Let me tell you something straight up – when I first tackled the “Out of the Shadows” quest in ARC Raiders, I thought it would be a walk in the park. I mean, how hard could it be to take down one Rocketeer and grab its Driver? Boy, was I in for a rude awakening. After getting my butt handed to me three times in a row, I finally figured out the right strategy, and now I’m here to share everything I learned so you don’t have to suffer like I did.
What is Out of the Shadows Anyway?
Out of the Shadows is one of those quests that looks simple on paper but will test every skill you’ve developed in ARC Raiders. You get this quest from Shani (she’s the one who always has the most interesting but dangerous jobs, right?), and it basically asks you to do two things:
- Destroy a Rocketeer
- Obtain a Rocketeer Driver
Sounds easy, right? Well, let me break down why this quest has been giving so many players headaches. Rocketeers aren’t just your average ARC drones – these flying nightmares are among the most dangerous enemies you’ll face in the game. They’re fast, they pack a serious punch with those homing rockets, and they’re surprisingly smart about how they engage you.
My Quest Details Breakdown
Before we dive into the strategy, let me give you the quick facts about this quest:
| Quest Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Quest Giver | Shani |
| Main Objectives | • Destroy a Rocketeer<br>• Obtain a Rocketeer Driver |
| Available Maps | All maps (Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, Buried City, Blue Gate) |
| Rewards | • 3 Surge Shield Rechargers<br>• 2 Wolfpack |
| Difficulty | Hard (7/10) |
| Recommended Level | Mid-game players with decent gear |
The Best Location: Testing and Annex Building
After trying this quest on multiple maps, I can tell you without a doubt that the Testing and Annex building is your best bet for completing Out of the Shadows. I’m not just saying this – I’ve tested it extensively, and this location gives you the biggest advantage possible.
Here’s why I love this spot:
Why Testing and Annex is Perfect?
- Built-in cover: The top floor is designed like a bunker with sealed sections that block rocket damage
- Limited access points: Only two corner openings mean the Rocketeer can’t approach from multiple angles
- High ground advantage: You’re looking down on the battlefield, giving you better visibility and targeting opportunities
- Predictable spawn: Rocketeers consistently appear in this area, saving you time and frustration
How to Get to the Perfect Spot
- Enter the Testing and Annex building (you’ll find this on most maps, usually marked as a key location)
- Take the main stairs all the way up – don’t stop at any lower floors
- Clear out any turrets or enemies you encounter on the way up (trust me, you don’t want distractions during the main fight)
- Reach the top floor and head to the central open section
I made the mistake of rushing this part once and ended up fighting three turrets AND a Rocketeer simultaneously. Let’s just say that extraction didn’t go well for me. Learn from my mistakes – clear the area first!
My Battle Strategy: Peek, Shoot, Retreat
Okay, this is where I really learned my lesson. My first few attempts involved me standing in the open like an idiot, trying to go toe-to-toe with the Rocketeer. That strategy got me killed. A lot.
Here’s what actually works:
The Peek-Shoot-Retreat Method
- Position yourself in one of the sealed bunker areas – these are your safe zones
- Peek out from one of the corner openings – don’t expose your whole body
- Take 1-2 precise shots at the Rocketeer’s thrusters (more on this in a minute)
- Immediately retreat back into cover – don’t get greedy
- Repeat the process until the Rocketeer is destroyed
I know this sounds slow and tedious, but it’s way more effective than the “spray and pray” approach I tried initially. The Rocketeer will try to reposition, but the building’s design slows it down significantly.
Target Priority: Go for the Thrusters
This is probably the most important tip I can give you. When I first started, I was just shooting at the Rocketeer’s main body. Big mistake.
Always target the thrusters – specifically, focus on one side at a time. Here’s why this matters:
| Target Location | Effect | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Main Body | Low damage, no special effects | Avoid – waste of ammo |
| Left Thruster | Destroys thruster, unbalances Rocketeer | Priority target #1 |
| Right Thruster | Destroys thruster, unbalances Rocketeer | Priority target #2 |
| Head Section | Medium damage, no special effects | Only if thrusters are destroyed |
When you destroy one thruster, the Rocketeer becomes unbalanced. It’s like watching a drunk guy try to walk straight – it can barely aim properly, and its movement becomes predictable. This is your golden opportunity to finish it off.
Weapon Loadout: What Actually Works?
I’ve tried pretty much every weapon in the game for this quest, and let me tell you, not all weapons are created equal when it comes to taking down Rocketeers.
My Recommended Weapons
| Weapon Type | Why It Works | My Top Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Single-shot Rifles | High damage per shot, accurate at range | Burletta III, Tactical Mk. 3 |
| Sniper Rifles | Extreme range, precision targeting | Any heavy rifle sniper |
| EMP Grenades | Temporarily disables thrusters | Shrapnel Grenades work too |
| Heavy Ammo Weapons | Penetrates armor effectively | Anything with heavy rifle ammo |
Weapons to Avoid
- Automatic rifles: Waste too much ammo since Rocketeers don’t stay still
- Shotguns: Unless you’re point-blank (and you shouldn’t be), these are ineffective
- Light ammo weapons: Don’t do enough damage to thrusters
I learned this the hard way when I brought my favorite automatic rifle and ran out of ammo halfway through the fight. Not fun. Always bring heavy ammo and single-shot weapons.
