Understanding Field Depots
Field Depots represent important strategic locations within ARC Raiders that serve multiple gameplay functions. These structures become relevant early in your progression through the Off The Radar quest from Shani, and they continue to provide value throughout your time in the game.
Core Functions of Field Depots
Field Depots serve several purposes:
- Quest Objectives: The Off The Radar quest requires you to locate and interact with a Field Depot, specifically repairing the antenna on its roof
- Loot Sources: Field Depots provide access to loot through a repeatable activity system
- Supply Acquisition: They offer relatively quick access to in-raid supplies including ammunition, medical items, grenades, and materials
The loot acquisition system works through Field Crates. You need to locate Field Crates in buildings near the Field Depot, carry them to the machine inside the Depot, and deposit them. This process allows you to collect the items contained within the crates.
Identifying Field Depots
Field Depots have distinct visual features that make them identifiable:
- Structure Type: Large, rectangular metal buildings that resemble retro RVs
- Size: Much larger than other nearby buildings in similar areas
- Shape Description: Round, long, and ramshackle in appearance
- Roof Features: A radar tower antenna coming off the roof
- Tarp Marking: A small piece of blue tarpaulin (or draped blue tarp) on top
- Access Point: A yellow-painted ladder leading up to the radar tower for accessing higher vantage points
Map Detection Mechanics
Field Depots have specific detection mechanics you should understand:
- Proximity Detection: When you get within approximately 75 meters of a Field Depot, its icon will automatically appear on your map
- Waypoint System: Once the icon appears, you can set a waypoint to receive directional heading to the Depot
- Icon Disappearance: The icon disappears from your map if you move too far away from the Field Depot
- Visual Map Identification: If you examine the map closely, you can see Field Depot buildings represented as rectangles that are often distinct enough from surrounding structures to plan routes toward them before getting close
Dam Battlegrounds Field Depot Locations
The Dam Battlegrounds map serves as the introductory map and is recommended for completing Field Depot quests because it is the easiest map. This map contains quite a few Field Depots, with six confirmed locations identified.
Complete Location List for Dam Battlegrounds
- Between Water Towers and Electrical Substation - Located south of the Electrical Substation, just before the Water Towers
- Between Water Treatment Control and Research & Administration/Control Tower - East of the Water Treatment Elevator, west of Control Tower, near Primary Facility
- Red Lakes Balcony - Positioned between Testing Annex and Research & Administration/Control Tower, at the mid-point between the two locations
- South Swamp Outpost Area - Located west of Water Treatment and south of Old Battleground. This location is described as in the southwestern swamp, approximately 150 meters northeast of the South Swamp Outpost
- Center of Hydroponic Dome Complex - In the west of the Hydroponic Dome Complex, just below the Nature loot symbol on the map
- East of Power Generation Complex - Positioned just south of Raider Outpost East. If you spawn in the north near the Power Generation Complex, this Depot is on the easternmost edge of the yellow border, approximately 200 meters northwest of the Pump House Hatch extraction point
Location Distribution Patterns
Field Depots generally do not appear in major points of interest, though they can be located near them. When selecting which Field Depot to visit, consider the following:
- South Swamp Outpost area
- Between Water Towers and Electrical Substation
- East of Power Generation Complex
- Near Hydroponic Dome Complex
- Near Power Generation
- Near Research & Administration/Control Tower
These areas are classified as higher risk because they contain high-quality loot, which attracts more players.
Completing the Off The Radar Quest
Quest Prerequisites and Rewards
Quest Giver: Shani
Initial Rewards Upon Acceptance:
- Two Remote Raider Flares
Completion Rewards:
- Black color variant for the hiker backpack
Quest Objectives Breakdown
The Off The Radar quest contains two objectives:
- Visit a Field Depot location
- Repair the antenna on the roof of the Field Depot
Step-by-Step Quest Completion
Step 1: Route Planning
When you spawn into the map, open your map immediately and identify which Field Depot location is closest to your spawn position. If you can identify the rectangular shape of Field Depot buildings on the map, plan your route accordingly.
Step 2: Navigation
Travel to your selected Field Depot location. Remember that you will not see the Field Depot icon on your map until you are within approximately 75 meters of it.
Step 3: Roof Access
Upon reaching the Field Depot, locate the yellow-painted ladder and climb onto the roof of the structure.
Step 4: Antenna Repair
On the roof, you will find a radar dish that you can interact with.
Step 5: Quest Completion
After completing the antenna repair interaction, the quest is complete. The quest completes regardless of whether you successfully extract alive or die afterward.
Quest-Specific Information
The radar antenna is only interactable during the Off The Radar quest. After completing this quest, you cannot interact with the radar again.
Using Field Depots for Loot Acquisition
When You Learn About Loot Function
The game does not inform you that Field Depots serve a loot acquisition purpose until the Down to Earth quest, which comes later in the quest progression. Understanding this system early provides advantages.
The Field Crate System Explained
How the System Works:
- Inside each Field Depot, there is a machine that requires a Field Crate
- Field Crates can be found in buildings closest to the Field Depot
- You must carry a Field Crate to the machine inside the Depot
- Depositing the Field Crate into the machine allows you to collect the loot inside
Loot Contents:
Field Crates can contain:
- Ammunition
- Medical items
- Grenades
- Materials
Loot Distribution Within Field Depots
The Field Depot structure itself contains a small amount of loot. However, the real valuable prizes come from depositing Field Crates into the machine rather than from items simply lying around in the Depot.
Risk Assessment and Tactical Considerations
Combat Risks of Using Field Depots
Field Depots present specific tactical disadvantages you should consider:
Noise Generation:
- Using a Field Depot to open a Field Crate is noisy for a moment
- This noise can alert nearby enemies to your presence
Structural Vulnerability:
- The building functions as a giant killbox
- There is only one way out
- If an enemy is positioned at the other opening, you have limited escape options
When to Use Field Depots
Consider using Field Depots when:
- You need quick access to supplies (ammunition, medical items, grenades, materials)
- You have confirmed the area is clear of threats
- You can secure both openings of the building
- The potential loot rewards justify the noise and vulnerability risks
Avoid using Field Depots when:
- You detect nearby enemy activity
- You are in a high-traffic area with other players nearby
- You cannot secure escape routes
- You are already well-supplied and the risk outweighs potential benefits
Additional Field Depot Information
Map Availability
Field Depots can be found on all maps within ARC Raiders, not just Dam Battlegrounds. However, Dam Battlegrounds is recommended for initial Field Depot quests due to being the easiest map.
Quest Progression Connection
Field Depots are relevant for at least two quests in your progression:
- Off The Radar - requires visiting and repairing the antenna
- Down to Earth - involves the Field Crate loot system (appears later in quest progression)
Understanding Field Depot locations and mechanics during the Off The Radar quest provides preparation advantages for the Down to Earth quest.