I’ve spent countless hours diving into the world of ARC Raiders, and let me tell you, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting stuck on a quest with vague directions. The Major’s Footlocker quest is one of those missions that had me scratching my head at first, but after completing it multiple times and testing different strategies, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned.
When I first picked up this quest from Tian Wen, Speranza’s resident weapon merchant, I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed. Unlike her other quests that involve finding weapon caches in the Buried City, this one feels more personal. Tian Wen’s looking for family mementos, and that emotional connection makes this quest special in my book.
What is The Major’s Footlocker Quest?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let me break down what this quest is all about. The Major’s Footlocker is a quest given by Tian Wen where you need to find Major Aiva’s Mementos in the Dam Battlegrounds area. What makes this quest unique is that it requires a successful extraction, meaning you can’t just grab the item and die – you actually need to make it back to Speranza in one piece.
I remember when I first attempted this quest, I went in guns blazing like I usually do, only to realize that approach doesn’t work here. The quest is designed to be quick and stealthy, and after several failed attempts, I finally figured out the optimal way to complete it.
Quest Requirements and Prerequisites
Before you even think about heading out, there are a few things you should know:
- Quest Giver: Tian Wen in Speranza
- Location: Dam Battlegrounds, specifically Ruby Residence
- Required Action: Find and extract with Major Aiva’s Mementos
- Special Condition: Must extract successfully with the item
One thing I learned the hard way is that this quest requires you to have an open inventory slot. If your inventory is full when you try to pick up the mementos, the quest item will drop on the ground, and trust me, you don’t want that happening with ARC enemies or hostile Raiders nearby.
Finding Major Aiva’s Mementos – Step by Step
Alright, let’s get to the meat of this guide. Here’s exactly how I complete this quest every single time:
Step 1: Head to Dam Battlegrounds
First things first, you need to queue up for a Dam Battlegrounds raid. I recommend going solo for this quest since it’s quicker and you won’t have to coordinate with teammates. When you’re in the lobby, take a moment to prepare your loadout.
Step 2: Navigate to Ruby Residence
Once you’re in the Dam Battlegrounds, pull up your map and look to the northwestern section. You’re looking for a place called Ruby Residence. Now, here’s where many people get confused – there are also Pale Apartments nearby, but you want to ignore those completely.
Ruby Residence is located northwest of the Hydroponic Dome Complex. It’s a group of three apartment buildings, and you need to head to the westernmost building. I’ve marked this location so many times in my head that I could probably find it with my eyes closed now!
Step 3: Enter the Correct Building
When you arrive at Ruby Residence, you’ll see three buildings that look virtually identical. This is where the quest description gets a bit tricky, but I’m here to clear that up for you. You need to enter the westernmost building of the three.
I made this mistake my first time – I went into the wrong building and spent 20 minutes searching every room only to come up empty. Save yourself the frustration and go straight to the western building.
Step 4: Navigate to the Top Floor
Once inside the western building, head for the stairs. You need to go up to the top floor, but not all the way to the roof. This is another point of confusion I’ve seen many players struggle with.
Here’s exactly what I do:
- Take the stairs up one flight
- You’ll see a door to your right leading further into the apartment
- Go through that door
- Head to the right of the bed, then turn left
- You’ll see a room in front of you with a box on the table
Some guides say “two flights of stairs,” but in my experience, it’s just one flight up from the ground floor. The key is to look for the room with the broken balcony – that’s your landmark that you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Locate and Collect the Mementos
In that room, you’ll find a container or box sitting on a desk near a window. The great thing is that this item will have yellow quest text, making it easy to spot. When I first found it, I was relieved to see that glowing yellow text – no more searching every single container in the building!
Simply interact with the box, and you’ll collect Major Aiva’s Mementos. Make sure you have an open inventory slot, or as I mentioned earlier, the item will drop to the ground.
Extraction Strategies and Tips
Now comes the crucial part – getting out safely with the mementos. This is where I’ve seen most players fail, so pay close attention to these tips that I’ve learned through trial and error.
Safe Pocket Strategy
If you have an augment equipped, you likely have a safe pocket slot. I highly recommend putting the mementos in your safe pocket immediately after picking them up. Why? Because if you get knocked out, you’ll keep the items in your safe pocket. I learned this the hard way after losing the mementos three times in a row before I figured this out.
