The Locked Gate event offers some of the best loot in Arc Raiders, giving you access to underground areas packed with rare blueprints you won't find during normal raids. This guide covers where to find all four security codes, how to survive the increased enemy presence, and how to walk away with the Bobcat SMG blueprint.
How the Event Works
Locked Gate is a map modifier exclusive to The Blue Gate. It works like Hidden Bunker or Electromagnetic Storm, so you'll need to select it before launching your raid rather than stumbling across it mid-match.
Activating this modifier changes how the entire raid plays out. You'll have fewer Return Points available, which limits your escape routes and makes poor positioning punishing. Raider Hatches are completely disabled too, forcing your squad to stick to ground routes and plan paths carefully. On top of that, hostile ARC units patrol every security code location in force. These aren't random stragglers scattered around the map. Expect organized resistance at every objective.
The event was in the game previously but got pulled, likely because of a bug that stopped players from getting their rewards. It came back with the Cold Snap update, and everything works properly now.
Event Objectives
Your goal breaks down into a few stages. First, track down four security codes hidden across The Blue Gate map. Bring all of them to the Gate Control Room at Warehouse Complex. Input each code into its matching terminal. Once all four are in, the underground Traffic Tunnels open up. Grab the premium loot inside and get out alive.
Simple enough on paper, but limited escape routes, heavy enemy presence, and other players racing for the same loot make this one of the tougher events in the game.
Locating the Gate Control Room
You need to know where you're delivering codes before you start hunting for them. The Gate Control Room sits inside the Warehouse Complex near the center of The Blue Gate map.
Inside, you'll find multiple computer terminals on both sides of the room. Each terminal corresponds to one of the four security code locations. Walk up to any terminal to see whether that code has already been collected and submitted.
If a terminal has no interaction prompt when you approach it, another player already submitted that code. The event is first-come-first-served for individual codes, though everyone can access the underground once all four are entered.
ARC units guard the Warehouse Complex heavily. Clear them out or slip past before you start inputting codes so you don't get interrupted.
All Four Security Code Locations
The four codes spawn at fixed named locations, but within each area, the actual code hides inside a random searchable container. Cabinets, drawers, suitcases, electric panels, server racks, crates, and other loot containers can all hold the code.
Ancient Fort (Eastern Sector)
Ancient Fort takes the longest to search. The ruins are full of containers spread across a wide area, so you'll need to check a lot of spots before you find the code.
ARC Threat Level: High
Plan for extra time here. Having teammates watch for threats while others search containers keeps things moving.
Pilgrim's Peak (Western Sector)
Pilgrim's Peak is similar to Ancient Fort. Plenty of containers scattered everywhere means a thorough, time-consuming search.
ARC Threat Level: High
Don't leave assuming the code isn't there. Check every searchable object before moving on.
Raider's Refuge (Southern Sector)
Raider's Refuge has fewer containers, so you can find the code faster. The trade-off is that ARC presence here is the heaviest of all four locations.
ARC Threat Level: Very High
Speed and caution need to balance here. Fewer containers means less exposure time, but the enemy density demands careful movement.
Reinforced Reception (Northern Sector)
Reinforced Reception also has fewer containers, making it one of the quicker searches. Good for in-and-out approaches.
ARC Threat Level: High
Prioritize speed while staying aware of patrols.
Security Code Mechanics
A few mechanics govern code collection that you should know about.
Codes only spawn during active Locked Gate events. You won't find them in regular Blue Gate raids.
The code at each location appears in a random container. There's no fixed spawn point, so you have to search until you find it.
Some locations can spawn more than one code. If you find extras, grab them. You can store them in your safe pocket and use them in future matches, giving your squad a head start next time.
This storage mechanic makes the event more forgiving. If you collect codes but run out of time, just extract with what you have and come back next round to finish the job.
Environmental Hazards
ARC units aren't the only threat. Landmines spawn heavily around security code areas, especially near stairways and chokepoints where players naturally funnel through.
ARC units also position themselves to guard key points rather than just wandering around. Expect enemies covering container locations and high-traffic zones.
Stay aware of your surroundings when moving between containers. Watch the ground for mines and use cover when transitioning between search points.
Opening the Gate
Once you have all four codes and you're back at the Gate Control Room, approach each terminal and input the corresponding code. The display shows which terminals still need codes.
Before you input anything, think about timing. Do you have enough time left to open the gates, loot the underground, and extract safely? If you're running short, consider extracting with your codes and returning next match when you can start with codes already in hand.
When the final code goes in, the Locked Gate opens immediately. A notification goes out to every player on the map letting them know the underground is now accessible. The massive gates at The Checkpoint leading to the underground region swing open.
Getting Through the Underground
After opening the gate, take the zipline down into the underground section. Be ready for a fight. A Bastion guards the area inside the Outer Gates, along with several other ARC enemies.
