ARC Raiders: Dust on the Lines - How to Solve the Quest

In the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of ARC Raiders, side quests are more than just fetch-and-carry tasks-they're windows into the game's lore and opportunities to sharpen your survival skills. "Dust on the Lines" is one such quest, a narrative-driven journey that sends you into the industrial ruins of the Spaceport to uncover the fate of a missing scout patrol. While it's not a combat-heavy mission, its multi-step structure and single-round requirement can trip up even seasoned raiders. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to complete "Dust on the Lines" efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and claim your reward. This will help you obtain more ARC Raiders BluePrints and other rewards.

Prerequisites and Preparation: Set Yourself Up for Success

Before dropping into the Spaceport, take a few minutes to prepare-this will save you time and frustration later. First, ensure you've completed the prerequisite quest "The Trifecta," as "Dust on the Lines" unlocks immediately after. This quest is part of Shani's story arc, so finishing it will also unlock follow-up missions like "Waking the Grid" and "Fragmented Logs".

Your loadout is critical here. The most essential item is an augment with a "Safe Pocket." This feature protects the quest's key item-the Scout Patrol Note-even if you die before extraction. Without it, you'll lose progress and have to restart the entire round. Prioritize a light mobility build over heavy armor; you'll be covering significant ground, and speed will help you avoid PvP encounters and wasted time.

Keep your inventory light. Bring a flashlight for darker interiors (though the Spaceport is mostly daylight) and minimal loot to avoid encumbrance. If possible, spawn on the eastern side of the map-this puts you closer to the first objective and reduces the distance you'll need to travel.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Completing All Objectives in One Round

The biggest challenge of "Dust on the Lines" is that all six objectives must be completed in a single round. Rushing or getting lost will force you to start over, so follow this step-by-step path to stay on track.

Objective 1 & 2: Visit a Field Depot and Transmit the Scout Log

Start by heading to any Field Depot on the eastern side of the Spaceport. There are multiple depots here, but the southernmost one is recommended-it's closest to the next objective, saving you valuable running time.

Once inside the depot, locate the Field Radio. It's usually on the only desk in the small building, marked by a faint glow. Interact with it to transmit the scout group's last log to Shani. This will update your quest and unlock the next objective automatically.

Objective 3: Interact with the Terminal in the Old Raider Tower

Next, make your way to the Old Raider Tower, which sits north of the Maintenance Hangar. The Maintenance Hangar is easy to spot-it's between the Employee Parking Lot and Fuel Storage Area on the southern part of the map.

From the hangar, head northwest to find the tower. It's perched above a small path, making it hard to miss. Climb the stairs to the top, where you'll find a terminal. Interact with it to receive your next set of instructions from Shani.

Objective 4: Find Traces of the Scout Patrol Near the Maintenance Hangar

Leave the Raider Tower and head back to the Maintenance Hangar. The scout patrol's traces are located on the southwest corner of the hangar's exterior. Look for a sloped area with overturned carts-this is where the patrol was last seen.

Approach the carts, and a prompt will appear to transmit the location to Shani. Complete this interaction, and your quest will update once more, directing you to search for the scouts' remains.

Objective 5: Search the Scouts' Remains

You won't have to go far- the scouts' remains are just a few steps from the patrol traces. Look for a cart covered in a blue tarp, with barrels inside. This is where the scouts left their belongings.

Interact with the cart to find the Scout Patrol Note. Be sure to pick it up immediately-this is the item you'll need to extract. If you have a Safe Pocket augment, store it there now to protect it from loss.

Objective 6: Deliver the Note to Shani

With the note in hand, your final task is to extract from the Spaceport and deliver it to Shani in Speranza. Head to the nearest extraction point-keep an eye on your map to avoid getting lost or wandering into high-traffic PvP zones.

Once you reach Speranza, locate Shani and interact with her to hand over the note. She'll thank you for uncovering the scout patrol's fate, and you'll complete the quest. Your reward? A unique "Fax Machine" backpack charm, a retro tech cosmetic to personalize your raider's gear.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might run into snags. Here are solutions to the most common problems raiders face during "Dust on the Lines."

If you can't find the Field Radio or terminal, double-check your location. The Field Radio is always on a desk inside eastern Field Depots, and the Raider Tower terminal is at the top of the structure-don't forget to climb the stairs.

If the game crashes or freezes mid-quest, try basic fixes: run the game as an administrator, verify game files through your platform (Steam/Epic Games Store), and close background overlays like Discord or MSI Afterburner. These steps resolve most stability issues.

If you die without a Safe Pocket and lose the Scout Patrol Note, you'll have to restart the round. This is why the Safe Pocket augment is non-negotiable-invest in one before attempting the quest if you don't already have it.

Final Tips for a Smooth Run

Treat this quest as a "ghost run"-prioritize stealth and positioning over fighting. The mission has no combat requirements, so avoiding other players and ARC enemies will save you time and prevent unnecessary deaths.

Time your run for lower-population server windows if possible. Fewer players mean less risk of PvP encounters, making it easier to focus on objectives. If you spawn on the western side of the map, take a wide arc to avoid the busy central zone.

Finally, take your time. Rushing can lead to missed prompts or getting lost, which will only extend your run. Follow the path outlined above, and you'll complete "Dust on the Lines" in 5–10 minutes, depending on your spawn location.

"Dust on the Lines" may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and step-by-step approach, it's a straightforward quest that offers both lore depth and a fun exploration challenge. Get ready to buy ARC Raiders Weapons to quickly boost your power and complete missions with greater ease. By following this guide, you'll uncover the fate of the missing scouts, advance Shani's story, and add a unique cosmetic to your collection-all while honing your navigation skills in the harsh world of ARC Raiders.