The Shrouded Sky* update for Arc Raiders has expanded the game’s lore and loot opportunities, but one of its most intriguing additions is the A Dead End quest—a mission that drops players into the dangerous underbelly of Blue Gate. Unlike typical surface raids, this objective forces players to descend into MANTIKOR’s underground facilities, where security measures and rival factions turn what should be a simple retrieval into a tactical puzzle.
For those unfamiliar with Blue Gate’s layout, the underground Security Wing is a high-risk area teeming with potential PvP encounters. Players must navigate through restricted corridors, bypass locked doors using scattered resources, and ultimately recover a Dusty Film Reel—a piece of media tied to the shadowy Project Heartwood. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to access the locked room, secure the necessary components, and complete the quest without unnecessary casualties.
Why the Underground Security Wing Is a High-Stakes Zone
Blue Gate’s underground isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a contested territory. The Security Wing, where A Dead End begins, is patrolled by automated turrets and occasionally by hostile raiders. Players should proceed with caution, especially if they’re not equipped for PvP. The wing can be accessed through two main routes
- Headhouse Descent: Drop down from the Headhouse’s lower levels and follow the stairwells toward the western corridor.
- Checkpoint Outer Gates: Enter via the Traffic Tunnel near the Outer Gates, then proceed west toward the Security Wing entrance.
Once inside, the primary obstacle is the Access Capacitor door—a reinforced barrier that requires three batteries to power open. These batteries don’t spawn in predictable locations, adding an element of scavenger hunting to the mission.
The Battery Hunt: Where to Find What You Need
The three batteries needed to unlock the Access Capacitor door are hidden in two key locations
- Corridor Machinery Room: Directly adjacent to the door, against a bank of industrial machinery. This is the most reliable spot, as the batteries respawn if taken.
- Circular Tunnel Entrance: Above the machinery room, near a set of pipes leading to a circular tunnel. This area is slightly more exposed, so players should be wary of ambushes.
Once all three batteries are collected, deliver them to the Access Capacitor terminal. The door will unlock immediately, granting access to the restricted room—assuming no other player has beaten you to it.
Inside the Locked Room: Decoding Project Heartwood
The secured room contains two critical interactive elements
- Film Reel Machine (Right Side): Interact with the leftmost machine to trigger a projection on the central screen. This appears to be a fragment of Project Heartwood documentation.
- Dusty Film Reel Extraction (Left Side): After the projection plays, approach the smaller machine to the left of the screens and interact with it. This will yield the Dusty Film Reel, which must be stored in a safe pocket for extraction.
The Dusty Film Reel is the quest’s primary objective. Once secured, deliver it to Shani to advance her Weather Monitoring System project—a critical step in the game’s overarching narrative. Players should note that the room contains no additional loot, making efficiency key to avoiding unnecessary risk.
For those struggling to locate the batteries or navigate the underground, patience is essential. The Security Wing is a hub for other side quests and expeditions, so familiarizing oneself with the area’s layout will pay dividends in future missions. As always in Arc Raiders*, preparation and awareness are the keys to survival—whether you’re hunting for film reels or avoiding rival raiders.
