[ARC Raiders]First foothold complete strategy guide | Complete explanation of detailed procedures, rewards, recommended routes, and precautions with maps of all 4 Blue Gate locations[Ark Raiders]

Many players would like to clear “First Foothold,” which is one of the important early quests in ARC Raiders. This quest is an order from Trader Apollo, and involves maintaining four facilities on the Blue Gate map. By clearing them, you can obtain valuable grenades, which will come in handy in the later battles.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to order the quest, the rewards, the exact locations of all four locations on the Blue Gate map, procedures, recommended routes, and precautions. The detailed map with images is reproduced in text so that even beginners can complete the game without hesitation. It also covers tips and related quests for dangerous environments in PvPvE. The required time is 1 to 2 locations in one raid, but it can be completed reliably by dividing it into multiple raids.

Quest overview and ordering method

Quest basic information

• Quest name: A First Foothold
• Order NPC: Apollo – in the trader area of ​​Speranza.
• Target map: Blue Gate – Unlocked by clearing 18 rounds of the regular map. If you haven't unlocked it yet, try gaining experience on low difficulty maps first.
• quest goal
  1. Stabilize the lookout near the ridge
  2. Enable communication terminal near olive grove
  3. Rotate the satellite dish on the roof of the church north of the data storage room.
  4. Nail the shingle to the raider's residence near the trapper's clearing.
• Supplied items: Noise generator (can be used to guide enemies)
• Completion conditions: Achieved all 4 objectives (in any order, no need to clear all in 1 raid, no need to escape)
• Recommended level: Early stage (around level 10). The free loadout is sufficient.

Order procedure

1. Return to Speranza and talk to Apollo.
2. Select “First Foothold” from the quest menu to accept the order.
3. Select Blue Gate and deploy. The objective will be displayed on the map in the quest tracker.

Prerequisites:
Blue Gate is released (all maps cleared 18 rounds). If you haven't yet, earn rounds at the Spaceport and Dam Battlefields. Aim for 3-5 rounds per raid.

This quest increases Apollo's trust level and leads to the next quest “Rubble Road”. Clear it early to strengthen your trader relationship.

Reward list

Clear rewards are mainly grenades, which dramatically strengthen early battles. It is summarized in the table below.

reward item	quantity	Effects/Applications
sharpnel grenade	1	Wide area explosive damage. Perfect for ARC flocks.
snapblast grenade	1	Wipe out enemies at close range with an instant explosion. Useful for PvP.
heavy fuse grenade	1	High damage delayed explosion. Effective for boss class ARC.
XP (experience points)	Appropriate amount	Accelerate your level up.
Apollo reliability increased	–	You can unlock subsequent quests and get discounts.

These grenades are light in weight and easy to inventory, so use them immediately. When playing in a party, it is very efficient because one person clears one goal and everyone receives credits.

Blue Gate entire map and recommended routes

Blue Gate is a vast valley-shaped map with a Highway Collapse in the center and POIs (Points of Interest) scattered around it. All four objectives are arranged clockwise, and the efficient routes are as follows:

Text map reproduction (north is up)

          (③教会屋根 (Data Vault北))
             |
(②通信端末 (Olive Grove左)) --- (中央: Highway Collapse) --- (①展望台 (Ridgeline東))
             |
          (④レイダー住居 (Trapper's Glade西))

• Recommended solo route: It depends on the spawn location, but if you spawn in the south, it's ②→①, and if you spawn in the north, it's ③→④. Please keep raids to no more than 2 locations and prioritize escape.
• Recommended party route: Sharing – 1 person ①, 1 person ②, 2 people ③④. Share via communication, merge and escape.
• Time required: 2 to 5 minutes per goal. Total time is 15-30 minutes (multiple raids).

Tips: Open the map and check the POI name. Look for “Ridgeline”, “Olive Grove”, “Data Vault”, and “Trapper's Glade” as landmarks.

Objective 1: Stabilize the observation deck near the ridge (Eastern Ridgeline)

Location details

• Coordinate guide: On the eastern edge of the map, near the end of the “e” of the Ridgeline marker. This is an observation deck with a flag on top of a hill in a forested area.
• Image description (text reproduction): A small wooden deck with cones and chairs. The area is surrounded by trees and visibility is good, but be careful of snipers. The interaction prompt “Stabilize Deck” will appear.

procedure

1. Head up the hill towards Ridgeline.
2. We discover a flagged deck (with metal panels).
3. Approach and interact (1-2 seconds). Confirm with completion sound and effects.
4. Immediately clear the surrounding area and head for escape.

Points to note/Tips

• It's relatively safe, but patrolling ARCs (Bombardiers) are likely to come. Please use a noise generator to guide them.
• The free loadout is more than enough. Be careful not to fall as it is a high place.
• Since it is close to a PvP-prone area, approach without making any noise.

