I remember when I first stumbled upon The Root of the Matter quest in ARC Raiders. I was just minding my own business, scavenging through the Buried City, when Celeste hit me up with this agricultural-themed mission. At first, I thought it would be a piece of cake, but let me tell you – finding that seed vault had me scratching my head for a good while. That’s why I’m putting together this comprehensive guide to help you breeze through this quest without the headaches I went through.
What is The Root of the Matter Quest?
The Root of the Matter is actually quest #10 in Celeste’s lineup of missions, and it’s one of those quests that seems simple on the surface but can get pretty tricky if you don’t know exactly where to look. Celeste, being the resourceful leader of Speranza that she is, needs you to track down some experimental seeds to help with their underground agricultural efforts. Makes sense, right? When you’re trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by ARC machines, having a sustainable food source is pretty crucial.
Here’s the basic rundown of what you need to do:
- Go to the Research Building in Buried City
- Search for the seed vault in the “room with a great view”
- Deliver the Experimental Seed Sample to Celeste
Simple enough, right? Well, let me break it down for you step by step because I learned the hard way that “simple” doesn’t always mean “easy” in ARC Raiders.
Getting Started: Quest Preparation
Before you even think about heading out, let me give you some pro tips I wish I had known when I first started this quest.
Loadout Strategy: Here’s something I learned from my early attempts – you don’t need to extract to complete this quest. That means you can (and should) go in with a free loadout. Trust me, the Research Building area is no joke when it comes to ARC activity and other raiders looking for trouble. I lost some pretty decent gear early on because I thought I needed to extract with the seeds. Save your custom loadouts for when you’re actually planning to extract with valuable loot.
Map Selection: This quest takes place exclusively in the Buried City map. If you’re new to ARC Raiders, Buried City is the second map you unlock after completing a few raids in the starting area. It’s a bit more complex than the first map, with multiple buildings and plenty of places for ARC to hide.
Best Time to Attempt: I’ve found that the Research Building area is least crowded during off-peak hours. Fewer players mean less competition and fewer chances of getting into unnecessary firefights when you’re just trying to complete a quest.
Finding the Research Building
Okay, so you’ve loaded into Buried City with your free loadout (smart choice, by the way). Now you need to find the Research Building. Let me tell you exactly where to look because I spent way too much time wandering around like a headless chicken my first few tries.
The Research Building is located in the north part of Buried City, right next to Marano Park. If you look at your map, you’ll see two buildings standing side by side in the middle portion of the map – one yellow and one red. The yellow building is your target – that’s the Research Building.
Here are some landmarks to help you find it:
- It’s by the Space Travel building
- Next to the Parking Garage
- Near Marano Park (obviously)
- Look for the distinctive yellow color
I usually spawn in and make a beeline straight for the yellow building. It’s pretty hard to miss once you know what you’re looking for, but my first time playing, I must have walked past it three times without realizing it was the right place.
Navigating to the “Room with a Great View”
This is where things get interesting, and where most players get stuck. The quest description mentions finding the seed vault in the “room with a great view.” When I first read this, I was like, “Great, thanks for the vague hint, Celeste.” But after some trial and error (and a few deaths), I figured out exactly what this means.
The “room with a great view” is located on the western side of the Research Building. It’s got this massive glass window that overlooks Marano Park, and let me tell you, the view really is pretty great – if you can survive long enough to enjoy it, that is.
Best Entry Points
I’ve tried multiple ways to get into this building, and I’ve found that some approaches are definitely better than others. Here are my preferred entry methods:
Southern Entry (My Favorite): Head to the south side of the building where you’ll find some broken windows. This is probably the safest entry point because:
- It’s less exposed to Marano Park where ARC like to patrol
- You can enter relatively quietly
- It puts you close to where you need to go
Western Entry: You can also approach from the west side, but be careful here. This side faces Marano Park, and I’ve found that large ARC often patrol in the square. If you go this route, make sure to check your surroundings before making your move.
