If you're specifically hunting reagents, don't waste your time here. Stick to ARCR Coins the three core locations mentioned above.
Farming and Extraction Tips
Even when you know where to go, RNG (random number generation) can still make farming Laboratory Reagents frustrating. Here are a few extra tips to maximize your efficiency:
Run Solo or in Small Groups – Smaller teams are quieter and less likely to draw attention. Large squads make you an easy target.
Use Augments for Safe Storage – If you find a Laboratory Reagent, stash it in a safe pocket if you have the augment. This ensures you keep it even if you die before extraction.
Prioritize Medical POIs on Fresh Servers – Entering newly reset servers increases your odds of finding untouched loot.
Keep an Eye on Audio Cues – Listen for footsteps or gunfire to avoid walking into ambushes, especially at the Hospital.
Extract as Soon as You Can – Don't get greedy. Once you have what you came for, head straight for a lift or tunnel and get out.
Final Thoughts
Gathering Laboratory Reagents in Arc Raiders can be a grind, but the payoff is worth it. These rare Medical materials are essential for upgrading your Explosive Station, unlocking stronger grenades and other destructive tools that give you an edge in combat.
Your best bet for finding them lies in the Hospital and Testing Annex, with the Research building serving as a safer alternative when things get heated. Remember: every raid is a gamble, and luck plays a big part - so if you don't find what you're looking for right away, keep running those routes.
With persistence, awareness, and a good escape plan, you'll have your Explosive Station fully upgraded - and a backpack full of dangerously unstable chemicals - in no time.
When you first unlock the Blue Gate region in Arc Raiders, you'll immediately receive a quest called "A First Foothold." This mission sends you across the map to repair and stabilize various structures, rotate satellite dishes, and activate communication terminals - all while trying not to get picked off by raiders and Arc enemies patrolling the area.
The quest is your first major introduction to exploration and teamwork in Blue Gate, but vague directions and an unfamiliar map can make it tricky. Below is a detailed walkthrough explaining how to complete each of the four objectives efficiently, whether you're running solo or with a full squad.
Before You Begin the Quest
"A First Foothold" doesn't have to be completed in a single run, nor do you need to tackle the objectives in any specific order. Each task is located in a different corner of Blue Gate, so it's best to complete them as you come across them naturally.
If you're in a three-person squad, you can save a lot of time by dividing the objectives among teammates. Since Arc Raiders credits all party members when one person finishes a task, splitting up ensures maximum efficiency. Assign one objective to each player, and once all are completed, regroup for extraction.
Because you'll likely run into both raiders and Arc patrols, consider equipping a ARC Raiders Items you don't mind losing, or use a free loadout if possible. This mission can get chaotic fast, especially near popular areas like Olive Grove and Trapper's Glade.
Objective 1: Stabilize the Observation Deck near Ridgeline
Your first stop is the Observation Deck, which lies on the far east side of the map. To pinpoint it quickly, place a map marker at the end of the "e" in "Ridgeline."
Once you arrive, look for a small shelter structure with several metal panels around it. Interact with these to stabilize the observation deck and complete the objective. This area is usually quiet, but keep an eye out for nearby enemy patrols roaming the cliffs.
Tip: Bring a scoped weapon or binoculars to scout the area before moving in, as the elevated terrain can hide enemy snipers.
Objective 2: Enable the Comms Terminal near Olive Grove
Next, head toward the area between Olive Grove and Highway Collapse. Here, you'll find a yellow computer terminal positioned on a small ledge overlooking the highway.
Interacting with the terminal enables communications for the region. However, this is one of the most contested zones in Blue Gate. Olive Grove is a favorite farming and training area for many players, particularly those working on improving Scrappy, the pet rooster companion.
Approach carefully, stay in cover, and be prepared for PvP encounters. Use natural terrain for concealment and avoid rushing the terminal head-on.
Pro tip: If you're playing solo, wait for low-activity periods or use the environment's elevation to flank the site safely.
Objective 3: Rotate the Satellite Dishes on the Church Roof North of the Data Vault
Your third objective takes you northwest of the Data Vault and directly west of Pilgrim's Peak. You're looking for an old, crumbling church surrounded by crates and scaffolding.
Use the scaffolding at the back to climb to the rooftop, where you'll find a pair of satellite dishes that need realignment. Interact with them to cheap ARC Raiders Coins rotate and complete the task.