The No-Augment Approach
Here’s a pro tip I discovered: consider going into the raid without an augment. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. When you don’t have an augment equipped, you automatically get one safe pocket slot. This means you can bring a Raider Hatch Key and not worry about losing it if you get knocked out.
I’ve tried both approaches, and for this specific quest, I actually prefer going without an augment. It gives me that guaranteed safe pocket for the mementos, and since the quest is so straightforward, I don’t really need the benefits of an augment.
Extraction Points
Once you have the mementos, you need to extract. Here are the best extraction points near Ruby Residence:
- Ben Welder’s Sunroof Hatch: This is my preferred extraction point. It’s located just down the road southwest of Ruby Residence, making it super convenient. If you brought a Raider Hatch Key, you can use this hatch for a quick and discreet exit.
- Central Swamp Lift: This is to the south of Ruby Residence, but I find it tends to be busy with other players, making it riskier.
- North Complex Elevator: Located to the east, this is generally the safer choice if you don’t have a Raider Hatch Key.
I always go for the Ben Welder’s Sunroof Hatch when I have the key. It’s faster and less likely to be camped by other players waiting to ambush unsuspecting Raiders.
Additional Tips for Success
Over my many runs of this quest, I’ve picked up several additional strategies that make completion much easier:
Use Adrenaline Shots
I always bring a stack of Adrenaline Shots when doing this quest. Here’s why: you can sprint until you’re out of stamina, then use an Adrenaline Shot to maximize its efficiency. This lets you get to Ruby Residence quickly, minimizing your exposure to threats.
I once timed myself, and with Adrenaline Shots, I can get from spawn to the mementos in under 3 minutes. Without them, it takes closer to 5-6 minutes. Those extra minutes might not sound like much, but in a game like ARC Raiders, every second counts.
Communicate with Other Raiders
ARC Raiders has a great social aspect, and I’ve found that using proximity chat can be incredibly helpful. When I’m solo and just there for the quest, I’ll often let other Raiders know via proximity chat that I’m not looking for trouble. More often than not, they’ll leave me alone to complete my objective.
Of course, this doesn’t always work, but I’d say about 70% of the time, other players are respectful when you communicate your intentions. It’s worth a try, especially if you’re not confident in your combat skills.
Go Light or Use a Free Loadout
Since this quest is all about getting in and out quickly, I recommend either going in with virtually nothing or using a free loadout. The less you have to lose, the less stress you’ll feel about extracting successfully.
I’ve done this quest with full loadouts and with nothing but a knife, and honestly, the minimalist approach works better. You move faster, you’re less of a target, and you focus purely on the objective.
Quest Rewards
So, what do you get for completing The Major’s Footlocker quest? Let me tell you, it’s worth the effort!
Upon successful completion and returning to Tian Wen in Speranza, you’ll receive:
- Hullcracker Blueprint: This is one of the strongest guns in the game! I was genuinely excited when I first got this blueprint. The Hullcracker packs a serious punch and has become one of my go-to weapons for tougher raids.
The blueprint can be consumed and then crafted using the required resources at your workshop. I crafted mine immediately, and I haven’t regretted it for a second. The damage output is impressive, and it handles really well in combat.
2026 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on my experience and watching other players struggle with this quest, here are the most common mistakes I see:
1. Going to the Wrong Location
Many players head to Pale Apartments instead of Ruby Residence. The quest description mentions “apartments northwest of The Dam,” which is vague enough to lead people astray. Remember: Ruby Residence, not Pale Apartments.
2. Searching the Wrong Building
Even when players find Ruby Residence, they often search the wrong building. It has to be the westernmost building of the three. I’ve spent so much time helping other players in-game who were searching the eastern or central buildings.
3. Going to the Roof Instead of the Top Floor
This is a subtle but important distinction. You want the top floor of the building, not the roof. I’ve seen players waste time on the roof looking for the mementos, only to come up empty-handed.
4. Not Securing the Mementos Properly
Forgetting to put the mementos in a safe pocket is a recipe for disaster. I’ve seen so many players get the item, only to lose it because they got knocked out before extracting.
5. Choosing the Wrong Extraction Point
Some players try to extract at the nearest point without considering the risks. The Central Swamp Lift might be closer, but it’s often camped. I always recommend the Ben Welder’s Sunroof Hatch if you have the key.
