Let me tell you something – when I first stumbled upon Tian Wen’s Unexpected Initiative quest in ARC Raiders, I thought it would be just another simple fetch mission. Boy, was I wrong! This quest might seem straightforward on the surface, but there are some crucial details you need to know to complete it efficiently and avoid the frustration of having to start over.
I’ve spent countless hours running this quest, testing different approaches, and learning from my mistakes. Today, I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about completing the Unexpected Initiative quest so you can get it done right the first time and walk away with that sweet IL Toro shotgun.
What is the Unexpected Initiative Quest?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let me explain what this quest is all about. The Unexpected Initiative is Tian Wen’s tenth quest in ARC Raiders, and it’s all about helping Speranza’s resident gunsmith set up some greenhouses to grow crops for the city. Tian Wen might not be the most talkative trader in Speranza, but she definitely knows what she’s doing when it comes to survival.
The quest requires you to find two specific items in the Buried City:
- Fertilizer from the Grandioso Apartments rooftop
- Water Pump from the Piazza Roma rooftop gardens
Now, here’s the kicker that many players (including myself) learned the hard way: every objective must be completed in a single round, and successful extraction is required. If you get knocked out during your raid, you’ll have to start the entire quest over from scratch. Trust me, nothing’s more frustrating than spending 30 minutes finding both items only to die right before extraction.
Preparation is Key: What You Need Before Starting?
I can’t stress this enough – proper preparation will make or break your success with this quest. Here’s what I recommend bringing with you:
Essential Loadout
- Raider Hatch Key: This is absolutely crucial! Having a hatch key means you can extract quickly from the Buried City without having to fight your way to a metro station. I learned this the hard way after getting cornered by ARC machines near the extraction point.
- Mid-range weapon: You’ll be dealing with enemies both inside buildings and on rooftops. I prefer something versatile like an assault rifle or a good shotgun.
- Plenty of bandages: Those Pop Rollers and Fireballs love to track you across different floors, and they’ll follow you right up to the rooftops if you’re not careful.
- Light armor: You want to be mobile but still protected. Heavy armor will just slow you down when you need to climb quickly.
Mental Preparation
- Plan your route: Know where you’re going before you drop in. I’ll give you detailed directions later in this guide.
- Be patient: Don’t rush through buildings looking for items. Take your time to clear areas and search thoroughly.
- Expect the unexpected: ARC machines can spawn in different locations each time, so stay alert.
Finding the Fertilizer: Grandioso Apartments Location
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! The first item you need to find is the Fertilizer, located in the Grandioso Apartments on the west side of the Buried City.
Getting There
The Grandioso Apartments are located near the southwestern end of the Buried City, just south of Piazza Roma. When you’re looking at your map, you’ll want to head to the western side and look for the apartment complex.
Entering the Building
I’ve found a couple of reliable ways to get into the Grandioso Apartments:
Method 1: The Window Entry (My Preferred Route)
- Look for open windows on the lower floors at the southern end of the building
- These are usually unguarded and give you quick access to the interior
- Once inside, head toward the middle of the rooms to find either the staircase or zipline leading up
Method 2: Direct Climb
- If you’re feeling confident (or just want to avoid interior combat), you can climb the yellow ladder at the edge of the upper building
- This takes you directly to the upper floors, but be warned – you might be exposed to enemy fire
Navigating to the Rooftop
Once you’re inside, you have a couple of options:
- Take the stairs: They’re usually located in the middle of the building
- Use the zipline: If you find one, it can be a quick way to get to the upper floors
- Climb manually: If you’re comfortable with parkour, you can often climb up the exterior
Pro tip: Watch out for Pop Rollers and Fireballs inside the building! These guys are sneaky – they can track your movement even when you’re on different floors and will use the stairs to come after you. I’ve had more than a few heart attacks when one suddenly appeared on the roof behind me!
Locating the Fertilizer
Once you make it to the rooftop, head to the northern side and cross the small bridge. You’ll find two plant pots sitting on a palette, right past two cages. The fertilizer will be inside these pots.
Here’s something important I learned: the fertilizer can spawn in different pots each time you run the quest. Don’t just check one spot and give up! Look for pots with a yellow interact prompt instead of the usual white search prompt. That’s how you know you’ve found the right one.
When I first did this quest, I spent 15 minutes searching the wrong area because I assumed the fertilizer would always be in the same place. Learn from my mistake – check all the pots!
Finding the Water Pump: Piazza Roma Rooftop Gardens
Now that you’ve got the fertilizer, it’s time to hunt down the Water Pump in Piazza Roma. This part can be a bit trickier, but I’ve got you covered.
Getting to Piazza Roma
Piazza Roma is northeast of the Grandioso Apartments, on the northwest side of Buried City. The area consists of several individual buildings, but you’re looking for one of two apartment towers southwest of the Piazza Roma label on your map.
Key landmark: The two buildings are connected by scrap-metal bridges, and there’s usually a zipline set up between them.
Accessing the Rooftop Gardens
I’ve found a few reliable ways to get up there:
Method 1: The Zipline Approach
- Look for the zipline that runs between the two buildings
- You can ride it from another Piazza rooftop and jump off onto the upper floors
- From there, it’s just a short climb to the roof
Method 2: The Staircase Route
- Enter the building from the lower floors
- Work your way up through the interior
- This method takes longer but gives you more opportunities for loot
Method 3: The Direct Climb
- If you’re brave (or just in a hurry), you can zipline or climb directly from the lower floors
- This is riskier but much faster
Finding the Water Pump
Once you’re on the rooftop, look for the rooftop gardens near the edge of the building. You’re looking for a water pump machine attached to one of the planters by two hoses.
