Water Troubles is a core exploration quest in ARC Raiders, issued by the NPC Celeste. Set entirely on the Dam Battlegrounds map, this short yet essential mission focuses on investigating the local water supply system. Players need to locate hidden tunnel passages and collect critical water samples to finish the quest.

Though classified as a low-combat exploration task, the quest area is frequently patrolled by ARC enemy units. Careless progression can lead to unexpected encounters and failed attempts. Completing the quest rewards valuable crafting ARC Raiders Materials for early to mid-game gear upgrades.

Pre-Mission Preparation & Recommended Loadout

This quest does not require heavy combat gear, making it accessible for all player levels. A lightweight loadout is highly recommended to boost movement speed for faster exploration. Light armor reduces stamina consumption while traversing uneven dam terrain.

Bring a basic ranged weapon for self-defense only. ARC Wasps and small patrol squads often linger near tunnel entrances and water supply facilities. Players can also use the free default loadout to keep personal gear safe during the mission.

Step 1: Locate the Flood Access Tunnel

After spawning on Dam Battlegrounds, head to the central-east zone of the map. Focus on finding the Red Lake Balcony and the nearby Control Tower, the two main landmarks for this quest.

The Flood Access Tunnel sits directly east of the Control Tower, beneath the Red Lake Balcony area. Look for a large, open circular pipe built into the ground near water treatment structures. If you reach the balcony, use the nearby ladders to descend to the basin floor to find the tunnel entrance easily.

Step 2: Find the District's Water Supply Intake

Enter the Flood Access Tunnel and follow the straightforward corridor deep into the complex. The tunnel path has no branching routes, so players can move forward without worrying about getting lost.

Continue through the tunnel until you reach an open underground chamber. In this chamber, you will find the District's Water Supply intake device, the core objective marker for the quest. Clear any nearby patrolling enemies before proceeding to avoid interruptions.

Step 3: Collect the Water Sample

Approach the highlighted water supply intake and interact with it to collect the water sample. The interaction process is quick, but stay vigilant during the animation. Enemy patrols may enter the chamber and attack unaware players.

Once the sample collection finishes, the quest objectives are fully completed. You do not need to return to a specific NPC to turn in the mission. The rewards are automatically added to your inventory after successful collection.

Quest Rewards & Pro Tips

The Water Troubles quest offers three sets of practical crafting materials: three Mechanical Components, three Simple Gun Parts, and three Steel Springs. These resources are vital for upgrading basic weapons and repairing armor in early gameplay stages.

For a smoother run, ignore optional side cheap ARCR Items during the quest. Focus solely on the objective chain to minimize enemy encounters. If the Harvester event is active, exercise extra caution, as boss patrols often cover the dam basin area.

This quest is also part of a longer quest line from Celeste. Finishing it unlocks subsequent exploration missions on the Dam Battlegrounds map, helping players progress further in the game's story and earn more advanced rewards.