TL;DR
- Quest objectives update prematurely, requiring navigation to exact map landmarks despite early completion indicators
- Barren Clearing objective completes beneath ‘ren’ in ‘Barren’ on map – don’t stop when quest initially updates
- Adorned Wreckage is southeast of Barren Clearing near Trapper’s Glade, requiring terminal activation
- Blue Gate contains dangerous enemies requiring strategic movement and awareness
- Use visual landmarks and coordinate-based navigation for precise objective locations
Investigating advanced Arc machine wreckage sites
The Arc Raiders “With A Trace” quest presents unique navigation challenges due to its deceptive objective tracking system. Many players experience confusion when quest markers complete prematurely, often signaling completion while you’re still hundreds of meters from the actual target locations. This design quirk can lead to extensive wasted time searching incorrect areas while exposing yourself to hostile forces.
Similar to earlier missions like “A First Foothold” and “Reduced To Rubble,” this investigation occurs within the treacherous Blue Gate region. This zone teems with heavily armed raiders and aggressive Arc machines actively hunting players. Rather than wandering aimlessly through dangerous territory, our guide provides pinpoint coordinates and strategic approaches to minimize risk while maximizing efficiency.
Here’s our comprehensive walkthrough for mastering “With A Trace” in Arc Raiders, including advanced navigation techniques and enemy avoidance strategies.
The “With A Trace” mission consists of two primary investigative components, both centered around examining destroyed Arc machinery within Blue Gate’s expansive landscape. The core challenge lies not in the tasks themselves but in locating the precise wreckage sites amidst the game’s misleading objective indicators. For players seeking the specific locations at Barren Clearing and Adorned Wreckage, we’ve compiled exact coordinates and navigation methodologies.
The initial objective instructs you to “reach Barren Clearing,” but this marker frequently completes while you’re still approximately 200-300 meters distant, creating understandable navigational confusion. Once the objective ticks off and transitions to the next phase—locating evidence of who destroyed the Arc machines—many players mistakenly believe they’ve arrived at the correct investigation site. Resist trusting the quest tracker’s premature indications! Instead of conducting an immediate area search, continue progressing directly toward the Barren Clearing landmark as displayed on your tactical map.
The precise investigation point lies directly beneath the “ren” segment within the “Barren” label on your world map. As you approach the demolished machine carcass, you’ll receive an interaction prompt to examine a mechanical limb discarded nearby. This specific positioning requirement explains why many players waste 5-10 minutes searching surrounding areas when the actual target demands exact coordinate alignment.
Graphic: Ford James/Polygon | Source images: Embark Studios via Polygon
Pro Tip: Approach Barren Clearing from the northwest to avoid patrol routes of larger Arc machines. Use natural terrain cover and move during quieter audio periods when enemy activity decreases. The investigation prompt appears within 10-15 meters of the exact position, so if you don’t see it immediately, check your map alignment carefully.
After completing the Barren Clearing investigation, your mission updates to “inspect the Adorned Wreckage.” Many players mistakenly identify nearby large mechanical entities as the target, but the actual objective requires navigation to the specific landmark labeled Adorned Wreckage on your map. This location sits approximately 250 meters southeast of Barren Clearing, positioned below the Trapper’s Glade area.
At this destination, you’ll discover a computer terminal situated slightly off to the side that requires activation. Simply interact with this terminal to complete the final mission objective and conclude the quest sequence.
Graphic: Ford James/Polygon | Source images: Embark Studios via Polygon
Navigation Strategy: The path from Barren Clearing to Adorned Wreckage contains several enemy patrol routes. Move along the eastern ridge line to maintain elevation advantage and visibility. The terminal is typically unguarded but approach cautiously as nearby Arc machines may wander into the area. Completion typically rewards players with advanced crafting components and progression toward broader campaign objectives.
For optimal performance in Arc Raiders quests like “With A Trace,” consider these advanced techniques: Time your movements between enemy patrol cycles, typically every 90-120 seconds. Use high ground for reconnaissance before descending to objective locations. The entire quest can be completed in 15-20 minutes with efficient routing versus 30+ minutes with haphazard exploration.
Common mistakes include over-reliance on quest markers rather than map coordinates, engaging unnecessary enemies, and failing to use terrain for concealment. Successful players master the art of reading the environment—note that Arc machines leave distinctive scorch patterns and debris trails that can help identify recent activity zones.
For comprehensive Arc Raiders mastery, explore our Complete Guide for foundational strategies, our Weapons Unlock guide for combat optimization, and our Class Guide for role-specific tactical approaches that complement investigation missions.
Action Checklist
- Navigate to Blue Gate and proceed toward Barren Clearing landmark
- Continue past quest completion indicator to exact position beneath ‘ren’ in Barren
- Investigate mechanical limb at precise coordinates
- Travel southeast 250m to Adorned Wreckage near Trapper’s Glade
- Activate computer terminal to complete quest
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » ‘With A Trace’ quest walkthrough in Arc Raiders Master the tricky 'With A Trace' quest in Arc Raiders with precise locations and expert navigation strategies