The EMP Grenade Trick
This is a game-changer that I discovered by accident. If you have EMP grenades (and you should for this quest), they can temporarily disable the Rocketeer’s thrusters.
Here’s how I use them:
- Wait until the Rocketeer gets relatively close (but not too close!)
- Toss an EMP grenade at its feet
- Watch as it falls to the ground – this is your chance to unload
- Focus all fire on its weak points while it’s disabled
The timing is crucial here. I’ve missed so many EMP throws because I panicked or threw too early. Practice makes perfect, and when you get it right, it makes the fight so much easier.
Post-Battle: Looting and Extraction
So you’ve finally destroyed the Rocketeer – congratulations! But you’re not done yet. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten cocky at this stage and died before extracting.
Looting the Body
- Immediately approach the downed Rocketeer – don’t celebrate yet
- Grab the Rocketeer Driver first – this is your main quest item
- Collect the thrusters if they’re intact (great for crafting or selling)
- Grab any other useful parts – every little bit helps in ARC Raiders
Safe Extraction
This is where I’ve messed up more times than I care to admit. Here’s my extraction checklist:
- Health above 75% – if you’re lower, use healing items
- Ammo restocked – you never know what’s between you and the extraction point
- Quest item secured – double-check you have the Rocketeer Driver
- Escape route planned – know where you’re going before you move
I once died about 50 feet from the extraction point because I got careless. Don’t be like me – stay focused until you’re safely back at base.
Quest Rewards: Was It Worth It?
After all that effort, you’re probably wondering if the rewards are worth it. Let me break down what you get:
Reward Breakdown
- 3 Surge Shield Rechargers: These are incredibly valuable for extended missions
- 2 Wolfpack: Great defensive items for tough fights
In my opinion, these rewards are definitely worth the effort, especially if you’re planning to tackle harder quests later. The Surge Shield Rechargers alone have saved my life multiple times in subsequent missions.
My Personal Tips and Tricks
After completing this quest more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some additional tips that might help you:
General Tips
- Play during off-peak hours – fewer players mean fewer interruptions
- Bring a friend – this quest is much easier with coordinated teamwork
- Practice your aim – spend some time in the shooting range before attempting
- Stay patient – rushing will get you killed 100% of the time
Advanced Strategies
- Use the environment – the Testing and Annex building has lots of vertical elements you can use
- Sound matters – listen for the Rocketeer’s approach to anticipate its movements
- Save your best weapons – don’t waste heavy ammo on minor enemies before the main fight
Common Problems and Solutions
I’ve seen a lot of players struggle with specific aspects of this quest. Here are some common issues and how I’ve solved them:
Problem: Rocketeer Won’t Spawn
Solution: Try different maps or restart the mission. Sometimes the spawn mechanics get bugged.
Problem: Can’t Find the Testing and Annex Building
Solution: Check your map for large, multi-story buildings. The Testing and Annex is usually one of the most prominent structures.
Problem: Running Out of Ammo
Solution: Bring more than you think you need, and focus on precision rather than volume.
Problem: Getting Hit by Rockets Through Cover
Solution: Make sure you’re completely behind the sealed sections – the corner openings are vulnerable spots.
FAQ: Out of the Shadows Quest
How long does this quest typically take?
From my experience, plan on 30-45 minutes if you’re prepared, but it could take longer if you’re struggling with the Rocketeer fight.
Can I complete this quest solo?
Absolutely! I’ve done it solo multiple times. It’s definitely more challenging, but the strategy I’ve outlined works perfectly for solo players.
What level should I be before attempting this quest?
I’d recommend being at least mid-game level with decent gear. Early game players might find this quest too difficult.
Do I need to complete other quests first?
Not necessarily, but having some experience with other ARC enemies will definitely help you prepare for the Rocketeer fight.
What happens if I die during the quest?
You’ll lose any progress you made in that attempt and need to start over. That’s why I emphasize safe extraction so much!
Can I do this quest on any map?
Yes, the quest is available on all maps, but I strongly recommend the Testing and Annex building location for the reasons I mentioned.
Are there any shortcuts or exploits?
I don’t recommend using exploits, but the Testing and Annex building strategy is as close to a “shortcut” as you’ll get in terms of making the fight easier.
What’s the best time to attempt this quest?
I find that early morning or late night (when there are fewer players) gives me the best results, but this might vary depending on your server.
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Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not gonna lie – the Out of the Shadows quest in ARC Raiders is tough. But it’s also incredibly satisfying once you finally complete it. The feeling of taking down that Rocketeer and extracting safely with the Driver is worth all the frustration.
Remember what I told you: use the Testing and Annex building, target those thrusters, bring the right weapons, and stay patient. Do all that, and you’ll be completing this quest like a pro in no time.
Good luck out there, and I’ll see you in the ruins! Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for future reference – you never know when you might need a refresher on Rocketeer-killing strategies.
P.S. If you found this guide helpful, drop a comment below with your own tips or questions. I’m always happy to help fellow Raiders improve their game!