Gear Recommendation: Equip at least a Looting MK.2 augment for better results in the underground.
Finding Your Way
After you zipline down and head inside, take an immediate right into the side tunnels. You'll find lockers and containers with high-value loot here.
Keep following the tunnels toward the southwest section called Security Wing. This area sits directly below Reinforced Reception, so your map helps with navigation.
Look for a door marked "Mantikor." Take the stairs to its right, go up, then turn right to find a breachable door. Behind it is a room with weapon lockers, security breaches, a weapon case, and other containers loaded with loot.
Where the Good Stuff Spawns
Search the entire underground area thoroughly. Loot every container you see, even if it looks unimportant like a server cabinet or plain metal crate. The Traffic Tunnels have better blueprint drop rates than surface areas.
Red lockers and drawers are particularly worth checking for valuable items, including the Bobcat SMG blueprint.
When you're done, exit the way you came and head to the nearest extraction shaft.
Bobcat SMG Blueprint Drops
The Bobcat SMG blueprint is the main prize most players are chasing. Here's how it spawns.
During the Locked Gate event, the Bobcat can drop from any container on the entire Blue Gate map, not just underground. As long as you're playing with the modifier active, any container has a chance.
The underground loot rooms likely have better odds for the Bobcat than surface locations, so fully exploring down there is worth the extra risk.
Focus on red lockers, drawers, weapon cases, and security breaches for your best chances.
Dealing with Other Players
When the gate opens, everyone on the server gets notified. Other players will rush toward the underground entrance looking for the same loot you are.
Most raiders you encounter during this event are friendly and working toward the same goal. But hostile players mix in too, and they can end your run fast if you're not careful.
Once you pick up valuable items from the tunnels, you become a target. Players will hunt anyone carrying rare loot.
Remember that Return Points are limited during this event. Know where your nearest extraction shaft is before you start grabbing loot. The longer you stay underground, the more likely other players converge on your position. Loot quickly and get out rather than trying to clear every container.
Squad Tactics
Coordinated teams have a much easier time with this event. A few approaches help.
Split Up for Codes
Instead of moving together to each location one by one, assign teammates to different code locations. This cuts your collection time dramatically.
Keep comms active throughout. Call out when you find your code, report enemy positions, and coordinate your movement back to the Gate Control Room.
Scout Before Committing
Before diving into a location, watch from a distance. See where ARC units are concentrated, spot any landmines, and plan your route through the containers to minimize exposure.
A few seconds of observation prevents mistakes that cost time and resources.
Protect Code Carriers
Once someone has a code, keeping them alive becomes priority. Squad members without codes should focus on covering the carrier rather than looking for fights.
Grab Extra Codes
If you find multiple codes at one location, take the spares. They carry over to future matches and give you a head start next time.
Control the Warehouse Complex
The Warehouse Complex sits in the middle of the map, making it useful beyond just housing the Gate Control Room. Use it as a meetup point where your squad regroups with collected codes before the final terminal inputs.
Holding this area gives you defensive advantages during code entry and immediate access to the underground once everything opens.
Plan Your Exit
Before looting underground, identify your nearest extraction shaft. Reduced escape options mean some underground spots require long runs to reach safety.
Figure out who's carrying the most valuable items and prioritize getting them out, even if other squad members need to create distractions.
Difficulty Assessment
Locked Gate ranks among the tougher content in Arc Raiders. You're dealing with fewer escape routes that punish bad decisions, heavy ARC presence at every objective including a Bastion underground, landmine fields around code locations, time pressure from competing players, and a multi-stage objective that requires crossing the map while carrying valuable items.
New players should try this with experienced squad members rather than going in solo or with a group that doesn't know the map. Understanding Blue Gate's layout and having good communication makes a big difference.
Experienced players will find it challenging but manageable, especially with good coordination and efficient objective splitting. The ability to store codes across raids means you can make gradual progress even if you can't finish everything in one run.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Select Locked Gate modifier before launching Blue Gate
- Equip a Looting MK.2 augment
- Head to Gate Control Room in Warehouse Complex at map center
- Check terminals to see which codes are still available
- Collect codes from Ancient Fort, Pilgrim's Peak, Raider's Refuge, and Reinforced Reception
- Search all container types (cabinets, drawers, suitcases, electric panels, server racks)
- Take any extra codes you find for future runs
- Watch for landmines at stairways and chokepoints
- Check your remaining time before inputting codes (extract and return if needed)
- Enter all codes at Gate Control Room terminals
- Zipline down and watch for the Bastion
- Head right into side tunnels, then continue to Security Wing below Reinforced Reception
- Find the Mantikor door, take stairs up, breach the door for weapon lockers
- Check red lockers and drawers for Bobcat blueprint chances
- Extract via nearest shaft before other players close in
Locked Gate offers the best loot opportunities in Arc Raiders for players willing to handle the extra danger. Good preparation and squad coordination make the rewards well worth the challenge.