Introduction to ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure game developed by Embark Studios, released on October 30, 2025, for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is a third-person extraction shooter where players scavenge a post-apocalyptic Earth, ravaged by a mysterious mechanized threat known as ARC. The game blends the tension of extraction shooters with atmospheric adventure settings, creating high-stakes gameplay.

Players operate from an underground base, the vibrant society of Speranza, where they can craft, repair, and upgrade their gear in a personal workshop before venturing to the dangerous surface. Gameplay involves fighting hostile NPC robots, referred to as "ARC," and potentially other human players vying for resources. A single raid can last up to 30 minutes. If a player is killed, they lose all collected equipment and materials, except for items stored in a safe pocket. Extraction points include elevators, metro stations, air shafts, and raider hatches that require keys. ARC Raiders supports solo play or teams of two or three and features cross-platform and crossplay support. The game is not free-to-play, with the base version costing $39.99.

Understanding the 'A Prime Specimen' Quest

'A Prime Specimen' is a quest introduced in ARC Raiders with the "Headwinds update". This quest is provided by Shani, one of the in-game traders, and is designed to be completed exclusively on the Blue Gate map. It is considered one of the easier quests in the game, comprising three simple tasks that can be finished relatively quickly. Upon accepting the quest, players receive three Remote Raider Flares, and two additional rewards are granted upon completion.

Quest Prerequisites and Overview

Before undertaking 'A Prime Specimen,' players should ensure they have completed 'The Clean Dream' quest, as 'A Prime Specimen' is given by Shani afterward. The primary objectives for 'A Prime Specimen' are to be completed in one round and include:

ARC Powercells are a common ARC material often used for crafting shield charges, so players may already have them in their inventory. Otherwise, they can be found by defeating ARC machines. It is advisable to enter the Blue Gate map with a suitable loadout, including good weapons and healing items, as other players may also be attempting the quest, leading to potential hostile encounters.

Locating ARC Deforesters on Blue Gate

The 'A Prime Specimen' quest requires players to find an ARC Deforester, which is a large, cylindrical wreckage or structure on the Blue Gate map. These Deforesters can be spotted from a distance. There are three known locations for ARC Deforesters on the Blue Gate map:

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Activating and Looting the Deforester

Once you have two ARC Powercells and are on the Blue Gate map, proceed to one of the ARC Deforester locations. The quest involves a puzzle within the Deforester that triggers fire traps.

1. Insert First Powercell: Upon entering the Deforester's main chamber, interact with an exposed circuit panel located on the left side. This action will consume one ARC Powercell and activate flames to your right. 2. Insert Second Powercell: Wait for the initial fire bursts to subside. You will then need to run through the intermittent flames to reach a second circuit at the end of the chamber. Interact with this circuit, which will consume your second ARC Powercell. 3. Navigate and Loot: After activating the second circuit, you must quickly navigate through the top section of the Deforester. This involves jumping and mantling to reach an elevated platform or area. 4. Complete the Quest: At the end of this traversal, you will find another object to interact with. This final interaction will complete 'A Prime Specimen' quest and allow you to loot the Deforester. Successfully completing this sequence will also shut down the flames, allowing for a safe exit. Be aware that if other raiders have already looted the Deforester, you may need to find another one or restart the match.

General Gameplay Tips for ARC Raiders