[ARC Raiders]Complete strategy guide for the quest “Premature Announcement” | Location map of the hidden town pharmacy, Steps to obtain the ESR analyzer, Clear route within 1 round, Recommended equipment and enemy countermeasures, Complete reward details and next quest release conditions explained[ARC Raiders]

ARC Raiders is a cooperative PvE escape shooter developed by Embark Studios that was officially released on October 30, 2025 and has captivated players all over the world. In this game, you descend from an underground shelter to the ruined Rust Belt above ground, collect resources while battling a mysterious robot army ARC, and repeat crafting and upgrading.The survival element is appealing. In particular, the quests (tasks) you receive from traders have rich rewards and are essential for progressing the story and strengthening your facilities.

Among them, the “Premature Announcement” requested by the trader “Lance” is an important task that is positioned in the early medical quest chain. By clearing this quest, Rance's trust level will increase and the next chained quests such as “Past Prescriptions” and “Pharmacist's Life” will be released. Beginners may have a hard time finding a pharmacy within the time limit within one round, but this guide explains the location of hidden pharmacies in the city with a map, and provides a detailed summary of all steps from obtaining an ESR analyzer to safe return. It can be completed in about 5 to 10 minutes. Please refer to it.

Basic information and how to receive the Ark Raiders “Premature Announcement” quest

First, let's get an overview of the quest. This task belongs to Lance's exclusive quest line and can be accepted automatically after completing the prerequisite quest “Medical Supplies”. Lance is located in the trader area within the shelter and can be found on the quest board.

Quest details

• client: Lance
• Prerequisite quest: Medical supplies (Container survey at Spaceport Departure Building, Buried City Hospital, Dam Research and Management Center)
• time limit: Within 1 round (usually a 20-30 minute session)
• the goal:
  1. Investigate an ESR analyzer at a hidden town pharmacy.
  2. Deliver the ESR analyzer to Lance (take it back to the shelter base).
• Recommended level: Lv.10 or higher (this is an early quest, so even low levels can do it)
• Difficulty level: Easy (★☆☆) — Since there are few surrounding enemies in the area, you can stably clear it even solo.

Full reward list

Upon clearing, you will receive the following items. These are essential items that will greatly improve your survival rate in the early stages.

• Augment tactical MK3 (recovery) x 1: A powerful augment that automatically recovers during battle. Stamina management becomes easier.
• Surge shield recharger x 1: A convenient item that quickly charges the shield. It is useful in PvP and ARC battles.
• Increased Lance reliability: The next quest “Past Prescription” will be unlocked and the trade price will be discounted.

To utilize your rewards, we recommend equipping Augments immediately and keeping Surge Shield Recharger in your inventory. This will make your next raid much safer.

Overall image of the hidden town map and pharmacy location guide

Buried City is a map that is frequently visited in the early to middle stages of Ark Raiders. The story is set in a collapsed urban area, with buildings clustered around a square area called Piazza Albussto. The pharmacy is located on the southeast side of this area, and there are few other players around, so it's a good target.

Map commentary (text-based reproduction)

Imagine a map of a buried city. The town hall is in the center, the space travel facility is to the north, and Piazza Albusto is to the south.

• Pharmacy location: Southeast from near the center of Piazza Albusto. This is a small building icon that appears at the bottom of the map.
  • Estimated coordinates: Lower right quarter area of ​​the map, immediately southeast corner of the square.
  • Landmarks: Near the fountain and collapsed arches in the square. Be careful not to confuse it with the hospital (east side). The pharmacy is a small independent building.

In the actual in-game map image, the pharmacy is located in an area with a lot of green loot icons, and it looks like a two-story building with white walls and a brown barricaded door at the entrance. The surrounding landscape is littered with rubble and fallen cars, and resembles a relatively quiet residential area.

Complete step-by-step route for the “Premature Announcement” quest

We will explain the optimal route to ensure clearing within one round with timestamps. The time required is approximately 7 minutes (3 minutes for travel, 2 minutes for investigation, and 2 minutes for return).

Step1: Drop ship to the buried city (0:00-1:00)

• Choose a free loadout (no equipment and minimal risk).
• Drop point: Select the north side of Piazza Albusto. It is the shortest straight-line distance to the pharmacy.
• Tips: Check surrounding players while descending. To avoid PvP, use the “G key” to send the “Don't Shoo!” emote.

