Arc Raiders is a game filled with immersive quests that blend lore, strategy, and action, and the Straight Record quest stands out as a memorable mid-game mission. Issued by Celeste, this quest tasks players with shutting down an old EMP trap-originally built by Celeste's squad during the First Wave-that has been repurposed by rival raiders to disrupt communications and set ambushes.

Unlike generic fetch quests, Straight Record demands precision, stealth, and map awareness. Completing it efficiently not only advances the game's narrative but also rewards players with valuable crafting ARC Raiders Materials to upgrade their gear. This guide breaks down every step of the quest, from prerequisites to extraction, ensuring you finish it smoothly even on your first attempt.

Prerequisites: Unlocking the Straight Record Quest

Before you can accept the Straight Record quest, you must first complete its prerequisite: the Broken Monument quest. This introductory mission requires you to search the scrap yard and raider camp to collect key items, which unlocks Celeste's mission offer.

Once Broken Monument is finished, head to Celeste at the Speranza base. She will brief you on the EMP trap's threat and task you with disabling it. Upon accepting the quest, you will receive two crucial tools: 1x binoculars for reconnaissance and 1x defibrillator for survival-both essential for navigating the Dam Battlegrounds safely.

Step 1: Queue for Dam Battlegrounds Raid

The entire Straight Record quest takes place in the Dam Battlegrounds map, a hotspot for loot, drone patrols, wasps, and rival players. To begin, queue for a Dam Battlegrounds raid-any modifier is acceptable, but stealth-friendly conditions will make the mission significantly easier.

Pro tip: Spawn with a free loadout to avoid losing valuable resources if you perish during the quest. The quest does not require extraction to complete, but you will need to extract later to claim your rewards.

Step 2: Locate Victory Ridge and the Old EMP Trap

Your first objective is to reach Victory Ridge, a region in the northwest of the Dam Battlegrounds map. It is located just southwest of the West Broken Bridge and north of the Hydroponic Dome Complex-look for a fork in the road between Ruby Residence and the West Broken Bridge to find your way.

As you travel to Victory Ridge, stay alert. Drones and wasps often patrol the open ground, and rival raiders may be completing the same quest. Use trees and rock cover to avoid unnecessary fights, and use your binoculars to scout ahead.

Once in Victory Ridge, look for the old EMP trap. It is easy to identify: a tall, thin metal structure with wires wrapped around it and a yellow control box at its base. Interact with the yellow box to confirm the trap's location and unlock the next objective: disabling three power switches.

Step 3: Disable the Three Power Switches

The three power switches are all located within a short walk of the EMP trap, so use the trap as a landmark to avoid getting lost. Each switch pulses yellow, making them easier to spot. You can disable them in any order, but the following path is the most efficient.

First Power Switch (North of the Trap)

Head north from the EMP trap to a small rocky hill beyond a cluster of trees. The first switch is located on top of this hill, near metal debris. Climb up the hill-you can walk around the edge to find an easy ascent-and interact with the yellow box to disable the switch.

Second Power Switch (East of the Trap)

From the first switch, head east back toward the EMP trap. You will see a ruined building; the second switch is on the balcony of this structure. Use crates or rubble to climb to the second floor, cross the wooden plank, and interact with the yellow box to cut the second power feed.

Third Power Switch (South of the Trap)

Finally, head south from the EMP trap toward the Hydroponic Dome Complex. Follow the path downhill, and look for a large power pole with a cable trailing to the ground. The third switch is at the end of this cable, beside the path and near a tree. Interact with the yellow box to disable the last switch.

Step 4: Shut Down the EMP Trap and Extract

With all three power switches disabled, return to the EMP trap. Interact with the yellow control box again to shut down the trap completely-this marks the quest as complete.

After shutting down the trap, you can choose to explore the area for extra loot or head straight to the extraction point. Be cautious: rival raiders may be drawn to the area, so keep your guard up. Once you extract, you can claim your rewards from the Quests tab.

Quest Rewards and Progression

The rewards for completing Straight Record are generous and essential for mid-game progression: 5x Medium Gun Parts and 3x Advanced Mechanical Components. Medium Gun Parts are used to upgrade weapons like the Rattler or Stitcher, while Advanced Mechanical Components are crucial for crafting robust mid-tier gear.

Farming this quest repeatedly is a great way to accumulate crafting materials, cheap ARC Raiders BluePrints, and coins. Completing Straight Record also unlocks the next quest in the narrative chain: Keeping the Memory, which offers fresh challenges and further story development.

Pro Tips for Success

Stay stealthy: Avoid unnecessary combat to save time and resources. Use cover to sneak past drones and rival raiders.

Use your tools: The binoculars help you scout ahead and locate switches from a distance, while the defibrillator can save you from death if you take damage.

Map awareness: Familiarize yourself with the Dam Battlegrounds layout-Victory Ridge is on the outskirts, so you are less likely to encounter enemy raiders there.

Complete in one run: Experienced raiders can finish the quest in under 10 minutes if they follow this guide and avoid distractions.

Straight Record is a masterclass in quest design, balancing lore, challenge, and reward. By following these steps, you will disable the EMP trap efficiently, claim valuable rewards, and advance your journey as a raider. Prepare your binoculars, stay quiet, and make every move count-Victory Ridge awaits.