ARC Raiders drops players into a frozen, hostile world where every second counts. But when unlocking the Blue Gate map, a quest from Speranza’s gadgets expert, Apollo, forces you to slow down—at least for a moment. 'First Foothold' isn’t just another fetch quest. It’s a crash course in the map’s layout, rewarding players who learn its edges with grenades that could mean the difference between survival and a one-way ticket to the ARC’s scrapyard.
The catch? The quest’s four objectives are scattered across the map’s perimeter, with descriptions vague enough to leave even seasoned raiders staring at their minimap in frustration. Missing one means wasted time. Completing all four in a single run risks drawing ARC swarms or rival players—unless you plan carefully. Here’s how to tackle each location efficiently, and why splitting them across multiple runs might be the smarter play.
Why this quest matters
Unlike typical 'bring X to Y' tasks, 'First Foothold' serves as a tutorial for Blue Gate’s most critical zones. The observation deck near Ridgeline offers a high-ground vantage point for spotting ARC movements. The Olive Grove comms terminal sits in a chokepoint between two major routes, making it useful for future extractions. The church’s satellite dishes mark a hidden loot cache, while the Raider structure in Trapper’s Glade is a rare safe zone—if you can secure it.
Rewards for completing the quest include three of each grenade type: Shrapnel, Snap Blast, and Heavy Fuze. These aren’t just utility items; they’re lifelines. Shrapnel clears clusters of enemies, Snap Blast punches through walls, and Heavy Fuze turns entire rooms into death traps for pursuing ARC. Skipping this quest means missing out on gear that could save your stash—or your life.
Location breakdown: Where to go—and how to get there fast
The Ridgeline Observation Deck
This is the easiest objective to spot if you’re familiar with map reading. Look for the word 'Ridgeline' on the eastern edge of the minimap. Place your waypoint directly over the 'ne' in 'Ridgeline.' From there, follow the perimeter counterclockwise until you hit a rocky outcrop with a small platform. The deck itself is a reinforced metal structure with a 360-degree view—perfect for scouting. Pro tip: If you’re low on health, this spot is also a great place to take cover while reloading.
The Olive Grove Comms Terminal
Apollo’s hint—'near the Olive Grove'—is intentionally misleading. The terminal isn’t in the grove itself but nestled between the Olive Grove and the Highway Collapse, roughly equidistant from both. Walk along the northern road until you see a cluster of overgrown trees. The terminal is a small, unmarked box mounted on a pole, half-hidden by foliage. If you’re dropped near the Village, this is the farthest objective, so prioritize it in a second run if needed.
Satellite Dishes on the Church Roof
This one’s a two-part challenge. First, locate the church north of the Data Vault—it’s the only large building in the area with a cross emblem on its roof. The dishes sit on the northeast corner, accessible either by climbing the back wall (requires a jump) or by using the front structure’s roof access (if you’re nimble). The dishes themselves are mounted on a flat surface; no interaction is needed beyond standing near them to complete the quest marker.
The Raider Structure in Trapper’s Glade
Unlike the other objectives, this one rewards you with a functional safe zone—if you act fast. The structure is just south of the 'Trapper’s Glade' text on the map, near a cluster of ruined sheds. Climb to the roof and you’ll see a damaged section with loose plates. Use your toolkit to secure them (the game will prompt you). This structure becomes a respawn point for future runs, so it’s worth the effort. Pair this with the Olive Grove terminal in a single run to minimize backtracking.
Smart strategy: Split or sprint?
Completing all four objectives in one run is possible—but risky. ARC patrols increase the longer you linger Topside, and rival players will hunt you if you’re seen looting key areas. A safer approach
- Run 1: Ridgeline Observation Deck + Satellite Dishes (both are on the map’s northeast edge).
- Run 2: Olive Grove Comms Terminal + Raider Structure (southern objectives, closer together).
Always carry a hatch key in case you’re cornered. It’s your ticket home if ARC overwhelm you mid-quest. And if you’re short on time, prioritize the Raider Structure—it’s the only objective that gives a permanent benefit.
'First Foothold' is more than a checklist. It’s a lesson in map control. By mastering these locations, you’ll know where to extract, where to ambush ARC, and where to hide loot. The grenades you earn here will become staples in your loadout, but the real reward is confidence. Blue Gate isn’t just another map—it’s a battleground where preparation separates survivors from scrap.
