Root of the Matter isn't a long quest, but it takes you into one of the busiest and most punishing areas in Buried City. You'll deal with ARC patrols, other raiders competing for the same space, and a few mechanics that can trip you up if you're not prepared. This guide walks you through the whole thing, from picking your loadout to securing the seed sample and getting back to Speranza.
What Is the Root of the Matter Quest?
Root of the Matter is part of the ongoing effort to keep Speranza, the underground community you support throughout Arc Raiders, stocked and functioning. Your job is to head to the Research Building in Buried City and track down a seed vault. Interact with it, secure a seed sample, and the quest is done. When you return to Speranza, find Celeste to claim your reward. She'll have more work lined up for you.
Loadout Advice Before You Drop
You don't need to extract for Root of the Matter to count as complete. The quest registers once you secure the seed sample, so dying topside won't undo your progress. A free loadout is the smart call here, especially if you're not feeling confident about surviving the Research Building. You won't lose any good gear if things go sideways.
Getting to the Research Building
The Research Building sits in central Buried City, to the right of Marano Park. It's one of the most contested spots in the game. Expect other raiders pushing for the same loot, plus ARC enemies covering both the interior and the surrounding area. Approaching from the Marano Park side puts you in range of large ARC patrolling the square, so plan your route before committing to an angle.
Finding the Room With a Great View
Your quest objective points you to a spot the game calls "the room with a great view." It's on the west side of the Research Building, with a massive window looking out over Marano Park. Follow these steps once you're inside:
- Approach the building through the open windows facing Town Hall.
- Head down the hallway once you're inside.
- Take the second left into a lab area.
- Look along the southern wall for the seed vault.
The vault is a cylindrical container with a bright yellow color and a matching yellow quest interact prompt. It's easy to spot among everything else in the room.
Securing the Seed Sample
Interact with the vault to start the Secure Seeds prompt. Once you complete it, the seed sample drops onto the floor as a physical item. Pick it up and put it straight into your safe pocket.
After You've Got the Sample
With the seed safely in your pocket, you can do whatever you want. Stay in the building and keep looting, pick fights, or head straight for extraction. The quest progress is locked in regardless.
To extract, head to Northern Station, northwest of the Research Building. It's the closest exit point. Buried City's train stations tend to have Pod ARCs lurking inside, and these enemies explode when you get close. Move carefully through the entrance and don't rush in.
Collecting Your Reward
Back at Speranza, talk to Celeste to finish the quest and pick up your reward. Extracted clean or came back via safe pocket, it doesn't change the outcome. She'll close out Root of the Matter and send you on to the next job.
Quick Reference
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to the Research Building, right of Marano Park in central Buried City |
| 2 | Enter through the open windows facing Town Hall |
| 3 | Head down the hallway, take the second left into a lab |
| 4 | Find the bright yellow seed vault on the southern wall |
| 5 | Complete the Secure Seeds interaction |
| 6 | Put the seed sample in your safe pocket immediately |
| 7 | Extract via Northern Station (northwest) or let the safe pocket do the work |
| 8 | Talk to Celeste at Speranza for your reward |