“A First Foothold” in ARC Raiders is one of the most complex early missions on the Blue Gate map. While it may seem straightforward at first, it sends you across multiple locations, tasking you with environmental puzzles and repairs while you fend off enemy patrols and ARC threats.
This step-by-step walkthrough will guide you through all four objectives, ensuring you know exactly where to go and what to do to complete this challenging quest.
A First Foothold Mission Overview
This mission is your primary introduction to the multi-stage quests on the Blue Gate map. Your goal is to establish a presence by activating and repairing several key structures. You will travel to the Data Vault, Ridgeline, Olive Grove, and Trapper’s Glade, facing various enemies along the way. Ensure you are well-stocked on ammunition and healing items before you begin.
Step 1: Data Vault Location and Satellite Puzzle
Your first objective is located in the northern part of the Blue Gate map.
Objective: Investigate the Data Vault.
What to Look For: Head to the marked location and find a large, distinctive Church building. You will notice several large satellite dishes on its roof.
How to Complete: To reach the roof, look for crates and scaffolding on the side of the building. Climb up to the rooftop. Once there, you need to interact with the primary satellite dish. The puzzle requires you to turn the dish to the left. Once it is correctly aligned, the objective will be complete.
Step 2: Ridgeline Objective – Stabilize the Structure
After the Data Vault, your next destination is Ridgeline in the eastern section of the map.
Objective: Stabilize the structure at Ridgeline.
What to Look For: As you approach the marked area, you will find a large truck blocking the path to an Observation Deck. The structure you need has a communication antenna and is marked with yellow flags.
How to Complete: Climb onto the truck and then onto the structure itself. You will be prompted to interact with a control panel to “Stabilize” it. Perform the interaction to secure the structure and complete this step.
Step 3: Olive Grove Comms Terminal
The third objective takes you south to Olive Grove, an area you might recognize from other missions like “Reduced to Rubble.”
Objective: Activate the Comms Terminal in Olive Grove.
What to Look For: The exact marker can be slightly misleading. From the marked point, move southwest to find a small communications outpost.
How to Complete: The Comms Terminal is a standalone console. Simply interact with it to power it up and check this objective off your list.
Step 4: Trapper’s Glade – Repair the Raider Structure
The final leg of the mission is at Trapper’s Glade.
Objective: Repair the Raider Structure.
What to Look For: You are looking for a specific Raider-built structure that needs repairs on its roof.
How to Complete: Climb to the roof of the structure. You will find a damaged component that you can interact with. Hold the interaction key to repair it. Once the repair is complete, the “A First Foothold” mission will be officially finished.
Tips for Surviving the Mission
Stay Alert: Each location can be patrolled by human enemies or attacked by ARC forces. Always scan your surroundings before attempting a puzzle or repair.
High Ground is Your Friend: Use the verticality of the environment to your advantage for scouting and combat.
Come Prepared: This is a long mission that covers a large area. Don’t start it with low ammo or health kits.
Conclusion
“A First Foothold” is a fantastic, multi-stage mission that truly tests your exploration and combat skills in ARC Raiders. By following this guide, you can efficiently navigate the Blue Gate map, solve the satellite puzzle at the Data Vault, stabilize the Ridgeline structure, activate the Olive Grove terminal, and make the final repair at Trapper’s Glade. Complete this mission to firmly establish your presence and claim your rewards.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is the “A First Foothold” mission on the Blue Gate map?
A: Yes, all objectives for this mission are located within the Blue Gate map area.
Q: How do I solve the satellite dish puzzle at the Data Vault?
A: After climbing onto the Church roof, interact with the main satellite dish and turn it to the left.
Q: The Ridgeline objective marker is confusing. Where exactly do I go?
A: Look for the structure with an antenna and yellow flags, which is accessed by climbing onto a large truck blocking the road.
Q: I’m at the Olive Grove marker but can’t find the Comms Terminal.
A: The terminal is not exactly on the marker. Move southwest from the marked point on your map to find the console.
Q: What kind of enemies will I face during this mission?
A: Be prepared to encounter both human enemy patrols and ARC drone attacks throughout all four locations.