Northern Entry: I’d avoid the northern entrance unless you’re feeling particularly brave or stupid (I’ve been both, trust me). This area tends to be more crowded with other players, and the last thing you want is to get into a firefight when you’re just trying to complete a quest.
Inside the Research Building: Step-by-Step
Once you’re inside the Research Building, things get a bit more straightforward, but you still need to know where to go. Let me walk you through it exactly as I do it.
Step 1: Get Your Bearings
When you enter through the southern windows, you’ll find yourself in a room with a hallway ahead of you. Take a moment to listen for any ARC or other players. I’ve learned that patience is key in this game – rushing in will get you killed faster than you can say “extract.”
Step 2: Head to the Western Side
Make your way to the western part of the building. This is where you’ll find the famous “room with a great view.” The room should be the first one on your left when you enter from the southern side.
Step 3: Locate the Seed Vault
Inside this room, you’ll see a massive glass window overlooking Marano Park (hence the “great view”). Against one of the walls, you’ll find a cylindrical container – that’s the seed vault. It’s pretty hard to miss once you’re in the right room.
Step 4: Collect the Seeds
Interact with the seed vault, and it will release the Experimental Seed Sample. These seeds will drop on the ground, so make sure to pick them up. I recommend putting them in a safe pocket if you have one – that way, even if you get knocked out, you’ll still have the seeds when you return to Speranza.
Dealing with Threats
Let me be real with you – the Research Building and surrounding areas are not exactly safe zones. Here’s what I’ve learned about dealing with the various threats you’ll encounter:
ARC Machines
- Pod ARCs: These little guys love to hang out near train stations and will explode when you get too close. I learned this the hard way when one took me out right as I was about to grab the seeds.
- Large ARCs: These often patrol Marano Park and the areas around the Research Building. They’re tough and pack a punch, so avoid them if you can.
- General Tips: Use cover, move quietly, and don’t engage unless absolutely necessary. Remember, you’re here to complete a quest, not start a war.
Other Players
- Free Loadout Advantage: Since you’re using a free loadout, you don’t have as much to lose. Use this to your advantage – avoid fights unless you’re confident you can win.
- Extraction Awareness: Other players might be trying to extract with valuable loot. They’re often more focused on getting out alive than picking fights, but stay alert anyway.
Quest Completion and Rewards
Here’s the beautiful part – once you’ve interacted with the seed vault and collected the seeds, the quest is technically complete. You don’t need to extract for it to count, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.
However, I’d still recommend extracting if you can, because:
- You’ll get back to Speranza safely
- You can deliver the seeds to Celeste immediately
- You might find other valuable loot along the way
Extraction Options
If you decide to extract (which I usually do), the Northern Station is your best bet. It’s located northwest of the Research Building, but be careful heading down the steps – as I mentioned earlier, Pod ARCs love to hang out near train stations.
Quest Rewards
For completing The Root of the Matter, Celeste will hook you up with some pretty sweet rewards:
- 3 Advanced Mechanical Components – These are super useful for crafting and upgrades
- 3 Heavy Gun Parts – Great for improving your weapons
- 3 Canisters – Always handy for various crafting needs
These rewards are definitely worth the effort, especially if you’re trying to gear up your character.
Pro Tips from My Experience
After completing this quest multiple times (because I’m a glutton for punishment and also because I wanted to perfect my strategy), I’ve picked up some additional tips that might help you:
Timing is Everything
I’ve found that completing this quest during the server’s off-peak hours makes things much easier. Fewer players mean less competition and fewer chances of getting into unwanted conflicts.
Bring Friends (If You Can)
While you can definitely complete this quest solo, having a squad makes it much easier. One person can watch for threats while the others focus on finding the seed vault. Plus, if things go south, you’ve got backup.
Know When to Cut Your Losses
Sometimes, you’ll load into a match and the Research Building area will be swarming with players and ARC. In these cases, I’ve learned that it’s better to cut my losses and try again in another match rather than risk losing everything.
Combine with Other Quests
If you have other quests that take place in the Buried City area, consider trying to complete them in the same run. This maximizes your efficiency and reduces the number of times you need to risk entering dangerous areas.
