In ARC Raiders, The Root of the Matter is one of the key exploration quests given by Trader Celeste, sending players deep into the Buried City to recover a lost agricultural seed vault. While the objective sounds simple, the Research Building where it’s hidden can be one of the most hostile zones in the game — teeming with ARC patrols and rival raiders.
Quest Overview
Quest Giver: Trader Celeste
Map: Buried City
Objectives:
- Go to the Research Building
- Search for the seed vault in the “room with a great view”
- Deliver the Experimental Seed Sample to Celeste
To complete The Root of the Matter, you must finish all objectives within one match — progress won’t carry over if you die or extract early.
Step 1: Locate the Research Building
After accepting the quest from Celeste in Speranza, launch a raid into Buried City. The Research Building is your primary target.
You’ll find it north of the map, near Marano Park and just beside the Space Travel complex. The building is large, concrete, and partially buried — a common hotspot for combat. Expect ARC units and potentially other raiders nearby.
If you want a cleaner approach:
- Enter from the western side to avoid the heavily patrolled Marano Park route.
- Clear or bypass ARC enemies before moving in.
- Avoid unnecessary firefights to conserve gear and ammo.
Pro Tip: Bring a free or lightweight loadout on your first attempt. The Buried City’s center can turn into a high-risk zone quickly.
Step 2: Find the “Room with a Great View”
Once inside, your objective clue — “room with a great view” — points toward a room with a massive window overlooking Marano Park.
Head through the main hallway and move toward the western section of the building. This area has a wide, open room where sunlight spills in through a broken panoramic glass wall. You’ll likely see distant rooftops and trees outside — that’s your visual confirmation.
Inside this room, you’ll find a yellow cylindrical container along the wall. This is the seed vault.
Walk up to it, and you’ll see an on-screen prompt to “Secure Seeds.” Interact to collect the Experimental Seed Sample.
You don’t need to search the upper floors — the vault is in this windowed room on the main level.
Step 3: Extract and Deliver the Seeds to Celeste
After securing the seeds, the quest log updates — but your job isn’t done until you safely extract.
You can continue looting or fighting if you wish, but remember: dying before extraction resets your progress.
For a safer exit, head to the Northern Station, northwest of the Research Building. This is one of the closest extraction points, though be cautious — Pod ARCs often spawn near the station’s stairways and explode when approached.
Once you’re back at Speranza, speak with Trader Celeste to hand over the seeds and finalize the quest.
Rewards for Completing “The Root of the Matter”
After successful delivery, Celeste will reward you with a mix of valuable materials and a cosmetic item. Here’s what you’ll earn:
| Reward | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Mechanical Components | 3 | Used for high-tier weapon crafting |
| Heavy Gun Parts | 3 | Essential for heavy weapon upgrades |
| Canister | 3 | General crafting material |
| Succulent Backpack Charm | 1 | Cosmetic charm reward |
| Coins | 1000 | Usable at Speranza traders |
These items are perfect for upgrading your early-game gear or completing other Celeste missions such as “A Warm Place to Rest” and “Untended Garden.”
Pro Tips for Players
- Avoid direct confrontations: The Research Building is a common PvE-PvP overlap zone — prioritize speed and stealth.
- Bring a mobility build: Jetpacks or grapples make it easier to navigate debris-filled corridors.
- Keep an eye on the timer: You must complete all steps within a single session.
- Use Safe Pocket storage: If extraction looks risky, stash the seeds to preserve them even if you’re eliminated.
The Root of the Matter is a compact but atmospheric quest that captures ARC Raiders’ mix of danger and discovery. Once you recognize the iconic windowed room with the yellow seed vault, completing it becomes a quick routine run.
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Finishing this mission strengthens your reputation with Celeste and brings Speranza closer to reviving the world above — one seed at a time. Play Now!
