What to know

  • The quest starts after completing First Foothold and unlocks the Blue Gate region.
  • Approach the collapsed highway at the south of the map to take a photo using the interaction prompt.
  • Follow the trail to Broken Earth and investigate the wreckage of an ARC machine.
  • Extract safely before the extraction timer ends to avoid a meteor strike.

The Reduced to Rubble quest in ARC Raiders is one of your initial storyline objectives in the Blue Gate area. It blends exploration and light investigation within an environment fraught with potential enemy encounters and a ticking extraction timer.

How to find and photograph the Collapsed Highway location

Once you receive the quest, head to the southern end of the Dam Battlegrounds map, marked on your map as the Collapsed Highway or Collapsed Bridge. This spot typically lies near broken roadway sections and wrecked vehicles.

Step close enough to the yellow interaction marker near the highway’s largest damaged span until you see the prompt to take the photo. The key prompt can be slightly finicky, so you might need to reposition by a few meters or adjust your angle if the prompt doesn't immediately appear. No special items like binoculars or a physical camera are needed for this step, but they are provided as quest items.

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Take a moment to ensure there are no enemy patrols nearby, as interruptions can block the photo capture.

Tips for smooth quest completion and extraction

  • Position yourself carefully at the collapsed highway to trigger the photo prompt — slight angle or position shifts matter.
  • Avoid lingering too long after quest objectives; an extraction timer runs concurrently, and failure to extract before it expires results in a meteor strike hazard.
  • Plan your route to the nearest extraction lift immediately after finishing the quest steps.
  • If enemies spawn during photo attempts, break line of sight and clear them before retrying.

The Reduced to Rubble quest provides a concise introduction to ARC Raiders' exploration and quest mechanics with clear objectives focused on observation and investigation. Following the steps above ensures seamless quest completion: find and photograph the collapsed highway spot, move to Broken Earth to investigate the ARC remnants, and extract safely before the timer runs out.