Arc Raiders’s *With a View* quest isn’t just another loot-fetching errand—it’s a test of timing, spatial awareness, and patience. Unlike standard side missions, this one hinges on securing two specific exodus materials: a Rotary Encoder and an Ion Sputter, both of which spawn randomly in Stella Montis’s most contested zones. Players who arrive even a second too late risk missing out entirely, as these items vanish almost instantly once claimed.
Once obtained, the Rotary Encoder isn’t just stashed—it’s deployed in a precise, multi-step interaction sequence within Assembly’s control rooms. The Ion Sputter, meanwhile, serves as the quest’s final deliverable to NPC Shani, capping off a process that demands both preparation and adaptability. For players still grinding through Stella Montis, here’s how to approach the challenge without frustration.
Why This Quest Matters
Stella Montis is *Arc Raiders*’s most loot-dense hub, but its random spawning mechanics create a high-stakes environment. Exodus materials like the Rotary Encoder and Ion Sputter are particularly volatile—they don’t respawn for hours, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. This quest forces players to either rely on luck or strategic spawning, a dynamic that mirrors the game’s broader emphasis on efficiency over brute-force farming.
For those unfamiliar with the process, the Rotary Encoder isn’t just another collectible. It’s a puzzle key: once acquired, it must be used to activate a yellow-marked lever in one of Assembly’s control rooms. Afterward, players interact with a nearby terminal to proceed. The Ion Sputter, by contrast, is a straightforward delivery—yet its scarcity makes it a bottleneck for completion.
Locating the Rotary Encoder: Speed and Stealth
Finding the Rotary Encoder begins with spawning as close as possible to one of three high-yield zones: Assembly, Medical, or the Lobby security office. These areas are hotspots for exodus materials, but their popularity means containers are looted within seconds of a fresh spawn. Players should prioritize
- Medical (upper floor): Check drawers in the upper-level rooms—this is where the found theirs.
- Assembly: Scan workbenches and storage lockers near the assembly line.
- Lobby security office: A less crowded but still viable alternative.
Once spotted, the Rotary Encoder should be secured immediately—either in a safe pocket or by handing it off to a teammate if playing with others. The quest doesn’t require completing it in a single run, but the longer you wait, the higher the chance the item will disappear.
Deploying the Rotary Encoder: A Control Room Puzzle
With the Rotary Encoder in hand, head to any of the three control rooms in Assembly’s north workshop area. These rooms are easily identifiable by their large windows and terminal banks. Inside, you’ll find a yellow-marked lever—the target for the Rotary Encoder. After activating it
- Place the encoder on the lever (it will highlight in yellow).
- Interact with the nearby terminal to confirm the action.
- Do not drop or discard the Rotary Encoder until the Ion Sputter stage is complete—it’s needed for the next part of the quest.
This step is straightforward, but the real challenge lies in repeatedly spawning near these rooms if the encoder isn’t found immediately. The control rooms themselves are safe once inside, but the journey to them can be perilous if other players are also hunting exodus materials.
Final Step: Delivering the Ion Sputter to Shani
The Ion Sputter is the quest’s second hurdle, and like the Rotary Encoder, it’s found in the same high-loot zones. If you’ve been farming exodus materials, you may already have one—but if not, expect to repeat the spawn-and-rush process. Once secured
- Head to Shani’s location (typically near the Lobby or in the central hub).
- Deliver the Ion Sputter to complete the quest.
- Optionally, pass the Rotary Encoder to a friend—they can now use it for their own run.
This final leg is the simplest, but its dependency on the Ion Sputter’s availability makes it the most unpredictable. Players who’ve already stockpiled exodus materials will breeze through, while others may need to dedicate multiple runs to Stella Montis.
Pro Tips for Efficiency
- Spawn with nothing: Reduces loot competition by minimizing your starting inventory.
- Use a safe pocket: Ensures the Rotary Encoder isn’t lost mid-quest.
- Team up: One player can farm exodus materials while others cover nearby threats.
- Check all three zones: Rotate between Medical, Assembly, and Lobby to maximize chances.
The *With a View* quest exemplifies *Arc Raiders*’ design philosophy: reward precision over persistence. While grinding exodus materials is a core part of the game, this mission forces players to think tactically—whether it’s spawning optimally, deploying tools correctly, or adapting when luck isn’t on their side. For those who master it, the payoff isn’t just a completed quest, but a deeper understanding of how Stella Montis’s systems work.