Objective 2: Enable the communication terminal near the olive grove (Southern Olive Grove)

Location details

• Coordinate guide: On the left (west) side of Olive Grove POI, on the platform at the bottom of the hill. A yellow computer terminal.
• Image description (text reproduction): A flat area overlooking an olive grove. The terminal is on top of a box, and there are many players around who are aiming for the quest item (lemon).

procedure

1. Head to the western part of Olive Grove. Go down the hill to reach the platform.
2. Discover your device (powered off).
3. Power on with interaction. Complete with screen effects.

Points to note/Tips

• This is a crowded area of ​​players. It is easy to encounter Scrappy who is training.
• There are containers around the terminal. Please also loot.
• Night raids are recommended (low visibility and easier to avoid PvP).

Objective 3: Rotate the satellite antenna on the roof of the church north of the data vault (north/North of the Data Vault)

Location details

• Coordinate guide: Northwest of the Data Vault and west of Pilgrim's Peak. The roof of the ruined church.
• Image description (text reproduction): Scaffolding and crates are piled up behind the church. There is a satellite antenna (swivelable) in the center of the roof.

procedure

1. Head north to the Data Vault. Found the scaffolding behind the church.
2. Climb (jump + wall kick) to get to the roof.
3. Interact with the antenna (rotation animation).
4. Get off and leave immediately.

Points to note/Tips

• Climbing is required. If you have not yet learned the skill “Parkour”, please practice.
• Snipes are dangerous on the roof. Use smoke grenades.
• It's a quiet area, but there are ARC reconnaissance planes patrolling.

Objective 4: Nail the shingle to the raider's house near the trapper's glade (Western Trapper's Glade)

Location details

• Coordinate guide: Below the Trapper's Glade text, there is a hut in the forest.
• Image description (text reproduction): There is sheet metal that has shifted on the shed roof. Access via ladder or wall climbing.

procedure

1. Head south on Trapper's Glade to Morima Hut.
2. Climb onto the roof (using the side walls).
3. Interact “nail the shingles” with the sheet.
4. After completing, be aware of your surroundings.

Points to note/Tips

• This is the most dangerous area. ARC and raiders will be common.
• If you are near the spawn, please clear it first.
• We recommend exiting the hatch immediately after clearing.

Strategy notes and advanced tips

Common points to note

• Free loadout required: High risk. Sortie with random equipment + recovery.
• Multiple raids OK: Progress will be saved. Don't rush to clear everything in one day.
• party sharing: If you're not good at playing solo, ask for friends. If one person clears, everyone will progress.
• Enemy countermeasures: ARC (Bombardier, Scout) attracts with a noise device. Raiders prioritize evasion.
• Escape timing: After achieving the goal, head to the nearest hatch (elevator). It can be operated by crawling even when down.

Advanced Tips

1. route optimization: Minimize the travel distance clockwise (①→②→③→④).
2. Combined with loot: There are blueprints and junk in containers everywhere. Gather workshop reinforcement materials.
3. Time zone selection: Low visibility and safety at night (Night Assault).
4. Skill recommendation: Efficiency is greatly increased with stamina expansion, parkour, and silencer.
5. common mistakes: I made a mistake climbing the roof and entered a PvP intensive area. Check the map constantly.
6. Augment: Increase weight with MK1 free augment. Replace it with a lance.

Tips category	detail
safe movement	With an adrenaline injection, you can sprint without any gaps.
PvP avoidance	Make no noise and take advantage of cover.
Maximize loot	Open all containers near the target.

This can significantly reduce the failure rate.

Related quests and Apollo line strategy

After clearing “First Foothold”, Apollo/Shani Line will be unlocked.

• next quest: Debris road (collapsed expressway investigation).
• overall flow: Shani (reconnaissance) → Celeste (resources) → Tian Wen (combat) → Apollo (base maintenance).
• merit: You can get discounts and exclusive blueprints with maximum reliability.

Out of all 63 quests, this one is required in the beginning. Please proceed with Celeste's “Bad Premonition” in parallel.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What should I do if Blue Gate is not released yet?

A1: 18 rounds on a regular map. There are 3 rounds per raid, approximately 6 times. Please use the free loadouts.

Q2: Is it possible to clear it solo?

A2: Yes. Aim for 1-2 goals per raid. It's even easier if you're at a party.

Q3: No interaction?

A3: Check the exact location. There are required areas on the roof. No relog required.

Q4: When can I get the reward?

A4: After completing all 4, submit it to Apollo in Speranza. Get it now.

Q5: Is it impossible because there is too much PvP?

A5: Aim for nighttime/off-peak hours. If you prioritize avoidance, you'll be fine.

Q6: Will the blueprints fall?

A6: Low probability in surrounding containers. I also recommend root.

This will solve almost everything. Please comment if you have any trouble.

Summary: Clear it now and get the grenade!

ARC Raiders' “first foothold” is a great chance to conquer Blue Gate for the first time and get grenades. All 4 objectives can be completed within 30 minutes with free loadouts, multiple raids, and efficient routes. The reward grenades will make clearing the ARC much easier and give you a lot of momentum in the early stages. If you follow the precautions carefully, even beginners can definitely clear the exam. As soon as you clear it, advance through the Apollo line and strengthen Speranza. Take the first step in your Raider life!

Happy raiding!