The Source of the Contamination* quest in Arc Raiders isn’t just another fetch-and-deliver mission. It’s a small but methodical investigation that takes players to the heart of Dam Battlegrounds, where a polluted water source demands attention. While the objective is straightforward—interact with a leaking barrel—the path to completion is lined with environmental hazards and the occasional hostile encounter.
After helping Celeste uncover contaminated water in the Water Troubles quest, players are directed to a specific location: the flood spill intake on the north side of the Water Treatment Building, near the Swamp. This isn’t a well-marked spot—players must identify it by its surroundings: a concrete structure built into the side of the facility, level with the swamp, and surrounded by a small, murky pool of water. The goal is clear once you’re there: a yellow barrel sits in the water, leaking pollutants. Interacting with it completes the quest objective.
But the real challenge lies in how you reach it. The area is patrolled by a Rocketeer, a fast-moving enemy that can ambush unsuspecting players. The safest exit after completing the mission is the Central Swamp Lift, a short walk north from the spill intake. However, players should also keep an eye out for mushrooms—Scrappy’s final upgrade requires 12 of them, and they’re notoriously difficult to locate.
The rewards for this quest are modest: five Steel Springs, five Duct Tape, and a Mod Component. While these materials are useful for crafting, they don’t stand out as particularly exciting for players looking for more substantial loot. That said, the mission serves as a useful waypoint for future quests, including A Toxic Trail, which revisits the same location.
Key Steps to Complete the Quest
- Locate the Water Treatment Building in Dam Battlegrounds.
- Find the flood spill intake on the north side, near the Swamp.
- Identify the yellow leaking barrel in the water and interact with it.
- Exit via the Central Swamp Lift to avoid unnecessary combat.
- Watch for Rocketeers and mushrooms while in the area.
The quest’s simplicity belies its importance in the broader narrative of Arc Raiders*, where environmental degradation is a recurring theme. For players eager to progress, this mission is a necessary but unremarkable stop—one that tests attention to detail rather than combat skill.
