How to Beat the ARC Deforester Puzzle in ARC Raiders
Along the way, we'll also discuss how valuable ARC Raiders Items, ARC Raiders Blueprints, and key resources tie into your long-term progression.
Quest Requirements: How to Unlock A Prime Specimen
Before attempting A Prime Specimen, you must complete "The Clean Dream" quest. This mission is part of the Blue Gate storyline, and A Prime Specimen acts as the final chapter in that chain.
However, there's a major challenge:
Each ARC Deforester can only be looted twice per match.
That means other players can reach the objective first and lock you out of completion. Because of this scarcity, the quest often requires multiple attempts depending on your spawn point and server competition.
This limited access is also why many players trade or even buy ARC Raiders Items rather than repeatedly contesting high-traffic objectives. Some components required for progression are simply faster to acquire through the marketplace than through repeated PvP-heavy runs.
Recommended Loadout for A Prime Specimen
Preparation is everything. Here's what you should bring:
Adrenaline Shots
Vital for sprinting to the ARC Deforester immediately after spawning. Speed is critical.
Strong PvP Weapon
Other raiders will likely contest the area. A reliable mid-range weapon gives you the upper hand in tight encounters.
Extra ARC Powercells
Bring more than required. Mistakes during the flame puzzle can waste a run and valuable time.
Players farming materials for ARC Raiders Blueprints often carry extra supplies to avoid losing efficiency. If you're working toward high-tier crafting unlocks, every successful run counts.
Walkthrough: A Prime Specimen Step-by-Step
Step 1: Collect ARC Powercells
You'll need 2 ARC Powercells to complete the objective.
They can be:
·Looted from destroyed ARC machines
·Found on deactivated ARC units across the map
·Brought with you when entering the Blue Gate Map
Although ARC Powercells are common, the flame puzzle leaves very little room for error. Many experienced players bring four Powercells to ensure they don't have to restart the process.
Extra Powercells are especially useful if you're farming components tied to rare ARC Raiders BluePrints, where failed attempts can slow down crafting progression.
Step 2: Locate the ARC Deforester
There are two possible spawn locations on the Blue Gate Map:
·Southwest of the Adorned Wreckage
·East of the Maintenance Bunker
The ARC Deforester resembles a massive hollow metal cylinder with a platform inside. Look for blue electrical sparks-this indicates the ARC Powercell insertion point.
Move quickly, but stay alert. This is a high-traffic PvP hotspot.
Step 3: Insert the First Powercell
Insert your first ARC Powercell into the Deforester.
Immediately, a ring of fire bursts outward.
Here's what to do:
·Wait patiently for a gap in the flames
·Dive roll through as soon as the opening appears
Timing is everything. Rushing will almost always result in severe damage or elimination. Patience wins this step.
Step 4: Insert the Second Powercell
Once inside, insert your second ARC Powercell.
This changes the fire pattern significantly.
Instead of a single expanding ring, the flames now fire outward in four rotating directions, creating small windows for movement.
The puzzle becomes more complex here, and this is where many players fail due to panic.
Step 5: Reach the Upper Platform
To proceed:
1. Roll back through the rotating fire pattern
2. Jump and climb onto the overhead platform
Position yourself on the curved wall's edge to gain height. The jump may look dangerous, but once lined up properly, it's consistent and manageable.
Staying calm under pressure is key, especially if you hear other players approaching.
Step 6: Loot the Container
At the top platform, you'll face the final obstacle: another wall of fire.
Surprisingly, you can jump straight through it safely if timed correctly.
Important:
·The loot container can only be opened while the fire is active
·You have more time than it appears
Don't rush. Open the container and complete the objective.
A Prime Specimen Rewards
The loot inside the Deforester itself is fairly modest:
·ARC-related metal components
·Advanced mechanical parts
It may not feel legendary, but these components can contribute toward craftingprogression, especially when unlocking higher-tier ARC Raiders Blueprints.
For players who prefer efficiency, some choose to buy ARC Raiders Blueprints directly rather than farming contested zones repeatedly.
Quest Completion Rewards
Finishing A Prime Specimen grants:
·1x Patrol Car Key
·3x Door Blockers
These items are significantly more valuable than the immediate Deforester loot.
How to Use the Patrol Car Key
To maximize your reward:
1. Travel to the Underground Complex on the Blue Gate Map
2. Locate the fortified vehicle
3. Use the Patrol Car Key to unlock its contents
This hidden stash often provides high-value materials essential for long-term progression and advanced crafting.
If you're focused on optimizing your build, these materials can accelerate access to rare ARC Raiders Items and specialized gear paths.
Is A Prime Specimen Worth It?
Absolutely.
While the immediate loot may feel underwhelming, the Patrol Car Key and progression unlocks make the quest essential. Beyond rewards, it's one of the most intense environmental puzzles in ARC Raiders-a true test of timing and awareness.
For players grinding efficiently, balancing PvP runs with marketplace options, such as trading or choosing to buy ARC Raiders Items, can dramatically speed up overall progression.
If you're willing to brave the fire and outmaneuver competing raiders, A Prime Specimen is a challenge well worth conquering.
