Raiding in *Arc Raiders* has always been about precision, teamwork, and uncovering hidden mechanics. But the latest *Headwinds* update introduced a quest that’s testing players’ patience as much as their skills: *A Prime Specimen*. While other objectives like *Movie Night* or *With a View* reward creativity, this one hinges entirely on a single, elusive machine—the **Arc Deforester**—and a persistent bug that’s turning a straightforward task into a gamble.
The problem isn’t the quest’s design. It’s the execution. Players are instructed to gather **two Arc Powercells**—a common resource used for crafting shield charges—and interact with one of three scattered Deforesters across Blue Gate. But once they arrive, the game often fails to recognize their progress, forcing them to restart the entire raid. Without a fix, the hunt for this rare machine has become less about strategy and more about persistence.
Where to Find the Arc Deforester
The Deforester isn’t hidden in plain sight—it’s deliberately placed in three high-risk zones, each demanding a different approach
- Adorned Wreckage – A cluttered ruin in the western region, where debris obscures the machine’s lower platform.
- Barren Clearing – An open, treeless expanse to the west, where the Deforester stands exposed but vulnerable to ambushes.
- Near Ridgeline – An elevated, rocky outcrop to the east, offering a tactical vantage point but requiring careful navigation.
Once located, the interaction sequence is methodical—but only if the game’s systems cooperate. Players must
- Enter the Deforester’s main chamber and activate the **left circuit panel**, consuming one Arc Powercell to ignite a controlled fire.
- Wait for the flames to die down, then trigger the **right circuit**, using the second Powercell.
- Climb to the upper platform and search the wreckage’s rear section to finalize the quest.
The flaw lies in the final step. Many players report that the quest fails to register, even after completing all actions. The only recourse is to attempt another Deforester or abandon the raid entirely—a frustrating loop that undermines the update’s intended challenge.
For those who succeed, the reward is a rare **Arc Core Fragment**, a valuable resource for advanced crafting. But until developers address the underlying bug, the hunt for the Arc Deforester remains a test of luck as much as skill. Without a patch, players are left with two choices: endure the frustration or wait for a fix that could come at any time.
