In "A Prime Specimen," you're tasked with locating and investigating an Arc Deforester on the Blue Gate map. Arc Deforesters are massive, abandoned industrial machines originally designed to harvest trees. While they aren't hostile enemies, they are extremely dangerous to ARC Raiders Coins navigate.

As Shani warns, when you deploy topside on Blue Gate, just because something doesn't attack you doesn't mean it can't kill you. The hazards inside the Deforester-especially fire traps-can quickly end a run if you're careless.

Preparation: What to Bring Before Deploying

Before heading to Blue Gate, make sure you're properly equipped:

Arc Powercells (minimum: 2, recommended: 4)

Two Arc Powercells are required to progress the puzzle, but due to a known bug, bringing extra Powercells gives you backup options if the quest fails to register.

Healing and armor supplies

The fire hazards inside the Deforester deal heavy damage, so survivability matters.

Patience and awareness

Timing is everything during this quest, especially when dealing with rotating fire traps.

Where to Find an Arc Deforester on Blue Gate

There are three Arc Deforesters located across the Blue Gate map. They're hard to miss once you know what to look for: enormous cylindrical machines, often overturned, with entrances that allow you to go inside.

You can find Arc Deforesters in the following locations:

Between Broken Earth and Ridgeline

In the middle of the Adorned Wreckage

In Barren Clearing, west of Village and Raider's Refuge

If one Deforester bugs out, you can safely abandon it and try another location during the same deployment.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Solving the Deforester Puzzle

Activate the First Panel

Once inside the Arc Deforester, look to the left-hand side. You'll see an open panel sparking with electricity. Interact with it using one Arc Powercell.

This powers up the internal systems and triggers the next hazard.

Navigate the Fire Trap

After activating the first panel, flames will begin firing intermittently on the right-hand side of the Deforester.

Wait for a safe opening

Sprint through when the flames stop

Don't hesitate-fire damage in Arc Raiders is brutal

Once past the flames, use your second Arc Powercell on the panel behind them.

Escape the Rotating Flames

Activating the second panel causes the flames to rotate in a circular pattern. This adds another timing challenge:

Watch the rotation carefully

Move through the gap as the flames rotate away

Exit safely without panicking

Mistiming this step can easily bring you down, so patience is critical.

Reach the Final Panel

With the flames rotating, climb up to the bridge above inside the Deforester. Make your way to the far end, avoiding the fire hazards once more.

At the back of the machine, you'll find the final panel. Interact with it, then search the panel to complete the quest.

What to Do If the Quest Bugs Out

Unfortunately, this final step is where many players encounter issues. In some cases, the "Search" prompt simply doesn't appear, making it seem like the quest is broken.

If this happens, don't panic. You have several options:

Use additional Arc Powercells on the same Deforester and retry

Leave and head to a different Arc Deforester on the map

Wait for another player to complete the objective

In many cases, if another player finishes the final step, the quest will update for you as well, allowing you to search the panel and complete "A Prime Specimen."

Multiplayer Tip: Friendly Players Can Help

Arc Raiders' shared world design can work in your favor here. If another friendly player interacts with the final panel and completes the objective, you may be able to finish the quest immediately afterward-even if it was bugged for you initially.

If you see someone approaching the Deforester, consider sticking around instead of extracting early.

Final Tips for a Smooth Completion

Always bring extra Arc Powercells

Be methodical with flame timing

If something feels broken, try another Deforester

Don't hesitate to rely on other players if needed

Despite the occasional bug, "A Prime Specimen" is very manageable once you understand the mechanics and have a backup plan. A large amount of ARCR Coins can be very helpful to you.

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