ARC Raiders A Wrench in the Works Quest Guide
The "A Wrench in the Works" quest in ARC Raiders is one of the early Riven Tides missions that takes players back to the classic Spaceport map. While the objective chain is relatively short, it introduces important gameplay flow elements such as environmental interaction, multi-zone traversal, and risk management in contested areas.
For players looking to progress efficiently while farming valuable ARC Raiders Items, this quest is an easy but important stepping stone in the broader progression system.
What Is A Wrench in the Works?
A Wrench in the Works is a two-step quest given by Celeste that sends players across two distinct points in Spaceport:
·Search for a bus near the western gate
·Locate sabotage supplies at the Water Towers
Unlike many high-risk missions in ARC Raiders, this quest does not require extraction to complete, meaning you can finish it even if you die afterward.
This makes it ideal for low-risk runs, especially if you use a free loadout and focus purely on objectives.
Step 1: Search for the Bus Near the Western Gate
The first objective takes place at the western gate entrance of Spaceport, a familiar but often contested area.
To complete this step:
·Head to the bus parked near the western gate checkpoint
·Enter the bus interior
·Interact with the driver's seat prompt
Once activated, your objective will update automatically, signaling the next destination.
This step is intentionally simple, but it also introduces players to one of the game's core mechanics: interacting with environmental objects to trigger quest progression.
While the area can sometimes have enemy presence, most players complete this step quickly and move on without engagement.
Step 2: Locate Sabotage Supplies at the Water Towers
After completing the bus interaction, your next destination is the Water Towers, located a short distance west of the western gate.
This part of the quest is more vertical and navigation-focused:
·Travel west from the bus location
·Locate the northernmost Water Tower
·Enter the structure at its base
·Climb the internal platforms upward
·Interact with the "transmit location" prompt
Once completed, the quest finishes immediately, and you can return to hub progression.
The Water Tower section is slightly more complex due to its interior layout, but it is still manageable even for solo players using minimal gear.
Rewards and Progression Value
While A Wrench in the Works is not a combat-heavy quest, it still provides meaningful rewards that support early progression.
Typical rewards include:
·Crafting components
·Mod materials
·Cosmetic unlocks
·Quest chain progression advancement
These rewards directly contribute to building stronger loadouts and improving your ability to farm ARC Raiders Items efficiently in later missions.
Even if the loot itself is modest, the real value lies in unlocking further quest lines and progression systems tied to Riven Tides.
Best Strategy to Complete A Wrench in the Works
Although the quest is simple, optimizing your run can save time and reduce unnecessary risk.
1. Use a Free or Lightweight Loadout
Since extraction is not required, you don't need to bring high-value gear. A light setup reduces the risk of being ambushed.
2. Follow a Direct Route
Go straight from the western gate to the bus, then directly to the Water Towers. Avoid detours unless necessary.
3. Avoid PvP Engagement
There is no combat requirement for this quest. Engaging other players only slows progress and increases risk.
4. Complete in One Run if Possible
While you can break up objectives across raids, finishing both steps in one run is the most efficient approach.
How This Quest Fits Into ARC Raiders Progression
A Wrench in the Works is designed as a teaching quest, introducing players to:
·Environmental interaction systems
·Multi-location objective chains
·Vertical traversal mechanics
·Low-risk mission optimization
These are foundational skills that become increasingly important as you progress into harder content, where ARC Raiders Items are more difficult to obtain and more valuable to secure.
Mastering these early mechanics makes later farming routes smoother and more efficient.
Blueprint Progression and Long-Term Efficiency
As players move deeper into ARC Raiders, crafting becomes a central part of long-term success. This is where blueprints play a key role.
Blueprints allow you to craft advanced weapons and equipment, improving:
·Combat efficiency
·Survival rates in raids
·Farming speed for materials
·Extraction consistency
Because of their importance, many players either grind high-tier missions or choose to buy ARC Raider blueprints to speed up progression and stay competitive in later content.
When combined with efficient quest completion like A Wrench in the Works, blueprints help create a smoother and more scalable progression path.
Final Thoughts
The A Wrench in the Works quest may be short, but it plays an important role in introducing players to the structure and pacing of ARC Raiders. Its simple objectives make it accessible, while still reinforcing core gameplay systems.
By following a direct route, avoiding unnecessary combat, and understanding each interaction point, you can complete the quest quickly and efficiently while building momentum for future missions.
More importantly, consistently completing quests like this helps you steadily accumulate ARC Raiders Items, improve your gear, and prepare for more challenging content ahead.
And as progression ramps up, optimizing your loadout through crafting-or strategically choosing to buy ARC Raiders Blueprints-can make a significant difference in how smoothly your journey through Riven Tides unfolds.