ARC Raiders: A Rising Tide Quest Walkthrough
If you're working through side missions in ARC Raiders, A Rising Tide is one quest you don't want to overlook. Not only does it expand the story through Celeste's investigation request, but it also unlocks access to valuable areas where you can farm rare ARC Raiders Items and gather materials needed to buy ARC Raiders Blueprints later in your progression.
This walkthrough will guide you step-by-step through completing A Rising Tide, covering key map locations, access key retrieval, and how to safely enter the Controlled Access Zone.
How to Start A Rising Tide Quest
To begin A Rising Tide, speak with Celeste in Speranza. She'll ask you to investigate the Controlled Access Zone located in the Dam Battlegrounds map. However, before you can enter, you'll need a special access key.
That key is hidden elsewhere - meaning this quest spans two separate maps:
1. Buried City
2. Dam Battlegrounds
You must complete them in this order to trigger the proper quest progression.
Step 1: Travel to Buried City - Piazza Roma
Your first destination is Piazza Roma in the Buried City. Celeste hints that the key is located in the Foreman's Barricaded Apartment, somewhere south of Piazza Roma.
Where to Find the Foreman's Apartment
The apartment is:
·West of Marano Park
·Near the center of Buried City
·On the western side of Piazza Roma
Reaching it, however, is not straightforward.
How to Reach the Foreman's Barricaded Apartment
You'll spot a small ladder attached to the second building on the western side of Piazza Roma. Unfortunately, it's too high to reach by jumping.
Instead, follow these steps:
Use the Zipline Trick
1. Locate the zipline underneath the building (west of Piazza Roma).
2. Position yourself on the west side of the zipline for the easiest angle.
3. Ride the zipline and drop onto the platform near the ladder.
4. Grab the ladder and climb up.
This maneuver can take a few attempts, especially if enemies are nearby. Clear the area first if possible.
Retrieve the Access Key
Once inside the apartment:
·Head to the center of the room.
·Locate the computer terminal.
·Interact with it.
Doing so grants you the Access Key needed for the next phase of the quest.
Before leaving, it's worth looting the apartment thoroughly. Locations like this often contain valuable ARC Raiders Items, including crafting materials and components that can later help you buy ARC Raiders Blueprints for stronger weapons and gear upgrades.
With the key secured, extract safely and prepare for the second map.
Step 2: Travel to Dam Battlegrounds
Your next objective is the Controlled Access Zone in Dam Battlegrounds.
However, there's an important trigger requirement that many players miss.
Visit the Power Generation Complex First
Before entering the Controlled Access Zone, you must approach the Power Generation Complex.
Why this matters:
·The quest progression won't update properly unless you move near this location.
·It activates the next step of Celeste's objective.
Once you've approached the Power Generation Complex and the objective updates, you can proceed to the Controlled Access Zone.
Step 3: Entering the Controlled Access Zone
The Controlled Access Zone is heavily contested, so approach cautiously. Expect ARC machine patrols and possible PvPvE encounters.
How to Find the Entrance
1. Head to the center of the Controlled Access Zone.
2. Look for an opening in the structure.
3. Turn left inside the central area.
4. Locate a ladder leading downward.
Climb down the ladder and move across the walkway into a secured room.
Use the Access Key
Inside the room:
·Interact with the locked door.
·Use the Access Key obtained from the apartment.
·Enter the room.
·Take a picture of the board inside (this completes the quest objective).
After capturing the image, you are free to extract.
Tips for Completing A Rising Tide Safely
Because this quest spans two high-traffic maps, preparation is key.
Recommended Loadout
·Mid-range rifle for versatility
·Automatic weapon for close encounters
·Healing supplies and mobility gear
·A Lure Grenade for emergency distraction
If you're farming while completing the quest, prioritize gathering rare ARC Raiders Items in both locations. These materials are essential for crafting and trading.
Why A Rising Tide Is Worth Completing
Beyond story progression, this quest opens up important farming opportunities.
Key Benefits:
·Access to high-tier loot zones
·Valuable crafting components
·Materials required to buy ARC Raiders BluePrints
·Better map knowledge for future runs
Blueprint progression is especially important in ARC Raiders. Stronger weapons and upgraded gear dramatically improve survivability against tougher ARC machines. Completing quests like A Rising Tide accelerates that progression path.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
·Trying to jump to the ladder without using the zipline
·Skipping the Power Generation Complex trigger
·Rushing into the Controlled Access Zone without clearing enemies
·Forgetting to actually take the photo inside the room
Each of these errors can force you to repeat large portions of the mission.
Final Thoughts
A Rising Tide is a multi-stage side quest that rewards careful exploration and map awareness. From navigating the rooftops of Buried City to infiltrating the depths of Dam Battlegrounds, this mission tests both mobility and combat readiness.
By following this guide, you'll:
·Secure the Foreman's Access Key efficiently
·Trigger the correct progression steps
·Enter the Controlled Access Zone successfully
·Collect valuable ARC Raiders Items along the way
·Gather materials needed to buy ARC Raiders BluePrints
Prepare well, move smart, and extract safely. The surface is unforgiving - but with the right strategy, you'll stay one step ahead of both ARC machines and rival Raiders.