ARC Raiders’ Cold Snap update quietly introduced one of the most demanding secrets the game has seen so far. Hidden deep within the Buried City is a music-based button puzzle that, once completed correctly, unlocks a hidden room filled with musical instruments — including the highly sought-after Guitar.
This is not a puzzle you can brute-force or casually stumble through. It requires map knowledge, coordination, speed, and a clear understanding of how the mechanics work. Below is a complete, step-by-step explanation of how the Secret Button puzzle functions, where each button is located, and how to safely claim the Guitar reward without resetting the entire run.
How the ARC Raiders Secret Button Puzzle Works
Before chasing button locations, it is critical to understand the rules behind the puzzle. Many runs fail not because of enemies, but because the sequence mechanics are misunderstood.
The Core Objective
The goal is to open a sealed door in the Buried City that has a red button placed beside it. Pressing this button alone does nothing. The door only opens after activating 15 hidden red buttons scattered across the map in the correct musical order.
Music Note Sequence
Inside a nearby room, a wall displays a sequence of music notes. Each note corresponds to one specific red button somewhere in Buried City. The order of those notes determines the exact order in which the buttons must be pressed.
What Happens When You Press a Button
- A correct button lights up and becomes inactive.
- A wrong button stays pressable and does not light up.
- Pressing a wrong button resets the entire puzzle, including progress made by other players.
This reset applies even if a random player outside your squad presses a button out of order.
See also: Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Rewards and How to Unlock Them
Recommended Setup Before Attempting the Puzzle
Preparation greatly improves your odds of finishing the sequence before it resets.
Best Team Size
- Trios: Strongly recommended. Each player can handle roughly five buttons.
- Duos: Possible, but timing is tight.
- Solo: Not advised unless attempting a challenge run.
Useful Gear
- Lure grenades to control enemy movement
- Zip lines for vertical shortcuts
- Adrenaline shots for faster traversal
- A hatch key as a fallback exit option
The Correct 15-Button Route in Buried City
The button order follows the musical notes exactly and must be completed from start to finish without interruption. The route begins and ends near Plaza Rosa.
Below is the full sequence, listed in the order it must be completed.
Button 1: Plaza Rosa Attic
This button is inside the Plaza Rosa building, in the attic near the security breach area.
Use the interior stairs to reach the upper level and check enclosed attic rooms rather than the rooftop.
Button 2: Galleria Lower Level
Located inside the Galleria structure at the bottom floor.
The fastest access is from above, dropping down using interior paths instead of circling the exterior.
Button 3: Warehouse Rooftop
Found on the roof of the western Warehouse building.
Look between rooftop structures rather than along the edges, as the button is tucked away from obvious sightlines.
Button 4: Marano Park Shop
This button is inside a small shop structure within Marano Park.
Enter the building itself instead of searching benches or open park areas.
Button 5: Grandioso Apartments
Located on the top floor of the southern Grandioso Apartment building, but not on the roof.
Reach the upper level, move toward the balcony area, and check enclosed rooms with interior furniture.
Button 6: Piazza Arbusto Tower
Found on an exterior ledge of a cyan-colored building in Piazza Arbusto.
Do not search indoors — the button is outside on the second-floor ledge.
Button 7: Bus Near the Library
This button is inside a parked bus close to the Library building.
Enter the bus interior fully, as the button is not visible from outside.
Button 8: Town Hall Area Building
Located inside the damaged building near Town Hall with a partially collapsed wall.
Enter through the broken side and check interior rooms rather than upper floors.
Button 9: Buried Properties
Found south of the Raider Depot in the Buried Properties area.
Look beside a generator inside a run-down structure rather than scanning open courtyards.
Button 10: Hospital Stairwell
Located inside the Hospital, directly beneath the main staircase.
Enter from the front and check under the stairs instead of moving deeper into hospital rooms.
Button 11: Collapsed Bridge Area
This button is beneath the broken section of the highway where the bridge collapses into a building.
Drop down to the rooftop below and search near the edge rather than staying on road level.
Button 12: Church Ruins
Found on the rooftop of the Church Ruins, on the western side of the structure.
Climb up and scan the roof rather than searching inside the ruins.
Button 13: Santa Maria Attic
Located in the attic of the Santa Maria houses.
Use the interior stairs and zip line access to reach the attic level instead of checking lower floors.
Button 14: Plaza Roma Tower
This button is inside a small tower near Plaza Roma, close to Morirano Station.
Enter the tower structure and check interior platforms rather than surrounding rooftops.
Button 15: Plaza Rosa Pharmacy
The final button is inside the Plaza Rosa pharmacy building, near where the route began.
Search the ground floor interior rather than nearby alleys or rooftops.
What Happens After the Final Button
When the last button activates:
- Fireworks erupt across the area
- The sealed door unlocks
- A musical tune plays as confirmation
Inside the room, you will find multiple musical items, including:
- Guitars
- Shakers
- Candle holders
- Recorders
The Guitar is the standout reward and can be equipped to play music during raids.
Can the Puzzle Be Replayed?
Yes. The puzzle can be completed again in future raids, allowing multiple players to earn the Guitar. However, the same strict rules apply every time, including resets caused by incorrect button presses.
Pro Tips for Players
- Memorize the route before starting
- Split the sequence among teammates
- Move quickly once the first button is pressed
- Avoid crowded raids if possible
- Do not press any button unless you are certain it is next
This puzzle is one of ARC Raiders’ most impressive community-driven discoveries and rewards teamwork more than firepower. With proper planning, the Guitar is well within reach. Play Now!
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The button locations and images shown in this guide are based on gameplay footage from The Gaming Merchant. Watching the video can help with route planning.