Good news: Unlike the fertilizer, the water pump location is pretty consistent. I’ve found it in the same spot across multiple runs, making it much more reliable.
The water pump will have a yellow interact prompt – just walk up and grab it. Unlike some other items in ARC Raiders, this one’s guaranteed to be there once you find the right machine.
My Personal Tips for Success
After running this quest more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll make your life much easier:
Timing is Everything
I’ve found that running this quest during off-peak hours means fewer enemy players and more predictable ARC machine spawns. Early morning or late night sessions tend to be the most peaceful.
The Order Matters (But Not How You Think)
While it doesn’t technically matter which item you get first, I always go for the fertilizer first. Here’s why: the Grandioso Apartments are usually less heavily patrolled than Piazza Roma, making it a good warm-up before the more challenging water pump location.
Extraction Strategy
Don’t make the mistake I made on my first run – have your extraction route planned out before you even grab the second item. I recommend:
- Grab both items quickly
- Head directly to the nearest extraction point
- Use your Raider Hatch Key if you have one
- Don’t stop to loot unless it’s something exceptional
Enemy Management
The rooftops are often patrolled by Snitches and other ARC machines. Here’s my strategy:
- Clear the area before searching: Take out any enemies in the vicinity before you start looking for items
- Use cover wisely: The planters and structures on rooftops provide good cover
- Listen for audio cues: ARC machines make distinct sounds – learn to recognize them
- Don’t get greedy: If you’re overwhelmed, extract with what you have and try again
Common Problems and Solutions
Let me address some issues I’ve encountered (and seen other players struggle with):
“I Can’t Find the Fertilizer!”
This is probably the most common complaint. Here’s what to check:
- You’re looking in the wrong pots: Remember, the spawn location can change
- It’s already been taken: Another player might have grabbed it in a previous round
- You’re on the wrong roof: Double-check that you’re at the Grandioso Apartments, not Piazza Roma
“The Water Pump Isn’t There!”
If you can’t find the water pump:
- You’re at the wrong building: Make sure you’re at the correct Piazza Roma location
- Look for the machine with hoses: It’s attached to planters, not just sitting loose
- Check the interact prompt: It should be yellow, not white
“I Died and Lost Everything!”
I feel your pain – this happened to me too. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Play more cautiously: Better to take an extra 5 minutes than lose everything
- Bring better equipment: Don’t try to run this with a basic loadout
- Extract immediately: Once you have both items, get out of there
The Rewards: Was It Worth It?
After all that effort, you’re probably wondering what you get for completing the Unexpected Initiative quest. Let me tell you – it’s definitely worth it!
Immediate Rewards
When you return to Speranza and speak with Tian Wen, you’ll receive:
- IL Toro shotgun: This is an uncommon shotgun that packs a serious punch
- Shotgun Choke II modification: Perfect for improving your accuracy
- 40 Shotgun Ammo: Enough to get you started with your new weapon
- Experience points: A nice boost to your overall progression
Long-term Benefits
Beyond the immediate rewards, completing this quest:
- Unlocks further Tian Wen quests: She has more missions for you
- Improves your standing: Better relationships with traders mean better deals
- Teaches valuable skills: The navigation and combat skills you’ll develop are useful throughout the game
Advanced Tips for Speed Runners
If you’re like me and want to optimize your runs, here are some advanced strategies:
The Speed Run Route
- Drop in near Grandioso Apartments: This minimizes travel time
- Clear the building quickly: Don’t waste time on unnecessary fights
- Grab the fertilizer first: It’s usually faster to obtain
- Move immediately to Piazza Roma: Use ziplines when possible
- Extract as soon as you have both items: No detours!
Loadout Optimization
For speed running, I recommend:
- Light armor only: Mobility is more important than protection
- High-damage weapons: Take down enemies quickly
- Movement-enhancing items: Anything that helps you climb or run faster
- Minimal healing: If you’re good, you won’t need much
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Unexpected Initiative quest take?
From my experience, a casual run takes about 30-45 minutes, while a speed run can be completed in 15-20 minutes if you know exactly where you’re going.
Can I complete this quest solo?
Absolutely! I’ve completed it solo multiple times. In fact, I sometimes prefer going solo because it means coordinating with fewer people and having more control over the situation.
What happens if I extract with only one item?
You’ll need to go back and get the other item in a separate run. The quest won’t complete until you have both items and deliver them to Tian Wen.
Are the items always in the same location?
The fertilizer can spawn in different pots on the Grandioso Apartments roof, but the water pump is usually in the same spot at Piazza Roma.
Can I do other quests at the same time?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The Unexpected Initiative quest requires focus, and trying to complete multiple objectives at once can get overwhelming.
What level should I be before attempting this quest?
I’d recommend being at least level 10-15 before attempting this quest. You’ll need decent equipment and some experience with the game’s mechanics.
Final Thoughts
The Unexpected Initiative quest in ARC Raiders might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it’s completely manageable. I remember how frustrated I was on my first few attempts, but now I can complete it reliably and even help other players through it.
Remember to take your time, stay alert, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first try. Even experienced players like myself still get caught off guard by ARC machines sometimes.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other ARC Raiders content here at WebComicsWeekend.com. I’ve written comprehensive guides on completing the Communication Hideout quest, upgrading your workshop with Laboratory Reagents, and even troubleshooting login issues. And if you’re looking for more quest guides, our Our Presence Up There walkthrough is definitely worth a read!
Now get out there and show Tian Wen what you’re made of. That IL Toro shotgun isn’t going to earn itself, and Speranza’s counting on you to help get those greenhouses set up. Good luck, Raider!
P.S. If you have any questions or want to share your own tips for completing the Unexpected Initiative quest, drop them in the comments below. I love hearing from fellow Raiders and learning new strategies!