ARC Raiders has launched Update 1.45.0, introducing a brand-new Raider Project: Ascending the Mountain. The project runs until October 5th and consists of four stages; detailed objectives for each stage are listed below.
Stage 1: Research High-Altitude Mechanics
Requirements for this stage:
- Mechanical Components ×10
- Pop Triggers ×6
- Explosive Compound ×10
- Headphones ×2
Mechanical Components can be crafted at Refiner using 7 Metal Parts and 3 Rubber Parts. They may also spawn in areas marked as Mechanical on the map.
Pop Triggers are obtained by killing Pop ARCs; they can be scavenged from the corpses after the enemies are defeated. The fastest way to acquire Explosive Compound is to craft it at the Refiner using 2 Crude Explosives and 2 Oil. Alternatively, if you prefer scavenging in the field, you can destroy Comets before they detonate; their wreckage will leave behind Explosive Compound.
Headphones are the biggest challenge in this stage. Although the game indicates they can spawn in Residential and Commercial areas, the spawn rate is a mystery - you might search for 3 or 4 hours and still come up empty-handed.
Stage 1 Rewards:
- Burletta IV Pistol
- Extended Light Mag III Attachment
- Silencer III Attachment
Stage 2: Begin Ignition Tests
Requirements for this stage:
- Wires ×20
- Voltage Converters ×8
- Sentinel Firing Cores ×2
- Rocket Thruster ×1
You can purchase 10 Wires daily from Celeste for 4 Seeds each. Additionally, they can be obtained by dismantling Damaged Heat Sinks, Cooling Fans, or Power Cables, or by scavenging random spawns from Electric Panels and Generators on Dam Battlegrounds map.
Voltage Converters can be scavenged from voltage breaker boxes and electrical cabinets, or obtained by dismantling Industrial Chargers. Celeste also sells them for 10 Seeds each.
Sentinel Firing Cores are obtained by killing Sentinel ARCs. Using Metaforge to track spawn points is recommended. If you prefer to avoid direct combat, there is a high probability of finding this item in the wreckage of Arc Couriers; farming during an Electromagnetic Storm is advised, as ARC drop rates are higher under these conditions. Rocket Thrusters spawn in Exodus area. Assembly building at Stella Montis and the Rocket Assembly area at the Spaceport are known high-probability locations.
Stage 2 Rewards:
- Wolfpack Grenades ×2
- Deadline Mines ×2
- Trailblazer Grenades ×3
- Crash Mat Blueprint
It is recommended to acquire Crash Mat Blueprint early, as Stage 3 immediately requires 10 Crash Mats. Obtaining the blueprint and gathering materials beforehand saves you from having to farm for them at the last minute once you reach Stage 3.
Stage 3: Implement Landing Capabilities
Requirements for this stage:
- Ruined Parachutes ×2
- Crash Mats ×10
- Shredder Gyros ×5
- Breathtaking Snow Globes ×3
Ruined Parachutes spawn in Exodus area. Port Authority building at Riven Tides is the best location; upon entering, head straight upstairs - parachutes often spawn directly on the trolley, so check there first.
Once you have Stage 2 blueprint, Crash Mats can be crafted directly in theWorkshop; crafting 10 of them requires a total of 140 Fabric.
Shredder Gyros must be obtained by killing Shredders, which are found in Stella Montis, Buried City, and the Spaceport. Port Authority building is also a frequent spawn point for Shredders. Additionally, there is a chance to find them in Arc Probes.
Farming for Breathtaking Snow Globes is recommended in Buried City. Suggested route: Start at Red Tower and use the zipline to reach Santa Maria Houses; drop down to the lowest level through the two skylights to scavenge. Afterward, head along the street to the building containing Breach Room, focusing your search on chairs, filing cabinets, and drawers. Finally, cross the street to the building opposite; after jumping across, you can enter a hidden room to search for more items. 】
Stage 3 Rewards:
- Powered Descender
- Raider Hatch Key ×2
- Rascal Launcher IV
- Launcher Ammo ×30
Stage 4: Final Tweaks
This is the largest of the four stages, requiring a total of 51 ARC Raiders items:
- Sensors ×30
- Broken Guidance Systems ×3
- Advanced Electrical Components ×15
- Vaporizer Regulators ×3
You can purchase 5 Sensors daily from Celeste, and the rest can be scavenged in large quantities from the Security and Technological zones; overall, they aren't difficult to obtain, so you likely won't run short.
Advanced Electrical Components can be crafted in the Refiner; each requires 3 Wires and 2 Electrical Components. You need 15 in total, meaning a combined requirement of 45 Wires and 30 Electrical Components. It is recommended to stockpile these materials beforehand to avoid scrambling to collect them once you reach Stage 4.
Broken Guidance Systems are the second hardest items to acquire for this project. The system lists Exodus as the spawn area, but the actual spawn rate is elusive - some players have run the Assembly at Stella Montis (within Exodus zone) about 10 times in a row without finding a single one. They were ultimately found at the Hydroponic Dome Complex in Dam Battlegrounds. Note that this location is not marked as an Exodus zone on the map.
Vaporizer Regulators are obtained by killing Vaporizers. It is recommended to use high-damage ranged weapons to prioritize breaking their energy shields; efficiency is highest under Close Scrutiny map condition. Additionally, there is a chance to find them in Arc Couriers.
Stage 4 Rewards:
- Hot Air Balloon Backpack Charm
- Tactical MK3 (Defensive) Augment
- Tempest Assault Rifle IV
- Kinetic Converter Attachment
When should you turn in the mission?
Ascending the Mountain project runs until October 5, but the fifth Expedition window closes on September 29. This means the project deadline extends beyond the end of the Expedition period.
If you are currently undertaking an Expedition, do not complete this project before setting out. The reason is simple: any gear or rewards obtained upon completing the project will vanish when you leave for Expedition - unless you use Vault Space to carry them with you. However, the carrying capacity is very limited, usually allowing you to take only a small number of items. The correct sequence is: first complete the Expedition and leave → acquire the new Raider Deck and reward system → then return to complete the Ascending the Mountain project. This ensures all rewards are retained in your new inventory rather than being wiped out by the Expedition's reset mechanism.
Additionally, Cred currency will expire completely when Frozen Trail update launches on October 8; be sure to spend all your Cred at Shani's shop or on Raider Deck rewards before then.
Overall, completing Ascending the Mountain is not overly difficult, provided you plan your materials and farming routes in advance. Players currently running Expedition should pay attention to the timing of their submission and remember to spend their Cred before October 8.
