Is there anything more satisfying in ARC Raiders than cracking open a freshly destroyed ARC machine and ripping out its valuable insides? In a world ruled by hostile machines and collapsing infrastructure, this is about as close to justice as you're going to get.
This quest forces you to interact with a volatile ARC Deforester, navigate deadly flame patterns, and risk being burned alive-all to uncover the secrets locked inside one of these machines. Strap in, gear up, and prepare to get scorched.
Quest Requirements: How to Unlock A Prime Specimen
Before you can attempt A Prime Specimen, you must first complete "The Clean Dream" quest. This mission is part of the Blue Gate storyline, and A Prime Specimen serves as the final step in that quest chain.
Be warned: this quest can be frustrating due to player competition. Each ARC Deforester can only be looted twice per match, meaning other raiders can lock you out of completion if they get there first. It may take multiple runs to spawn nearby and finish the puzzle before someone else does.
This scarcity is also why components from this quest are often traded-some players opt to buy ARC Raiders Items rather than fighting over contested objectives.
Recommended Loadout
To improve your chances:
·Adrenaline Shots - Essential for sprinting to the Deforester as quickly as possible.
·Strong PvP Weapon - Other players may try to steal your progress.
·Extra ARC Powercells - Bring more than you need in case you make a mistake.
Speed and awareness are critical here, especially in high-traffic matches.
Walkthrough: A Prime Specimen Quest Step by Step
Step 1: Collect ARC Powercells
Your first objective is to gather 2 ARC Powercells. These can be:
·Looted from destroyed ARC machines
·Found on deactivated ARC units scattered across the map
·Brought with you directly when entering the Blue Gate Map
ARC Powercells are extremely common, but the flame puzzle leaves little room for error. Bring four Powercells to avoid wasting a run-especially if you're farming materials tied to rare ARC Raiders BluePrints.
Step 2: Locate the ARC Deforester
Next, you'll need to find an ARC Deforester on the Blue Gate Map. There are two possible spawn locations:
·Southwest of the Adorned Wreckage
·East of the Maintenance Bunker
The Deforester entrance looks like a large hollow metal tube with a platform inside. If you're unsure whether you've found the correct structure, look for blue electrical sparks-this indicates where ARC Powercells are inserted.
Step 3: Insert the First Powercell
Insert your first ARC Powercell into the Deforester. Immediately after activation, a ring of fire will burst outward from the machine.
·Wait patiently for a gap in the flames
·Dive roll through the fire as soon as the opening appears
Timing matters here. Rushing will almost certainly result in heavy damage or death.
Step 4: Insert the Second Powercell
Once inside, insert the second ARC Powercell. This unlocks the upper platform and changes the fire pattern.
Instead of a single expanding ring, the flames now shoot out in four rotating directions, creating narrow windows to move through.
Step 5: Reach the Upper Platform
You'll now need to:
1. Roll back through the fire pattern
2. Jump and climb onto the overhead platform
Stand on the edge of the curved wall to give yourself enough height. The jump looks risky, but it's very doable once you line it up correctly.
Step 6: Loot the Container
From the platform, you'll see the final obstacle: another wall of fire. It looks lethal, but you can jump straight through it safely when timed correctly.
Important note:
·The loot container can only be opened while the fire is active
·You have more time than you think-don't panic
Take a breath, open the container, and complete the objective.
A Prime Specimen Rewards
After all that effort, the loot inside the Deforester itself is… modest. You'll mainly receive:
·ARC-related metal components
·Advanced mechanical parts
While it's a bit disappointing not to find Epic crafting materials, the true rewards come from quest completion.
Quest Completion Rewards
Completing A Prime Specimen-the final quest in this chain-grants:
·1x Patrol Car Key
·3x Door Blockers
How to Use the Patrol Car Key
To use the Patrol Car Key:
1. Head to the Underground Complex on the Blue Gate Map
2. Locate the heavily fortified vehicle
3. Use the key to unlock it and access its contents
This reward alone makes the quest worth the trouble, especially for players focused on progression and high-value loot.
Final Tips for Success
·Spawn close and move fast-competition is fierce
·Bring extra Powercells to avoid wasted runs
·Don't rush the flame puzzle; patience beats panic
·Be ready for PvP near the Deforester locations
A Prime Specimen may not shower you in loot, but it delivers one of ARC Raiders' most tense environmental puzzles-and closes out its quest chain with meaningful rewards. If you're willing to brave the fire, the payoff is absolutely worth it.