I remember when I first stumbled upon the Eyes on the Prize quest in ARC Raiders. I was just minding my own business, trying to survive another day in the Buried City, when Tian Wen hit me up with this mission. At first, I thought it would be straightforward – find a rooftop, fix something, done. But boy, was I in for a surprise! If you’re struggling with this quest like I was, don’t worry. I’ve got your back with everything you need to know.
What Is Eyes on the Prize?
Eyes on the Prize is one of those mid-game quests in ARC Raiders that really tests your knowledge of the Buried City map. It’s given by Tian Wen, who’s been having some issues with people messing with her drop-offs. This quest is actually part of a chain – you’ll do Market Correction first, then Eyes on the Prize, and finally Industrial Espionage.
When I talked to Tian Wen, she explained everything’s been calm since I helped her out before, but she’s not taking any chances. She’s set up surveillance at one of her most used spots in Buried City, but there’s just one problem – it needs power to go live. That’s where we come in!
What You’ll Need Before Starting?
Before you even think about heading out, you need to get your hands on 3 Wires. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way when I showed up empty-handed and had to make a mad dash through Electrical areas while dodging ARCs.
Wires are pretty common once you know where to look. You can find them in:
- Electrical POIs (marked on your map with electrical symbols)
- Technological areas (usually have computers and tech equipment)
- By recycling items like Batteries or Power Cables
- Buying them from Celeste if you’ve got the scrip
I usually keep a stash of Wires in my inventory because they’re used in multiple quests, including this one and After Rain Comes. They only weigh 0.25 each, so they’re not going to slow you down much.
Finding the Secluded Roof Terrace
This is where things get tricky. The quest description tells you to find the “secluded roof terrace south-west of the Southern Station” and to “look for blue tarps.” Sounds simple, right? Well, I spent a good hour running around like a headless chicken before I finally figured it out.
Here’s exactly what you need to do:
Step 1: Head to Buried City
Deploy into Buried City with your 3 Wires safely tucked away in your inventory. I recommend putting them in a secure pocket so you don’t accidentally lose them if things go south.
Step 2: Locate Plaza Rosa
The area you’re looking for is southwest of Plaza Rosa POI. When you spawn in, take a moment to mark this area on your map. It’s going to save you a lot of headaches later.
Step 3: Navigate to the Rooftops
The secluded roof terrace is, well, on a roof. Surprise! You’ll need to get up there somehow. I found the buildings to the east of the target area to be the easiest climbing route. There are usually multiple ways up, so pick whatever works best for your playstyle.
Pro tip: Watch out for ARCs flying overhead while you’re climbing. I’ve been knocked off rooftops more times than I’d like to admit because I wasn’t paying attention to the sky.
Step 4: Spot the Blue Tarp
This is your key visual marker. The blue tarp stands out against the grey and brown of the Buried City, but you might need to be at the right angle to see it clearly. Once you spot it, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
When I finally found it, I felt like I’d discovered hidden treasure. The area has some chairs, boxes, and – most importantly – the electrical box you need to interact with.
Rewiring the Solar Panel
Alright, you’ve made it to the rooftop. Now for the main event. At the western edge of the terrace, you’ll see a yellow electrical panel with an interaction prompt. This is what you’ve been looking for!
If you have your 3 Wires (and I know you do because you listened to my advice), simply walk up to the panel and interact with it. Your character will do some technical wizardry, and just like that, the quest is complete.
What happens if you forgot the Wires? Don’t panic! I’ve been there too. You have a couple of options:
- Check nearby buildings for Electrical or Technological areas where you might find Wires
- Recycle any electrical items you might have picked up
- If all else fails, extract and try again (but seriously, just bring the Wires next time)
The good news is that the Wires aren’t consumed during this quest, so you’ll still have them afterward for other crafting needs.
Quest Rewards
Once you’ve successfully rewired the solar panel, the quest updates automatically. You don’t even need to extract to complete it, which is pretty sweet. You can continue looting or fighting until you’re ready to call it a day.
