Arc Raiders: Dormant Barons Quest Walkthrough
Quest Background and Context
The quest is given by the NPC Shani, a knowledgeable engineer with a deep interest in ARC technology. She tasks players with investigating these massive dormant war machines, which were originally designed as high-powered, autonomous ARC constructs used during the First Wave. Once deactivated, their hulking remains were left scattered across the battlefields.
According to the lore, even though the Barons are inactive, their internal systems may still hold functional ARC tech. The objective of the quest is to extract this technology, which can be used for crafting, upgrading equipment, or completing other story-driven tasks. This adds both a narrative and practical incentive for players to pursue the quest.
The quest becomes available after completing Greasing Her Palms and The Trifecta, meaning players are expected to have some experience with navigating maps, avoiding hazards, and handling basic combat encounters before attempting it.
Objective Overview
At its core, the Dormant Barons quest is simple in text but nuanced in execution. The primary objective is:
Loot a Baron Husk
Unlike quests that require defeating a series of enemies or collecting multiple ARC Raiders Items, this objective centers on exploration, tactical planning, and interaction with environmental hazards. The Baron Husk itself is enormous and visually distinct, making it noticeable even from a distance once players know what to look for.
Locating Baron Husks
Baron Husks are spread across several maps, with fixed spawn locations that are consistent across sessions. They are large enough that players can spot them from elevated positions, but they are often placed near environmental hazards or enemy patrols, requiring careful navigation.
Dam Battlegrounds
This is generally the first map most players will access. It is an open area with a mix of terrain features, making it ideal for both approaching and scouting Barons. Key spawn areas include:
Old Battleground: Located on the western edge of the map, this is usually the least contested and safest location to approach.
Water Treatment Area: Southwest region; accessible but often patrolled by ARC enemies.
The Breach: Eastern end of the map; the Baron here is more exposed and may attract other players on PvP servers.
Players are advised to approach these locations with caution, scouting for both environmental hazards and potential enemies.
Spaceport Map
The Spaceport map is more complex, featuring structures and verticality. Baron Husks here are frequently near high-traffic zones, so careful planning is essential. Notable spawn points include:
South of the Departure building
West of the Vehicle Maintenance building
Northwest near the Transport Warehouse
Because of potential player interactions, starting with the less populated Husks is recommended unless you are confident in PvP combat.
Blue Gate Map
Barons also appear in the Blue Gate region, although their exact positions can vary slightly by session. Players should prioritize exploring quieter zones first to avoid unnecessary combat.
Approaching a Baron Husk
While the Barons are dormant and will not attack, approaching them is not entirely risk-free. Breaching the husk triggers internal mechanisms that can damage nearby players if they remain too close. Additionally, the noise generated may attract both NPC enemies and other players.
Scouting
Before engaging with a Baron, scout the surrounding area for threats. Identify patrol routes of AI enemies and check for player activity if on a PvP-enabled server. Stealthy approaches are often more effective, allowing you to initiate the breach without drawing unnecessary attention.
Positioning
Approach from the side or from elevated terrain when possible. This allows for a quick retreat if the breach causes hazards or attracts enemies. Avoid direct frontal approaches unless the area is fully cleared.
Breaching the Baron Husk
Once at the Baron, follow these steps:
Climb to the designated breach point - Most Baron Husks have mechanical legs or side structures that serve as natural climbing paths.
Interact with the breach mechanism - This starts the hacking or salvage mini-sequence.
Step back - As the breach completes, the Baron emits a brief explosion or flame burst. Standing too close can result in damage, so maintain a safe distance.
Collect the loot - After the area is safe, retrieve the internal ARC tech, usually referred to as an ARC Powercell or similar item, which completes the quest objective.
The breach process is brief but requires attentiveness to avoid environmental damage. Timing your retreat after initiating the breach is crucial.
Returning and Completing the Quest
After obtaining the necessary item, the final step is to return to Shani to turn in the quest. Completion rewards include:
Door Blockers: Deployable devices used to control movement or create temporary defenses.
Li'l Smoke Grenades: Useful for tactical cover, escapes, or repositioning during combat encounters.
These items can be particularly useful for future quests or engagements on maps with heavy enemy activity.
Strategies and Tips
Plan Your Route
Choose the Baron closest to your drop point and plan an approach that minimizes exposure to enemies. In Dam Battlegrounds, western and southwestern Barons are generally the safest starting points.
Avoid Hot Zones
Maps like Spaceport may have high player traffic around certain Baron locations. Prioritize quieter areas first to avoid confrontations.
Listen for Audio Cues
Barons emit a faint mechanical rumble when nearby. Use this sound to orient yourself if you have trouble spotting them visually.
Prepare for Rapid Extraction
Bring mobility tools, smoke grenades, or other tactical gear. Once the breach is complete, nearby enemies or players may converge quickly. You can buy ARC Raiders Items to get these useful tools.
Common Mistakes
Standing too close after breaching: The flame burst can cause significant damage if you fail to retreat.
Ignoring surrounding threats: Nearby enemies can turn a simple salvage operation into a difficult combat encounter.
Rushing into high-traffic areas: In PvP servers, Barons are popular objectives, so patience is key.
By avoiding these mistakes, players can complete the quest efficiently and safely.
Conclusion
The Dormant Barons quest in ARC Raiders may seem straightforward at first glance, but it is a nuanced mission that requires strategic planning, situational awareness, and careful execution. Successfully looting a Baron Husk not only progresses the storyline and provides useful rewards but also familiarizes players with the tactical challenges of exploring high-value objectives in hostile environments.
By understanding spawn locations, scouting approaches, and breach mechanics, players can maximize efficiency and minimize risk. This quest also reinforces the immersive lore of ARC's mechanical war machines and adds a layer of narrative depth to the game world.
With careful preparation, Dormant Barons can be completed quickly, safely, and with significant reward, setting the stage for more advanced quests and encounters in ARC Raiders.