arc raiders with a trace Mission Walkthrough Objectives and Rewards

Navigating the dangerous, mechanized landscapes of Embark Studios' highly anticipated extraction shooter requires both sharp tactical awareness and a solid understanding of your map objectives. One early assignment that introduces players to the foundational tracking mechanics of the game is the fascinating With A Trace quest. Success in this mission demands careful movement through hostile territory and keen investigation skills to uncover the truth behind fallen automated threats.

Reaching the Barren Clearing

Your investigation initiates on the perilous Blue Gate map, where players must safely navigate toward the designated Barren Clearing zone. This environment is heavily patrolled by hostile robotic forces, making a stealthy or highly coordinated approach absolutely essential for survival. Checking your in-game compass regularly ensures that your squad stays oriented while bypassing unnecessary skirmishes along the high-risk perimeter.

Once you arrive at the coordinates of the clearing, the atmosphere shifts as the destruction becomes immediately evident. Players should look out for structural cover and high ground to secure the perimeter before diving into active investigative work. Establishing defensive positions early ensures that your team can complete the next steps without being ambushed by respawning threats.

Investigating Signs of ARC Machinery

With the perimeter successfully secured, your primary focus shifts to locating definitive physical signs of whoever brought down the heavily armored machinery. Scattered metallic debris, burnt chassis pieces, and unique plasma scoring across the local environment serve as your primary clues. Interacting with these specific nodes reveals vital dialogue updates that help piece together the unfolding narrative mystery.

It is crucial to watch your flanks during this stage, as the interactive investigation process can leave players briefly vulnerable to rogue hostiles. Teams should take turns examining the wreckage while designated lookouts scan the horizons for incoming dropships. Gathering these clues effectively updates your journal and highlights the exact location of the next major checkpoint.

Inspecting the Adorned Wreckage

The third major phase of this assignment guides survivors toward a highly specific point of interest known locally as the Adorned Wreckage. This particular pile of scrap metal contains critical diagnostic data logs that explain the sudden system failure of the local defense network. Approaching the central node triggers the final download sequence required to satisfy your main faction handlers.

Completing this data extraction requires a few uninterrupted seconds, so communication with your squadmates remains incredibly vital. Once the download finishes, players will receive a prompt confirming that the investigative portion of the excursion is officially complete. From this point forward, your priority shifts entirely to reaching the closest extraction point safely with your collected data intact.

Mission Rewards and Upgrades

Successfully surviving the extraction phase allows players to return to safety and claim a couple of highly valuable tactical upgrades. Completing the entire sequence successfully rewards your character with one powerful Looting Mk. 2 modification utility block. This specific item drastically improves your material gathering efficiency during subsequent deployments into high-tier danger zones.

In addition to the looting upgrade, survivors are granted one durable Medium Shield component to enhance overall defensive capabilities. This piece of defensive equipment offers a significant boost to your frontline durability during intense firefights against aggressive enemy factions. Utilizing these newly acquired assets immediately prepares your character for even tougher challenges waiting in the wasteland.