Common Problems and Solutions
Let me address some issues I’ve encountered (and seen other players encounter) while trying to complete this quest:
Problem: Can’t Find the Research Building
Solution: Remember, it’s the yellow building next to Marano Park. If you’re still having trouble, look for the Space Travel building and Parking Garage – the Research Building is right nearby.
Problem: Found the Building But Can’t Find the “Room with a Great View”
Solution: Go to the western side of the building and look for a room with a massive window overlooking the park. The seed vault will be a cylindrical container against the wall.
Problem: Keep Getting Killed by ARC or Other Players
Solution: Use a free loadout, approach from the south side, and be patient. Wait for clear paths before making your move. Remember, you don’t need to extract to complete the quest.
Problem: Can’t Find the Seeds After Interacting with the Vault
Solution: The seeds drop on the ground after you interact with the vault. Make sure to pick them up. If you have a safe pocket, store them there for extra security.
Related Quests
If you’re enjoying Celeste’s quests, here are some others you might want to check out:
- A Warm Place to Rest: Another quest that takes place in the Buried City area
- Untended Garden: Similar agricultural-themed quest with good rewards
- Water Troubles: Takes place in a different area but offers comparable rewards
Completing multiple Celeste quests will give you a good variety of useful materials and help you progress faster in the game.
Final Thoughts
The Root of the Matter 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 completed it dozens of times now, and I can usually get it done within 10-15 minutes of loading into a match.
Remember, the key points are:
- Use a free loadout
- Find the yellow Research Building near Marano Park
- Enter from the south side if possible
- Look for the room with the big window on the western side
- Collect the seeds after interacting with the vault
- Extract if you can, but don’t stress if you can’t
I hope this guide helps you complete The Root of the Matter quest without all the frustration I went through when I first started. If you have any questions or want to share your own tips and experiences, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Happy raiding, and may your seed-collecting adventures be fruitful!
FAQ
How long does The Root of the Matter quest take to complete?
From my experience, once you know where to go, this quest typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete from the time you load into Buried City until you’ve collected the seeds.
Do I need to extract to complete The Root of the Matter quest?
No, you don’t need to extract for the quest to count as complete. Once you’ve interacted with the seed vault and collected the seeds, the quest is done. However, I still recommend extracting if you can do so safely.
What’s the best loadout for The Root of the Matter quest?
I strongly recommend using a free loadout for this quest. Since you don’t need to extract to complete it, there’s no reason to risk losing your custom gear. Save your good loadouts for when you’re planning to extract with valuable loot.
Where exactly is the Research Building located?
The Research Building is the yellow building located north of Buried City, right next to Marano Park. It’s also near the Space Travel building and Parking Garage, which can help you identify it on your map.
What should I do if the Research Building area is too crowded with players or ARC?
If the area is too hot, don’t be afraid to cut your losses and try again in another match. It’s better to live to fight another day than to lose everything trying to force your way through a dangerous situation.
Can I complete The Root of the Matter quest solo?
Absolutely! I’ve completed this quest solo many times. While having a squad can make it easier, it’s definitely doable on your own, especially if you use a free loadout and approach carefully.
What happens if I die after collecting the seeds but before extracting?
If you die after collecting the seeds, you’ll still complete the quest as long as you interacted with the seed vault. The quest progress is saved, so you can deliver the seeds to Celeste on your next visit to Speranza.
Are there any other quests similar to The Root of the Matter?
Yes, quests like “A Warm Place to Rest” and “Untended Garden” have similar structures and take place in the same general area. They’re worth checking out if you enjoyed this quest.
Can I complete The Root of the Matter multiple times?
Yes, you can complete this quest multiple times, though the rewards will be the same each time. It’s good for farming the specific materials it rewards if you need them.
What level should I be before attempting The Root of the Matter?
This is quest #10 in Celeste’s lineup, so I’d recommend being at least level 5-10 before attempting it. However, since you can use a free loadout, technically even lower-level players can complete it if they’re careful.