main hub-and locate Shani. She will be near her usual post, ready to accept the relay.
Interact with Shani to hand over the relay, and the Combat Recon quest will be complete. This step is straightforward, but be cautious on your way back to Speranza-enemy patrols may still be active, and losing the relay will force you to repeat the Spotter destruction step.
Quest Rewards: What You'll Earn
Completing Combat Recon comes with valuable rewards that will aid you in future missions. Shani will reward you with a new outfit color (Red Radio Renegade color), 5 Firecrackers, and 1 Fireworks Box.
While these rewards may seem minor, they're a great addition to your loadout-Firecrackers can distract enemies, and the outfit color lets you customize your Raider's appearance. Additionally, finishing this quest unlocks the next mission in Shani's line, where you'll get the chance to take down the Bombardier and earn an exclusive emote. To acquire more resources, you can also purchase cheap ARCR Items, materials, and others on mmoexp.
Pro Tips for Completing the Quest Efficiently
Stick to cover: The Buried City is full of ARC threats, so use buildings, buses, and bushes to avoid detection while scouting and fighting Spotters.
Use the right weapons: Heavy weapons like the Anvil make quick work of Spotters, while light weapons are better for taking out smaller patrols without attracting too much attention.
Play in a squad: Quest progression is shared with teammates, so grouping up can help you complete objectives faster-one player can scout while others keep watch for enemies.
Don't rush: Take your time scouting each location and engaging Spotters. Rushing can lead to unnecessary deaths and force you to restart portions of the quest.
Final Thoughts
The Combat Recon quest is a perfect introduction to Arc Raiders' blend of reconnaissance and combat. It teaches you to navigate complex maps, use cover effectively, and prioritize objectives-skills that will be essential for taking on more challenging ARC threats later in the game.
By following this walkthrough, you'll complete the quest efficiently, earn valuable rewards, and be ready to take on the Bombardier in the next mission. Remember to stay alert, use your loadout wisely, and embrace the role of a Raider-your success depends on it.