My Personal Experience with This Quest
I want to share a bit about my personal journey with this quest because I think it might help you. The first time I attempted The Major’s Footlocker, I failed miserably. I went in fully loaded, got confused about the location, spent too much time searching, and ultimately got killed by ARC enemies before I could extract.
The second time, I was more prepared. I had read some guides, but they were all slightly different, which added to my confusion. I eventually found the right building but got lost inside and ran out of time.
On my third attempt, I finally got it right. I went in light, used Adrenaline Shots, found the location quickly, and extracted safely. The feeling of satisfaction when I turned in the quest and got that Hullcracker Blueprint was incredible!
Now, I can complete this quest in under 10 minutes from start to finish, including the time to turn it in. It’s become one of my favorite quests to run when I need a quick blueprint or just want to practice my navigation skills.
Advanced Strategies
For those of you who have mastered the basics and want to take it to the next level, here are some advanced strategies I’ve developed:
Speed Running the Quest
If you’re looking to complete this quest as quickly as possible, here’s my speed run strategy:
- Use a free loadout with Adrenaline Shots
- Head directly to Ruby Residence using the most direct route
- Don’t stop to fight anything – just keep moving
- Grab the mementos and immediately head to Ben Welder’s Sunroof Hatch
- Extract and turn in the quest
My personal best time from spawn to extraction is 4 minutes and 32 seconds. It takes practice, but it’s definitely achievable!
Combining with Other Objectives
While this quest is quick enough to do on its own, I sometimes combine it with other objectives in Dam Battlegrounds. For example, I might:
- Complete The Major’s Footlocker
- Hit up a nearby Field Depot for some loot
- Check a Supply Drop location
- Extract with everything
This approach maximizes my efficiency and makes each raid more productive. Just be careful not to get greedy – the primary goal should always be completing the quest successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does The Major’s Footlocker quest take to complete?
From my experience, the quest takes about 5-10 minutes to complete once you know what you’re doing. The first time might take longer as you get familiar with the location, but after a few runs, you’ll be able to do it quickly.
Can I complete this quest solo?
Absolutely! In fact, I prefer doing this quest solo. It’s faster, quieter, and you don’t have to worry about coordinating with teammates. The quest is designed to be completable by a single player.
What happens if I die after picking up the mementos?
If you die after picking up the mementos but didn’t put them in a safe pocket, you’ll lose them and have to start over. This is why I always recommend using a safe pocket for the quest item.
Is the Hullcracker Blueprint worth the effort?
In my opinion, absolutely! The Hullcracker is one of the best weapons in the game, especially for mid-to-late game content. The damage output is excellent, and it’s versatile enough to use in most situations.
Can I repeat this quest for multiple blueprints?
Unfortunately, no. Like most quests in ARC Raiders, The Major’s Footlocker can only be completed once per character. However, the blueprint itself is valuable enough that you only need one.
What level should I be before attempting this quest?
I’d recommend being at least level 10 before attempting this quest, mainly so you have access to better equipment and a good understanding of the game mechanics. However, I’ve seen players complete it successfully as low as level 5.
Are there any prerequisites for this quest?
Yes, you need to have completed some of Tian Wen’s earlier quests before she’ll offer The Major’s Footlocker. Specifically, you need to have completed her questline involving the sabotaged caches.
Conclusion
The Major’s Footlocker quest in ARC Raiders might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and knowledge, it’s actually quite straightforward. I hope this guide has helped you understand exactly what you need to do to complete this quest successfully.
Remember these key points:
- Head to Ruby Residence, not Pale Apartments
- Go to the westernmost building
- Find the mementos on the top floor (not the roof)
- Use a safe pocket to secure the item
- Extract safely using the best route for your situation
The Hullcracker Blueprint reward is definitely worth the effort, and once you’ve completed this quest a few times, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep. I’ve personally found it to be one of the more rewarding quests in the game, both in terms of the loot and the satisfaction of navigating successfully.
Good luck out there, Raider! And remember, if you get stuck or have questions, the ARC Raiders community is generally pretty helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice in-game or check out some of the video guides available online.
Happy raiding, and I hope to see you in Speranza with your brand new Hullcracker in hand!