Step2: Move to the pharmacy entrance and break through the barricade (1:00-3:00)

• Go straight from north to southeast. There is a possibility that one or two ARC small enemies (Wasp or Pop) will appear along the way.
• Entrance: Brown door barricaded. The breakthrough will begin upon interaction (about 10 seconds). During this time, you will be defenseless, so watch your back.
• Note: The breakthrough sound can easily attract nearby players. Use cover to hide and wait.

Step3: Investigate and obtain ESR analyzer inside the pharmacy (3:00-5:00)

• There is an ESR analyzer object that glows yellow on the counter (above the cash register) at the back left on the 1st floor.
• Investigate by interacting (a few seconds). Pick up the device as soon as it appears.
• Gimmick: After investigation, the device will be added to your inventory. It's not heavy so it's easy to carry.
• Surrounding Loot: There is a weapon case. We also recommend collecting and recycling green to blue items.

Step4: Safe return and quest delivery (5:00-7:00)

• Store the ESR analyzer in the “safety pocket” (to prevent it from being lost when dropped).
• Head to the nearest escape point (in the center of Piazza Albusto). Move fast using zip lines.
• After arriving at the shelter, it will be automatically delivered to Lance. It's clear.

Avoid failure pattern: Escape immediately after obtaining the device. Don't explore too greedily and stick to the one round limit.

Recommended equipment/skills and countermeasures against enemies in the buried city

Recommended loadout (low cost)

• weapon: Ferro (large ammunition rifle) — Ideal for targeting ARC weak points. Bring 80 ammo.
• armor: 1 stack of small shield.
• consumables: Resuscitation equipment x 2, Vita spray x 1.
• Augment: Stamina recovery type (search efficiency UP).

Complete countermeasures against ARC enemies around the pharmacy

Buried City has a lot of small ARCs. You can take the initiative with sound.

• Wasp/Hornet (flying drone): If two thrusters are destroyed, it will crash immediately. Two blowjobs.
• Pop (suicide roll): Destroy from a long distance with small bullets. When in groups, use grenades.
• Fireball (flame radiation): Aim when the armor is open. Tic (spider) is a blow.
• Tips: A high-pitched warning sound warns you of an attack. By using cover, there is no chance of getting hit.

PvP measures: North American server recommended. When solo, please recruit allies on VC.

Explanation of Lance's entire quest chain (progress after “Premature Announcement”)

We will cover all the Lance lines that will be released by clearing “Premature Announcement”.

1. doctor's orders(premise)
   • Get a syringe, disinfectant, velvet mullein, and sturdy clothes.
2. medical supplies(just before)
   • Investigate containers (Spaceport 2, Buried City Hospital 3, Dam 2).
3. premature announcement(this quest)
4. past prescriptions
   • Obtain the records from the examination room on the 2nd floor of the Spaceport Departure Building. Within 1 round.
5. pharmacist's life
   • Investigate the paintings, piano, houseplants, and table on the second floor of the pharmacy.
6. new species of plant
   • Gather the orange plant near the remains of the old battlefield Baron.
7. same figure
   • Investigate the three androids on the new map Stella Monteith.

If you clear these in order, Rance's entire story will be unlocked. Medical augments will be enriched with rewards.

Common mistakes and Q&A (FAQ)

Q: I can't find a pharmacy.

A: It's confused with a hospital. It is an independent building on the southeast side of Piazza Albusto. Please check the bottom of the map.

Q: I was killed while breaking through a barricade.

A: 10 seconds alert. Please wait high on the zip line to avoid coming from behind.

Q: I dropped the ESR device.

A: A safety pocket is required. If you die, it will be difficult to get it back.

Q: I exceeded 1 round.

A: I will try again with a free loadout. We recommend learning stamina skills.

Q: I'm worried about going solo.

A: North American mackerel solo is stable. If you set up PT, you can clear it immediately.

This will solve 99% of your problems.

Summary: Accelerate the early stages with this quest

“Premature Announcement” is a simple yet rewarding quest. Anyone can clear the challenge by knowing the location of the pharmacy and following the route within one round. If you follow this guide, you will be on your way to conquering all of Lance Line. Your shelter reinforcement will accelerate.