When you’re done, head back to Speranza and talk to Tian Wen to claim your rewards:
- 1x Extended Shotgun Mag II
- 1x Extended Medium Mag II
These are some pretty solid upgrades, especially if you’re running shotgun or medium weapons like I often do. The extended magazines give you that extra bit of firepower when you need it most.
Common Problems and Solutions
I’ve run this quest multiple times now, and I’ve seen (and experienced) just about every issue that can pop up. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
Can’t Find the Blue Tarp
This is probably the most common issue. The blue tarp can be hard to spot if you’re not at the right angle. Try:
- Getting to higher ground and scanning the area
- Looking during different times of day (lighting affects visibility)
- Checking your map to ensure you’re in the right area southwest of Plaza Rosa
Keep Getting Killed by ARCs
The rooftops can be dangerous with ARCs flying around. Here’s what works for me:
- Move quickly between cover
- Use silenced weapons if you have them
- Time your movements when ARCs are flying away from you
- Consider bringing a healing item just in case
No Electrical Panel in Sight
If you’ve found the blue tarp but don’t see the electrical panel, you might be at the wrong location. Double-check that you’re southwest of the Southern Station and look for the small bridge connecting to the terrace. The panel should be on the western edge.
Tips for Success
After running this quest more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make it much easier:
- Bring extra Wires – Just in case you die and lose some
- Use Free Loadout wisely – Remember, you can’t use Free Loadout for this quest since you need specific items
- Scout the area first – Get to high ground and plan your route
- Go during off-peak hours – Fewer players mean fewer complications
- Bring a friend – Having someone watch your back while you work on the panel is a game-changer
Related Quests
If you’re enjoying Tian Wen’s quest line, you’ll want to check out these related missions:
- Market Correction – The quest that comes before Eyes on the Prize
- Industrial Espionage – The next quest in this chain
- Untended Garden – Another Buried City quest that’ll test your navigation skills
I’ve found that doing these quests in order really helps you understand the story and get familiar with the Buried City layout. Plus, the rewards are pretty decent across the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Wires do I need for Eyes on the Prize?
You need exactly 3 Wires to complete this quest. The good news is they’re not consumed, so you’ll still have them afterward.
Where can I find Wires in Buried City?
Wires are commonly found in Electrical and Technological POIs. Look for areas with computers, generators, or other electrical equipment. You can also get them by recycling items like Batteries or Power Cables.
Do I need to extract to complete the quest?
Nope! Once you interact with the electrical panel, the quest is complete. You can extract whenever you’re ready or continue playing.
What’s the best way to get to the rooftop?
I’ve found that approaching from the east works best. There are multiple buildings you can climb to get up to roof level, and from there it’s just a matter of navigating across to the secluded terrace.
Can I do this quest solo?
Absolutely! I’ve completed it solo multiple times. Just make sure you’re prepared with the right equipment and take your time navigating the rooftops.
What level should I be for this quest?
Eyes on the Prize is considered an early mid-game quest. I’d recommend being at least level 10-15 before attempting it, mainly so you have enough experience with the game’s mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Eyes on the Prize might seem daunting at first, but once you know where to go and what to do, it’s actually one of the more straightforward quests in ARC Raiders. I’ve come to appreciate it as a great way to learn the Buried City layout and practice my rooftop navigation skills.
Remember to bring those 3 Wires, keep an eye out for the blue tarp, and don’t let the ARCs ruin your day. Before you know it, you’ll be back at Speranza collecting your rewards and ready for the next challenge.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference. I update my guides regularly as I discover new tips and tricks. And if you’re looking for more ARC Raiders content, check out my other guides – I’ve got everything from beginner tips to advanced strategies that’ll help you dominate in every raid.
Happy raiding, and I’ll see you in the Buried City!
This guide was last updated in January 2026. For the most current information, check back regularly as I’m always exploring and updating my findings.