Arc Raiders' Combat Recon quest is a pivotal mid-game mission that blends exploration, stealth, and strategic combat. Given by Shani-Speranza's head of security-this quest tasks you with scouting critical locations in the Buried City and neutralizing Arc spotters, all while gathering vital intelligence to counter the ARC Raiders BluePrints mechanical menace.
Designed to test your navigation skills and combat awareness, Combat Recon is more than just a fetch quest: it teaches core mechanics like cover usage, enemy prioritization, and loot extraction. Whether you're a solo raider or playing with a squad, this guide will walk you through every step efficiently, ensuring you complete the quest without unnecessary setbacks.
1. Quest Prerequisites & Preparation
Before diving into Combat Recon, you need to meet a few simple prerequisites. First, you must have completed Shani's earlier quests, such as "Picking Up the Pieces" and "Clearer Skies," as quest chains in Arc Raiders are linear-new missions unlock only after finishing previous ones.
Next, prepare your loadout for success. This quest requires both recon and combat, so prioritize versatility. Equip a reliable assault rifle (like the Rattler III) for medium-range fights and a heavy weapon (such as the Ferro IV) to take down spotters quickly.
Don't forget utility items: a zipline to traverse rooftops, a healing spray (Vita Spray) for emergencies, and a tagging grenade to reveal hidden enemies. These tools will save you time and keep you alive in the contested Buried City.
Finally, ensure you have enough ammo (especially heavy ammo for spotters) and a free inventory slot-you'll need to collect a Spotter Relay later in the quest to turn in to Shani.
2. Step 1: Scope Out the Parking Garage Stairwell
Your first objective is to scout a cover position inside the Buried City's parking garage stairwell. The parking garage is easy to locate: it sits near the hospital and space travel buildings, making it a distinct POI on your map.
Once you reach the garage, avoid unnecessary fights with patrolling Arc drones. Head inside and climb the staircases until you reach the garage exit door. For a faster route, use the zipline in the center of the garage to skip most of the climb.
When you reach the designated cover spot near the exit door, a yellow interaction prompt will appear. Press "E" to scope out the area-this completes the first objective. Move quickly afterward, as Arc patrols often wander into the stairwell.
3. Step 2: Scope Out the Buses Near Marano Park
Next, make your way to Marano Park, located near the center of the Buried City map. This area is often patrolled by Bombardiers and their accompanying spotters, so stay alert and use cover to avoid detection.
The objective is to scope out a cover spot near the buses parked at the western entrance of the park. These buses are broken and scattered, providing natural cover from enemy fire.
Approach the bus closest to the nearby building, circle to the left, and look for the yellow interaction prompt. Press "E" to scout the area-this marks the second objective as complete. Take a moment to check your surroundings; Bombardiers often spawn nearby, so be ready to fight or flee.
4. Step 3: Scope Out the Attics Along Main Street
The third recon objective takes you to the attics around Main Street, near Plaza Rosa. This area requires a bit of platforming, so your zipline will be invaluable here.
Head to the southern part of the Buried City, near the Santa Maria Complex. Climb onto the rooftops using ladders or ziplines, and look for houses with open windows-these lead to the attics you need to scout.
Once inside a house, use the zipline or stairs to reach the attic. Approach the attic window overlooking the street, and press "E" when the prompt appears to scope out the cover spot. You can use any attic in the area, so if one is occupied by enemies, simply move to another house.
5. Step 4: Destroy Two Arc Spotters
With the recon objectives complete, it's time to eliminate the Arc threat. Your next task is to destroy two spotters-flying Arc drones that assist Bombardiers by improving their targeting capabilities.
Spotters are most commonly found patrolling near Bombardiers, so focus your search on Marano Park and the surrounding areas. They fly in a fixed vicinity around their Bombardier, making them easy to track once you locate the larger enemy.
Use heavy weapons to take down spotters quickly-two shots from an Anvil or Ferro IV are usually enough to destroy one. Avoid fighting them in open areas; use cover to avoid being targeted by the Bombardier while you eliminate its spotters.
After destroying a spotter, approach its husk and collect the Spotter Relay. You only need one relay for the final objective, but collecting both ensures you don't have to backtrack if you drop one.
6. Step 5: Deliver the Spotter Relay to Shani
The final step of the Combat Recon quest is to return to Speranza and deliver the Spotter Relay to Shani. Before extracting, double-check that you have the relay in your inventory-losing it means you'll have to buy ARC Raiders Materials destroy another spotter to get a new one.
Extract from the Buried City safely, either by reaching an extraction point or calling in a dropship. Once back in Speranza, locate Shani near the security hub-she'll be marked on your map with a quest icon.
Talk to Shani and select the option to deliver the Spotter Relay. She'll thank you for the intelligence and reward you for completing the quest, marking the end of Combat Recon.
