Arc Raiders 'Building a Library' Quest Guide: Missions & Gameplay
The highly anticipated free-to-play shooter, Arc Raiders, is generating significant buzz for its unique blend of cooperative action and tense extraction gameplay. Set in a stunning, retro-futuristic world ravaged by robotic invaders, players will take on the role of Raiders, scavenging for survival. While details are still emerging from developer Embark Studios, early information points toward a deep mission structure, exemplified by a complex objective known as "Building a Library," which promises to test the skills of even the most coordinated squads.
This quest serves as a perfect example of the challenges and narrative depth players can expect. It involves more than just surviving; it requires tactical precision, environmental awareness, and a bit of bravery to secure valuable lore items from the heart of danger. Let’s break down what this mission entails and what it tells us about the future of gameplay in Arc Raiders.
What is the Building a Library Quest?
Based on available intelligence, "Building a Library" is a multi-part objective given by a character named Apollo, who resides in the main social hub of Speranza. The core task is to venture into the treacherous Buried City, locate a specific library, and retrieve three distinct books. The mission is designed to be a significant challenge, pushing players to navigate a dangerous, high-traffic zone filled with lethal ARC machines.
The true test lies in the extraction requirement: to successfully complete the quest, a Raider must escape the planet's surface with all three books in their inventory during a single deployment. Failing to extract, or only extracting with one or two of the books, will require another full attempt. This all-or-nothing design is a staple of the extraction genre and ensures every run is a high-stakes gamble.
Navigating the Dangers of the Buried City
The Buried City is rumored to be one of the game's most contested points of interest. As a sprawling urban ruin, it offers both verticality and tight corridors, creating a dynamic combat environment. ARC patrols are heavy in this region, and the concentrated loot opportunities will likely attract other Raider squads, turning the mission into a tense PvPvE encounter.
Success in this quest will hinge on strategy and preparation. Squads will need to decide on their approach:
- Stealth and Speed: A quiet approach may be best. Avoiding unnecessary combat, identifying the library's location, and quickly securing the books before ARC forces or rival players can react is a viable, if difficult, strategy. This will require precise communication and map knowledge.
- Force and Dominance: Alternatively, a well-armed squad could attempt to lock down the library, using overwhelming firepower to clear out any threats, secure the books, and fight their way to an extraction point. This approach is risky and resource-intensive but can be effective for confident teams.
Knowing the exact locations of the books is the key to minimizing time spent in this hazardous area. While the layout can change, the books are typically found in specific sections of the library structure.
Book Locations in the Buried City Library
When you enter the main library building within the Buried City, you'll need to search three key areas. Preparation is everything, so study these locations to make your retrieval as efficient as possible.
- The Main Floor: One book is often found on a lectern or a central table on the ground floor of the library. This is usually the most exposed position, so be prepared for immediate threats upon entry. It's wise to have one teammate grab this book while others provide overwatch.
- The Upper Balcony: Look for a staircase or ladder leading to the second level. A second book is typically located on a bookshelf or small desk along the upper balcony that overlooks the main floor. This provides a better vantage point but can leave you vulnerable to enemies below.
- The Back Office: The third and final book is usually tucked away in a small, enclosed office or administrative room connected to the main library hall. You may need to search desks and filing cabinets in this area. This location offers more cover but can easily become a trap if enemies push in.
Remember, a successful run requires extracting with all three books at once. If a teammate carrying a book is downed, it is critical to retrieve the item from them before reviving or moving on. Losing a single book means the entire objective is failed for that raid.
The Deeper Lore of Arc Raiders
The "Building a Library" quest does more than just provide a gameplay challenge; it hints at the rich narrative woven into the world of Arc Raiders. The very act of retrieving books for a character named Apollo suggests a desperate struggle to reclaim and preserve the knowledge, culture, and history of a world on the brink of collapse.
These aren't just loot items; they are pieces of a story waiting to be told. Each successful mission will likely contribute to rebuilding the society in Speranza and uncovering the secrets behind the ARC invasion. This focus on narrative objectives elevates Arc Raiders from a simple shooter to a compelling, cooperative storytelling experience. Players aren't just fighting for loot—they're fighting to rebuild civilization.
Arc Raiders FAQ
What kind of game is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is a free-to-play, third-person cooperative extraction shooter. Players team up to drop onto a hostile planet, fight against robotic enemies (and potentially other players), complete objectives, and extract with valuable resources.
When is Arc Raiders releasing?
Embark Studios has not yet announced a final release date. The game has undergone several closed alpha and beta tests as the team continues to refine the experience.
Will Arc Raiders be available on consoles?
Arc Raiders is confirmed for release on PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.