If you’ve been playing Arc Raiders, you’ve probably come across the quest called The Root of the Matter. Many players find it confusing at first because the directions aren’t very specific, and the game’s phrasing can be a little misleading. I’ve been running this quest several times, and in this guide, I’ll explain how it actually works, how most players approach it, and what you can expect along the way.

Who Gives the Quest and Where to Start?

The Root of the Matter is given by Celeste, the trader you usually find in Buried City. Most players will have completed the previous quest, Untended Garden, before this one, though it isn’t strictly required to start the quest.

When you accept the quest, Celeste mentions that the seed vault is in a "room with a great view." That phrase is repeated several times in dialogue and can throw players off if you’re trying to follow the map literally.

Where to Go: Research Building Basics

In general, players head to the Research Building, which is marked on your map once the quest is active. Inside, the vault is located in the northern section of the building, in the park-facing room on the floor where the upward and downward zips align.

For most players, the easiest way to navigate is to focus on these practical markers:

• Northern section of the building: Look at the map and approach the top half of the structure.

• Park-facing windows: Most players remember the room because it has large windows overlooking the outside.

• Ziplines: The correct floor is where the upward and downward ziplines are closest to each other. This usually makes it simple to find without wandering the whole building.

Once you locate the correct room, the vault is inside, and you can interact with it to get the Experimental Seed Sample.

Collecting and Delivering the Seed Sample

After you grab the Experimental Seed Sample, your next step is to return to Celeste in Buried City. In practice, most players find this part straightforward: you just follow the quest marker back.

Once you deliver the sample, you’ll unlock the Backpack Charm (Succulent) and 1,000 in-game currency. The video cutscene for The Root of the Matter also plays, which is a nice touch but not essential for gameplay.

A small note: the quest text mentions "the notes you found last time," but in practice, both Celeste and the subtitles sometimes refer to the seeds being found in the domes. Most players ignore this inconsistency, as it doesn’t affect the quest mechanics.

Tips from Experienced Players

Here are some practical tips based on common player behavior and experience:

1. Follow landmarks rather than map labels: The game’s instructions can be vague. Most players find it faster to look for the park-facing room and the ziplines rather than trying to memorize the map location.

2. Expect minor dialogue inconsistencies: The way Celeste talks about previous seed samples doesn’t always match quest text. In general, this won’t affect your objectives, but it can confuse new players.

3. Backpack space matters: Make sure you have room before picking up the Experimental Seed Sample. While most players only carry one quest item at a time, cluttered inventory can sometimes prevent pickup.

4. Replay strategy: If you want to farm this quest or similar items, it’s faster to memorize the northern park-facing room rather than searching each time.

5. Blueprint farming: Many players use the quest loop to access areas where loot spawns. For example, cheap arc raiders blueprints can occasionally appear from side containers in the northern sections. They aren’t guaranteed, but checking these areas consistently can increase your chances without relying on external marketplaces.

Common Questions from Other Players

Q: Do I need to complete other quests first? A: Not strictly, but having finished Untended Garden makes the story flow more logically.

Q: How long does this quest usually take? A: Most players complete it in 10–15 minutes if they know the room location. If you’re exploring the building for the first time, add 5–10 extra minutes.

Q: Are there any enemies or combat in this quest? A: In general, the Research Building has light resistance but nothing too difficult. Most players find it more of a navigation challenge than a combat-heavy one.

Q: Can I replay this quest? A: Yes. You can repeat it to farm rewards or unlock collectibles, and the northern room remains a reliable location for repeated seed collection.

Q: Why is the quest called The Root of the Matter? A: The name is a simple reference to the seeds and the experimental plant research. Most players treat it more as flavor text than as a gameplay clue.

The Root of the Matter is mostly a navigation and collection quest. Experienced players quickly learn to ignore minor inconsistencies in dialogue and focus on landmarks inside the Research Building. Knowing where the park-facing room is and which floor aligns with the ziplines can save a lot of time.

This quest also gives a chance for side loot, such as cheap arc raiders blueprints, making it useful to revisit areas you might otherwise overlook. Overall, the quest is simple but can feel confusing if you follow the text too literally rather than practical markers.

For players looking to move efficiently through Buried City and related quests, remembering these small practical tips can save a lot of frustration.

Replay Tips: Arc Raiders Vertical Grip 3 Blueprint Guide