Arc Raiders Power Out: Substation Location & Quest Guide

The sprawling, hostile world of X-Isle in Arc Raiders is filled with mysteries to uncover and threats to overcome. As a Raider, you’ll be tasked with numerous missions to aid the resistance, and one of the first you’ll encounter from the quest giver Celeste is "Power Out." While it sounds simple, the unforgiving landscape and ever-present ARC patrols can turn a straightforward objective into a perilous journey.
This guide will walk you through every step of the Power Out quest, providing the exact substation location, a step-by-step walkthrough, and essential tips to ensure you make it there and back in one piece.
How to Start the Power Out Quest
Shortly after beginning your journey as a Raider, you'll be directed to speak with Celeste in the main camp. She is a key figure in the resistance and will be a primary source for many of your early-game missions. She'll inform you that a critical nearby substation has gone dark, disrupting communications and essential services. Your objective is clear: get to the substation and restore power.
The quest will be added to your log, and while you may get a general marker on your map, pinpointing the exact location and navigating the terrain is where the real challenge begins.
Power Out Quest Location: Finding the Substation
The primary hurdle in the Power Out quest is locating the correct substation. X-Isle is a vast, overgrown environment, and it’s easy to get turned around while evading mechanical threats.
To find the substation, you'll want to head in a north-easterly direction from the main camp where you spoke with Celeste. The most reliable way to navigate is by following the large, weathered power lines that snake through the landscape. These metallic giants are your breadcrumbs.
As you follow the power lines, keep an eye out for these landmarks:
- A Shallow River Crossing: You will likely need to cross a small river or stream. This is a good indicator that you are on the right path.
- A Gentle Incline: The substation is situated on slightly higher ground, often in a small clearing in the forest.
- The Chain-Link Fence: The facility itself is a small, unassuming concrete building surrounded by a tall, rusty chain-link fence. This is your destination.
Be vigilant on your journey. ARC patrols are common along these routes, and it's often wiser to use stealth and concealment in the dense foliage rather than engaging in a direct firefight. Save your resources for when you truly need them.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Power
Once you’ve successfully located the substation, completing the objective is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps to get the power back online and complete the mission.
- Secure the Perimeter
Before you rush in, take a moment to scout the area. Sometimes, a few ARC bots are left guarding the facility. Deal with any immediate threats from a distance if possible, or sneak past them to the substation's entrance. The fence often has gaps or a main gate you can interact with. - Enter the Substation Building
The main objective is inside the concrete control building. The front door may be jammed or locked. If you can't get in through the main entrance, circle the building and look for an alternative entry point. This could be a broken window, a hole in the wall, or an unlocked maintenance hatch on the side. - Locate and Activate the Main Breaker
Inside the dimly lit building, you are looking for the main breaker panel. It is typically mounted on a wall and is easily identifiable by its industrial design, large switches, and prominent warning labels. Approach the panel and interact with it. Your character will flip the switch, and you'll hear the satisfying hum of machinery coming back to life as lights flicker on. - Return to Celeste
With the power restored, your objective is complete, but the quest isn't over. You do not need to call for an extraction for this mission. Your final step is to travel back to the main camp and report your success to Celeste. The journey back is just as dangerous as the journey there, so remain cautious. Once you speak with her, the quest will be marked as complete, and you’ll receive your rewards.
Tips for Survival and Success
- Travel Light, But Smart: Ensure you have enough ammunition and at least one or two healing items before setting out. The trip isn't long, but a single unexpected encounter can drain your resources.
- Use the Environment: The dense forests of X-Isle are your greatest asset. Use bushes, trees, and rocky outcrops as cover to break line-of-sight with enemy patrols.
- Go with a Squad: While Power Out is manageable for a solo player, tackling it with a squad makes everything easier. Teammates can provide covering fire, revive you if you go down, and help spot threats.
- Conserve Your Stamina: Don’t sprint everywhere. You’ll make more noise and be left breathless if you suddenly need to dodge or run from an enemy. Move at a steady pace and conserve your stamina for combat.
Power Out Quest Rewards
For your efforts in restoring power to the region, Celeste and the resistance will reward you handsomely. Upon completing the quest, you can expect to receive:
- A significant amount of Experience Points (XP) to help you level up.
- A bundle of valuable crafting materials and components.
- Access to the next quest in Celeste's storyline, often "Lost in Transmission."
Arc Raiders: Power Out Quest FAQ
Q: Where is the substation for the Power Out quest?
A: The substation is located north-east of the main camp. The easiest way to find it is by following the large, overhead power lines through the forest until you see a small, fenced-in concrete building on a slight hill.
Q: Do I need to fight a boss at the substation?
A: No, the Power Out quest does not feature a boss fight. However, the area may be guarded by standard ARC patrols, so be prepared for potential combat.
Q: I’m at the substation, but the door is locked. How do I get in?
A: If the main door is locked, search for an alternate entrance. This is common in Arc Raiders. Look for open windows, holes in the structure, or unlocked side doors to gain access to the breaker room.
Q: Do I need to extract after flipping the breaker switch?
A: No. After you restore power at the substation, you must return to the main camp on foot and speak directly with Celeste to turn in the quest and claim your rewards.